Bill Bade of Sydney Consulting Most Recent HVBA Advisory Board Member

Mount Laurel, NJ – December 15th, 2022 – Today, the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® announces the appointment of Bill Bade, President of Sydney Consulting, to the Advisory Board of Directors of the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®.

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) held their 15th Annual Meeting on November 30th, 2022, at the new Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront Philadelphia. During the board meeting, the Executive & Advisory Joint Board made several decisions relative to the direction of our 2023 strategy for our members. Given the climate of the U.S. increased cost of healthcare and the financial gaps employee face, our goals are in line with making disruptive industry change, educating brokers and employers alike to find ways to save money for both employers and their employees, close financial coverage gaps as well as help in retention of valuable human capital.

The Joint Board of the HVBA voted on several appointments to enhance the current Board of Directors with renowned VB industry professionals that will bring their expertise to our members. We are proud to announce the appointment of Bill Bade, to the HVBA Advisory Board. During his distinguished career, Bill has held positions in account management and product development as well as risk management. Bill is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and founder of Sydney Consulting Group, whose actuaries, attorneys, and support staff serve over 50 insurance carriers, brokers, and technology firms in the Voluntary Benefits market.

“The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® is a well-respected advocate for our industry, and I am excited to join the rest of the advisory board in promoting the education, implementation, and enrollment strategies of voluntary benefits at the workplace. I look forward to supporting the growth of the association under Rob, Lee, and Krystie’s leadership.” Bill Bade, Founder, Sydney Consulting

“We are very excited to welcome Bill to the team. The voluntary benefits industry is evolving, and we know that there is a need for data analytics, quality resources for regulatory updates, and innovation around product and enrollment solutions. I am confident that with Bill on the team, we can provide the value and support that our members are looking for. It is an exciting time in the voluntary benefits industry. Bill brings the expertise and industry backing that will help propel the HVBA to the next level.” Krystie Dascoli, CVBS, National Practice Leader of Voluntary Benefits for MMA and President, of the HVBA Advisory Board.

“Appointing Bill, to our current distinguished members of the Board of Directors, will continue to elevate the intellectual property and experience the HVBA offers to our growing industry. His knowledge is world-class, and he will play an important role as we head into 2023 and beyond.” Rob Shestack, CVBS, CFF, Chairman & CEO of HVBA.

Please join me in congratulating Bill on this appointment and welcoming him to our organization. Bill will be integral for our members and association co-leading the CVBS Certifications program and the Legislative issues that affect our industry.

About the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®

Founded in 2008, The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) is the nation’s largest, leading education and information non-profit association in voluntary benefits industry. As the foremost national influencers, we serve as the central point of communication for the industry, offering networking, education, and the latest updates on the trends, regulations, best practices, and innovations for: Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Carrier Representatives, Human Resource Executives and Voluntary Benefit Service Providers. We focus on improving growth of our partners and their teams through the sharing of proven strategies and success stories of voluntary employee benefit solutions.

For further information or questions, please contact:

Jenny Jenkins
Managing Director
Mobile: 561-398-1060
Direct: 856-326-5247
Email: jjenkins@vbassociation.com Website: www.VBassociation.com

Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® Celebrates Success After Regional Roadshow Event Series Kicks Off with Broker Event

On November 30th, 2022, at the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® held its Inaugural Regional Broker Roadshow. It was a who’s who of NE regional professionals representing some of the most recognized brokerage firms, carriers, and service providers in the US.

The event began with a cocktail party and networking reception along with some special guests. “Chilly Willy” the Penguin and “Mortimer” the Owl were front and center to meet our VIPs while delicious appetizers were passed among the attendees.

The dinner program commenced with a welcome from the Chairman & CEO, Rob Shestack, followed by presentations on Cyber Security from CJ Brunet, President & CEO of ACS, and an LTC regulatory update from Denise Gott, President & CEO of ACSIA Partners. We also had Conference Chair Dan Robinson and HVBA Executive Board President Lee Stokes, offering background information on the HVBA. Surrounded by a 550,000-gallon Shark Tank, presentations were relative to today’s insurance professionals, and attendees were astonished by some of the data and statistics shared by Denise and CJ. With many changes coming from our federal and state governments, we learned how these solutions could save employers and their employees financial hardship solutions. The festivities continued while our guests enjoyed coffee and dessert under the Octopus & Jelly Fish Realm Exhibit.

Another great aspect of the event was having Temple University’s Fox School of Business Risk Management & Insurance student guests. The Chairman introduced the 2022 case competition 1st and 2nd place winners, who represent the next generation of Consultants, Actuaries & Risk Managers for our industry. More importantly, these students, who have passed several of their actuarial and CEBS certification exams, were able to network with potential employers about internships and job opportunities.

I’d like to thank the entire HVBA team, as well as our Executive and Advisory Board members, who contribute their valuable time and intellectual property for the Association and the VB Industry. I also want to thank our generous sponsors who helped us complete an entire day of meetings and presentations, followed by a reception with over 100 of the Philadelphia region’s most influential insurance professionals.

Our sponsors included: 5Star Life, ACSIA Advanced Cyber Security, Aflac, American Public Life, ClickEnroll, Coherent, Fidelity Enrollment Services, Galileo Healthcare, healthCar, Juice Financial, PerksPlan, SuppRx, and Synolo USA.

We had an unheard-of 96% Attendance Rate for our Inaugural Broker Roadshow. Attendees walked away with knowledge relative to new legislation affecting their clients and ways to protect their clients both financially and physically through new health innovations. They garnered immediate solutions and were able to have relevant conversations during the networking and beyond, to determine how to roll out some of these strategies for their employer clients! Brokers are trusted advisors for employers, and these Road Shows provide continuing education and insight to further enable them to offer their clients the most up-to-date information and cost-saving solutions.

Upon departure, guests were given special gifts and a delicious dessert treat (sponsored by Cookies Bombs & Bites) to take home and enjoy later. There is nothing like receiving gifts on arrival and a gift on departure. We had so much fun welcoming all the attendees, seeing old friends, making new friends, and sharing information to advance the VB industry!

Once again, thank you to all attendees, and special thanks to our Executive Board, Advisory Board, and the Sponsors who helped us prepare for this star-studded event. For information on how the HVBA can host a Roadshow in your city, please contact our Managing Director, Jenny Jenkins, at jjenkins@vbassociation.com or call 561-398-1060. In early 2023, we will announce our upcoming roadshows to a city near you. We wish you and your families a Healthy, Safe, and Happy Holiday Season.

All the Best,

Robert S. Shestack, WBC, CVBS, CFF Chairman & CEO
Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA)