News

The employee benefit landscape is constantly evolving, and business owners must keep pace. No longer is the traditional offering of basic medical and ancillary products providing employers with the competitive edge. In the battle to attract, retain and engage employees, data driven long-term strategic plans provide win/win opportunities for both employers and employees alike. A…

Owning and operating a construction company in today’s world is remarkably challenging,” said Jeff Chronister, Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) with Ollis/Akers/Arney. He cites aggressive competition, rapidly changing economic conditions, limited labor force and the evolving expectations of employees over the past few decades. “Owners have to wear multiple hats. Sometimes they have to be…

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified what “close contact” means as it relates to COVID-19-prevention guidance. Previously, the CDC defined close contact as spending 15 straight minutes within 6 feet of another person. Now, the organization redefined the term to mean a total of 15 minutes within…

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) recently released a simpler Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508S and instructions. This updated, simple two-page application is for borrowers of $50,000 or less, and is not for use by borrowers who received PPP loans totaling $2 million or more…

“Frankly, I think education is the biggest thing we do,” says Jeff Eiserman, Certified Insurance Counselor working in Property and Casualty with Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors. “People come to us because insurance is really complicated, and they need good expert advice.” One of the biggest costs for some employers is workers’ compensation. “On an…

For three of the last four years an Ollis/ Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors commercial risk account manager has won the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research Outstanding Customer Service Award. Robin Talty (2017), Beth Kensinger (2019), and Ashlae Cook (2020) were each recognized for demonstrating outstanding service and professionalism within the insurance community…

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 15, 2020 SPRINGFIELD, MO – Richard Ollis, CEO of Ollis/Akers/Arney, was recently elected to serve on the board of directors for the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents representing Region 10. The primary mission of the association is to provide marketing education and resources to independent agencies, agents and…

The past few months have seen multiple instances of aggression and violence against workers who attempted to enforce their establishment’s COVID-19 prevention policies and practices with customers. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued new guidance instructing employees not to force any customer who appears upset or potentially violent…

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order and three memorandums to address pandemic relief in response to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After negotiations for a relief package between the White House and lawmakers collapsed, the executive actions extend pandemic unemployment benefits, student loan payment deferrals, eviction protections for renters and…

On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the agency’s publication of additional guidance on applying federal employment laws in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is in the form of questions and answers added to sets of Q&As the agency issued earlier in the year about the operation of…