America's Benefit Specialist October 2023

ensure healthcare options are clearly and thoroughly con veyed to Asian seniors across of all backgrounds. “Part of Asian culture is showing respect for and taking care of your elders,” shared Jimmy Lee, president of Commu nity Care Agency. “Through this partnership, we can better serve our seniors and expand into those communities that need our assistance.” Additionally, Integrity has partnered with Ballard & Asso ciates, an IMO based in Cicero, New York, and led by Aaron Ballard, president. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. Focused primarily on the senior market, Ballard & Asso ciates provides Medicare products as well as life insurance and final expense. A former karate instructor, Ballard brings the foundational black belt principles of modesty, courtesy, self-control, integrity and perseverance into his insurance practice. Founded in 2008, Ballard has grown to serve thou sands of Americans not just in New York, but throughout the country with their insurance needs. ACQUISITION EXPANDS NFP’S HEALTH BENEFITS OFFERINGS AND PRESENCE IN THE NORTHEAST NFP has acquired Hafetz & Associates LLC. Based in Linwood, New Jersey, Hafetz is a general agent specializing in provid ing health benefits, products and services to businesses and individuals. The acquisition closed on June 16. Scott Hafetz, the firm’s president and CEO, will join NFP and report to Kate Henry, co-president of NFP’s Northeast region. “We’re very excited to welcome Scott and his entire team to NFP,” said Henry. “Adding Hafetz is a great strategic move as it helps us expand our health benefits capabilities, expertise and relationships in the Northeast and will add tremendous value to our clients.” Hafetz offers employee health products and services, in cluding employee benefits, Medicare, worksite disability, life, and other group and individual health insurance solutions. NFP has also acquired the employee benefits solutions business of FinTrust Insurance and Benefits Inc., a subsidi ary of United Community Banks. Based in Orlando, FinTrust provides sophisticated financial products and a wide array of

business services to employer groups and individuals across the state of Florida. Cindi Johnston, former FinTrust vice president of Employ ee Benefits, joins NFP’s Florida Group Benefits operation and reports to Sarah Wollschleger, NFP’s South Florida benefits market leader. The acquisition closed on May 24. Established in 1973, FinTrust specializes in insurance solu tions, employee benefits and corporate retirement plans. The acquired employee benefits solutions business provides product-neutral, needs-based employee benefits plans and programs that enhance clients’ business operations, com plement retention efforts and simplify the complexities of benefits administration. SIG REBRANDS TO ALERA GROUP SIG, an employee benefits consultant delivering innovative and cost-effective insurance solutions, is changing its cor porate branding to Alera Group. SIG was started in 1999 and became one of the founding firms of Alera Group in 2017. “The rebrand to Alera Group is the next step in an exciting chapter of our company,” says Richard Silberstein, managing director of the Mid-Atlantic Region at Alera Group. “This next step ultimately benefits our clients by allowing us to provide the best of both worlds, meaning we will continue to offer the resources of a national firm combined with the personal ized experience of a local partner. With Alera Group’s deeply collaborative culture, we are able to leverage the national ca pabilities and experience within the firm’s 185 offices under one unified brand while continuing to support our clients’ business strategies and elevate the client experience. Continues Silberstein, “In addition to the benefits our clients will realize from the rebrand, it will also allow our firm greater opportunities for succession and growth. Alera will provide a pathway for SIG, and the other member compa nies, to grow beyond our own capabilities while still prioritiz ing the needs of the client.” The company’s nearly 70 employees will continue to sup port the business and remain headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The company currently serves more than 400 corporate clients in 45 states.

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