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Mental health—how you think, feel and act—can change over time due to factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. lhe COVID- 19 pandemic and quarantining certainly qualify as stressful factors. 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness each year. 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness. 2.4 million live with schizophrenia. million…

In response to the debilitating effect the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on small businesses across the country, the federal government funded a program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Approximately $670 billion has been allocated to the PPP fund, and small businesses across…

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued new model notices for group health plan administrators to use to comply with COBRA notification requirements, the agency announced on May 1, 2020. Although plan administrators are not required to use the updated model notices, the DOL generally considers their use—with the addition of appropriate plan information—to…

Among other measures aimed at easing student loan burdens during the coronavirus pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes a provision that temporarily allows employers to make tax-free payments of up to $5,250 toward their employees’ student loans. Under this provision, employer payments toward their employees’ qualified educational loans between…

(May 7, 2020) As we continue to move into May, our communities step down their orders and open many business operations. On Monday, the City of Branson lessened restrictions and are using the State of Missouri Guidelines. On Thursday, the City of Springfield and Greene County further reduced the restrictions allowing gathering at churches, theaters,…

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), malicious cyber actors are taking advantage of public concern surrounding COVID-19 by conducting phishing attacks and disinformation campaigns. CISA is encouraging individuals to guard against COVID-19-related phishing attacks and disinformation campaigns by taking the following precautions: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and be wary…

May will be an important month in our continuing battle with COVID-19. Effective May 4th, Missouri Governor Parson updated our state order and we will begin a phased approach to reopening our state. The City of Springfield and Greene County also issued new orders effective May 4th. Here’s what to expect on May 4th and…

The employee-owners at Ollis/Akers/Arney, through their partnership with WellSteps and their ongoing commitment to wellness, invite you to join them on May 11th for the kickoff of their Sugar-Busters Campaign. The goal is to help raise awareness of making healthy choices regarding sugar intake. Campaign runs through June 14th. For more information, contact Cameron Black…

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on and passed the newest coronavirus aid bill, which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump, who indicated he will sign it into law quickly. What is included in the new bill? The bill…

“Change is the essence of life; be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.” - Reinhold Niebuhr