Archives
Categories
Tag Archives: Insurance
Hazelton Business Insurance: Top Social Media Management Apps
Hazelton Business Insurance: Top Social Media Management Apps Has your business integrated social media in its marketing plan? If so, you know how important and advantageous it is for businesses of all sizes to shift from paper to web. There are a number of social media networking sites developed every year; some cater to the general public, some to the youth and some to businessmen. But as a small business, it’s important to utilize more prevalent platforms such as, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google Plus. However, as it applies to all aspects of business, your audience can’t grow overnight. Unless you have a designated social media marketing team, it is difficult to manage all social media accounts. The key to success in social media marketing is nurturing these accounts and engaging with followers. Arbitrarily typing a status or tweet is not efficient. Implementing a successful social media strategy is more than creating profiles and tweeting twice each month; it’s a constant upkeep. The number of inactive accounts is growing because businesses don’t allocate sufficient time to create content and engage with followers. Fortunately, there are a number of useful desktop applications and mobile apps capable of preparing a week’s worth of posts on all social media platforms. But remember, these apps don’t function as efficiently as a human touch. There are few drawbacks, but if you don’t have the time and budget to hire a team of social media enthusiasts, these apps may be the right fit for you and your business. Here are our top two social media management apps! HootSuite- Arguably the best app, HootSuite is composed of several features and serves many functions. At $9.99 per month, HootSuite’s Pro Plan schedules postings for an unlimited number of personal and business accounts. Other features include a built-in analytics system that helps you track your campaigns. They also offer a Free Plan with features such as, scheduled postings on 5 social media accounts and two RSS/Atom feeds. SocialOomph- This app offers a free and professional plan. The Free Plan offers features such as scheduled tweets and keyword tracking. In addition to its basic features, the Professional Plan also includes auto follow and management of all social media accounts. When you partner with the Dryfoos Group of Insurance of Agents to insure your Bethlehem business, you will have someone working to help…
Read more…
Posted in Blog, Business Insurance, Pennsylvania
Also tagged best, Business, business insurance, digital marketing, hoot suite, marketing plan, PA, pa business insurance, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania business insurance, plan, policy, schedule tweets, small business, small business insurance, social media, social media management, social media management apps, social media marketing, social oomp, top social media management apps
Leave a comment
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance: Tips on Extending the Life of your Car
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance: Tips on Extending the Life of your Car Purchasing a car is an expensive investment. Many automobile owners save portions of their salary for several years in order to afford a car and some even take out bank loans. The last think you want is a thirty year old Honda, broken in the driveway. Typically, a common car such as a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla can be driven up to anywhere between 100,000 to 200,000 miles before it’s maintenance costs more than purchasing an entirely new car. However, these numbers don’t have to dictate how long your car will last. Those who properly take care of their cars reap all the benefits of your investment. But those who fail to have their car routinely inspected risk the longevity of the car. The way you drive your car and how you choose to maintain its parts often foreshadows the lifespan of your car and the value of your investment. Here are a few tips on extending your car’s life. The Tires: Under inflated tires create heat and stress on the tires, so ensure that you keep your tires inflated to the recommend pressure written in the owner’s manual or on the sidewall of your tires. Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles. Inspect the thread depth for safety. Fluids and Filters: Regularly have your oil changed. The oil filter should also be changed every other oil change. Check the air filter every two months and change if it’s clogged. Change your transmission fluid every 2,500 miles. Check your brake fluids on a monthly basis. Maintenance Checkups: Find a trustworthy mechanic. Do not disregard the maintenance light. Have a mechanic inspect the cause. Ensure that you have your car routinely inspected. How you drive: Accelerate slowly and brake cautiously. Avoid fast and abrupt turns, starts, and stops. During cold conditions, start up your car and let idle until normal operating temperature. Nobody covers Pennsylvania drivers like we do at Dryfoos. We specialize in helping our clients cover their personal automobiles against unforeseen damages and injuries. As independent insurance agents, we have access to many top-rated, financially sound insurers that operate here in Pennsylvania, and can set you up with the most affordable rates and most appropriate coverage. Just fill out our quick and easy form (or call our…
Read more…
Posted in auto insurance, Pennsylvania
Also tagged auto, auto insurance, auto mechanic, automobile, best, car, car insurance, car longevity, car maintenance, Coverage, extending your cars life, hazleton, lifespan of a car, mechanic, PA, Pennsylvania, plan, policies
Leave a comment
Pennsylvania Hospitality Insurance: Hotels Welcome Reflagging
Pennsylvania Hospitality Insurance: Hotels Welcome Reflagging As a result of the growing economy, the hospitality industry is beginning to recover. During this time, hotel owners are shifting perspectives and implementing changes. While many hotels have been demolished or gone unchanged, as much as 2,500 hotels were reflagged in 2011. According to Smith Travel Research, that is a staggering 39% increase from 2010. Times have changed and new needs need to be met. Some hotel owners have noticed a change in customers and some have noticed a new design trend. Many hotels are taking these new changes as an opportunity to reflag and rebrand. Initially, reflagging can be very costly, but it does pay off in the long run. Reflagging often raises revenue, increases guest count, introduces new marketing strategies, and creates new business relationships. Sought as a promising opportunity to expand profitability, Stephen M. O’Loughlin converted a Marriott to the DoubleTree. O’Loughlin, president of Lodging Hospitality Management had previously worked with Hilton Worldwide on a different project. Although keeping the brand was taken into consideration, reflagging to Hilton was more beneficial. Reflagging allowed O’Laughlin to convert the Marriott into mid-scale hotel brand, DoubleTree. Reflagging and rebranding is more than changing a hotel name. Many executives who reflagged have made improvements by addressing customer complaints and preferences. Some hotels have replaced existing furniture with contemporary furniture and some have hired new employees. The hospitality industry is competitive and hotels are forced to make changes. At Dryfoos, one of our long-time specialties has been providing Pennsylvania Hospitality Insurance to the hospitality industry. If your business is a restaurant, bar, hotel or similar type of organization, you may well have heard of us. We understand your industry. We talk your talk. And we have the insurance products that will fit your unique needs. You may not need it all, but if you’re in the hospitality industry, you need many of them to cover your investments and assets. We’ll show you how to bundle them for maximum coverage and minimal cost. Call us today. 1-800-253-6728 Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/25/business/to-lure-travelers-hotels-preen-and-change-brands.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=commercial
Posted in Blog, Business Insurance, Hospitality Insurance, Pennsylvania
Also tagged Coverage, DoubleTree, Hilton, hospitality, hospitality industry, Hospitality Insurance, hotel chains, hotel insurance, hotels, lodging hospitality management, marketing strategies, Marriott, modern hotels, PA, Pennsylvania, plans, program, rebranding, reflagging, worker retention
Leave a comment
Pennsylvania Business Insurance: Increasing your E-commerce sales
Pennsylvania Business Insurance: Increasing your E-commerce sales Cyber Monday and the first weekend of December illustrated the drastic rise in e-commerce sales. According to SiteProNews, Cyber Monday made 1.5 billion dollars in e-commerce sales. There is no doubt that e-commerce driven sales will only increase throughout the upcoming years. Regardless of the size or age of your business, it is worthwhile to invest your time, resources, and money into a functional and appealing website that can be accessed from multiple devices. 1) Optimize your mobile site The number of dollars incurred via mobile purchases is constantly increasing. Potential spenders are looking for a fast and simple online experience. Compress image size in order for the site to load faster Change text alignments so all content fits onto the screen without having to scroll left and right Keep it minimal, but attractive 2) Website Design and Content It should be easy to navigate through the site; each category and sub category is clear and distinct. Only include necessary buttons and text. Ensure the website loads fast and that there aren’t any broken links and images. Aside from the basic info (size, color, availability) include other information such as, the material of a product and length from the shoulder to the hem of a product. Always post high quality photos with a view from numerous angles. Keep the checkout process short and to the point. You can lessen the steps to 2 pages (address, contact info and payment information). 3) Virtual Community and Personalized Experienced E-commerce websites, ModCloth and ShopRouche created a section where its consumers can vote for future products. Take advantage of social media—Arcadia Group LTD brand, Topshop has over 3 million Facebook Fans. They believe that most of their growth is due to their social media profiles. Don’t forget customer service! Although this is a virtual site, the quality of customer service should not be comprised. Try adding a “live help” specialist and a FAQ section. At Dryfoos, we can cover your Pennsylvania business insurance against the unexpected. Call (1-800-253-6728) or email us today, or fill out the rate quote request form on this page. We can help you put together a comprehensive yet affordable plan to give you all the coverage you need, from one of the nation’s most respected insurance carriers. We look forward to hearing from you.
Posted in Business Insurance, Pennsylvania, Retail Insurance
Also tagged best, Business, business insurance, Coverage, customer service, cyber monday, ecommerce, mobile shopping, modcloth, Online Retailers, PA, Pennsylvania, plans, programs, Retail, revenue, rouche, site traffic, social media, top
Leave a comment
How to Properly Store Your Car
How to Properly Store Your Car During the holidays, individuals and families often travel out of state to spend the celebrations with their extended family or out of country to escape the country’s frigid winters. While priorities are fixed on booking flights and hotels prior to their vacation, individuals also need to prepare properly storing their vehicle(s). When a car is stagnant for a long period of time it is susceptible to corrosion. This is where proper storing is very imperative. The effects of inadequate storage include fading exterior paint, rusting on its mechanical components, and the engine, tire, and brake pads may also suffer. In Pennsylvania, winter weather condition can often be severe; so here are a few tips on how to properly store your car. How to Properly Store Your Car How to Properly Store Your Car Tip #1 - Coverage: While storing your car inside a garage is most ideal, not every individual has that luxury. If you are unable to store your car inside, protect it with a weatherproof car cover. Ensuring that your car is covered by nature lowers the exposure to radical temperatures and natural elements. Roll up the windows and put the top up on convertibles in order to avoid critters from inhabiting your vehicle. How to Properly Store Your Car Tip #2 -Cleanliness: Prior to leaving for vacation, clean and apply a coat of wax onto your car. Make sure to clean your vehicle well and pay attention to details such as, wheels and fenders. How to Properly Store Your Car Tip #3 -Fluids: In order to prevent engine damage, ensure that all fluids are full. Buy a fuel stabilizer to avoid damaging the fuel line and keeping out extra airspace (exposes engine to moisture and rust). Ensure that the car’s brake and clutch master cylinders are filled in order to prevent any exposure to water. It is also recommended that prior to storing your vehicle, have a professional change its oil to avoid any future engine failure. How to Properly Store Your Car Tip #4 -Filling up: In order to prevent the accumulation of moisture inside the tank, fill up your gas tank. How to Properly Store Your Car Tip #5 -Lubricant: Apply WD40 to all metal surfaces to avert engine rust. Nobody covers Pennsylvania drivers like we do at Dryfoos. We…
Read more…
Pennsylvania Business Insurance: 3 Positions You Should Outsource
Pennsylvania Business Insurance: 3 Positions You Should Outsource There are a large number of ways you can cut costs for your business. Whether you hire a contract position or outsource your talent. This post is brought to you by Dryfoos Pennsylvania business insurance programs. Call us today for a free quote. 1-800-253-6728 1) Call Center Representative: When it comes to cold calling and canvasing it’s never an easy task. This is where you outsource. Most companies pay telemarketers an hourly wage of anywhere from 9 dollars to 15 dollar plus commission. By outsourcing this position you deal with less capital and handling employee turnover. 2) Information Technology/Website Development: Outsource what you don’t know. Developers, Graphic Designers and IT Support are most likely the most technical part of your business. These programmers and engineers are paid well at an average of $80,000 and require a bachelor’s degree, but would be cheaper than bringing one on your team. 3) Writers/Editors/Bloggers: There are many freelance writers and bloggers who get paid for article or blog post written. In fact, many for magazines, trade publications, newsletters or local newspapers primarily hire freelance writers who are passionate about that specific niche. Normally to become a virtual writer, editor, or blogger you will need a bachelor’s degree. Cost depends on the company, as some cost a flat rate and some cost anywhere from 50 cents to 2 dollars per word. Running any business involves risk. That’s why so many Pennsylvania business owners come to The Dryfoos Group. They know our reputation for choosing the right coverage from the right insurer to meet their most challenging Pennsylvania business insurance needs. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years. If trust and partnership are what you value in your Pennsylvania insurance agent, allow Dryfoos to help you with your plan, so bumps in the road of your business’ life don’t become business destroyers. Call us at 1-800-253-6728 for a free quote.
Posted in Business Insurance, Employee Benefits
Also tagged best, BOP, Business, businesses, call center, commercial, computer engineers, computer scientists, contract, Coverage, customer service representative, editors, employees, employers, information technology, liability, Outsourcing, PA, Pennsylvania, policy, position, programs, software developer, technical, what should i outsource, workers, writers
Leave a comment
Pennsylvania Retail Insurance: Back to School Spending Down
Pennsylvania Retail Insurance: Back to School Spending Down The latest shopping trends are not looking good for retailers counting on back-to-school campaigns. Many children, teens and parents are delaying the traditional back to school purchases. This post is brought to you by Pennsylvania retail insurance programs. According to the National Retail Foundation, Back-to-school spending was expected to grow in the largest boost since the recession. But many are delaying it, for several reasons. Some want to wait and see what their classmates are wearing before they make their purchase decisions. Older students especially seem to be waiting until at least after Labor Day, cautious lest they make any fashion error. The difficulty of economic times is always a factor, and some analysts have even attributed it to the unusually hot weather. According to the New York Times, the consequences could be serious if sales don’t rebound. The back-to-school shopping spree is the busiest time of the year other than the winter holidays. Beyond the extensive profits, back-to-school provides a barometer of what is popular to help retailers prepare for the holidays. The postponed sales frenzy is also complicating how stores function. Some have had to alter how they stock, promote, and sell their back-to-school items, some of which have been on the shelves for almost two months. As of August, a survey by the National Retail Federation found less than 8% had completed their back-to-school shopping, the lowest figure in four years. Retailers are responding to the lag in multiple ways. Some are extending sales longer to attract the late season customers. Others are rethinking their back-to-school time, and others are introducing new styles later, in early September. At Dryfoos, we can cover your retail business against the unexpected. Our Pennsylvania retail insurance services include the forward-looking plans your business needs. Contact us today for more information about our Pennsylvania Retail Insurance programs.
Posted in Pennsylvania, Retail Insurance
Also tagged Back to School Shopping for Retailers Drop, Back-to-school, Business, campaign, Coverage, PA, Pennsylvania, Retail, sale
Leave a comment
Pennsylvania Home Insurance: Rewarded to Save Energy
Pennsylvania Home Insurance: Rewarded to Save Energy With temperatures soaring this summer, the natural instinct is to turn on the air conditioner. Immediately. But the nation’s utilities companies are taking to Facebook and Twitter, urging customer to conserve energy instead. Another way to save is and save on your Pennsylvania Home Insurance. According to the New York Times, Duke Energy is promoting a series of web videos featuring a girl with her family to dispense energy-saving advice. Tips include everything from using a clothesline instead of the dryer to turning down the air conditioning. A household that uses a lot of electricity might receive a mailing showing that more energy-efficient neighbors wash their clothes in cold water and a coupon for Tide detergent. Others can compete to win new appliances, or points for saving energy they can redeem for discounts at local restaurants and grocery stores. One loyalty program awards participants points for every kilowatt-hour less in electricity they used each month. The points can be redeemed for discounts or gift cards at Amazon and Staples. New York Times describes it as a combination of “social media, competitive games and Big Brotherish data analysis” to encourage customers to buy less electricity. Demographic and behavioral information was used to present specific, targeted discounts to customers- for examples offering school supplies discounts to households with children. Pennsylvania has several energy efficiency programs. A more comprehensive list is available at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and & Efficiency. Numerous Pennsylvania utility companies have rebate programs, including Duquesne Light Company, FirstEnergy, PECO Energy, Philadelphia Gas Works and PPL Electric Utilities. While it seems counterintuitive to encourage people to buy less of their products, many utilities are facing government mandates to encourage more energy conservation, giving the difficulty and expense of building power plants and distribution systems. At least 25 states have set specific goals for reductions in energy use. At Dryfoos, we can make sure you have a comprehensive Pennsylvania home insurance plan. We’ll consider many factors in our recommendation, including the replacement value of your home, amount of personal property coverage, personal liability, and special coverages. Contact us today for more information about out Pennsylvania home insurance programs.
Posted in Home Insurance, Homeowners, Pennsylvania
Also tagged Boston, Coverage, Home, Homeowners, House, PA, Pennsylvania, protection, save money
Leave a comment
PA Insurance: How Retail Brick & Mortar Can Beat Online Retailers
In this double dipped recession, most businesses have been struggling. Customers are looking to online retailers such as Amazon and Overstock for prices that are almost impossible to compete with. So how can your Pennsylvania retail business thrive in such harsh conditions? With e-commerce and online United States retail sales projected to reach $226 billion this year, online retailers threaten small local businesses. Because online retail saw a 12 percent increase over 2011, competitive retailers selling within the conventional “brick and mortar” models have to change their business strategy. Caruso is a Los Angeles based developer that has built competitive retail strengths on a signature brand of innovation and design for retailers. Caruso has created a unique mix of culture and community designed to draw in visitors. Today’s savvy consumers value community and attractions based in shopping areas. From the open-air, experiential shopping center concept, retail location has never been so important. Caruso developed this shopping experience that not only combines convenience, broad tenant assortment, but dining and entertainment as well. All dominating social attractions creates a draw for local retail centers while providing an attractive alternative to the typical enclosed indoor mall. These lifestyle centers developed by Caruso have evolved into centers of community. By improving retail brick & mortar shops by creating an experience, customers will come from far and wide; far removed from the e-commerce. Running any business involves risk. That’s why so many Pennsylvania business owners come to The Dryfoos Group. They know our reputation for choosing the right coverage from the right insurer to meet their most challenging commercial and personal insurance needs. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years. If trust and partnership are what you value in your Pennsylvania insurance agent, we invite you to spend a few minutes considering our solutions for your business insurance or employee benefit plans. Give us a call today for more information 1-888-548-4953 Our goal is to be the last insurance company you ever need. http://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2012/06/01/improve-retail-brick-and-mortar-and-they-will-come/2/
Posted in Business Insurance, Pennsylvania
Also tagged Beat, Brick & Mortar, Business, Online Retailers, PA, Pennsylvania, Retail
Leave a comment
Risk Management: Employees Still Want Privacy & Open Floor Plans
When it comes to maximizing productivity, the research is endless. From open floor plans and coffee breaks to work-life balance and corporate wellness programs; companies all over are searching for the best office management tactics. Facebook eschewed the traditional coffee break and instead has a sprawling campus abounding with rec centers stocked with Guitar Hero and a basketball court for employee breaks. Google has an 80/20 system where employees are encouraged to work on their own projects for 20% of their workday. The latest trend? Diner style booths. According to the New York Times, walls have been tumbling down as many companies opt for open floor plans to facilitate communication among employees (Facebook and Apple being two of them). However, many employees are lodging complaints about noise volume disrupting their work. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, reported that more than half of office workers were dissatisfied with the level of “speech privacy.” The theory behind open work spaces it to promote communication among workers, and create an air of openness and transparency throughout the company. It is also significantly cheaper and saves space for the company. The downside? Distracted workers and a sense of privacy loss can also inhibit productivity. Some companies have responded with technology. Autodesk, a software company installed a pink-noise system, where soft air whooshing is emitted over loudspeakers. Then noise sounds like a ventilation system but is actually formulated to match the frequencies of human voices. This pink-noise system was developed by Cambridge Sound Management. Other companies provide escapes from the open-floor plan. Office designers have begun to use diner-style booths in the office to provide employees with a more private area to chat. Barrie Berg, chief executive of consulting firm What If American operations, discusses the benefits; “You can see what’s going around you, and people can see you, but you can still have a private conversation without disturbing anyone around you. We’re a culture of people who work better with a buzz around us, but that buzz needs to be manageable.” What are your thoughts on the latest trend in the workplace? Do open-floor plans work better, or is the loss of privacy too much? We’d love to hear from you! At Dryfoos we dedicate ourselves to providing the most comprehensive and affordable risk management and insurance solutions to business owners across the…
Read more…
Posted in Risk Management
Also tagged Business, Open floor plan, PA, Pennsylvania, privacy, Risk Management
Leave a comment
PA Education Insurance: College Education Going Digital
You wake up five minutes before your class assignment is due. Typically this scenario entails a harried rush to class still wearing remnants of your pajamas and dark circles under your eyes. Instead, you stumble sleepily to your computer and log in. The digitalization of our world (and consequently education) is undeniable. 92% of young adults ages 18-24 year olds go online regularly, according to Pew Research. One in four college graduates reported that they have taken a test online; this number has doubled to 46% for students who have taken a course in the past 10 years. And more than 75% of colleges offer online courses. Online courses have been integrated into almost every college campus. They are a sign of changing times, easily accessible technology, and attempts to ease the treacherous budget costs that have saddled college graduates with thousands of dollars in loans. But what are the tradeoffs? There is immediately the problem of limited instructor interaction. Some online programs allow you to Skype with professors or use instant messenger. However, those conversations have to be scheduled and of course are subject to technological malfunctions. How are grad school hopefuls supposed to get recommendation letters if their academic relationships are with virtual teachers? Or with their fellow students for that matter? Of course, there are huge pluses as well. Scheduling classes is infinitely easier. Many online courses allow students to complete coursework on their own schedules, making it easier to juggle jobs and work simultaneously. Tuition for online courses is lower because the overhead costs are lower for that teaching institution; and don’t forget the hidden costs you save on gas money, time, bus passes, food, etc. that come with not having to commute daily to class. What is your opinion on the digitalization of education? Is it possible to save costs and still maintain the same quality of the in-classroom experience? We’d love to hear from you. The Dryfoos Group can provide coverage for many types of educational facilities including primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges, universities, performing arts and trade schools. With a vast array of coverage at all levels of education, we can tailor an Educational Institutions Insurance Policy to fit your needs. Contact us today for more information.
Posted in Education Insurance
Also tagged charter, college, Digitalization of the classroom, Education Insurance, PA, Pennsylvania, private
Leave a comment
Business Strategy: Doodles in the Workplace Retain More Information
Crayons; chalkboards; markers; these are typically associated with a children’s daycare center rather than a place of business. What if these were staples at companies such as Facebook or Zappos? More and more companies are applying less traditional techniques to foster productivity in the workplace. Employees are encouraged to take part in all types of unusual practices, from sketching and doodling ideas in meetings to drawing ideas on the walls. Doodling has been integrated in multiple ways. They are used as an alternative note taking system at meetings to explain complicated concepts to colleagues. Other companies are incorporating white boards, chalkboards and writable glass on surfaces throughout the office to spark creativity. Some are even holding training sessions or hiring graphic recorders to visually record meetings. There are several arguments behind these new practices. This “visual note-taking” can help generate ideas, improve communication and encourage collaboration among colleagues. According to the Wall Street Journal, a 2009 study published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doodlers retained more that non-doodlers when remembering information that had been presented in a boring context, such as a meeting or conference call. Software maker Citrix Systems even opened a “design collaboration” workspace in its Santa Clara, Calif., headquarters, stocked with everything from sticky notes and construction paper to pipe cleaners and foam balls for 3-D models. Protect your business with the best coverage plan you deserve. The Dryfoos Group offers a wide range of Pennsylvania business insurance. Contact us today for more information.
Posted in Business Insurance, Pennsylvania
Also tagged Business, doodling, knowledge, Pennsylvania business insurance, retention, study, visual note taking
Leave a comment
Auto Insurance: Government Will Require Black Boxes in All Cars
Typically, fender-benders are a case of “he said, she said.” Now, a new bill could establish the facts of every automobile accident to determine what really happened. The Senate passed a bill in March that will require “mandatory event data recorders” or black boxes to be installed in all motor vehicles, beginning with 2015 models, according to the Wall Street Journal. The black boxes, similar to the ones used in airplanes, would record data before, during or after a crash. The boxes will record data such as speed, brake force and electrical systems monitoring. They would help automakers to pinpoint defects to better understand a system’s performance in the event of a collision, according to the Huffington Post. The boxes are currently be in used in some models, such in GM’s OnStar system to alert emergency response services in the event of a crash. The bill has a privacy provision that only allows data to be retrieved by the owner, with some exceptions. Medical workers would be allowed to access it in an emergency. The data may also be retrieved if it is ordered by the court or if it’s relevant in an investigation or inspection. The black box would always be on and wouldn’t let drivers control the data being collected. The issue has raised serious privacy concerns from its opponents, who see it as a “Big Brother” influence that allows the government to access your location. Supporters argue that privacy concerns are irrelevant, as at least 64% of cars had a black box installed- this number included 100% of cars made by General Motors, Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Suzuki, according to PCWorld. What is your opinion on the new requirement? Is it a great new safety feature or a violation of privacy? We’d love to hear from you. Nobody covers Pennsylvania drivers like we do at Dryfoos. We specialize in helping our clients cover their Pennsylvania auto insurance against unforeseen damages and injuries. As independent agents, we can shop dozens of insurers licensed to operate here in PA, and set you up with the most affordable rates and most appropriate coverage. Contact us today for more information.
Posted in auto insurance
Also tagged auto, black box, car, government require, Pennsylvania
Leave a comment
Health News: Pharmaceutical Merger Expected to Have Big Impact
Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. won approval from the Federal Trade Commission in early April for their 29.1 billion dollar merger, according to the Wall Street Journal. This merger created a huge pharmacy-benefit manager that will have significant industry impacts. Pharmacy benefit managers (or P.B.M.’s) manage prescription drug plans for employers and insurers. P.B.M.’s are the middlemen between drug companies and the payers. The new combined company is predicted to save as much as 1 billion; they will handle one of every three prescriptions written in the U.S. The merger allows Express Scripts and Medco to combine forces and squeeze out a lot of costs, which they then say will be passed on to the consumer. The decision was not unanimous. Pharmacy and consumer advocacy groups comprise the main opponents of the deal. They argue that the merger will shrink competition, potentially raise prices and limit where patients can get their prescriptions filled. Opponents such as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association sued to block the deal in federal court. They claim the merger violates anti-trust laws and isn’t in the best interests of patients or consumers. The merger has raised antitrust issues; many are worried about the effect of such a huge merger on the pharmaceutical industry and the potential of driving other companies out of business. What are your thoughts on the Express Scripts-Medco merger? Is it a step in the right direction in lowering health care costs or a potentially harmful consolidation of assets that could change the industry? Let us know your thoughts. Our healthcare system is in the middle of a substantial overhaul. From the Express Scripts-Medco merger to the healthcare case being debated in the Supreme Court, our healthcare will see significant changes in the next few years. However none of those changes alter the importance of protecting your employees. At the Dryfoos Group, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive group benefits plan to your employees. We offer a variety of plans that can be custom tailored to fit your specific employee benefits needs. Contact us today for more information. The facts in this article were provided by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Bloomberg Business Week.
PA Director & Officers: 5 Things Your Employees Really Want
It’s the ultimate question for employers, whether you are the CEO of a multibillion dollar empire or on the board of trustees. What do employees truly want? Hint. It’s not a raise. A pleasant work environment. Employees spend the majority of their lives in their workplace. Yelling at employees for example, especially in front of others, destroys confidence and leads to unmotivated and unhappy employees. Recognition. Institute Employee of the Month. Compliment your employees on a great completed project. Send an appreciative email. Positive reinforcement of a job well done goes a long way to boosting employees’ satisfaction. Perks. They don’t need to be lavish or expensive. If it’s a particular product you sell give employee discounts. Providing group benefits including comprehensive health insurance and dental could be the difference between an employee staying with your organization or finding employment elsewhere. Mentoring. Take the time with employees. Advise and guide them through a difficult job. Provide constructive feedback. Help when they need it. Sometimes life intervenes with the continuity of the workplace. Include family coverage in employee benefits. Be understanding if a reliable employee is late one morning because of a flat tire. Allow that extra day off for a family emergency. The employee will appreciate the compassion and the help. Employee satisfaction builds company loyalty. Your business faces many risks. But when those risks include legal claims and litigation, it’s your directors and officers who often have the greatest exposure. That’s why our agency offers PA directors and officers insurance. It provides much needed protection against the costs of legal defense and indemnity coverage for the business, directors and officer, and employees in suites alleging internal management. Let our experienced D&O specialists at the Dryfoos Group protect your assets and those of your directors and officers long before threats occur. Call us for more information. 1-800-253-6728
