Choose Choice!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Health Savings Accounts

With health care costs in the U.S. continuing to more then double the rate of inflation, alternative solutions to standard health care plans are becoming more popular.  One potential solution is the implementation of a Health Savings Account (HSA) Program. 

HSAs are savings accounts owned by an individual employee.  Funds can be used to pay for current and future medical expenses.  These accounts can be funded by the employer, the employee or both.  Deposited funds are tax deferred, roll over from year to year, and can be withdrawn without penalty at the age of 65.

There are many advantages to HSAs for both the employer and employee.  As a leading provider of Employee Benefits in Washington State, The Unity Group has developed a specialized product for this money saving alternative to traditional heath care plans.

Many of our clients have realized these benefits.  Even if you are not a client we recommend that you learn more about HSAs as a possible solution to keep your Employee Benefits' costs down.

If you are interested in learning more about HSAs please join us for one of our HSA 101 workshops.  To attend, please email your request to amandab@theunitygroup.com and you will receive an invitation to our next session.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Simple Steps to Avoid Cybercrime

Identity theft. Computer viruses. Phishing. And at a corporate level, computer hacking of customer databases. Most people are aware of these potential cyber threats and protect themselves and their PCs with anti-spyware and anti-virus software such as Norton or McAfee programs. As an business owner, you should be aware of the fact that cybercrime is becoming more and more sophisticated and not only targets consumers and large corporations, but small to medium-sized businesses as well. Single programs against these intrusions are not enough.

Take the first steps to help prevent fraud by learning about the latest cybercrimes and how intruders can access a business’s computer network. Then proactively employ the most up-to-date online security practices possible.  While no tools or automated software is 100% effective, using a multiple vendor, multi-layer approach to system design can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim of cybercrime. To assess the risks associated with a cyber intrusion of your business’ online systems and critical client data, ask:
  1. Does your business have a hardware based firewall at the network level?
  2. Does the network firewall include anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam services, along with content filtering and intrusion prevention, detection and real-time reporting?
  3. At the individual PC level, does each computer have centrally updated and monitored anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam software loaded?
  4. Are your computers set up to automatically update your operating system and applications for the latest available security and critical updates?
  5. Do you consider your browser security setting to determine how much or how little information the browser can accept from, or transmit to, a website?
  6. Does your business have a security policy in place that includes such policies as disaster recovery, use/storage of passwords, use of social media on work computers, etc.?
  7. Does your business back-up critical files in case of an issue that disables your systems?
  8. Has your business identified an individual to review security policies and practices on an ongoing basis?
  9. Are you aware of the laws governing the protection of personal information in your state?
  10. Do you have cybercrime insurance to protect your data and liability exposure in the event of an intrusion?
  11. Does your business have a training program to educate employees on best practices to avoid becoming a victim?
  12. Does your online banking system provide multiple layers of security tools to prevent intrusions into the system such as token-based authentication? Business principals should consider the types of transactions they conduct within online banking and check with their banking institution for available security enhancements.
These are just some of the basic steps a business can implement to assess and protect itself from cybercrime. It is recommended to have a certified information technician, specializing in network security conduct an evaluation. This evaluation will help you to identify the next steps in securing your network and data from unauthorized access and distribution

Friday, May 6, 2011

Seabear Company Honors The Unity Group with the 2011 Partner of the Year Award

Each year Seabear Company asks employees to nominate partner companies they work with in any capacity for their Partner of the Year award.   The Unity Group was chosen for this award which recognizes a company they feel has best helped them to achieve their company's goals.  

"I am thrilled to tell you that The Unity Group was selected for this award in recognition of all the great work they have done for us on both the benefits and risk management sides of our business, continuously improving the plans while at the same time helping us control the costs." said Michael Mondello, President of SeaBear Company,  "Great job and THANK YOU!"

United Way Honors The Unity Group with Spirit of the United Way Award

United Way of Whatcom County celebrated another successful campaign year by raising over $2.045 million the 3rd largest amount in United Way of Whatcom County’s history.  The goal was $2 million. 

“The results speak for themselves. We had a really good campaign this year, and the community really stepped up,” said Peter Theisen, President of United Way of Whatcom County.  “Demand for services is at an all-time high and state funding is under pressure, so it’s nice that we can fill in the gap.”

At the April 21st Awards Banquet, a total of 26 organizations were honored with awards for exceptional participation and contributions.  The Unity Group was awarded the "Spirit of the United Way" award for the fifth consecutive year by earning a record contribution amount of $25,621 ($700 more than last year's contribution).