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Performance Management is an important part of a company’s quality assurance and employee engagement strategies. Many companies formally evaluate an employee’s performance and progress after an initial introductory period and then again on an annual or semi-annual basis. Although performance evaluations can improve productivity and employee morale, many employers do not make them a high…

You may recall the U.S. Department of Labor proposed changes to the white-collar exemption rule in 2015 that had employers scrambling to implement the proposed increase to the minimum salary requirement for exempt workers. That proposal was blocked by a federal court in Texas in late 2016. However, there were benefits from that exercise. Many…

BOLIVAR, MO – The renovation of the First National Bank building brings new and existing businesses to the Bolivar Square. One such business is the insurance conglomerate of Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors. Formerly The Paul Long Agency, Ollis/Akers/Arney acquired Long’s business in July 2018 which included offices in Bolivar and El Dorado Springs. Ollis/Akers/Arney…

What defines success? Some would say the title or position they hold in their company. Others, the level of respect they are given from their colleagues. Still, others find success not in where or how they work, but in how they live. To put it simply, there is not and cannot be one definition of…

Technology has some obvious benefits. The computers in our pockets provide instant access to entertainment, information and work anytime we feel the urge; the applications we use everyday make it easier for us to get work done, manage our social lives and take care of our families; and social networks connect us to the people…

Ollis/Akers/Arney is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann McDowell as its newest Board of Directors Member effective December 12, 2017. McDowell comes to Ollis/Akers/Arney with a wealth of knowledge and an extensive background in management, marketing and community service. She brings more than three decades of experience to the organization including roles with Silver…

In just a few short weeks, the holiday season will end. The seemingly insurmountable stress of the past two months will subside, and your world will begin to calm down. Employees will return to work. All will return to normal. That’s how many managers and executives view the holiday aftermath. That’s also why one in…

It seems like every November, media outlets across the country turn their attention to the plight of young retail workers forced to slave away during holidays. They talk about the rush of people flying through malls and outlets looking for their perfect gifts, and the best worst day of the year: Black Friday. So much…

We’re delighted to once again retain our status as a member of the Best Practices study group for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). The agencies comprising the study group are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best…