Volume 4 Issue 11 by Rhode Island Small Business Journal

volume four issue eleven

Dental’s

Far-Reaching Benefits For Employee Health

HealthSource RI

Benefits of Small Group Health Options

More than a smile Sparking Healthcare Innovation to Strengthen RI’s Economy

F E AT U R E D : 5 W AY S T O R E M A I N P R O F I TA B L E Dwww.risbj.com U R I N G| volume T H EfourHissue O Leleven I D AY1 S

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from the founder Healthcare is a hot topic for all small business owners. We all want access to affordable care that will help to keep us healthy and be there in the event we’re not. While healthcare costs and coverage are out of our direct control, we can educate and motivate our employees to adopt healthy habits. Adopting a wellness program at your business can help in a variety of ways. It could mean fewer sick days and higher productivity, as well as building an internal support system for those looking to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The result of a well-structured program will be happier, healthier employees who are better able to control, delay, or stop health related problems. Here are 5 easy ways that you can start a wellness program at your business:

LUNCHTIME WALKS

Instead of sitting at your desk all day, or gathered around the lunch room table, try heading outside the office for a 20-30 minute walk with a group of co-workers. A break from the office will help to rejuvenate your work day, while giving you more energy to finish your afternoon workload.

TEAM FITNESS EVENTS

Throughout the year there are various fitness related events like 5K’s, Obstacle Course Races, and cycling events among others. Signing up as a work team for these events helps to build relationships with co-workers, and also will challenge you physically. It’s not only the day of the event that makes an impact, but it’s the training that goes in months in advance. Many of these events are also tied to a non-profit so there is also an opportunity to give back to an important cause, depending on the event you sign up for.

HEALTHY LUNCH DAY

This might not sound as catchy as “Taco Tuesday,” but bringing in a healthy lunch for your staff once a week or

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

once a month is a great way to show your commitment to a healthier workplace. Try bringing in foods that others haven’t tried before to help them explore healthy lunch options. Another great way to create a discussion around the food you’re eating is to provide nutritional facts about the food to show how it benefits your health.

GYM/CLASS REIMBURSEMENT

The cost for a gym membership can vary greatly, from $10 per month to over $100. While most people have a preference on the type of gym they join, you can provide a maximum reimbursement to the selected gym of your employees’ choice. To make this even more beneficial, suggest that a group of co-workers join the same gym to spend some time before or after work exercising. If your employees prefer exercise classes, such as a Yoga or Pilates class, you can offer a reimbursement program for that as well.

STOCK THE FRIDGE

If you have a refrigerator at work, toss all that soda and unhealthy junk food and provide weekly produce that your employees can snack on. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to get your employees eating healthy throughout the day, and it provides a great source of energy to help them remain productive. Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice that each of us has to make individually, however as business owners we can help make that choice easier. By choosing one, or several of these options, we truly show our commitment to our employees’ health.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder Mike Casale Senior Designer Amanda Repose Managing Editor Marketing Julia Cianciolo Lauren Bansbach Interns Kassandra Petrocelli Andy Guerrino Kelly Sobolewski Trumane Trotman Contributing Writers John V. Carvalho III Veronica Cintron Ted Donnelly Sally P. McDonald, Esq. Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Governor Gina M. Raimondo Karyn Rhodes Lisa Shorr Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Thank you Health and Human Services Secretary Elizabeth Roberts Deputy Communications Director Sophie O’Connell

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contents

volume four issue eleven

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 Small Business News 15 A Message from Governor Gina M. Raimondo 16 Working Together to Improve Healthcare for RI 19 Healthcare Stats

20 HealthSource RI for Employers 25 Lawsuit Prevention and Your Bottom Line 26 More Than a Smile

28 The Sandwich Generation 33 Try a Battle-Tested Management Approach 34 Personnel Practices

ON THE COVER volume four issue eleven

38 Build Employee Morale on a See-S.A.W.

Featured

40 5 Ways to Remain Profitable During the Holidays

HealthSource RI Benefits of Small Group Health Options

42 First Aid is a Safe Bet

Dental’s

Far-Reaching Benefits For Employee Health

HealthSource RI

Benefits of Small Group Health Options

More than a smile Sparking Healthcare Innovation to Strengthen RI’s Economy

F E AT U R E D : 5 W AY S T O R E M A I N P R O F I TA B L E D U R I N G T H E H O L I D AY S

5 Ways To Remain Profitable During The Holidays

26 www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Rhode Island Recognized For Running One Of Nation’s Top-Performing Unemployment Insurance Tax Operations

CRANSTON, RI - Rhode Island has been recognized for running one of the nation’s best Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax operations. The Division of Taxation and Department of Labor and Training (DLT) received a State Performance Excellence Award as the top-performing small state in this function at a conference of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) in Albuquerque, NM. DLT Assistant Director of Income Support Robert Langlais, who heads the state UI program, and Chief Revenue Agent Philip D’Ambra, head of the Division of Taxation’s Employer Tax section, accepted the NASWA award last week. This is the sixth straight year that Rhode Island has won in the small state category. DLT and the Employer Tax section have long collaborated on running this key area of the state UI system. “For Rhode Island to be recognized by its peers for running high-quality UI tax operations is gratifying and I congratulate the Division of Taxation and DLT for their efforts,” Governor Gina Mr. Raimondo said. “My administration is committed to continuous improvement in rethinking the way we work and becoming more customer-friendly to make it easier for Rhode Islanders to do business with government.”

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Acting Department of Revenue Director David M. Sullivan said, “This award recognizes the high standards of the Division of Taxation’s Employer Tax section and of the Department of Labor and Training. It also recognizes the hard work that the Division of Taxation and the Department of Labor and Training do, day in and day out, as a team.” Sullivan added, “Their work reflects well on the Department of Revenue’s Division of Taxation, the Department of Labor and Training, and on the State of Rhode Island. We are all very proud of their accomplishments.” “Along with the US Department of Labor, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies sets the standard for best practices in our field. For this reason, I’m especially proud of our UI tax team’s accomplishment,” said DLT Director Scott Jensen. “Our goal is to continue to innovate to deliver excellent customer service to both the workers who rely on UI and the employers who pay for UI. Doing this will help Rhode Island preserve a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet the challenges of our competitive economy.”

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

The United States SBA Empowers S m a l l B u s i n e s s e s To B e C y b e r S a f e

The U.S. Small Business Administration unveiled today a new cybersecurity webpage for small businesses atwww. sba.gov/cybersecurity on the 12th Anniversary of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The SBA launched the online tools and resources to highlight Cybersecurity at Work from October 5-9th and in recognition of President Obama’s annual proclamation to educate Americans about cyberthreats and cybersafety. “Cybersecurity is one of our nation’s most pressing national security priorities, and America’s 28 million small businesses, which create two out of every three new jobs in the U.S., are especially at risk. Small employers are quickly becoming a larger target for criminals looking to access sensitive data because small businesses typically have limited resources for information systems security,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “In an effort to combat cyberattacks against small businesses, the SBA’s online tools will help employers identify information security vulnerabilities that put their companies at risk.” A 2013 survey by the National Small Business Association indicates that 44 percent of small businesses reported being the victim of a cyberattack, with an average cost of approximately $9,000 per attack. Small businesses have valuable information cybercriminals seek, including employee and customer data, bank account information, access to business finances, and intellectual property. Small business employers also provide access to larger networks such as supply chains. The SBA cybersecurity webpage is a resource for small business owners to discover online courses, training opportunities, blogs and webinars, as well as learn cybersecurity information tips, including how to:

• Protect against viruses, spyware and other malicious code • Educate employees about cyberthreats • Safeguard Internet connections by using a firewall and encrypting information • Use best practices on payment cards, including shifting to more secure credit card payment technology known as “EMV.” The website at www.sba.gov/cybersecurity also includes key steps to take if a firm is the victim of a cybersecurity attack,

as well as links to tools from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. The SBA encourages small business employers to take the Cyber Security for Small Businesses web course for best practices on protecting businesses and customer information, and to visit www.sba.gov/cybersecurity for tips and resources on safeguarding dataagainst cyberthreats. www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Rhode Island Foundation N

Applications for $300,000 Innova

PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Foundation is now accepting applications for $300,000 grants to develop, test and implement innovative ideas that have the potential to dramatically improve any area of life in Rhode Island. An annual initiative to stimulate proposals that can move Rhode Island forward, the Rhode Island Innovation Fellowships are made possible through the vision and generosity of philanthropists Letitia and John Carter. “This program enhances Rhode Island’s reputation as a place of innovation and ingenuity. We thank Letitia and John Carter for having the vision to encourage bold thinkers to bring their best ideas to life,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. Preference will be given to proposals that promise the greatest good for the greatest number of Rhode Islanders, a small idea

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that has big potential to be built to scale or new approaches to long-standing, intractable challenges. “Letitia and I believe strongly in the promise of our state and the importance of innovation. We hope this program will continue to generate creative proposals with the potential to lead to great things,” said John Carter Several improvements have been made to the program this year to clarify eligibility and intent. For example, teams of applicants are ineligible for the first time. All the eligibility requirements are posted on the Foundation’s website at rifoundation.org. Most of the program’s requirements have not changed. Although applicants do not have to be residents of Rhode Island when they apply, they must commit to living in Rhode Island during the term of the Fellowship if selected.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

This will be the fifth round of funding. Previous rounds generated more than 1,250 applications. The 2015 recipients are John Haley and the husband and wife team of Daniel Kamil and Emily Steffian. Haley is working on a plan to stimulate the state’s shellfish industry by creating a more reliable method of obtaining blue mussel seed stock fixed to a growth/cultivation substrate. He will manufacture a Blue Mussel Spat Attachment Cord, preloaded with blue shell mussel larva — called “spat” – made available to shellfish cultivators year-round. Kamil and Steffian are working on the Providence Cinematheque, Rhode Island’s only multi-screen exhibition space and educational facility focusing on first-run, independent film programming; repertory series, and a curriculum in film history and media literacy. They have launched the first annual Providence Art and Design Film Festival and you can see their progress at www.providencecinematheque.com/. The 2014 Fellows are Amy Bernhardt and David Dadekian. Amy Bernhardt’s project “Colorfast,” is a digitally printed textile facility that also houses an extensive original and vintage print collection art directed by Zoe Latta of Prince Ruth. Dadekian is launching the “Eat Drink Rhode Island Central Market,” which will house a number of food- and drink-related businesses, including a public market, commercial production and processing facilities, and an educational component.

Now Accepting

ation Fellowships The deadline to apply is Fri., Dec. 11. The one-page, initial application asks applicants to summarize their proposed innovation in no more than 150 words and to describe how it would benefit Rhode Islanders. In February 2016, the selection panel will ask a group of semi-finalists to submit a more detailed application and a short video. The Foundation expects to announce the winners in April. Steinberg will chair the selection committee. The other members are Victor Capellan, superintendent of schools in Central Falls; Janet Coit, director of the state Department of Environmental Management; Patricia Flanagan, professor of pediatrics and chief of clinical affairs at Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Theresa Moore, president of T-Time Productions; Aidan Petrie, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Ximedica; and Dan Shedd, president of Taylor Box Company.

The 2013 Fellows are Adrienne Gagnon and Dr. Lynn Taylor. Gagnon’s “Innovation by Design” project is fostering the next generation of Rhode Island innovators with the creation of the Change Agent, a Design Thinking toolkit for the classroom. Gagnon offers free professional development workshops for RI educators and also engages students throughout RI in designing positive change for their communities through her free Mobile Design Lab residencies. Taylor has launched the “Rhode Island Defeats Hep C” campaign, which aims to make Rhode Island the first state to eliminate the Hepatitis C virus infection using a comprehensive approach that includes increasing awareness, testing to cure, building infrastructure for a sustainable model and evaluation. The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2014, the Foundation awarded $34.8 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.

For more information, visit rifoundation.org. www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

U.S. SBA Seeks Nominations For Rhode Island Small Business Awards

PROVIDENCE, RI - Nominations are now being accepted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the 2016 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year. Winners will be honored during the Rhode Island Small Business Week celebration in May of 2016. Nominations are due January 11 at 3:00 p.m. EST either in the portal or at the Rhode Island District Office. Awards will be presented in 11 categories. Any individual or organization dedicated to the support of the small business community may submit nominations for these prestigious awards. The other awards include: Entrepreneurial Success Award, Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year, SBA

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year, Minority Small Business of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, Home-based Small Business of the Year, and Women-Owned Business of the Year, Microenterprise of the Year, and Financial Services Champion of the Year. The Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year will also have the opportunity to participate in the National Small Business Week activities and will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award. Award guidelines and nomination forms are available from the SBA Rhode Island District Office by calling (401) 528-4561, or by e-mailing Providence.RI@SBA.gov.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Housing Market Momentum C o n t i n u e s To O u t p a c e T h a t O f L a s t Ye a r

WARWICK, RI - September home sales activity continued to outpace that of last year, with the number of single family home closings rising nearly ten percent from September, 2014. Median price also increased almost 12 percent to $230,000. Rhode Island saw the largest gain in year-over-year price appreciation since October, 2014 according to the Rhode Island Association of Realtor. Sales under contract but not yet closed increased nine percent from a year ago, an indication that sales levels will remain above last year’s in the months ahead. The number of foreclosure and short sales dropped 38 percent from the prior year. The multi-family home market also made solid gains with the number of closed transactions rising ten percent and median price increasing 20 percent compared to September, 2014. As distressed sales continue to be pushed out of the market however, pending sales have decreased, an indication of a slowdown on the horizon in multi-family home sales. While sales activity also increased in the condominium market, the median sales price dropped seven percent to $200,000. Distressed sales decreased 37 percent over the past year. Activity in the condo market is slowing down. Pending sales, while still three percent ahead of last year, diminished from the prior month. “There’s really very little new to report. Rhode Island’s housing market has been doing well throughout 2015 and continued to thrive in September,” commented Bruce Lane, 2015 President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. “A better economy and remarkably low interest rates are helping to keep the momentum moving forward.” The Rhode Island Association of Realtors will release third quarter housing sales statistics on October 29, 2015.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

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Gina M. Raimondo | GOVERNOR

A Message Fron Gina M. Raimondo

Sparking Healthcare Innovation t o

S t r e n g t h e n by Governor Gina M. Raimondo

It’s easier to make it in Rhode Island if you have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, and it’s more attractive for businesses to invest here if they have predictable healthcare costs. As a state, we are taking bold action to hold down the rising cost of healthcare for all Rhode Islanders and create a healthier, more vibrant economy. When I took office in January, Rhode Island faced a $190 million structural budget deficit. Medicaid accounted for more than 30 cents of every state dollar and was growing more quickly than the rest of the budget. The combination of that deficit, the growth of Medicaid and Rhode Island’s generally sluggish recovery made it difficult to invest in priorities like education, infrastructure, skills training and other efforts designed to grow our economy. So, with input from stakeholders and Rhode Islanders from every part of the state, we chose to take action, disrupt the status quo, and Reinvent Medicaid. When it passed in June, our progressive package of reforms was projected to achieve more than $70 million in state Medicaid savings, without cutting eligibility or programs. The Reinventing Medicaid Act creates incentive programs designed to improve outcomes, coordination and quality of care that our hospitals and nursing homes provide, strengthens fraud and waste protections, invests in home- and community-based settings for patients who need long-term care and sets ambitious goals to shift Medicaid toward a value-based payment structure instead of a volume-based structure.

From the moment I took office, my top priority was getting Rhode Island’s economy back on track.

R I ’s

E c o n o m y

From the starting line, Reinventing Medicaid has been a priority that affects every Rhode Islander. Laying a foundation for sustainable reforms that improve patient care and improve value for taxpayers provides taxpayers and businesses with greater predictability and ensures a healthier workforce. Even more, Reinventing Medicaid has laid a foundation that we are building upon to spark innovation across the entire healthcare industry. Healthcare costs across the entire system are growing more quickly than the rest of the state’s economy and faster than most small business’ bottom lines. For too long, Rhode Island’s reform efforts have lagged behind our neighboring states. To tackle this broader challenge and provide businesses with more predictability, I established the Working Group for Healthcare Innovation this past summer and named Health and Human Services Secretary Elizabeth Roberts as chair. Working with a varied group of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, businesspeople and other policy leaders, this group will propose a thoughtful plan to hold down the rising cost of healthcare and disrupt the fee-for-service structures which have become the status quo across too much of our healthcare industry. In fact, a draft proposal was published earlier this month and is available on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services website. This group will also provide the state with a vision for nextgeneration health information technology and set clear population health and wellness goals which will foster healthier communities and a more vibrant economy. From the moment I took office, my top priority was getting Rhode Island’s economy back on track. In just 11 months, we have made progress, but we still have a long way to go. We’ve created new opportunities for Rhode Islanders to earn and learn and we’re making it easier for businesses to invest here and grow. Creating more predictability in healthcare and sparking innovation in the way we provide care to all of our neighbors is essential to expanding those opportunities and sustaining the progress we’ve made so far. www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | Working Together To Improve Healthcare For Rhode Island

Workin One of my responsibilities is to make sure that our Medicaid program works with business, including small businesses –because they are really the dominant businesses in Rhode Island and have to be a part of the conversation 16

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To I m p r o v e H e

Health and Human Services Secretary Elizabeth Roberts describes the goals of Governor Gina M. Raimondo’s Working Group for Healthcare Innovation, which she chairs, as threefold: improve health outcomes in Rhode Island, improve the quality of care, and lower costs to create more predictability in healthcare spending for individuals and businesses. The Working Group was created by Governor Raimondo by executive order this summer to build on the successful reforms achieved through the Reinventing Medicaid Act of 2015 and drive innovation across Rhode Island’s healthcare system. Through its diverse membership and public meetings, the Group has worked to incorporate the voice of a wide range of individuals, from healthcare professionals to patient advocates, businesspeople and other policy leaders, into the conversation including small employers who are purchasing health insurance. Secretary Roberts explained, “The Working Group for Healthcare Innovation was formed to really think across the entire system and to look at how we deliver care, and how we are impacting the health of the community. We are also focusing on stabilizing cost increases in healthcare, so that those costs don’t crowd out other investments, such as hiring and infrastructure investments that businesses need to grow.”

There are four areas of focus the Working Group is evaluating. The first is an overall healthcare spending target for Rhode Island that is currently implemented in four other states. On December 1, the group is scheduled to present its draft proposal for a healthcare spending target at a public meeting. The second area of focus is geared towards the integration of health information technology to help drive improved outcomes and cost savings. “There are a lot of conversations about waste not in the sense of abusing the system, but in the sense of duplication of services or unnecessary services, and

Working Together To Improve Healthcare For Rhode Island | SMALL BUSINESS

ng Together

e a lt h c a r e Fo r R h o d e I s l a n d health IT is a big component in minimizing that waste,” said Secretary Roberts.

Identifying population health and wellness goals, and establishing a framework to measure progress towards meeting them, is the third charge given to the Working Group. The Working Group is collaborating with the Rhode Island Department of Health and its Director, Dr. Nicole AlexanderScott, in this work, which aims to encourage accountability for improving population health in Rhode Island. The last area of focus is known as the ‘80 by 18’ goal –which aims, by 2018, for 80% of payments across the healthcare system to be value-based payments, rather than the volumebased payments seen in the fee-for-service payment model. “The key component is that we have a system built on paying for improved outcomes rather than solely on utilization,” stressed Secretary Roberts. As a whole, Secretary Roberts emphasized that Rhode Island government, businesses and individuals must all work together to create shared goals, regardless of who is paying for healthcare. Secretary Roberts explained that the group is not only focused on making the healthcare system more costefficient and improving patient outcomes, but is also looking at how to improve the experience of care. “This is something that is rarely discussed,” said Roberts. “How does the system work for the person? Do you actually not only have an insurance card but can you get to see your doctor when you need to? Can you figure out where to get your needs met? These are the kinds of questions we are posing to see how we can make healthcare work better for every Rhode Islander.” There are resources out there for small businesses including HealthSource RI for Employers, which is the official health insurance marketplace for small businesses. Along with those

resources, Health Insurance Commissioner, Kathleen Hittner, put in place a small employer task force with a strong employer outreach for small businesses to become more involved in the conversation. “Although they are in all different areas of government, we all work collaboratively on a common mission, “said Secretary Roberts. “One of my responsibilities is to make sure that our Medicaid program works with business, including small businesses –because they are really the dominant businesses in Rhode Island and have to be a part of the conversation.” Secretary Roberts discussed the importance of working with local chambers of commerce and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), and bringing everyone with an interest in the topic to the table. “That’s one of the best things about the working groups and task forces the governor has created –they bring a real cross section of stakeholders together and small business is definitely a part of that.” The ultimate goal of the Working Group for Healthcare Innovation is to think more broadly about the healthcare system –with which we are all intricately connected –to help Rhode Island build a better system that helps people be healthier, increases the quality of care they receive, and brings a greater level of predictability to our healthcare spending, so that rising costs don’t continue to outpace the growth of the economy. The goal is to build healthier communities and a stronger economy in RI –both of which are good for business. Here’s how you can get involved as a small business owner: • Engage with your local chamber of commerce, which works to share the voice of small businesses. • Share your voice with the small business task force, which also advocates for small businesses.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

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Quick Stats On Healthcare In Rhode Island And Throughout The U.S. | SMALL BUSINESS

Quick Stats onHealthcare

i n R h o d e I s l a n d a n d t h r o u g h o u t t h e U. S. The number of people in Rhode Island without health insurance is below

Adults with diabetes have better access to care than all Rhode Island adults for all 4 healthcare access measures according to

ri.gov

According to Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Rankings, Rhode Island has the highest child

immunization

Men are more likely to be uninsured than women

coverage among the states

According to an HHS data report, approximately

$4.1 billion

in healthcare costs has been saved by hospital improvements in patient safety

Roughly 10.3 million

adults in America gained health coverage between January 2012 and June 2014, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

Benefits of Small Gr

Full Employee Choice Program • Allows business owners to offer a wide range of plans using a defined contribution model – while employees and their families have an unprecedented degree of freedom and choice. • Employer’s contribution is set on a reference plan that can be based on their current plan or the cost range they can afford • Employees choose from any of the plans at no additional cost to employer and can “buy up or down” depending on their needs. • Continuous support is offered for both the employer and employees to get the best variety of healthcare options in Rhode Island

Four Metal Tiers:

Choosing the Right Level There are four basic categories of coverage offered called “metal levels” that were created to help people understand how much they will pay versus how much the plan pays. Plans in each metal level pay different amounts of the total costs of an average person’s care. They take into account the monthly premium, deductible, copayments, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. The actual percentage they pay will depend on the services they use during the year.

HealthSource RI for Employers is Rhode Island’s official health marketplace for small group health insurance options and one of the best-functioning small business exchanges (per capita) in the United States. Our trusted partners for medical and dental plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Dental, Delta Dental, Guardian, and soon to be added, Dentegra. HealthSource RI’s Full Employee Choice program gives employers maximum flexibility in customizing health plan offerings for their employees. It is the exclusive source for multi-carrier options, and a defined contribution feature lets employers set contribution tiers for employee tenure or classification.

What Business Owners Need To Know •

• • •

Business owners can offer a wide range of plans using a defined contribution model.Employees and their families have an unprecedented degree of freedom and choice. Employer contribution can be based on current plan or a cost range they can afford. Employees choose from any of the plans offered to best meet their needs and budget. Customer support is available and ongoing to help employers and employees find the health coverage that best fits their needs and their budget.

The primary goals of the program are to help employers manage healthcare costs, promote a healthy workforce, and eliminate obstacles to getting healthcare coverage. Business owners consistently list employee healthcare as one of their top expenses. There is no downside to looking at the options through HealthSource RI because pricing is the same, by law, both on and off the exchange. The following case study illustrates how Full Employee Choice works: Joe owns a manufacturing company in Providence. He selects a plan that costs $500/month per individual. He decides to contribute $325/month towards the individual premium.

Joe’s employees can either pick the coverage he selected or choose another health insurance plan, using Joe’s $325 contribution to help pay the monthly premium. If the plan they select is more expensive, the employees pay more out of their paychecks. If the plan is less expensive, the employees pay less.

Joe writes a single check to HealthSource RI

F20 RISBJ O R| rhode islandMsmall business O RjournalE

I N F O R M A T I O N

P L E A S

roup Health Options Program Small Businesses Profiles of HealthSource RI Customers Farm Fresh Rhode Island founded in 2004, is a local non-profit

is devoted to growing Rhode Island’s local food system. Farm Fresh currently employs 17 full-time employees and 20 parttime employees. “One of the goals of Farm Fresh Rhode Island is to empower consumer choice in the food system. Being able to give our employees that same freedom of choice with health insurance felt completely in line with our values,” said Co-Executive Director of Farm Fresh, Jesse Rye.

Farm Fresh was introduced to the program by broker Jeff Brier from Brier & Brier who has been working with Farm Fresh for over five years. Jeff Brier is a certified HealthSource RI broker who has worked with several non-profits in the community. In the past, Farm Fresh offered one health insurance plan for all employees. Today, through HealthSource RI’s Full Employee Choice program, Farm Fresh RI’s employees choose a plan that best fits their needs from a range of plans and carriers.

EAGLE CORNICE

COMPANY

Eagle Cornice is a commercial industrial roofing and sheet

metal contractor, operating on high-profile jobs in Rhode Island including T.F. Green Airport, Rhode Island Convention Center, and the Westin Hotel. Founded in 1901 by Simon Strauss, Eagle Cornice has been a family business for three generations.

Today David Soccio, Larry Brillon and Jon Hogberg continue the company’s legacy of providing professional roofing and architectural sheet metal services at competitive prices to commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout New England. “The team came to our office and met one-on-one with our employees, explaining various plans and costs associated with each. We are very satisfied. The variety of options allows employees to choose the health plan that meets their needs,” said Soccio. Beginning in 2016, HealthSource RI will expand their plan offerings to over 24 health plans and 7 dental plans. “I feel that the more options, the better–especially since historically we have only had two or three plans to choose from,” said Soccio.

For more information on HealthSource RI: Visit the newly redesigned website (HealthSourceRI.com/Employers) for 2016 plan rates and detailed information on available options. HSRI has also launched a Facebook page for employers and brokers that highlights Rhode Island businesses using the program, their success stories and other important news and events. (www.facebook.com/HealthSourceRIforEmployers).

V I S I T

HealthSource RI’s next Broker Certification class will be held December 2 – There is no cost to attend the event and training is free. Visit healthsourceri.com/upcoming-events/ for more information.

H E A L T H S O U R www.risbj.com C E R| volume I four . issue C eleven O M 21

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senior

SIGNATURE SERIES

Diabetes Resources for Older Adults

In the U.S., there are currently 29.1 million people living with diabetes and more seniors have diabetes than any other age group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.8 million, or 25.9 percent, of all people age 65 and older. The American Diabetes Association and Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island are pleased to be launching the Diabetes Educational Boot Camp for Seniors this fall. The half-day events are designed to help seniors learn more about diabetes self-management and engage in cooking demonstrations and physical activities, and will be offered at senior centers throughout the state.

Please consider joining us at either of these two FREE events! Friday, November 20, 2015 9am-1pm

Newport County YMCA 792 Valley Road Middletown, RI 02842 401-847-9200

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 9am-1pm

Woonsocket Senior Center 84 Social St Woonsocket, RI 02895 401-766-0516

Please call to register. The event is FREE, but registration is requested. Open to seniors living with diabetes, caretakers, family members, etc. Come to learn more about managing diabetes!

Brought to you by

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

for more information call 1-800-DIABETES

or visit www.diabetes.org/seniors RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

www.riďŹ tmag.com | volume one issue one

Lawsuit Prevention And Your Bottom Line: Another Reason To Promote Workplace Wellness | SMALL BUSINESS

Lawsuit Prevention and Your Bottom Line Another Reason To Promote Workplace Wellness by Sally P. McDonald, Esq.

A workplace wellness program is any program that aims to improve the health of companies’ employees, while at the same time reducing the companies’ health-related costs. Unfortunately, small businesses are generally less likely to offer workplace wellness programs than larger businesses in spite of the positive effect that wellness programs can have on any company’s bottom line. Wellness programs are linked to greater employee productivity, less absenteeism and lower healthcare costs. However, a less obvious benefit of wellness programs is the prevention of employee injury and illness claims, as well as related lawsuits. Thousands of American workers die, and millions more become disabled, every year just doing their jobs. Importantly, however, workplace illness, injury and death can be preventable. Workplace wellness programs have been linked to an approximately 30% reduction in workers compensation and disability management cost claims. Employee awareness, and overall health and fitness, can prevent a variety of workplace harms. If your company is like most small businesses, your wellness program budget is small. The good news is that starting a wellness program does not have to mean installing a gym or hiring a full-time wellness facilitator. There are many ways to improve your employees’ wellness and prevent illness and injuries that are not cost-prohibitive. If your wellness program budget is small, it is essential that you are spending what you do have as efficiently as possible. Give your program some serious thought, and then take cost-effective action. Here are a few examples of relatively inexpensive ways you can improve your companies’ wellness and reduce the threat of illnesses and injuries:

•

• • • • • •

Ask your employees to brainstorm ways to improve workplace wellness. Ask them: “How can we make our

workplace a safer and healthier place to be?” These suggestions can become policies. Conduct an interest survey; list every initiative your company is willing to offer as part of a wellness program and have employees rank what they would find most valuable. Host in-house workshops and trainings sessions that are focused on preventing work-related illness and injury. Offer incentives for employees to attend. Invite a site visit from an occupational health expert to make health and safety recommendations.

Form/join/support health and safety committees. Distribute health and safety information regularly, along

with protective equipment to employees when appropriate.

Discuss hand-washing as a way to prevent the spread

of illnesses, and proper food handling to prevent foodborne illnesses. Pay attention to, and support, your employees’ mental health in order to prevent assaults and violent acts in the workplace.

A workplace wellness program is a good way to show your employees that you value their health and safety, and by preventing employee illnesses and injuries these programs can help your bottom line as well. If you have questions or would like to speak to Attorney Sally P. McDonald, please call 401-824-5100 or email smcdonald@pldw.com. Sally P. McDonald, Esq. Attorney PLDW

Wellness programs are linked to greater employee productivity, less absenteeism and lower health care costs. www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | More Than A Smile: Dentalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Far-Reaching Benefits For Employee Health

More tha D E N TA Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S FA R - R E

A number of health problems are known to be associated with poor oral health, including periodontal (gum) disease, diabetes, and heart disease. 26

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

More Than A Smile: Dental’s Far-Reaching Benefits For Employee Health | SMALL BUSINESS

an a Smile A C H I N G B E N E F I T S F O R E M P LOY E E H E A LT H by Stefani Gallagher

As employers and insurers work together to help control healthcare costs, businesses are shifting their focus to keeping employees healthy. They’re stocking nutritious snacks in the kitchen, holding meetings while they walk, and encouraging preventive care. But they often overlook one critical aspect of total wellness: dental health. Research shows a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Preventive care doesn’t exclude the mouth – it is, after all, an important part of the body. A good, consistent dental hygiene regimen at home with regular professional cleanings and check-ups can have a much deeper impact than a smile.

Consider how dental problems can affect employers: • Americans lose 164 million work hours to dental problems each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • They lose another 52 million school hours each year, according to The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, the impact of which is felt by all employers—especially small businesses. • $1 spent on prevention saves as much as $50 on future costs, according to the American Dental Hygienists Association. Oral health is not only important for protecting teeth, but also for protecting the body from infection. A number of health problems are known to be associated with poor oral health, including periodontal (gum) disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Dental check-ups and cleanings can help in detecting any potential changes to your health.

Some 47 percent of American adults suffer from gum disease. Like any infection, gum disease can

cause increased inflammation throughout the body, exacerbating seemingly unrelated conditions like heart

disease. Good dental care can help reduce this inflammation and improve overall health.

Practicing good oral hygiene can help provide protection from expensive and lifelong health conditions. A longterm study from United Concordia Dental shows that regular dental treatment and maintenance have a major impact on patients with diabetes, cerebral vascular disease (stroke), and coronary heart disease. Over a five-year period, hospital admissions decreased significantly for patients who received regular preventive dental care, which can help reduce employers’ claims costs. Admissions were down: • 39.4 percent for diabetes patients, • 28.6 percent for patients with heart disease, and • 21.6 percent for stroke patients. Recognizing the strong connection, insurers like Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) now offer health insurance with adult and pediatric dental benefits embedded within medical plans.

Combining medical and dental coverage can make a difference – in health and costs. An insurer that

provides both types of coverage can, for example, encourage members with diabetes to see a dentist for preventive care. This type of targeted, data-based outreach can help keep those members healthier, which in turn can reduce the cost of claims. It also can make the employer’s insurance administration more streamlined.

Securing comprehensive dental insurance is easier than ever. The benefits of regular, professional preventive dental care reach far beyond brighter smiles. Offering dental insurance to employees can be a streamlined experience. Insurers like BCBSRI can give you the best of both worlds, combining comprehensive dental coverage—including annual checkups, cleaning, and X-rays—with your existing medical coverage. You keep one account representative, one online portal, and one bill. Your employees get access to more than 90 percent of dentists in Rhode Island, plus a national network to give them peace of mind wherever they live, work, or travel.

Stefani Gallagher, Managing Director of Individual and Specialty Products for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, understands the importance of combining medical and dental coverage through her 20 years’ experience with health and dental plans in Rhode Island. To learn how Blue Cross Dental plans can help your business and your employees, contact your broker or Blue Cross representative, visit bcbsri.com/dental or call (401) 459-5959.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

ENTREPRENEURS UNITE Fuel the growth of your company with access to business and financial coaching, networking, and an opportunity to win MONEY! Learn more below. RHODE ISLAND LOCAL COMPETITION

ABOUT THE COMPETITION This local contest is your access to SBA's National Prize Competition held in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2016. The contest is aimed at unearthing products and services that impact and empower the lives of women and families. LGC+D's LeveragedSolutions is hosting the Rhode Island local competition that will culminate in a live pitch final round. A Rhode Island winner will be sent on scholarship to compete for up to $70,000 in D.C.!

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www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | The Sandwich Generation Is Growing, And So Are Their Responsibilities

The sandwich generation IS GROWING, AND SO ARE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES by Ted Donnelly

Across the U.S., millions of middle-aged adults struggle with the dual responsibility of financially supporting a child and caring for an aging parent. In fact, a 2013 Pew Research report found that 33% of baby boomers and 42% of Gen Xers are now members of what is commonly called, “the sandwich generation”. The meteoric rise of the sandwich generation is a byproduct of two powerful trends: (1) women giving birth later in life, and (2) the increasing longevity of the U.S. population. When you combine these factors with a growing number of young adults moving in with their parents, it’s easy to see why so many middle-aged Americans are concerned about the future. If you are one of them, here are a few steps you can take to protect your loved ones and prepare for the financial responsibilities ahead.

HAVE A PLAN FOR ELDERCARE.

Talk to your parents about the kind of care they’d prefer, and discuss it with your siblings. See which, if any, family members have the capacity to help provide care and which home would be the most accessible. If you think external help will be needed, research local resources to see what is available—and at what cost. Most importantly, consult an attorney and make sure you have all the legal documents needed to make sudden medical and financial decisions if the need arises.

EVALUATE YOUR RESOURCES.

Before determining a course of action, make sure you know what resources are available. Can your parents pay for care on their own? Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they own any whole life insurance policies with living benefits they may be able to use to pay for care? Can other family members contribute financially, or is public assistance a viable option?

PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN’S LIFESTYLE AND FUTURE.

While caring for a parent is a huge responsibility, it’s important to make sure your children’s needs are also met. If you haven’t done so already, set up a college fund and make funding it a priority. Also, consider purchasing a term life insurance policy that can help to cover day-to-day expenses and protect their comfortable lifestyle in case anything tragic happens to you. Caring for children and aging relatives at the same time is never easy, but with the right planning and resources, it is possible to do both. With so many people joining the ranks of the sandwich generation, now’s the time to start planning for the future. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Ted Donnelly, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Ted Donnelly at 401-276-8728 or efdonnelly@ft.newyorklife.com. Ted Donnelly Agent New York Life Insurance Company

33% of baby boomers and 42% of GenXers are now members of what is commonly called “the sandwich generation

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

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Try A Battle-Tested Management Approach | SMALL BUSINESS

Try a Battle-Tested Management Approach by Karyn Rhodes

Leadership training can play an important role in maintaining a productive, engaged and happy workforce. But traditional classroom style learning techniques may benefit from more hands-on experience from the field – the battlefield, that is. Military leadership can reveal key lessons managers can use to help an organization achieve its goals while spurring innovation among employees. The concept is based on having management set goals and then handing over the responsibility for those goals to be met by their staff. But, that doesn’t mean leaving workers completely on their own. Managers first have to ensure employees have the tools to achieve given objectives, the tools to prepare for challenges they’ll encounter along the way and have the confidence to use their own judgment when something unexpected happens. Just like in war, the latter may be the most important. On a battlefield, the consequences of each decision can be enormous. While lives per se are not at stake in the business world, workers’ actions can still have a direct impact on others: their job, financial security and family life. And that’s especially true when a business is in the midst of chaos, crisis or change. In these situations, employees who know how to make decisions that keep the company on track towards its goals are

invaluable, particularly when they can act in management’s absence. That means employees have to feel empowered to act on their own. And if they don’t? The opposite of empowerment is micromanagement. And that can not only limit an army’s success, it can also hinder a company’s performance. The inability to trust employees’ work combined with a critical management style can instil fear, lower morale, erode confidence in their superiors’ ability to lead and cause workers to be hesitant to act. Rather, management should arm employees with the tools they need to take initiative and use their own judgement to produce a company’s desired outcome. When they do, results will transpire into proactive, creative and empowered workers – a company’s greatest weapon. Karyn Rhodes SPHR, SHRM-SCP Director of Human Resource Hilb Group

Military leadership can reveal key lessons managers can use to help an organization achieve its goals while spurring innovation among employees

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | Personnel Practices: Best Practices For Healthcare Employers

Personnel Practices BEST PRACTICES FOR H E A LT H C A R E E M P L O Y E R S by Matthew R. Plain, Esq. & Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

Employers in the healthcare field face a unique set of challenges in complying with generally applicable employment laws and regulations, plus laws and regulations related to healthcare. Compliance with healthcare laws and regulations is a team effort, and it requires frequent training of all staff at all levels within the organization. Even with proper training, staff members ranging from file clerks to medical professionals can still inadvertently violate laws related to medical privacy, potentially leading to governmental investigations and penalties. The following are best practice tips for employers in the health care field to consider:

• Train employees on HIPAA compliance. HIPAA (which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) applies to “covered entities”—primarily hospitals, health insurers, medical group practices, nursing homes, and other entities engaged in the practice of healthcare that transmit information in an electronic form in connection with a transaction for which the federal Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a standard. It is essential that these entities implement a detailed policy concerning HIPAA compliance and ensure that all employees are properly trained on a regular basis. Penalties for violations of HIPAA can be severe, and healthcare entities can be held responsible for any violations committed by its employees.

• Require employees to execute a confidentiality agreement. Particularly when working with sensitive medical information, healthcare employers should implement a confidentiality policy, the receipt of which should be acknowledged by each employee. The agreement should require the employee to keep confidential all matters related to patient information, during and after the worker’s employment. The agreement should further remind employees that violations of the agreement will have

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

disciplinary consequences, potentially up to and including termination. • Develop a system for the release of confidential health care records, where appropriate. From time to time, health care entities may receive subpoenas or other requests for the release of records. These entities should develop policies for the release of records, and update them regularly to comply with the ever-changing laws in this regard. For example, Rhode Island law typically permits the disclosure of medical records pursuant to a subpoena where the patient has been notified and has been given at least twenty days to object to the disclosure of his or her records. Improper release of records can lead to fines and other penalties, potentially after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This policy should work in conjunction with the employer’s HIPAA and confidentiality policies.

Personnel Practices: Best Practices For Healthcare Employers | SMALL BUSINESS

Penalties for violations of HIPAA can be severe, and healthcare entities can be held responsible for any violations committed by its employees. â&#x20AC;˘ Also implement a policy with respect to the maintenance of records. Electronic medical records should be passwordprotected and carefully safeguarded. To the extent that the facility keeps paper records, employees should typically be prohibited from removing these patient files from the facility unless absolutely necessary. The removal of records from a secure area increases the possibility that they could be lost or stolen. In addition, under applicable Rhode Island regulations, patient files typically must be stored for a minimum of seven years.

â&#x20AC;˘ Consider entering into non-solicitation agreements with medical professionals.

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At the outset of the employment relationship with a medical professional such as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, the employer should consider entering into an agreement with the professional that would prohibit that employee from soliciting

patients or other employees from the employer for a period of time after separation from employment. Given the potential for liability in these areas, healthcare employers should always consult with a trusted advisor when implementing any of the above policies. Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Partner, Barton Gilman LLP

For more events and information:

www.RISBJ.com

Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

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SMALL BUSINESS | Build Employee Morale On A See-S.A.W.

Build Employee

Morale on a by Lisa A. Shorr

I have such fond memories of riding on a see-saw when my kids were young. After watching a very passionate TED talk by the late Rita Pierson called “Every Kid Needs a Champion,” those memories came flooding back to me. In the powerful short talk, Pierson hits home the importance of positive, open-minded communication between teacher and student. In an article written by Pierson for Huffington Post she wrote, “Positive, healthy relationships rely on clear communication. Without it, misunderstandings occur and intentions are misinterpreted.” So what can a manager learn from Pierson’s teachings? Let’s break down to what I call the SeeS.A.W. Principal. An employee must be able to see positive actions from his/her manager. A manager can demonstrate affective and effective team building by focusing on how they Speak, Appear and Write. Let’s explore each.

Speak

What we say – In order to be understood, a manager must first assess the communication style of each of his/her employees. Some are visual learners, some prefer numbers, others readers and many

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

a combination! A strong leader has the ability to assess the unique styles of the team and cater their message to each. For example, if you are the leader of a technology company, a manager has the ability to speak to his engineers using technical jargon. However, when speaking to someone in the marketing department, it is typically necessary to explain a project or new technology in laymen’s terms. This way, the marketer can then turn this information into a brand building campaign to attract new clients. One other point, make sure the team understands the mission of the company and specific department. Ambiguity leads to frustration and lack of productivity. A bit of transparency is key! How we say it – How many times have you thought, “Can’t you just say it nicely?” Even more important than what we say is, how we say it, or the tone of the message. Do you sound condescending or frustrated? This tone causes others to feel very uneasy approaching their manager. Who wants to get barked at all of the time? To build morale, consider softening your tone. When you feel your temperature rising, take a deep breath before delivering your message. An empathetic tone enables the employee to feel listened to. In turn, the employee develops a greater respect for their manager and a greater willingness to be carrying out the mission of his/her team.

Appear

Dress the Part – Countless studies have demonstrated the benefits of “dressing-up” for the office. People who dress for success not only feel better but often get promoted more often than those who do not appear as confident. Depending on your industry, this does not always mean a suit. It means setting the tone that your team can follow. It means following your dress code. It

Build Employee Morale On A See-S.A.W. | SMALL BUSINESS

means I care about the corporate brand of the company I work for. Nonverbal Cues – You have no more than 7 seconds to make a great first impression. When an employee comes to you with a question, look at them eye-to-eye, put your technology down and give them your full attention. If you are unable to have a conversation at that moment, smile at them and say, “I want to hear what you have to say, can we put some time on the calendar to chat?” If you are in a meeting, be attentive. A smile and eye contact go a long way! Watch out for arm folding, slumping in your chair or tapping your pen. All actions that are so easily misconstrued.

Write

Think Before You Write – We are a very fast-paced society. We often look for information in 140 characters or less!

Consider this for email communication too! As in “how we say it,” the same concept applies to “how we write it.” A few tips: 1. Don’t send an angry email. If you need to have a difficult conversation, wait at the least wait 24 hours to cool down and collect your thoughts. In most cases, a phone call or face-toface meeting is the best course of action. 2. Don’t be long-winded. If you have several points to deliver, use bullet points. Notice, I’ve written this article using bullet points. If you don’t have time to read this article, I at least want you to be able to understand my point. 3. Check your grammar – A team wants a leader that focuses on the details. That includes selecting the correct usage of the word “their or there” in a sentence! Morale is like a see-saw. It’s very exciting when you are up in the air, like a cohesive team. Before you know it, if you do not exercise positive communication, your behind is hitting the ground. Ouch! Lisa A. Shorr Image Consultant Shorr Style

Morale is like a see-saw. It’s very exciting when you are up in the air, like a cohesive team.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | 5 Ways To Remain Profitable During The Holidays

5 WAYS TO REMAIN PROFITAB by Veronica Cintron

To the untrained eye of the average consumer, all businesses make a ludicrous amount of sales during the holidays. This may be true for some industries but doesn’t necessarily ring true for many small to mid-sized businesses. For many small business owners, the holiday season is their “slow season”. Most of the business owners I’ve worked with throughout the years plan for the holiday season by either scaling back on employees, cutting back hours of operation or even shutting down for a couple of weeks. Is this similar to what happens with your business every holiday season and is your plan to revert back to what you’ve done in previous years? Perhaps the best approach this year is to try something new. Are you preparing for the modern holiday consumer? Here are some tips to help you market your business during the holidays, which require planning and financial investments, but could yield great results.

1. Start early: Today’s consumer typically starts shopping right before Halloween, this means your business should have a complete marketing plan and budget by mid-October. Plan to roll out your marketing plan by the first week of November. Your

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marketing plan should indicate what your holiday specials and deals will be, which social media platforms you will be using (more on this later), imagery to utilize with ads and a clear message for e-mail campaigns (i.e. new products, re-engage existing customers, discounted gift cards, etc.).

2. Update your website: This one is usually forgotten, but it is an important piece to include. When consumers visit your website as a result of e-mail marketing or a social media ad, they want to see an extension of the marketing piece that brought them to your website. During the visit to your website they should be provided with an understanding of what your holiday specials are, any new products your company may have, expiration dates for specials and how to purchase desired items. Lastly, consider offering gift wrapping and shipping. All of these steps will make it easy and inviting for the consumer to purchase your products or services.

The holidays are a stressful time, from not having enough time to shop, to staying within budget

5 Ways To Remain Profitable During The Holidays | SMALL BUSINESS

BLE

During The Holidays

3. E-mail campaigns: E-mail campaigns are the most effective way to get your company and product in front of existing and new customers. One vital component to an e-mail campaign is segmentation. Be strategic about who to send your campaign to; age, location and buying habits should be considered. Also, don’t be afraid to make the unsubscribe button more visible, this helps to only e-mail those who are truly interested. Once you’ve establish who to e-mail, focus on becoming a problem solver. Whether your company makes cookies, prints t-shirts or provides services, we all have to be problem solvers for the consumer. The holidays are a stressful time, from not having enough time to shop, to staying within budget, use this platform to emphasis how your product or service makes the consumer’s life easier and stress free during the holidays. Keep your message easy, short and direct and remember to always adhere to government marketing guidelines.

4. Social Media: During the holiday season posting to your company’s Facebook page isn’t enough. Invest in Facebook ad buying, this is a great time to target your specific demographic and lead them to your website where they can purchase services or products. Facebook ad buys are a cost effective way to get people to take a look at your company page and to increase “Likes”. Remember to also update your Facebook page with the same holiday look as your website and other ads. Another social media platform that many small business owners overlook is Pinterest. Consumers use Pinterest to look for gift ideas, but now more and more are purchasing items right from Pinterest with the help of rich pins and buyable pins. Rich pins work with a code that you can add to your site. When someone pins a particular item, price and where to purchase the item will display automatically. But better yet, Pinterest also has buyable pins, this adds the “buy now” button directly to an item on Pinterest. Pinterest also offer ad buys and analytics.

5. Keep your branding consistent: Brand consistency is very important and is pivotal to the survival of your company. Although branding is part of our daily lives, the significance is often overlooked by small business owners. Today’s market is highly competitive, no matter what industry you are in. Consumers need to remember a lot of information and are constantly taking in different imagery. Because of this, people tend to gravitate toward whatever looks familiar. The more consumers see a certain image, the more apt they are to purchase or trust that brand. Your company’s brand (logo, website, ads, business cards, signs, social media, etc.) should all be consistent. The message should be the same all of the time, this means, if your message and imagery changes for the holidays, it has to change in most places (website, social media and ads). Branding is the first way to gain the consumers trust. Businesses tend to set low expectations and to want to spend less on marketing and advertising during this time of year. Business owners must understand that during the holiday season the consumer is prepared and ready to buy, the key is to place your brand in front of them. I encourage you to try a few or all of these tips for yourselves, not just for the holiday season, but for other holidays year round. Lastly, I leave you with one bonus tip: don’t forget customer service. No matter what approach you take with marketing, be sure to have an effective customer service operation. All of these efforts will be wasted without the appropriate customer support. Veronica Cintron CEO V+R Digital Branding Agency

www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven

SMALL BUSINESS | First Aid Is A Safe Bet

FIRST AID IS A SAFE BET by John V. Carvalho III

Nobody wants to think about accidents happening, but the reality is that they do happen and often it is in the workplace. The real question is if an accident actually does happen at your business, are you and your staff ready? According to the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA), “all workers have a right to a safe workplace” as well as an expectation that the workplace is in compliance with all OSHA standards.” One of those standards is having an emergency kit on site in case of an accident. That kit should be commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. For example, let’s say you work in an office where the heaviest item you might lift would be a box of copier paper. What kind of accidents could you encounter? Cuts? Bruises? Perhaps an occasional fall. Your emergency kit should be prepared to address those accidents. On the other hand, a workplace where workers are dealing with potentially

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hazardous materials or have to lift heavy items would have to have additional first aid supplies. Either way, to have a truly safe work environment means to always be prepared for what accidents may occur. At OSHA’s minimum standards, the emergency kit should contain: • Various Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches). • Various adhesive bandages (bandaids). • One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide. • Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes. • Scissors. • At least one blanket. • Tweezers. • Adhesive tape. • Latex gloves. • Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or • Pocket mask. • Two elastic wraps. • Splint. • Directions for requesting emergency assistance.

The other part of the OSHA requirements is not only having an adequate first aid kit, but somebody on staff trained to provide that aid. “The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) medical services and first aid regulation, 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.151(b) states, “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.” Having basic training in first aid is not as daunting as it may sound. Nobody expects that you will have the knowledge of a doctor, nurse or other medical professional. It is not your job to make a diagnosis, prescribe medicine or perform surgery. What is necessary is having just enough knowledge and supplies easily on hand that can help a person involved in an injury to be safe and maybe even comfortable until professional medical assistance arrives.

First Aid Is A Safe Bet | SMALL BUSINESS

Having basic training in first aid is not as daunting as it may sound. Nobody expects that you will have the knowledge of a doctor, nurse or other medical professional. While OSHA mandates that one person in your workplace have training, there is much to be gained by having several members, if not all, of your staff trained in basic first aid. There are also many resources out there for your staff members to receive training and be certified. The American Red Cross is one organization that offers OSHA-compliant first aid/CPR/AED training. The cost of the class is $110 per person. Part of the training is done virtually online, the rest in a classroom session. Of course, there are other organizations that provide this training. Thumbtack.com is a website you can use to find a first aid training class near your business. While everyone can certainly benefit from first aid training, it is really a necessity for people and staff in certain work environments such as schools, factories, warehouses and restaurants where accidents, whether minor or rising to the level of life-threatening can be a common occurrence. Accidents will always happen and are a part of life, but without properly trained individuals and the right first aid equipment what may begin as a simple injury can end up being much more severe. So, when considering your office and workplace needs, being safe is always better than being sorry. A little time and investment will keep everyone safer in the long run.

John V. Carvalho, III is the president of Apollo Safety, Inc. Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. For information, please visit www.gasmonitorinstallation.com or call 800-813-5408.

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The RI Society of CPAs, Center for Business Education, a place where quality continuing education intersects with professional networking and revenue generating strategies.

Featured Upcoming Event:

Applied Leadership: Capturing the Hearts & Minds of Employees, Customers & Partners

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | 8:30am - 4pm Location: RI Society CPAs/Atrion Education Center, 40 Sharpe Drive-Unit 5, Cranston, RI Designed For: Mid-level professionals who want to take their careers to the next level by deepening their understanding of the higher needs of their key customers, employees, peers and investors. Program Description: The workshop will be centered on the application of Maslowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hierarchy of Needs to the Service Industry. Participants in this full-day workshop will discuss and analyze how leaders help their organizations create deeper loyalty with their key stakeholders. The quality and durability of the relationships they create are a fundamental competitive advantage.

Course Fees: RISCPA Fee $400 | Course Fee $475

Contact Susan Breen at 401-331-5720 or visit www.riscpa.org for more info 44

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www.risbj.com | volume four issue eleven E-mail: info@tbngconsulting.com

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