Quarter One Newsletter | Pierce Group Benefits

QUARTERLY COMMUNIQUE

A PEEK INSIDE THIS EDITION Omicron, The Newest Variant + C-19 Resources Employee Spotlight: Getting to Know PGB Tips for Keeping Your Home Workspace Clean Q1 Employee Birthdays & Workaversaries

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Quarter One Newsletter

FEATURED ARTICLE

What to Know About Omicron, COVID-19 Resources A new variant of coronavirus initially detected in South Africa is prompting renewed concern regarding the pandemic. On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant “Omicron.” Omicron was labeled a “variant of concern,” the agency’s most serious category for tracking. Such a designation is reserved for dangerous variants that may be more transmissible or virulent, or could decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.

The CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron.

As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing.

What’s Next?

Experts still don’t know a lot about the emerging variant at this point.

Scientists are racing to learn more about Omicron as there is too little research available to draw conclusions or provide recommendations. Omicron’s genetic makeup is unique from other circulating coronavirus variants and carries a large number of mutations. In the meantime, health experts urge Americans to continue to take proper precautions.

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to infection with the Omicron variant. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The CDC is still urging Americans to get vaccinated (including available boosters) to help stop the spread and protect themselves against sever or long-term side affects of COVID-19.

Learn More In response to Coronavirus, AP Keenan has launched a COVID-19 Resource page. It is intended to provide information and guidance on the COVID-19 crisis, and is updated as new information from appropriate sources becomes available. www.keenan.com/COVID-19

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BIRTHDAYS Celebrating January, February, and March Birthdays!

Whether we’re celebrating early, late, or right on time, we hope that this next year is even better than the last. Join us in wishing everyone below a very Happy Birthday!

Devin Draman January 1

Amy Owen February 6

Janna Smith February 15

Joshua Hutchinson March 6

Cori Rozentals

Liz Laux

Donna Ross

January 13

January 7

January 7

Jeff Lipack January 30

Etoria Hill

Annie Snyder

Janean Kilgore

Jill Pestun February 12

February 13

Vicki Hale

Donna Nixon

Amanda Keim

Dee Byers

February 8

February 6

March 3

March 2

March 1

Nicki Smith

Ty Gainey

Raquel Bootes

March 26

March 25

March 16

Nichole Cayia March 29

Anna Stam March 31

March 6

Kerri Gilliam March 27

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WELLNESS CORNER Tips For Keeping Your Home Workspace Clean A clean workspace can help you stay healthy, while boosting work productivity and lowering stress.

Dividing your home between work and relaxation can be a challenge — but keeping your working area clean is one way to make that easier.

Why It Matters On-site offices and other workspaces are often cleaned daily, which means the home office could have more bacteria and germs. Furthermore, you may be sharing the space with family or friends and consuming more food and drinks while you work.

The average desk contains 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. Your keyboard and computer mouse can be some of the dirtiest items as a result of having unwashed hands and eating at your desk.

Keep It Clean Continue practicing good personal hygiene habits, and try to separate your home and work life.

Develop healthy and clean remote working habits by trying the following tips: • Designate a workspace. Try to find a home workspace free from distraction and mess, for example spare bedrooms or the dining room table are more ideal than the kitchen or living room.

• Keep pets away from your computer and other parts of your workspace. This will help avoid dander and fur buildup, and create a cleaner, fresher environment for you to work in.

• Designate a lunch space separate from your workspace. Crumbs are a common source of bacteria and act as a an all you can eat buffet for bugs (and pets!).

• Sanitize and dust your work surface, keyboard, computer, and other workspace items at least once a week — keeping your space clean and functional helps you stay motivated.

• Declutter your workspace daily. It’s important to regularly remove unecessary items and organize as clutter can lead to increased stress and lower productivity as a result.

Maintaining a tidy desk and a professional workstation, regardless of location, is key to staying productive during the workday.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT While we excitedly ring in the New Year on a new foot, we wanted to take a moment to thank Nichole Cayia, Human Resources Manager, Jolene Clayton, Finance Manager, and the entire Finance Department for their continued persistence, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Pierce Group Benefits (and our staff!) through the AssuredPartners transition — THANK YOU! Get to know these two PGB All-Stars below.

NICHOLE CAYIA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

JOLENE CLAYTON, CPA FINANCE MANAGER

With over 20 years of industry experience, Nichole has served in various leadership capacities in the past and brings her expertise in strategic human resources to Pierce Group Benefits. She is well versed in employee relations, compensation, talent management and development, compliance, benefits, and HR process and policy design.

Nichole holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management, as well as multiple industry certifications including Human Resources and Management through Duke University, Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through HRCI, and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) through SHRM. Outside of work, Nichole enjoys drinking white wine with her husband, giving back to her community, and empowering women through a wellness group she leads.

Jolene brings more than 18 years of public and private accounting experience to Pierce Group Benefits. She is well versed in financial management, accounting, and financial reporting and analysis. Jolene received her undergraduate degree in Business from Penn State University and a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is a North Carolina Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Outside of work, Jolene enjoys spending time with her family (fur babies included!) whether that be watching movies from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises (big fan!) or playing basketball and other outdoor activities on a sunny day.

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TIPS & TRICKS Fonts, Colors, & Branding – Oh My! Brand consistency ensures that PGB is easily recognizable across all channels and touch points.

Using specific colors, fonts, graphics, and imagery creates a cohesive, consistent brand identity and unified experience for both existing and potential clients. It creates trust and it’s how our clients recognize and talk about us!

How Can We Implement It? One easy step you can take to ensure brand consistency is by using our approved brand fonts on any and all assets. Not sure? Just email Marketing@PierceGroupBenefits.com and we’ll help you!

PBG has four approved fonts available for use, see below.

This is Poppins.

This is Gotham Condensed.

This is Gotham.

This is EB Garamond.

Although it may sound overwhelming, it's easy to get started! Follow these simple step-by-step directions:

PGB Weather Line

REMINDERS

This is your mid-Winter reminder that, in the event of bad weather, you should refer to the Pierce Group Benefits’ Weather Line for office updates and delay notices.

Please be prepared to work from home if inclement weather requires shutdown of the PGB office. Employees must advise their department manager as soon as possible if they are unable to work due to inclement weather.

For questions or concerns, please contact Nichole Cayia, Human Resources Manager.

Weather Line #: (919) 346-9063

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Quarter One Newsletter

WORKAVERSARIES Celebrating January, February, and March Work Anniversaries!

We appreciate each and every one of you, and the work you do for our client’s employees and their families. Be it your first year or your twenty-fifth year, thank you for being a part of Pierce Group Benefits!

CELEBRATING 1 YEAR! Sharon Borden, Client Relations Specialist - Congratulations on 1 year!

Ty Gainey, Senior Client Relations Specialist - Congratulations on 1 year!

Vicki Hale, Service Specialist - Congratulations on 1 year!

Deja Holley, Director of Marketing - Congratulations on 1 year!

Jeff Lipack, Technical Support Specialist - Congratulations on 1 year!

Katie Payne, Enrollment Technician - Congratulations on 1 year!

Diane Remes, Enrollment Technician - Congratulations on 1 year!

Anna Stam, Account Executive - Congratulations on 1 year!

CELEBRATING 2-5 YEARS! Lisa Bledsoe, Accounting Assistant - Congratulations on 2 years!

Joshua Hutchinson, EDI Technician - Congratulations on 2 years!

Lori Kozlowski, Senior Benefit Analyst II - Congratulations on 2 years!

Annie Snyder, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!

Sharla Gillespie, Team Administrative Assistant - Congratulations on 3 years!

Michelle Gunter, Account Executive - Congratulations on 3 years!

Liz Laux, Finance Analyst - Congratulations on 3 years!

Michelle Chayka, Executive Assistant - Congratulations on 4 years!

Veronica Lara, Service Center Specialist - Congratulations on 4 years!

Jill Pestun, Senior Benefit Analyst - Congratulations on 4 years!

Christopher Giannell, Director of Data Management - Congratulations on 5 years!

CELEBRATING 5-10 YEARS! Kristin Johnson, Account Executive Admin - Congratulations on 6 years!

Becky McKee, Senior Service Specialist - Congratulations on 7 years!

Nicki Smith, Regional Client Services Manager - Congratulations on 9 years!

CELEBRATING 10+ YEARS! Donna Nixon, President of Business Development - Congratulations on 11 years!

Kathleen Kragnes, Post Enrollment - Congratulations on 15 years!

Quincy Caspar, Print Production Manager - Congratulations on 19 years!

“IF OPPORTUNITY DOESN’T KNOCK, BUILD A DOOR.” - MILTON BERLE

TO ORGET B F T ’ N G DO 2022 P R A B A GR LENDA A C K S DE — UINCY Q T C CONTA AR FOR CASP OPY! C YOUR