Author Archives: Erika Lutz

ReSource Pro Named to IAOP’s Global Outsourcing 100® List for the Fifth Time

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NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 17, 2014 – ReSource Pro, a leading provider of business process management solutions for the insurance industry, has been named for the fifth time to the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP) Global Outsourcing 100® list for 2014.

“ReSource Pro’s continued ranking on this respected international list is further validation of our professionalism and leading-edge efficiency solutions for the insurance industry,” said Dan Epstein, ReSource Pro CEO. “We’re honored to have our efforts recognized, and we continue to work to improve productivity growth across our clients operations.”

The 2014 Global Outsourcing 100 and The World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors recognizes the world’s best outsourcing service providers and advisors. These rankings are based on applications received and evaluated by an independent judging panel organized by IAOP. The 2013 panel is led by IAOP managing director of thought leadership, IAOP, Jagdish Dalal, COP and president of JDalal Associates, LLC.

“At a time when there is a growing need to outsource, The Global Outsourcing 100 and The World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors lists have become invaluable reference tools to help companies research service providers,” said Debi Hamill, IAOP CEO. “The companies named on these lists and sub lists have demonstrated their expertise following a rigorous, independently judged process and represent the top in the industry.”

About ReSource Pro
ReSource Pro LLC, a premier provider of business management process solutions, was named one of the top 100 global outsourcing companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, and has appeared on the Inc. magazine list of fastest growing US companies in the past five years. ReSource Pro is focused on productivity growth for more than 160 of its insurance business clients including retail and wholesale brokers, MGAs, program administrators, carriers, and TPA’s. For more information, please visit www.ReSourcePro.com.

About IAOP: The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) is the global, standard-setting organization and advocate for the outsourcing profession. With more than 120,000 members and affiliates worldwide, IAOP helps companies increase their outsourcing success rate, improve their outsourcing ROI, and expand the opportunities for outsourcing across their businesses. To learn more, visit http://www.IAOP.org.

The media contact for IAOP is:
Kate Tulloch-Hammond
IAOP Manager, Media & Communications
+1.845.452.0600, ext. 122
Kate.hammond@IAOP.org

About The Global Outsourcing 100
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) is in its eighth year of compiling its annual ranking of the world’s best outsourcing service providers and advisors – The Global Outsourcing 100. As part of The Global Outsourcing 100, IAOP also introduced a new list in 2009, The World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors.

The Global Outsourcing 100 and its sub-lists are essential references for companies seeking new and expanded relationships with the best companies in the industry. The lists include companies from around the world that provide the full spectrum of outsourcing services — not just information technology and business process outsourcing, but also facility services, real estate and capital asset management, manufacturing and logistics. They include not only today’s leaders, but tomorrow’s rising stars.
The World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors is geared specifically to companies that are outstanding global outsourcing advisors and consultants. In addition to being part of The Global Outsourcing 100, the new list of advisors ranks the top consultant, legal and related advisory firms globally, and is a valuable reference tool for companies needing expert advice and guidance with their outsourcing projects.
The Global Outsourcing 100 for service providers is composed of both today’s known leaders and tomorrow’s rising stars. The judging category of Leader or Rising Star is based on size criteria, which is a combination of yearly revenue and employee numbers set by the judging panel. The groups are judged separately. The final ranked list is composed of the top 75 Leaders and top 25 Rising Stars. The evaluation criteria is weighted to ensure that small to mid-size companies have as much of a chance to be selected as a large, recognized name. Consultants and advisors applying to the World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors list are judged together as a single list. The application process for both The Global Outsourcing 100 and the World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors mirrors the customers’ request for proposal (RFP) process in many ways. The application is composed of three required parts: Company Information, Company Profile and Evaluation Criteria. The first asks for basic contact and company information. The second allows companies to select their top services provided, industries served and regions where they provide services. These answers are used to qualify them for sub lists. The third part includes numerous questions broken into four sections — Size and Growth, Customer Satisfaction, Depth of Competence and Management Capabilities.

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Larissa Tosch Named Chief Information Officer of Glatfelter Insurance Group

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YORK, Pa., Jan. 6, 2014—Glatfelter Insurance Group (GIG), an all-lines, full-service insurance broker, today announced the promotion of Larissa Tosch to vice president/chief information officer (CIO). In this new role, Tosch is responsible for leading and overseeing GIG’s information technology infrastructure and staff, as well as application systems.

A GIG associate since August 1999, Tosch has worked through positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, most recently serving as applications director. In 2009, she began GIG’s PMO program and governance initiatives, and managed nearly all of the company’s insurance applications at various times.

She was previously manager of business systems and an application developer, and she has also worked closely with the GIG business unit. Tosch has a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science from Elizabethtown College and is currently pursuing an MBA at York College.

“We’re fortunate to have Larissa step up to this very important position,” said Anthony P. Campisi, president/CEO of GIG. “Her significant experience—in IT, insurance and at Glatfelter—makes her a perfect fit and we look forward to her contributions in the years ahead.”

Tosch assumed the role of vice president/CIO effective January 1, 2014. She replaces retiring CIO Wayne Umland, who held the position for 16 years.

About Glatfelter Insurance Group
Founded in 1951, Glatfelter Insurance Group (www.glatfelters.com) is an all-lines, full-service insurance broker marketing property, casualty, life, accident and health insurance products and risk management services on both a retail and wholesale/specialty basis throughout the United States. The company is headquartered in York, Pa., with five marketing offices across the country and a network of more than 4,500 independent agents and brokers. An employee-owned company, Glatfelter has more than 500 associates serving the insurance needs of more than 30,000 clients in all 50 states, placing it among the top 25 privately owned insurance brokers in the U.S.

Ecopax Introduces New To-Go Paper Container Line

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Athena collection offers food service providers customization options, quality

EASTON, Pa. —Jan. 6, 2014— Ecopax Inc., a leading manufacturer of single-use plates and takeout containers based in the Lehigh Valley, today introduces its Athena paper container product line. Acutely aware of foodservice operators’ needs in today’s competitive marketplace, this product line strikes a balance among end-user experience, performance and aesthetic appeal.

The Athena line differs from many round paper containers currently in the marketplace by avoiding the high, bucket-shaped walls that detract from the end-user experience. The Athena line’s lower-wall design results in consumers enjoying the familiar experience of eating out of a bowl rather than trying to eat out of a bucket.

The Athena line is suitable for both cold and hot meals. Salads are well presented through the crystal clear lid, which is also vented to insure hot foods remain fresh. Moreover, Ecopax engineered the rim of the containers to securely snap shut, resulting in a secure fit that prevents leakage.

Custom printing is another feature of the Athena line. Multi-color graphics and QR codes are an essential channel to connect with customers. Foodservice operators can leverage the feature for branding, post-purchase advertising and promotions.

“Great packaging enhances customer satisfaction,” said Christina Wong, vice president of operations for Ecopax. “Our new paper containers offer performance and aesthetics. They are the perfect substitution to monochromatic plastic packages. Our customers will be able to better engage their end-users through customized messaging.”

The Athena line is available in three sizes — 24oz., 32 oz. and 48 oz. Ecopax also offers Athena line with a microwave safe feature.

ABOUT ECOPAX
Ecopax is a leading manufacturer of single-use takeout containers and consumer tabletop ware that are made with foam, paper and plastic designed to accommodate a variety of needs in the food service and consumer industries. For more information, please call (484) 546-0700 or visit EcopaxInc.com.

Health Care Council of the Lehigh Valley Awarded $276,000

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Grant from Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust Funds Effort to Measure, Improve Community Health

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Dec. 16, 2013 – The Health Care Council of the Lehigh Valley (HCCLV) today announced it received a grant of $276,000 from The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust. The 18-month grant will provide funding through May 2015 to support the HCCLV’s charge to assess and measurably improve the health of the Lehigh Valley’s citizens.

The HCCLV membership is comprised of the Allentown Health Bureau, Bethlehem Health Bureau, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, KidsPeace Mental Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sacred Heart Healthcare System, St. Luke’s University Health Network and The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust.

“By bringing together the expertise and resources of the region’s health care systems in a common cause under the HCCLV umbrella, we intend to create a demonstrable, sustained and positive impact on the health of the residents of the Lehigh Valley,” said Ronald C. Dendas, Program Officer for the Pool Trust.

In 2013, the HCCLV completed a Community Health Needs Assessment for the Lehigh Valley, as required by the U.S. Affordable Care Act. As part of that assessment, HCCLV identified the leading causes of death and illness in the community that can be improved by better access to care, promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors, addressing social causes of health and health disparities and enhancing the collection and dissemination of health information.

The grant will be used by HCCLV to fund a Youth Risk Behavior Assessment, engage with communities and their leaders, and hire a project manager who will coordinate services and resources of its member organizations. The project manager will also oversee several planned community-based participatory research projects and assessments, including developing the framework for the 2016 Community Health Assessment. In addition, the HCCLV will seek community communications assistance to aid in maximizing community engagement and sharing the group’s progress with the greater Lehigh Valley.

ABOUT HCCLV
The Health Care Council of the Lehigh Valley (HCCLV) was formed to assess the health of the citizens of the Lehigh Valley as well as to create a plan for broadly improving the health of those within the community. HCCLV coordinates the efforts of member health care organizations that include Allentown Health Bureau, Bethlehem Health Bureau, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, KidsPeace Mental Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sacred Heart Healthcare System, St. Luke’s University Health Network and The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust.

Glatfelter Expands Private and Charter School Program

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York, Pa. – December 3, 2013 – Glatfelter Public Practice (GPP) today announced the expansion of its private and charter school insurance program with specialized coverage for private schools, charter schools and select religious schools. The program is now available in 38 states for eligible private and religious schools and in 27 states for eligible charter schools.

Written through Zurich, rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best, the program has no minimum premium and is specifically designed for private and charter schools typically smaller than other educational institutions written through GPP. It includes coverage for schools that have dormitories for student housing.

“Glatfelter has underwritten educational institutions for more than 30 years, and the number of charter schools is growing as a result of educational reform and parents’ demand for options and private schools typically represent a fairly stable market niche,” said Mark McCrary, president of Glatfelter Public Practice. “Our program is differentiated not only by our experienced and dedicated educational underwriting team, but also by the fast, easy application process and enhanced commission for agents and brokers.”

The program features property, inland marine, equipment breakdown, crime, general liability, educators’ legal liability including employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, and umbrella. Student accident, environmental impairment liability and cyber liability may also be included. It has 25 property enhancements, 12 general liability enhancements and 16 automobile enhancements specially designed for educational institutions.

Please visit the GPP website for eligible states.

Agents and brokers seeking more information should call 888-855-4782 or visit www.GlatfelterPublicPractice.com.

About Glatfelter Program Managers (GPM)
GPM (www.glatfelters.com/specialty_insurance_programs.asp) is a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business. Based in York, Pa., GPM is one of the premier managers and recognized specialists of niche markets in the country. GPM manages and markets several specialty programs, including Glatfelter Public Practice for educational institutions, municipalities, independent school bus contractors and water/sewer entities; VFIS for fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads, and 911 centers; Glatfelter Healthcare Practice for skilled care, assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), personal care and group homes, hospice, home health care agencies and other private homecare agencies; and Glatfelter Religious Practice for churches, synagogues and other religious institutions.

Ecopax Announces Hiring Efforts Following Plant Expansion

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Easton-based Manufacturer Invests $6 Million in Infrastructure, New Hires

EASTON, Pa. —Nov. 19, 2013— Ecopax Inc., a leading manufacturer of single-use plates and takeout containers based in the Lehigh Valley, today announces the completion of a $3.7 million equipment and facilities expansion that will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and add 15 new full-time employees.

The new equipment includes one 12-ton thermoformer and one 19-ton extruder, both expected to operate at full capacity by year’s end. Additionally, six new storage silos were installed, near the Easton location’s two existing storage silos, adding to the manufacturer’s storage and production capabilities. This new equipment follows a $2.15 million, 75,000 square foot building expansion completed in 2012.

According to Christina Wong, vice president of operations for Ecopax, the plant expansion, new equipment and storage will increase Ecopax’s manufacturing capacity of single-use food containers and consumer tabletop ware by 50 percent.

“Although we were founded in 2007, the company really began to grow in 2010 and we have continued to grow rapidly,” Wong explained. “Our customizable product line of single-use foam, paper and plastic products are attractive to food service organizations and supermarkets, as well as their customers.”

Wong said Ecopax management has begun interviewing for the 15 new full-time positions, with at least two of those roles being in management. She said she hopes to have filled all 15 positions before the end of the calendar year.

ABOUT ECOPAX
Ecopax is a leading manufacturer of single-use takeout containers and consumer tabletop ware that are made with foam, paper and plastic designed to accommodate a variety of needs in the food service and consumer industries. For more information, please call (484) 546-0700 or visit EcopaxInc.com.

NAPCO Reports Flat Pricing Trends for Property-Catastrophe Market

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Lower pricing is offered only to select accounts as insurers maintain underwriting discipline and avoid across-the-board discounts, says State of the Market Report

Iselin, N.J. — November 4, 2013 — Despite a well-capitalized insurance market, the price of property-catastrophe insurance is surprisingly flat as insurers resist competitive pressure, maintain underwriting discipline and offer lower prices only to select accounts. This is according to the fall 2013 issue of the biannual report State of the Market: NAPCO Property Catastrophe Insights from wholesale insurance broker NAPCO.

Combining broker insight and analysis of property-catastrophe indicators, this report examines industry performance, catastrophe losses and the outlook for the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014. Key findings include:
•Despite $600 million in policyholders’ surplus, insurers are only lowering prices for select accounts with good loss histories—not offering across the board discounts.
•Insurers are maintaining underwriting discipline and resisting pressure to underprice accounts because of the influence of catastrophe models, low interest rates, increased accountability from ratings agencies and other factors.
•Low catastrophe losses have helped insurers report very strong results for the first quarter of 2013, with a 43 percent increase in net income to $24.5 billion.
•Frame habitational market still struggles with prices spiking and insurers exiting market.
•Hailstorm claims were up 84 percent in 2012, so insurers are imposing percentage deductibles for Midwest wind and hail coverage.

“A combination of trends appears to be leading to flatter insurance cycles and we are cautioning buyers to temper expectations about lower prices,” said David Pagoumian, CEO/President of NAPCO. “Rather than responding to market spikes and dips, insurers are considering the individual merits of each account. Broad downward pressure on rates is inconsistent with our experience.”

This smoothing out of market cycles is traceable to a few trends, which the report highlights in detail. Catastrophe models are getting better a predicting large losses, so rating agencies have pressured insurers to avoid discounting too steeply. At the same time, insurers cannot raise prices when major incidents—like Hurricane Sandy—fail to impact the well-capitalized market.

Download the full NAPCO Insights Fall 2013.

About NAPCO — NAPCO (www.napcollc.com) is a leading wholesale broker of commercial property insurance coverage, providing retail agents and brokers with an efficient, single-source independent marketing arm for difficult placements that have significant exposure. The company utilizes in-depth research and sophisticated risk modeling to implement coverage and cost-effective programs. Headquartered in Iselin, N.J., NAPCO provides access to the global insurance market, including major and specialty domestic carriers, excess and surplus lines markets, reinsurers and international providers.

ProWriters Offers Instant, Online Quoting and Binding for Small Business Insurance

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Agents and brokers can quote and bind coverage quickly online and over mobile devices

West Chester, Pa. — October 28, 2013 — ProWriters (www.prowritersins.com) is now providing agents and brokers access to instant, online quoting and binding for small business professional liability insurance with general liability and/or a Business Owners Policy (BOP).

Quotes for small business risks can be accessed from an online portal on computer, tablet or phone, and agents and brokers can bind small business in minutes wherever they are, backed by full call center support. ProWriters’ professional liability, general liability and business owners insurance is targeted to small businesses in marketing, IT, architecture, engineering, interior design, beauty and health, real estate and other select industries.

“We believe in simple solutions and are excited to give our agents access to fast and easy options for their small business customers,” said Brian Thornton, president of ProWriters. “Our agents now have quick access to tailored coverage at competitive rates from an “A” rated carrier that is known for paying covered claims and paying them promptly.”

The online portal features:
•Policy documents within minutes of binding.
•Most policies are automatically renewed.
•Servicing and policy support provided by licensed advisors.
•Policy premium rates start as low as $22.50 per month with a 14-day money back guarantee and a no-fee payment plan.
•Credit card payment is accepted online or over the phone.
•Coverage available for some classes with revenues up to $3 million; limits up to $2 million.
•If a client grows out of the program, the account is referred back to the agent or broker.

Coverage for this program is underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., rated “A” by A.M. Best Company.

About ProWriters
ProWriters (www.prowritersins.com) is a Managing General Underwriter specializing in Professional and Management Liability Insurance. The company offers simple solutions to agents and brokers for D&O, E&O, EPLI, Crime, and Cyber & Privacy Liability products, as well as tailored risk management services.

Innovative Office Products Offers POS Monitor Mount Solutions

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EASTON, Pa. – Oct. 22, 2013 – Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) is serving the retail and other Point-of-Service (POS) markets with a new monitor and tablet stand as well as a monitor mount solution, both being ideal for a host of retail environments.

“Retailers, and really any customer-service-styled environment, are always looking to improve their POS engagements,” said Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “Our products provide both heavy and light duty solutions for mounting monitors or tablets, providing flexibility and ease of use for consumers at the point of service.”

Innovative’s monitor stand, Model 9231, offers an ideal, durable solution for POS, digital signage, kiosk and retail environments. Standing 42-inches in height with a 12-inch base, Model 9231 supports monitors, iPads or tablets weighing up to 10 lbs.

Model 9232 provides a light duty solution for all of the aforementioned environments, as well as office spaces. Providing an integrated mount handle for easy set-up, the desk or table-top mounted Model 9232 also supports monitors or tablets weighing 10 lbs. or less.

Both products offer up to 100 degrees of monitor tilt for adjustable visibility as well as integrated cable management to keep sales floors safe and desktops clutter-free

The monitor stand and table-top mount are both available to order through Innovative Office Products website, or by calling (800) 524-2744.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) blends function and style that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative office mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desk and wall.

Health Care Council of Lehigh Valley Chooses Kimball Communications

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Collective of five hospital systems hires PR agency for strategic communications project

EASTON, Pa. — The Health Care Council of Lehigh Valley (HCC), consisting of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, KidsPeace Mental Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sacred Heart HealthCare System, St. Luke’s University Health Network,
and the Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust, has hired Kimball Communications to develop a strategic communications plan related to the group’s recently completed Joint Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment was required as a provision of the U.S. Affordable Care Act.

The 18-year-old Lehigh Valley agency will work with HCC to create a communications framework to best serve the goals of the assessment. Those goals include coordinating the resources of the five health systems around pressing community health needs and identifying the most effective means of informing and educating those communities.

“Communicating the findings of the Health Needs Assessment is of critical importance to our region,” explained Ron Dendas, a spokesperson for the Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust, which is funding the communications project. “Bringing an agency like Kimball Communications in to identify resources, streamline communication among our partners and ensure our communities are reached is vital to the success of this joint effort. This will allow HCC to focus on better health, while Kimball Communications focuses on the most effective means to reach our communities.”

“For nearly two decades our agency has worked in health care communications, and our team is honored HCC selected us as their partner,” said Gary Kimball, president of Kimball Communications. “HCC’s work will play a key role in promoting a stronger, healthier Lehigh Valley, and Kimball Communications is eager to help in that effort.”

About Kimball Communications
Kimball Communications (www.kimballpr.com) is a results-driven, public relations agency dedicated to serving the individual public relations needs of every client. Founded in 1995, the agency provides innovative public relations and social media solutions to a national client base. Visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kimballpr) or on Twitter (@kimballpr).