Health Plan Week Finds Cigna Corp. CEO Had the Highest Total Compensation Package of Any Publicly Traded Health Insurer CEO in 2011

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 20, 2012

With more than $ 9.3 million in non-equity incentive pay, Cigna Corp. CEO David Cordani had the highest total compensation package of any publicly traded health insurer CEO in 2011, according to Health Plan Weeks (HPW) annual analysis of proxy statements filed in March and April with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

According to Cignas proxy statement, Cordani raked in just over $ 19 million, a 25.4% increase from his 2010 compensation. That year, he ranked No. 2 in total compensation among publicly traded health plan operators. While his 2011 salary remained unchanged at $ 1 million, Cordani earned $ 5.8 million in stock awards, $ 2.6 million in option awards and $ 9.3 million in non-equity incentive compensation.

Cigna based 91% of Cordanis 2011 target pay on performance, Cigna spokesperson Gloria Barone Rosanio tells HPW, adding that the compensation was within the competitive range of other large health insurers. The structure of Cordanis pay package demonstrates how health plan executives are receiving a growing percentage of their compensation through incentive-based pay, a change that is leaving insurers open to criticism as premiums go up for members.

Go to http://aishealth.com/archive/nhpw041612-01 to read this article in its entirety, which also includes a table detailing the total compensation for 11 health plan CEOs in 2011. The table shows that most other health plan CEOs also saw their compensation rise in 2011.

Health Plan Week is the nations #1 source of timely, objective business, financial and regulatory news of the health insurance industry. Published since 1991, the 8-page weekly features valuable insights and strategies for health plan managers and others who must monitor the activities and performance of health insurers. Coverage includes new benefit designs and underwriting practices, new products and marketing strategies, mergers and alliances, financial performance and results, Medicare and Medicaid opportunities, disease management, and the flood of reform-driven regulatory initiatives including medical loss ratios, exchanges, ACOs and myriad benefit design changes that are mandated.

About AIS

AIS develops highly targeted news, data and strategies for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. Learn more at http://www.AISHealth.com.

James T Noble Announces “The Pumpkin Plan” Book Giveaway Supporting Small Business

Posted on June 28, 2012 by admin

London, UK (PRWEB) June 21, 2012

Small business marketing consultant James Noble today announced his support for the forthcoming release of new business-growth book “The Pumpkin Plan.”

“The Pumpkin Plan” is written by best-selling author, Wall Street Journal online columnist and serial entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz and is released by Penguin Books’ Portfolio imprint on July 5th, 2012. For a limited time, Mr Noble is giving away free hardcover copies to small business owners who are seeking a clear strategy for growing their organization.

The book takes readers step by step through a simple but effective strategy for growing a business in any industry and is based on Michalowiczs personal experiences as an entrepreneur. Mike used the same strategies as pumpkin farmers to transform his own company into a specialized multi-million dollar firm.

Talking about the book, James Noble said, “I’ve read a preview copy and its excellent, straight-talking advice from a fellow business-owner thats grown multiple companies to the million dollar level and beyond.”

“The book describes how you don’t need to do more; you just need to do things differently. It guides you through Mikes unconventional marketing and management strategies, as well as useful assessments to help you grow a company,” James explains.

“The Pumpkin Plan is a humorous but powerful at the same time,” he added. “It’s exactly the advice I give to my clients.”

Availability

“The Pumpkin Plan” is published by Portfolio on July 5th 2012. A limited number of copies are available free or charge James Noble’s website http://www.JamesTNoble.com/pumpkin-plan.

About The Book

“The Pumpkin Plan” uses the analogy of pumpkin growing to demonstrate how small businesses can rapidly and effectively grow.

– Plant the right seeds: Dont waste your time with a lot of ideas that may or may not work. Instead, identify the one idea that has the best chance of success and focus all of your attention, money and time on it.

– Get rid of the losers: In a pumpkin patch, small, rotten pumpkins stunt the growth of the robust and healthy ones. The same is true of your customers. Figure out which customers add the most value and provide the most opportunities for sustained growth. Then ditch the rest of them.

– Nurture the winners: Once you figure out who your best customers are, take care of them. Ask them for feedback on how you can serve them better and over deliver in everything you do.

About James Noble

James T Noble has helped some of the worlds largest brands and companies market their products and services online, including Virgin, Walt Disney Corporation, Coca Cola, Paramount Pictures and many others.

James lives in the UK and works with small business owners worldwide to accelerate their growth through effective online marketing.

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Estate Plan Attorney, Lee Phillips, Announces Tax Tips Program to Help Americans Know The Tax Deductions and Tax Loopholes They Can Use To Fight the Obama Tax Plan

Posted on June 27, 2012 by admin

Siesta Key, FL (PRWEB) June 20, 2012

Using tax deductions, tax loopholes, and good tax tips are about all middle class Americans can do to fight the Obama tax plan, according to Lee Phillips, attorney and tax planning author.

In spite of all the rhetoric, the Obama tax plan is already in place. It will hit on January 1, 2013 with the largest tax increase in history, according to GOP leaders in congress.

“This would be, without any exaggeration, the largest tax increase in American history,” said a May 17 letter from 41 Republican senators to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Get these tax tips to counteract the tax increase

In a speech last Thursday, Obama said. At stake is not simply a choice between two candidates or two political parties, but between two paths for our country.

Actually, the path of an Obama tax plan is already set and it is going to be a real shock to most Americans, says Phillips.

The President and Occupy Wall Street movement have routinely said that those making an adjusted gross income above $ 250,000 per year should pay more taxes. The tax increases coming in 2013 will affect almost everyone trying to make a living, not just those making over $ 250,000.

Don’t get stuck with this tax increase. Visit our site to learn more.

The temporary payroll tax holiday, that has given every employee more money in 2011 and 2012, will expire, costing the average family an additional $ 1,000 a year. Obamacare will kick in, the tax increases passed to justify the debt ceiling will start, and the Bush tax cuts will expire.

The bottom line is the average family is looking at over $ 4,000 in increased taxes next year.

Theres not much anyone can do about the tax increases, however anyone can take advantage of tax deductions. In fact, a lot of CPA’s and tax preparers just plug in the numbers, said Phillips. Take advantage of every tax deduction and tax loophole, he continued.

Businesses have more tax deduction options than individual tax payers; so many people are starting small businesses in order to take advantage of the tax planning options available to businesses.

Phillips said that anyone can use a small business, but there are tax tips that can be used without a business. There are basically 11 tax shelters left in the IRS Code, and most people dont have any idea how to use most of them, he said.

Top White House adviser David Plouffe insisted on CNN Sunday that taxes have been cut for the middle class.

In light of the tax increases that are coming, any tax decreases will be swallowed up. It isnt even reasonable to say that people will be paying fewer taxes than they were under Bush, Phillips insists.

If tax payers want any relief, they have got to take matters into their own hands and take the initiative now, he said.

LegaLees Corporation announced that they have put together a set of practical tax strategies that almost every middle class American can use. They claim that the average tax payer should be able to save ten percent in their taxes next year, just by knowing the tax strategies most accountants never discuss with their clients.

Phillips points out that for many people that will be over $ 1,000 a year.

Download these tax tips here.

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How B2B Marketers Can Develop A Better Social Media Plan This Fall

Posted on June 27, 2012 by admin

How B2B Marketers Can Develop A Better Social Media Plan This Fall
As B2B marketers assess the strengths and weaknesses of their SEO programs so far this year, the relationship with social media marketing must come into focus. As I wrote in a column last year, 66% of organizations with a formal SEO process were …
Read more on Search Engine Land

Internet Marketing Ninjas Welcomes Former Pepperjam CEO Kristopher Jones …
â€œHis business expertise and SEO perspective will bring a new dimension to IMN and help us reach a new level of excellence.â€ As Chairman of Internet Marketing Ninjas, Jones will advise the company regarding overall business strategy, including M&A …
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Real Estate SEO the Wrong Way
Every real estate agent wants to be at the top of a Google search. But many Realtors don't have time or simply don't understand the ins and outs of search engine optimization. Perhaps you are familiar with S.E.O. basics such as keyword placement, Meta …
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New Report: 70% of Businesses Plan to Hire 2012 College Graduates in Coming Year

Posted on June 25, 2012 by admin

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2012

A new national survey of businesses released today offers 2012 college graduates promising news: 70% of businesses plan to hire 2012 graduates in the coming year, with only 11% of those companies saying that they plan to hire less graduates than they did in 2011. In addition, companies are optimistic about economic conditions, as only 15% say conditions are worse than they were 6 months ago and only 9% expect conditions to be worse in 6 months.

The survey, which was released by the Academy of Art University and CALinnovates, was released at the Academy of Arts Annual Spring Show, where hundreds of business executives convene on campus to meet with students about potential job opportunities and review their portfolios of work.

Key findings from the economic survey include:

70% of respondents say their companies are planning to hire new graduates in the coming year and among those hiring, 26% plan to hire more than last year. 21% of respondents say their companies will hire more than 10 new graduates, and another 11% will hire 5-10 new graduates. Only 11% say they will hire fewer recent graduates this year than last.

55% of respondents are optimistic about the future of conditions in their industries. Another 37% say they expect economic conditions to be the same, and only 9% expect conditions to be worse.

Only 15% of businesses say conditions in their industries are worse than six months ago. 42% of business executives report that economic conditions are better while 43% say conditions are the same as six months ago.

One third of respondents (32%) say they find creative ability extremely valuable, and another 48% consider creative ability as a somewhat valuable quality in potential new employees.

Over three quarters of employers consider collaborative team experience as valuable in new employees (33% consider it an extremely valuable skill).

EMC Research conducted the national survey of C-level executives, management and supervisor-level representatives of companies from a wide selection of industries around the country.

Businesses are ready to hire, and that is promising news for the class of 2012, said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of Academy of Art University. Todays job market is extremely competitive, as companies have many great candidates to choose from and are looking for graduates with hands-on experience and the skills to come in and contribute on day one. That is the heart of the Academy of Arts curriculum, and we are very excited about the opportunities that are available for the class of 2012.

In addition to the national survey, EMC Research conducted a survey of executives from 96 Bay Area technology companies that asked the same questions. The key findings include:

86% of respondents report that their companies plan to hire new graduates in the coming year. Among the companies hiring new graduates, 64% plan to hire more new graduates than last year.

64% of Bay Area company respondents report that economic conditions in their industry are better than they were six months ago. In addition, 58% think that their industrys economy will be better six months from now.

Creative ability is considered extremely valuable by 41% of respondents, and another 50% consider it somewhat valuable (total 91% valuable).

70% of companies are likely to hire job-seekers with education or background in Web design (33% very likely and 36% somewhat) and 55% are likely to hire those with education or background in graphic design (27% very likely and 28% somewhat).

97% of companies that are directly involved in the arts are likely to hire employees with an arts background and 67% of Bay Area companies that are not involved in the arts say they are likely to hire full-time employees or consultants with arts backgrounds or education.

“The Bay Area is the world’s leading innovation economy,” said Mike Montgomery, executive director of CALinnovates. “It’s not by accident that innovation, quality higher education institutions and economic opportunity have clustered here in the Bay Area. To tap into the potential of all this region has to offer, our workforce needs a 21st century education to compete in the 21st digital economy.”

To receive a copy of the full report, please contact Lisa Cohen at lisa(at)lisacohen(dot)org. Executives from some of the most innovative companies in the world, including Zynga, Cartoon Network, Pixar, Apple, Lucasfilm, DreamWorks, and Electronic Arts, will be in San Francisco attending the Academy of Art Spring Show throughout the day on May 23 — as well as students and instructors and they are available to share their reactions to the data.

Responses to the survey were collected from May 8 through 10, 2012. A total of 307 U.S. employers completed the national survey. For more information, contact Lisa Cohen at 310-395-2544.

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Virtuous Idea Takes Knoxville Chamber Business Plan Crown, Pushes Toward Future

Posted on June 24, 2012 by admin

Knoxville, Tennessee (PRWEB) June 15, 2012

Judges crowned Mark Wassenaar, the founder of Virtuous Products, Inc. as the winner of this years Whats the Big Idea!? Business Plan Competition Thursday night, sponsored by Rodefer Moss & Co.

Virtuous Products has developed a unique material that is ideal for flooring, counter tops, and outdoor casual furniture called Sedonite. Using recycled glass, Sedonite offers the strength and look of resin or cement-based competitors but at a much lower cost.

We were impressed by all the entrepreneurs who took part in this competition, Todd Napier, executive vice president of The Development Corporation of Knox County and co-presenter of the program with the Knoxville Chamber and Tech20/20 said. Virtuous Products shows an enormous amount of promise and the judges indicated they expect big things from the start-up in the years to come.

Virtuous Products started in the competition in April by submitting a simple business plan. From there, each of the 12 quarter-finalist companies attended a series of Idea Launch seminars with a focus on solidifying business plans in a format that would entice investors. In all, Virtuous Products survived four rounds of judging that included both written summaries and in-person presentations. Wassenaar is a Lenoir City resident and would like to start manufacturing operations in Knox County.

DineTouch, a start-up that allows restaurant patrons to order food directly from their smartphone and LineShark, a start-up offering professional audio input and output to any mobile device, provided worthy competition as finalists.

Ive been in manufacturing my whole life. I try to get out but it just keeps coming back because there is so much creativity involved. I literally lie awake at night thinking of new ideas, Mark Wassenaar, the founder and CEO of Virtuous Products said. This competition, even if I didnt win, it would have been an unbelievable opportunity because the competition really helped me along the way.

Wassenaar has plans to use the prize money to purchase a glass crusher, which will allow him to take recycled beer bottles and smash them into a sand-like consistency. From there, his company takes the material and can put it into a molding with a proprietary bonding agent that creates a faux stone surface that is as strong and less expensive than most competitors on the market today.

In all, Virtuous Products wins a prize package that includes:

Syrian Expatriates Calls Upon the UNSC to Authorize Humanitarian Intervention for the Protection of Syrian Civilians in Light of Failing of the Annan’s Peace Plan

Posted on June 13, 2012 by admin

MI, USA (PRWEB) April 12, 2012

Syrian Expatriates reiterates the Syrian National Councils

Nationwide Business Plan Survey Reveals Surprising Insights

Posted on May 29, 2012 by admin

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

In a nationwide survey of individuals planning to start a business, 28.8% of all respondents indicated a desire to clarify their own ideas as being their primary motivation for writing a business plan. This response was selected more than any other reason for writing a business plan. Given the survey results, the notion of entrepreneurs as being risk takers should be reconsidered. In fact, most entrepreneurs go to great lengths to assess risks and take a critical look at their own ideas before making a decision about whether or not to actually start a business.

Conventional wisdom suggests that the number one reason to write a business plan is to apply for a loan. The survey results showed that is actually the third most sited reason. Just 19.6% of respondents indicated that their intention to apply for a loan was their primary motivation for writing a business plan.

The survey was conducted among individuals using Google , Bing and Yahoo search engines to look for assistance with how to write a business plan. The number one search term was business plan template, suggesting that participants were seeking structured, efficient means of putting their own ideas through the paces of a traditional business planning process. The survey prompt and full results are provided below.

“The reason I am writing a business plan is to: ”

Clarify my own ideas for myself:

Delaware Insurance Commissioner Candidate Paul Gallagher Announces 10-Point Insurance Improvement Plan

Posted on May 19, 2012 by admin

Wilmington, DE (PRWEB) April 24, 2012

Insurance Commissioner candidate Paul Gallagher announced today a 10-point plan to greatly benefit Delaware insurance consumers. Pauls major campaign announcement comes on the heels of a recent internal poll conducted by his campaign showing that over 52 percent of Democratic voters are undecided on who should be the partys nominee for Insurance Commissioner.

Paul Gallagher, an insurance executive and newcomer to politics, is upbeat by the poll results. He states, With incumbent Commissioner Karen Stewart in the race, along with politicians Mitch Crane and Dennis Spivack, this is excellent news for my campaign. It is clear voters are turning away from establishment candidates. As a political newcomer and an experienced insurance professional, I represent the right alternative and much needed choice for Delaware Insurance Commissioner. The poll also shows that incumbent Insurance Commissioner Karen Stewart has only the support of one out of five Democratic voters.

Paul Gallagher proposes a 10-Point Insurance Improvement Plan that he pledges to put into place as soon as elected. My 10-Point plan includes very important changes that are geared to benefit Delaware insurance consumers immediately, he says. Following is a summary of Pauls 10-Point Insurance Improvement Plan.

1. Credit Scoring Rehabilitation Program – Protection for insured with poor credit score.

2. Individual Health Insurance – Five percent rate cap increase on individual plans.

3. Seniors Help Hotline – New office within the Consumer Affairs Division to help seniors.

4. Military/Veterans – Policy rating protection for deployed military personnel.

5. Fairness in Rating Plan – Automatic lower policy rate pursuant to policyholder eligibility.

6. Increased Oversight of Online Insurance Purchasing – Better consumer protection.

7. Universal Insurance Validation System – Insurance companies to be linked to DMV.

8. Tie-in Sales – No change in coverage or deductibles without express consent of insured.

9. Emergency Planning & Response – Response plan requirement for insurance firms.

10. Modernization of Auto insurance ID Cards – Issuance of plastic swipe-cards.

More details are available on Pauls campaign website GallagherForCommissioner.com.

As an insurance agent, manager and owner for nearly 30 years, Paul Gallagher possesses the leadership and administrative skills necessary to oversee one of the state’s most important agencies. Gallagher, 57, is a lifelong Delaware resident. He holds a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Delaware.

Contact:

Media inquiries: info(at)gallagherforcommissioner(dot)com

Campaign phone: 302.650.0003

Campaign website: GallagherForCommissioner.com

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IRA Financial Group Introduces Free Plan Administration Services With its Solo 401(K) Plan

Posted on May 18, 2012 by admin

Miami, FL (PRWEB) May 11, 2012

IRA Financial Group, the leading provider of solo 401(k) Plans, introduces free plan administration services for its solo 401K plan clients. With IRA Financial Groups Solo 401K Plan, sole proprietorships or small business owners with no full-time employees can have their own retirement plan without having to pay annual plan administration fees. Our solo 401(k) Plan clients are able to serve as trustee and plan administrator of their own retirement plans, stated Adam Bergman, a tax attorney with the IRA Financial Group. Because a Solo 401(k) Plan has no employees it is not governed by the ERISA rules, which makes administering ones own plan fairly easy, stated Mr. Bergman.

The Solo 401K Plan, also known as an individual 401K was initially created to provide sole proprietorships and small business owners with no full-time employees with an easy and cost effective retirement program. The IRS did not want small business owners to have spend considerable time or waste resources on complying with numerous administrative rules and regulations with respect to their retirement plan. From a Solo 401K plan administrator standpoint, the solo 401(k) Plan is easy to operate. There is generally no annual filing requirement unless the solo 401(k) Plan exceeds $ 250,000 in assets, in which case one will need to file a short information return with the IRS (Form 5500-EZ). In other words, if a solo 401(k) Plan has less than $ 250,000 in asset value, the Plan would not be required to file the annual IRS Form 5500EZ.

For Solo 401(k) Plans that have assets with a value in excess of $ 250,000, the plan administrator is required to file the IRS Form 5500-EZ. The tax professionals at the IRA Financial Group will help clients complete the IRS Form 5500EZ as well as offer tax support with respect to any questions on the plan making serving as plan administrator safe and easy. By using our solo 401(k) Plans, our clients are able to save hundreds of dollars each year in administrative fees, stated Maria Ritsi, a paralegal with the IRA Financial Group.

The IRA Financial Group was founded by a group of top law firm tax and ERISA lawyers who have worked at some of the largest law firms in the United States, such as White & Case LLP and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.

IRA Financial Group is the markets leading Checkbook Control Self Directed IRA and Solo 401k Plan Facilitator. We have helped thousands of clients take back control over their retirement funds while gaining the ability to invest in almost any type of investment, including real estate tax-free and without custodian consent!

To learn more about the IRA Financial Group please visit our website at http://www.irafinancialgroup.com or call 800-472-0646.