Moving forward … the Gary Waldych legend

It is official – Gary Waldych is leaving the insurance world… and he will be missed. So where is life going to take him? Concerned he would be less than forthcoming with his personal adventures, I decided to make some up and get him thinking: Trip to Space African Safari Sail the 7 Seas When…

Bethany Miller Named 2016 Outstanding CSR of the Year in Maryland

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research has announced that Bethany Miller is the 2016 Outstanding CSR of the Year recipient for the state of Maryland. To qualify for this top state honor, Bethany Miller submitted the winning essay on the topic, “Many in our industry came into insurance by chance, but have built…

Who Needs Key Person Disability Coverage?

Your company may take out key person coverage on you if you fall within the top 20 percent of the company in terms of salary. Of course, before your company takes out a policy, you must consent to the coverage. If you fall into any of the descriptions listed below, you may want to bring…

Tips for servers of alcoholic beverages

Preventing violence due to unnecessary overdrinking is part of your job. To keep patrons safe while they enjoy themselves, you must be able to recognize the signs of intoxication and know how to intervene with intoxicated patrons to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Signs of Intoxication While alcohol affects everyone differently, some common signs of…

Commercial Drone Use – New Regulations

Commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are now being allowed but the rules are pretty stringent. What I thought was interesting: 1. They call the operators – pilots. 2. A pilot must be 16 3. A pilot must have a remote pilot certificate – or be supervised by someone with a remote pilot certificate…

ACA’s Affordability Contribution Percentage Increased for 2017

The Affordable Care Act came out and you checked in and made sure you were compliant. However, as things change, you may need to check again. On April 12, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released new guidance on the percentages used to determine what is considered “affordable” health coverage.Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),…

How to Make Sure Your Office is Hurricane Ready

Reading a protection blog, even when well written and with convenient bullet points, gets boring after awhile. Thanks to Quill.com who shared this great graphic with us. We want to bring you protection information in the most fun, colorful and most appropriate way for you to read. Our office is prepared, is yours? Do you…

Fireworks Extravaganza 2016

I love the 4th of July. I love a professional fireworks displays on a warm night. I am also pleasently surprised by the professional displays that are hosted by small towns on the Eastern Shore. Here in Willards, MD we are lucky that they host a great show on Sunday, July 3rd. Rain date is…

OSHA Increases Fines for Violations

Starting in July of 2016, fines for OSHA violations are increasing by 80-150%. This increase could have a huge impact on all businesses. Violation Current Maximum Amount of Increase Increased Penalty Amount 80 % 150 % (max) 80 % 150 % (max) Non-serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Willful…

New Changes to Overtime Wage Payment

On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule that will overhaul overtime wage payment. The new rule doubles the salary threshold that employees must meet to qualify for the overtime wage payment exemption—a change that could affect more than 4 million workers across the United States. What is changing?…