Confero Winter 2015: Issue 9 | Page 6

PUBLISHER’S LETTER confero A quarterly publication by Westminster Consulting A quarterly publication of fiduciary ideas by various contributors within the industry. Publisher Westminster Consulting, LLC. Editor-In-Chief Gabriella Hunt Contributing Editors Happy 2015 Everyone! This issue of Confero focuses more broadly on employee benefits than we have in the past. While our firm focus has a definite tilt toward retirement benefits, our clients and readers of Confero are at times consumed with the challenges, regulations, and competitive pressures which arise from providing a total benefits program to their organization. We begin the conversation with a contribution from Michelle Capezza, Esq. from Epstein Becker & Green who discusses the initial considerations an organization should engage in when instituting wellness programs. Included in these deliberations is whether these programs comply with the appropriate federal and state laws. These types of benefits come with varying degrees of participation and interest depending on the age and experience of the workforce. Roland Salmi, MBA –—the newest member of the Westminster family —discusses how non-monetary benefits can be used to attract potential employees and retain current ones. Mr. Salmi’s discussion focuses on Recognition Programs and Career Development along with a comprehensive table of many other monetary and nonmonetary programs. We are very pleased to have Lauren Dixon and Karen Simms of Dixon Schwabl sit down for our regular feature, 9 ½ Questions. Dixon Schwabl, a Rochester, NY based advertising and public relations firm has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 20 Small Company Workplaces in America. Find out what make Dixon Schwabl a fun and outstanding firm to work for on page 18. Based on our interview with the folks at Dixon Schwabl, our final feature for this issues of Confero centers on Top 5 Tips for Creating and Running a Successful Benefits and Perks Program. Best wishes on a healthy and prosperous New Year. Please enjoy this issue and we always welcome your comments. Thank you for your continued support. Tom & Sean 4 | WINTER 2015 Sean Patton, AIF® Thomas Zamiara, AIFA® Creative Director Gabriella Hunt Contributors Gabriel Potter, AIF® Gabriella A. Hunt Michelle Capezza Marcia S. Wagner Robert Goldman Roland Salmi, MBA Questions or Comments? email us at [email protected] The information contained in this on-line magazine is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Westminster Consulting and while every effort is made to provide information which is both current and correct, Westminster Consulting makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the on-line magazine or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained within the on-line magazine for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will Westminster Consulting be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this on-line magazine.