Volume 2, No. 7 Spring 2009 SECTION A
MAGAZINE INSIDE Section A‑ A farewell message from John Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A Historical Factoids: Customer Firsts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A An Ethical Workplace: Strong ethics foster strong business. . . . . . . . . . 2A
A news publication for you, the associates of the UNIFI Companies
Retirement Income Focus: Driving UNIFI until 2029
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he first baby boomer applied for Social Security benefits in 2008. Over the next 20 years, 77 million more baby boomers will transition from career to retirement. With their retirement, $19 trillion worth of savings they’ve been accumulating for decades will be put to work. With it must come a change in mindset for the industry and the companies that expect to thrive during the boomers’ transition.
Know Your Leaders: Martin charges ahead in her new role. . . . . . . . . . 3A Producer Workbench–new and improved agent portal. . . . . . . . . . 3A Focus on the Field: FAC Chair sees 2009 as defining moment. . . . . . . 4A
Frank Hennessey
Section B‑
Bear-a-cuda team
Community Watch. . . . . . . . . . . . 1B Man on the Street . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B Associates enjoy work-life balance through Total Rewards . . . . . . . . . 2B Focus, metrics, swagger were key to Ameritas Group success. . . . . . . . . 3B HSAs give Acacia Federal big boost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B Brian Thalken, storm chaser. . . . . . 4B News Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B Featured in masthead: Nicole Taulbee, Cincinnati
An entire generation of financial services professionals has focused on one thing—products and services that help people save. On the eve of the baby boomers cashing in their hard-earned chips, entities like UNIFI Companies are preparing themselves to meet and exceed the demands of what the pundits have called the richest generation in history. That means change for UNIFI and the executives, managers, associates, field professionals and others associated with it. The challenge is not in helping retirees disburse their funds as much as it’s developing a process that helps us compete in this arena, while applying the same levels of innovation that are seen in our wealth accumulation products and services. UNIFI began thinking about this additional focus shortly after our merger of 2006. This new thinking is called the “Retirement Income Focus.” This is not a program, a set of products or a process. It’s all of these things. It’s the way UNIFI uniquely combines products and services from across the enterprise in a horizontal, customer-focused One Company Marketing mindset. That means the field professionals and their clients who trust UNIFI to help them build wealth must now see UNIFI as the best partners to help disburse it. It’s critical that we begin to change our thinking. As Steve Welton, vice president – individual strategic marketing and Retirement Income Focus project leader, said, “Baby boomers control more than seventy percent of the net worth of our nation. They will drive much of what UNIFI does for the next twenty years.” In the coming issues of U Magazine, we will talk to people at all stages of this new shift in thinking. From the strategists who are helping shape it to the UNIFI leaders who will use it to guide our future, from the front line people developing the products and procedures to support it to the field professionals who offer it to the clients who participate—we’ll help you understand what the Retirement Income Focus means for you.
Need help putting the baby boomer shift in perspective? Based on a March 2007 demographic study of UNIFI, 56 percent of the associates working for a UNIFI company (1,215 of the 2,168 identified in the study) are part of the baby boom generation. More than half of your fellow associates will retire within the next 20 years.
Mutual. Strong. Trusted.
message from Joann Martin‑
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hile a change in leadership can often signal a new beginning, I believe there’s a new era dawning for UNIFI that has very little to do with me and very much to do with you. See if you agree. The theme for UNIFI’s 2008 annual report is Mutual. Strong. JoAnn Martin Trusted. While these are true statements about UNIFI, very few of our peers and competitors can make these claims. This provides a real advantage for our customers, our producers and us: • Mutual. Our policyholders and members’ interests are aligned with each other—and our own. By building a future for them, we’re creating better futures and new opportunities for ourselves. • Strong. Job-one is to bring peace of mind to our customers, and financial strength is the best way to deliver on that promise. When we work together, when we think long term, when we all act as the fiduciaries we’re entrusted to be, then we can confidently make promises today that will be good in 100 years. • Trusted. When our customers or producers think of UNIFI, they think of you—the last person they spoke with. You earn their trust each day when you put them first, go above and beyond, do what’s right and provide more value for each dollar our customers entrust to us. A December 2008 article in Forbes Magazine, entitled “Mutual Respect,” reported what we’ve known all along— some publicly traded companies are paying the price for trying to serve the differing interests of their policyowners and stockholders. As a mutual company, we’ll always be aligned with our members and customers. More and more, the market is understanding this and favoring mutual companies like UNIFI. The opportunities are there. Together, we must use this time to provide even more customers’ financial peace of mind. On a personal note, I would like to wish John and Lana Jacobs well as they begin a new stage of life. I know their retirement years will be as fulfilling as their professional ones were. My sincere thanks to John and Lana for all they have done to create a bright future for UNIFI.
2A
A news publication for you, the associates of UNIFI Companies
A farewell message from John Jacobs
An Ethical Workplace: Strong ethics foster strong business
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by Rob Sands and Janet Gallo
hen I entered the life insurance industry 41 years ago, like most young people, I had no idea what opportunities awaited my family and me. There’s no question the industry has enabled me to support my family. However, John Jacobs the opportunities I will cherish most are the new people I met, the places I visited and working alongside you to touch the lives of our policyowners and customers. In a letter like this, now is the time when a retiring CEO usually reflects on the past and waxes eloquently about the future. I will do neither. Instead, I would like to leave you with this short story. When my children were young, I coached some of their soccer and baseball teams. At the start of every game I would huddle the team and tell them I would ask two questions when the game was over—“Did you try your hardest?” “Did you have fun?” If the answer to both questions was “Yes,” then I told them they were winners whether the scoreboard reflected it or not. I would like to answer both questions myself. Yes and yes! I challenge you to ask yourself the same two questions at the end of each day. If you can answer yes to both, opportunities will avail themselves to you as they have me. If you can’t, then make the changes necessary so you can. I will miss working with you each day. When it comes to helping our members, customers and field producers achieve their unique vision of success, there is no better team than the associates at UNIFI. I truly wish you all the best.
HISTORICAL FACTOIDS-
Customer Firsts
orporate scandals in America over the past decade have made inclusion of ethics in the organizational structure vital. While the vast majority of U.S. businesses report they have ethics policies or codes of conduct in place, these policies and codes are not worth the paper they’re written on if they aren’t followed. Perhaps the best case in point is Enron Corporation. Enron had a whopping 64-page code of conduct, which senior management apparently had not read or, worse, felt free to ignore. Ethical scandals and violations in the wake of Enron shattered corporate reputations and undermined consumer and employee confidence in the companies they conducted business with and worked for. As a result, Congress enacted laws to help prevent unethical business practices and companies renewed their focus on ethics in the workplace.
Ethical conduct and integrity generates client satisfaction
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Union Central’s primary founder, Dr. John Pascal Paoli Peck, declined the position as the company’s first president in order to serve as its first general agent. In doing so, in 1867 he also made himself the company’s first policyowner, purchasing a $10,000 policy with an annual premium of $399.50.
anagement guru Peter Drucker once said, “The purpose of a business is to create a customer.” This statement could not have been truer than when UNIFI’s three life insurance companies opened their doors in the latter half of the 1800s. So, who were the first customers of each life insurance company?
In March 1869, the company that is now Acacia Life was founded as the Masonic Mutual Relief Association. Its purpose was to provide death benefits to the widows and orphans of masons with funds generated through membership. In April 1869, seven men each paid a $3.10 membership fee. The association paid its first claim of $204 in December of that year.
U Magazine 5900 O Street P.O. Box 81889 Lincoln, NE 68501-1889 EDITOR Jeanne Zolbe ext. 87379 or (402) 467-7379 STAFF WRITER Dan Levy ext. 87446 or (402) 467-7446
Five local businessmen saw an opportunity to establish a local company that could provide better service to its policyholders and retain money that was going to Eastern carriers. Ameritas Life was established as the Old Line Banker’s Life Insurance Company of Nebraska and sold its first policy, #101, to Elisha Courtright of Milford, Nebraska, on May 26, 1887.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Beth DeSalvo, Human Resources Nancy Davis, Acacia Federal Savings Bank Rob Sands, UNIFI General Counsel Janet Gallo, Legal Department PRINTED BY UNIFI Print Shop, Lincoln U Magazine is published for the associates of UNIFI Companies. If you have a story or photo idea, contact U Magazine at ext. 87379 or (402) 467-7379 or e-mail jzolbe@ ameritas.com. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Surveys have long indicated ethical workplaces are more productive, profitable and generate greater client confidence. The Yankelovich Study conducted for Calvert in 2006 found a majority of 800 investors surveyed agreed ethical companies present less investment risk (55%), while 52% said companies operating with a higher level of integrity deliver higher returns. Despite the growing emphasis on ethics in the workplace, a recent survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found abusive and intimidating behavior remains one of the most widespread types of misconduct in the workplace. Plus, the number of employees reporting incidents of workplace violence appears to be on the rise and the stress of the current economic situation seems to be making things worse. Fostering an ethical workplace has always been a key component of business operations within UNIFI
Janet Gallo
Companies. As part of our commitment to ethical business practices, all UNIFI associates are expected to uphold sound ethical practices in the workplace, including treating co-workers, clients and vendors with respect and dignity regardless of their age, race, national origin, sex, religion, disability or other immutable characteristics. Discrimination and sexual harassment conflict with our ethical culture, corporate policies, federal and state laws, and will not be tolerated.
UNIFI committed to ensuring a safe workplace Workplace violence encompasses far more than the homicides reported in the news. Violent acts such as threats; physical, verbal and electronic harassment; trespassing; and confining or restraining victims are also on the rise. The financial impact of workplace violence is significant. Employees who feel unsafe or witness violent acts in the workplace report increased stress and lower morale, which typically lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism and turnover. UNIFI Companies is committed to ensuring a secure workplace, which safeguards the physical, mental and emotional health of our associates. UNIFI Companies will protect associates from threats or acts of violence to the best of our ability. A safe workplace, however, requires your assistance. Associates aware of any misconduct or threats to safety are urged to immediately report their concerns to human resources, management or through the EthicsPoint Hotline.
Ethics Hotline: Here to Help If you witness a possible ethics violation, don’t keep it to yourself. You can call the ethics hotline at 1-866-384-4277 or use the secure online reporting Web site at http://www.ethicspoint.com. Our ethics are who we are. They comprise our hard-earned reputation and they are the foundation upon which our trusted relationships are built. Don’t let them erode.
© 2009 The UNIFI Companies. All rights reserved.
Operate in the best interest of our members
Rob Sands
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Ensure that all associates have meaningful work
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Deliver value to our customers
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Earn trusted relationships with our distribution partners
3A
U Magazine – Spring 2009
KNOW YOUR LEADERS‑
JoAnn Martin charges ahead in her new role
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A: What is happening in the economy impacts all of us, as well as our company. This is a time when we need to help our current customers and distribution partners. We can do this best by providing information and alternatives, and by just listening. We also need to support each other in our own lives. What we can do as UNIFI is keep all of our companies strong so our customers have confidence in our ability to deliver on our promises.
n her first day as UNIFI president and chief executive officer, JoAnn Martin reflects on the present, the future and the power of teamwork.
Q: Yesterday you were UNIFI’s president and chief operating officer. Today you’re president and CEO. What, if anything, has changed for you?
Q: What is most rewarding for you?
A: When we are given a new role, our position on the team changes. My previous role as chief operating officer was to execute the JoAnn Martin – UNIFI President and CEO agreed upon direction. A CEO’s role is to lead — and helps out when another team the organization in the right direction. member needs it. As for all of us when we change positions, the key is focusing and executing on the Q: Has the current economy changed new role. What makes a strong team your role as UNIFI’s president and is when every person fulfills his or her CEO? How do you see it impacting the position with passion and excellence work our associates do each day?
A: What is most rewarding in any leadership position is being part of the growth and development of our associates, distribution partners, businesses and our company. In the end we are about people helping other people. What greater reward could there be. Q: What’s most challenging for you? A: What is most challenging is to continue to evolve as businesses, and as a company, to meet the changing needs of our marketplace and the people we serve. You can’t stand still in today’s marketplace. You either get better or you get worse.
Q: There have been a number of leadership changes at UNIFI in the last year. How has that impacted your new role? A: Certainly we’ve had a number of leadership changes since the merger. Those before us left us with a great company. Now we all need to step up and make UNIFI an even better place for our customers and our associates. This will require many of us to assume new roles so UNIFI doesn’t miss a beat in its growth and success. Q: Do you have any other thoughts or final comments? A: I’m looking forward to impacting UNIFI from a different perspective. I want UNIFI to be a place where you want to work, where you want to entrust your customers and the company you want in your communities. I appreciate all the support I’ve received from your calls and e-mails, and expect that together we will make a great team.
Producer Workbench—the new and improved agent portal
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roducer Workbench, Individual and Retirement Plans Division’s new agent portal, will combine products and services from Ameritas Life, Acacia Life, Union Central Life and Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC), creating a one-stop business processing tool. The new agent portal will make it easier to do business through self-service transactions, simplified navigation, consolidated information and enhanced services. The new features and functionality will bring long-term benefits as well as provide the foundation for additional enhancements into the future. Take a look at some of the exciting improvements to Producer Workbench.
Accessibility
Personalized welcome message
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New business status and service alerts combined into one location n
Viewer-friendly announcement section n
Robust keyword search feature across the entire site n
Enhanced, more inclusive calendar of events n
New shopping cart features, including faster ordering of sales materials and real-time proofing of personalized materials n
New tabular format delivers consolidated information across all products and companies (including AIC) n
Navigation Look and Feel Clean, crisp design with consistent branded color scheme and fonts n
Ameritas, Acacia, Union Central and AIC will have access to the same business processing tool. n
Life, DI, annuities, retirement plans and AIC information will be included. n
Intuitive, easy-to-navigate format with visual clues to navigation, including “carrots” and “breadcrumbs” n
Quick links to frequently used information
—Monica Enzweiler, second vice president – business technology
Watch the UNIFI Intranet for more details and timeframes about this initiative and watch for invitations to training sessions prior to the launch. Portal-related information will be archived in the “About Producer
Workbench” section in the Communities tab of the Intranet, and under the About Producer Workbench link in the What’s New section on Producer Workbench. And as always,
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Features and functionality Producer Workbench becomes the single-source online business processing tool, replacing TOOLS n
More delegation opportunities for field associates, with general agent self-serve functionality n
“The launch of the new Producer Workbench is a great accomplishment for the Individual and Retirement Plans Division and our field associates. Combining Tools and the current Producer Workbench streamlines our ability to deliver quality service, makes it easier for the field ... and positions us well for the future.
Operate with integrity and the highest ethical standards
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Act with financial discipline
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you can contact Business Technology at 1-888-331-2714 with any questions you may have.
Maintain a presence in the communities where our associates are located
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Keep our promises
4A
A news publication for you, the associates of UNIFI Companies
-focus on the field-
FAC Chair sees 2009 as defining moment in financial services industry “We must be bold and demonstrate that we are well suited to protect our policyholders and to provide creative solutions for long-term financial concerns.” creative solutions for their long-term financial concern. Q: What would you like associates to know about FAC? Frank Hennessey
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trong relationships with our field partners are critical to success. The Focus on the Field series is dedicated to getting to know our field force better by talking with its various leaders. This issue features our discussion with Frank Hennessey, the 2009 chairman of the Individual and Retirement Plans Field Advisory Cabinet (FAC). Q: What is your vision for FAC in 2009? A: My specific goals are to redefine and re-establish our partnering capabilities with our field agencies, engage past members of FAC to render their opinions regarding the products and services we offer clients and the best way to support the field, and complete the merger. Many of our colleagues, particularly those at the home office, have been challenged and stretched since the merger. We need to wrap up some details regarding integration, processes and technology for the benefit of all. In light of the current financial environment, the most important thing FAC can do is maintain a strategic and proactive dialogue with the home office, with the primary goal of maintaining the financial well-being of UNIFI, the field and our policyholders. Q: Others have commented that the relationship between FAC and UNIFI is unique. Do you share that feeling? A: Both FAC and UNIFI respect one another and recognize that we need each other to maintain success. We have a forum to openly discuss any topic. Although we don’t always agree, as long as we consider UNIFI, the field and our policyholders, we usually form decisions that make sense.
A: FAC represents the interest of the broad field and our clients. To be relevant, we need the field to offer their input and
experience. The monthly task force and subcommittee conference calls are a great venue for valuable interaction between the home office and the field. Q: Any final comments for our home office associates? A: UNIFI is fortunate that it’s
represented by so many talented and dedicated associates, both in the home office and the field. For us to maintain mutual success going forward, it’s absolutely critical to remember we are in a service business and people do business with people. Relationships, at every level, are the key.
Strong History. Exciting Future.
WORKING TOGETHER UNIFI Individual & Retirement Plans
Ameritas Group Helping to create beautiful smiles, putting life into focus, improving listening and promoting good health by providing innovative and value-added benefit and service solutions.
Securing dreams through personalized insurance and financial solutions. • One company marketing • Trusted relationships • Distribution growth and development • Financial/expense disciplines
• Disruptive innovation • Customer service excellence • Distribution excellence/expansion • Financial discipline
Acacia Federal Savings Bank
Protecting and enhancing financial security and quality of life through insurance and financial services.
Offering high quality banking products while realizing the greatest benefit to our customers and the communities we serve. • Knowledge and expertise • Trusted relationships • Customer service and response • Prudent risk management
• Effective capital management • Disciplined financial and risk management • Maximized resources and optimized synergies • Strong enterprise leadership
Summit Providing clients superior investment products, services and returns. • Excellent investment performance • Innovative client solutions • Leveraging knowledge and expertise to create value
Calvert Helping investors reach their financial goals in ways consistent with their values and beliefs. • Investment performance • Distribution breadth and strength • Excellence in corporate research • Engagement to advance sustainability • Full and unique family of investment strategies
“By ensuring all associates are properly trained and utilizing our software to the fullest, I know UNIFI is providing its customers with the industry’s best products and services to meet their needs.”
Q: How can the partnership between UNIFI and the field be leveraged most effectively to help ensure the best possible results? A: We must be sensitive to the fact that we need each other’s support now perhaps more than any other time in recent history, and our clients need us both. This is a defining moment for the financial services industry. We must be bold and demonstrate that we are well suited to protect our policyholders and to provide
Chris Recio, Specialist – Technical Services, Acacia Federal Savings Bank
Mutual. Strong. Trusted.
Spring 2009
SECTION B
community watch‑
Buck the Bison finds a new home on the range
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he large toy bison that previously resided in the south lobby of the Ameritas home office has a new home at Brownell Elementary School. Why did “Buck” end up in this northeast Lincoln elementary school? It happens that the school’s mascot is the buffalo, so it seemed like a most fitting gift for Brownell’s students, teachers and staff. As students gathered for a special school assembly in January, Jan Connolly, senior vice president and corporate secretary, and Mary Arth,
wife of Larry Arth, unveiled the school’s new mascot after giving them clues as to what was under the massive draped package. The kids were in awe of the huge bison. First grader Mackenzie Hurst said, “It looks like a real buffalo and I like how big it is.” Standing guard at the south entrance of the Ameritas home office, Buck was often photographed with associates and visitors alike.
(Photos provided by Eric Gregory, staff photographer at the Lincoln Journal Star)
Associates volunteer at Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati
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he Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati is a “home away from home” for families with critically ill children. Today, there are 277 Ronald McDonald Houses in 51 countries. Each Ronald McDonald House is an independent not-for-profit organization, governed solely by a local board of trustees. While McDonald’s continues to be a strong supporter, each house’s board and staff are responsible for raising the majority of their required operating expenses. Union Central has participated in a meal program at the Ronald McDonald House since June 2008. Six groups, or nearly 60 associates, have volunteered to serve lunches. The meal program provides a much needed service to the guest families, who are supporting their sick children and often don’t have the time, funds or energy to prepare a healthy home-cooked meal.
The volunteer turnout has been tremendous due to the UNIFI Volunteerism and Community Service policy. The CIC (Community Involvement Committee) provides funding to purchase meat items ($150 per group) and volunteers are asked to provide other items based on the menu plan. The CIC has conducted a monthly Market Day fundraising program since October 2008 to help offset the costs involved with serving lunch at the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald house is adding a new wing to house an additional 30 families and was scheduled for completion in April. To accommodate more families, they are undergoing a kitchen renovation that will increase its capacity by 60 percent. The CIC contributed $1,000 toward the renovation last year.
Left to right, standing: Carol Redden, Melissa Watkins, Debbie Quackenbush, Andrea Tepfenhart, Suzanne Harlow, Brenda Paddack, Brigette Horan; kneeling: Nicole Taulbee, Kristi Kidwell.
Left to right, back row: Tracy Riesenbeck, LaDonna Riesenbeck, Bruce Seaman, Tracy Dillingham, Sheali Locklear. Middle row: Janet Wiesman, Lisa Carito, Nancy King; front row: Karen Degener, Jen Mueller.
Plungers brave frigid waters to raise money for Special Olympics
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hile the tune “Barracuda” by Heart was blaring, the Ameritas Beara-Cudas took a chilly dive into Holmes Lake on February 21 to raise money for the Nebraska Special Olympics. Even though it was 23 degrees with 23 mph winds and a wind chill of only 5 degrees, the frigid air and icy water didn’t stop these brave souls who were donned in their
polar bear hats. The Bear-a-Cudas took pledges for their plunge and raised approximately $2,500. Adding to their fund-raising efforts, if an Ameritas associate pledged $25 or more, the company matched it. Jen Svendsen said, “It feels great to be involved in the community. I may not have a lot of money to donate, but I do have time. Finances are a concern for most of us right now, so it was nice to know people understand there are
Mutual. Strong. Trusted.
still others in need. We appreciate everyone who donated and are looking forward to ‘freezin’ for a reason’ next year.”
Pictured in photo on left: Bear-a-Cuda team members(clockwise from far left): Wendy Jordan, Jessica Breitkreutz, Jen Svendsen, Tomas Moreno, Herbie Husker (not a team member), Laurie Scholl, Aaron Frederick, Thom Klassen, Lisa Carlson, Robbi McLain. Additional members not pictured include Sarah and Johnny Schrunk and Robbi’s sister Jennifer Surgeon.
2B
A news publication for you, the associates of UNIFI Companies
Man on the Street How will the current economic conditions change what you’re going to do with your 2008 income tax refund?
Kat Baum Business Technology Analyst II – Business Technology, Lincoln “Our priority this year is to pay off as much existing debt as possible and any left over will be spent on improving the energy efficiencies of our home.”
James Hemmerly Product Marketing Representative – Product Marketing Department, Cincinnati
Bonnie Chambers Licensing/Registration Representative – Individual Licensing/ Registration, Lincoln
“Pay off whatever bills I can. That’s my main priority.”
“My husband’s employer told his employees that he’s closing his doors within three to six months, so we’ll use our refund to help with the household budget.”
Tracy Dillingham Administrative Secretary – Individual Agencies, Cincinnati “During these hard economic times my husband and I feel it’s necessary to use our refund to catch up on necessary car and home repairs and save the rest in a “rainy day” fund. Our summer trip is on the back burner for now due to the economy.
Roxane Bock Customer Service Representative – Group Administration Partners, Lincoln
Brian Kilby Senior Client Service Representative – Retirement Plans, Cincinnati
“I plan to pay more attention to items that I need versus want.”
“We’ve been planning to finish our basement for a little over a year. Our 2008 refund would have been the last piece of the pie to make this happen. However, with all the talk about a coming economic “catastrophe,” we instead decided to add this money to our emergency fund.”
Associates enjoy work-life balance through UNIFI’s Total Rewards
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ou probably hear the phrase “work-life balance” or “work-life effectiveness” fairly often. Magazine articles, talk shows and news programs often feature ways to manage your work-life balance better. How does this relate to Total Rewards and what UNIFI does to support your needs? From a Total Rewards perspective, work-life consists of organizational practices, policies and programs that help associates achieve success at work and home. Here are a few ways UNIFI supports our associates’ efforts to strike the right balance.
leadership, performance, emotional health, personal finance and elder care. You can even “Ask-A-Counselor” by e-mailing questions or concerns and receive a personal response from LifeHub’s professional staff. Look for the link and codes for online access on the HR Intranet page under Employee Assistance Program in the Wellness section.
Alternative work arrangements UNIFI offers several alternative working arrangements when business needs allow for them. Some alternatives are job sharing, flexible scheduling, compressed workweeks and telework arrangements.
CONCERN: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Community involvement
Possibly the most underutilized worklife tool UNIFI offers is CONCERN. CONCERN is a system of employee assistance and work-life services designed to help you and your family manage career, health and personal life questions. And it’s provided at no cost to you. Do you know how much information and assistance is available? Beyond counseling services, you can access lots of information and support from your computer. LifeHub, an online service, is available to you and your family 24/7. It offers you confidential and convenient access on such topics as stress, health and fitness, parenting, relationships, career skills,
Operate in the best interest of our members
An important part of your life is the communities in which you work and live. With today’s busy schedules, it can be difficult to be as helpful with your community’s efforts as you would like. UNIFI offers time off for volunteerism, community involvement and civil leave, i.e., voting, poll services and jury duty, as business needs allow. In many cases, you can show your support from work through blood drives, United Way campaigns and other fundraisers, such as sponsored charity walks.
Paid Time Off (PTO) and other paid time away from work While some organizations categorize time off into vacation, personal or illness time, UNIFI recognizes all our associates don’t have the same reasons for needing time away from the office. This is why we have a PTO bank. You know your time-off needs better than anyone, so you should decide how you use it. UNIFI recognizes the benefits to the parent, child and community when parents are involved in their children’s education. UNIFI provides up to 24 hours of paid parental leave (pro-rated for part-time associates) so you can attend your child’s school events or provide classroom assistance. UNIFI also offers paid time off for funeral and adoption leave.
Matching contributions program This program allows your contributions to double the impact on charitable organizations that are important to you. Charitable contributions made by associates to organizations that are tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)3 will be matched by UNIFI up to $500 per associate per calendar year. Such eligible organizations include civic/community
UNIFI Total Rewards ®
Making a Difference in Your Life
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Ensure that all associates have meaningful work
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Deliver value to our customers
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organizations, American Red Cross, Boy or Girl Scouts and higher education institutions.
Wellness programs and initiatives You can participate in a number of UNIFI’s wellness-related programs, like the fitness reimbursement and Weight Watchers subsidy programs. On-site fitness centers and ergonomics programs available in some locations help relieve stress and fatigue that can come from a long work day. Periodic health risk assessments help you identify potential health risks. These confidential assessments consist of a blood draw and lifestyle questionnaire that combine to produce a Personal Wellness Profile (including lab results) that is sent to your home. You are encouraged to review the results with your personal physician. Unified Strides Program is a pedometer-based walking challenge designed to get you moving, and keep moving, toward improved fitness and overall better health.
For more details on these and many other programs and policies that support your work-life effectiveness, visit the HR Intranet page.
Earn trusted relationships with our distribution partners
3B
U Magazine – Spring 2009
spotlight on A Department‑
Focus, clear metrics and a little swagger were key to Ameritas Group’s 2008 success
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hile UNIFI’s 2008 results weren’t as rosy as many had hoped, two things were clear. First, UNIFI fared well when compared to its competitors and the industry. Secondly, Ameritas Group had an outstanding year by any measure—including the division’s own expectations. (See sidebar for details.) So how, when the economic pundits are doing their best “Chicken Little” impressions, did Ameritas Group perform so well? Ameritas Group President Ken VanCleave said that a diversified customer base—weighted heavily in the education and healthcare sectors—helped in 2008, but staying focused on core competencies was the real key. “We leverage what we’re good at and don’t get distracted by things we aren’t.” With economic storms brewing in late 2007, the group division began 2008 with a focus on financial discipline to remain competitive, keeping new products and innovations ahead of
Ken VanCleave and Karen Gustin
the competition and maintaining high customer service metrics. Ken noted that Ameritas Group’s 90 percent customer retention rate is critical because, unlike life insurance products, “our customers have to renew with us every year.” Scott Delisi, vice president – group field sales, explained that while 2008 required some changes in the solutions employers and prospects offered their employees, most things stayed the same. “We’re spending a lot of time and energy coaching and developing our field force. This business is very doable, even in down times, if you focus on the fundamentals.” Focusing on the right metrics is also important. According to Karen Gustin, vice president – group marketing and managed care, “Group associates know what’s expected of them every year and there’s real pride and ownership in our
Scott Delisi
metrics. There’s give and take and a true sense of teamwork to meet our goals. It never enters an associate’s mind that they can’t do something. They figure out what they need to do to succeed.” With $55 million of Ameritas Group’s $178 million in 2008 sales coming from strategic partners, Terry Young, vice president – group business development, noted that relationships continue to be mutually beneficial. “While our partners may be having a tough time selling their life or disability insurance now, dental insurance is still the second most requested benefit by employees.” Focus, fundamentals, metrics and mutually beneficial relationships are the foundation upon which the group division created its performanceoriented culture—and great pride.
“We have fun every day,” Karen explained. “Over the years, our customers tell us they like when we visit them. It gives us a bit of swagger, which we hope isn’t too loud.” When you achieve what Ameritas Group did in 2008, it would seem a little swagger is well earned.
Success as told by the numbers
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meritas Group’s 2008 success is a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economy. So what does success look like at Ameritas Group? Here are a few of their results.
The group division consistently ranks in the top ten dental insurance providers in the nation—usually ranking number five or six. n
Sales were $178 million in 2008:
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• Group dental up 3.7%; industry up only 1.6% • Dental lives up 11.5%; industry down 14.4% • Group eye care up 24%; industry up 4.2% Ameritas Group contributed nearly $34.9 million to UNIFI’s pretax operating income. This demonstrates why it’s important to be a diversified organization. n
As of early March 2009, Ameritas Group already achieved 67% of its 2009 sales goal. n
January 2009 was the group division’s best January performance on record. n
Terry Young
Hear the rest of the story The U Magazine staff realizes some stories are bigger than space allows. To help you get the full story of Ameritas Group’s success during this turbulent economy, our discussion with Ken, Karen, Scott and Terry is available to download as an MP3 file. See the UNIFI Intranet for details.
Health Savings Accounts give Acacia Federal a big boost
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emember when December and January were “catch-up” months and new business slowed over the holidays and winter months? That’s no longer the case for Acacia Federal Savings Bank’s retail sales and service department. For the past two years, the department set new records for phone calls and new business during this time period. “Since we provide the Health Savings Accounts for the UNIFI benefits plan, we receive the accounts after open
enrollment ends and must have them set up by the end of the year,” said Maribeth Fish, assistant vice president – compliance and operations. This year’s open enrollment brought 246 new Health Savings Accounts. Plus, because of the strife in the financial markets, bank certificates of deposit are “in” this year, resulting in increased business in new CDs for Acacia Federal. They opened 893 new accounts in December, totaling $23.6 million.
Operate with integrity and the highest ethical standards
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Act with financial discipline
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Phones are ringing, too In December, the department handled 1,589 phone calls, representing the highest number on record.* 2008 was a record year in the retail sales and service call center with 14,949 calls. This represents an increase over year-end 2006 with 10,827 calls and 2007 totaling 11,446 calls. Retail sales and service also opens and services deposit accounts and consumer loans.
*Available phone records dating back to September 2005.
Maintain a presence in the communities where our associates are located
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Keep our promises
4B retirement plans‑
UNIFI Retirement Plans introduces Advantage Elite UNIFI Companies Retirement Plans announced a new addition to its UNIFI Retirement Advantage Series® of retirement plans’ group annuity products. UNIFI Retirement Advantage EliteSM targets the $3- to $20-million retirement plans market with some exceptionally competitive features. “Advantage Elite is sophisticated, yet easy to understand,” said Drew Powers, vice president – retirement plans. “There is complete fee transparency. There is only one asset management fee charged against the plan’s assets, eliminating much of the confusion associated with so many retirement plans’ fee structures.” Drew added that Advantage Elite is a product that can “grow and mature with our clients’ success. With our multi-product portfolio, Advantage Elite becomes the continuum for sustaining the relationship with UNIFI Companies Retirement Plans. There’s no need to switch to another provider as a business grows.” Advantage Elite’s clients also benefit from a client relationship manager who coordinates all aspects of the retirement plan. This experienced individual helps with plan conversions, ensures the smooth transition to UNIFI Retirement Plans’ on-going service team and serves as a valuable asset to plan sponsors in helping them satisfy important fiduciary responsibilities.
NEWS BRIEFS
Ed Deeds, vice president – retirement plans sales, said Advantage Elite was built specifically with the $3-millionplus retirement plans marketplace in mind. “Advantage Elite broadens our advisors’ reach into the retirement plans market. It’s a product that can fully serve the retirement plans advisor, whether commission-based or fee-based RIA [Registered Investment Advisor] sales.” The UNIFI Retirement Advantage Series also includes UNIFI Retirement Advantage Select , a group annuity. Both products feature favorable service and support, a strong and diverse investment platform and a rigorous process for the selection and monitoring of funds. SM
ameritas group‑
Ameritas Group call center certified world-class Ameritas Group recently earned its second consecutive Center of Excellence call center certification from BenchmarkPortal. Developed by Purdue University’s Center for CustomerDriven Quality, BenchmarkPortal is the largest call center benchmarking database program in the world. “Providing exceptional customer service has always been a core competency and differentiator for Ameritas Group,” said Roxann Brennfoerder, vice president – group customer relations and operations. “With so much uncertainty in the world, we’re proud to say our customers
can always count on Ameritas Group associates to consistently deliver only the highest levels of customer service excellence. Our commitment is second to none.” To achieve annual certification as a Center of Excellence, Ameritas Group call center associates participate in BenchmarkPortal’s rigorous certification process based on established scientific methods that measure operational metrics, customer satisfaction and agent satisfaction. Plus, call center associates must meet Ameritas Group’s own set of stringent service standards by participating in ongoing training and continuing education. “We benchmark the performance of thousands of customer service call centers across North America,” noted Dr. Jon Anton, director of benchmarking at Purdue’s Center for Customer-Driven Quality. “So we can say with complete confidence that the Ameritas Group call center is operating in the top 10 percent of all call centers in its industry.”
calvert‑
Calvert focuses on shareholder engagement with new fund Calvert Asset Management stepped up its focus on shareholder engagement through the recently launched Large Cap Value Fund. The fund is committed to engaging each of the companies in the portfolio through
proxy voting, shareholder resolutions and dialogue with senior management, among other tools, according to Bennett Freeman, senior vice president – social research and policy. With approximately 60 companies in the portfolio, Calvert is targeting nearly 30 of those companies for enhanced engagement. The fund is being marketed to institutional investors as its first “SAGE” strategy, or “sustainability achieved through greater engagement.” The fund was previously managed by Summit Mutual Funds. Prior to the consolidation, it was called the Summit Everest Fund. With the new strategy, Calvert is dabbling in a number of companies in industries it hardly touched in the past. For example, Calvert now holds shares in oil majors and mining companies that had previously been jettisoned during environmental screening. “None of the companies in the portfolio have been traded since the merger,” Freeman said. “Some of the fund’s holdings are already emerging or established sustainability or social responsibility leaders. Those that aren’t and will not change within two to three years will be divested,” he added. Calvert is applying bottom-line exclusions to tobacco producers, manufacturers of certain weaponry and companies that fall under U.S. or international sanctions for “grave” human rights abuses. (Source: Money Management Letter)
spotlight on AN Associate‑
Brian Thalken chases storms to improve safety, test forecasting mettle
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here were 1,690 confirmed tornados in the United States in 2008, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, and resulted in 125 deaths, 1,700 injuries and property and crop losses of more than $1.8 billion. While most of us head for the basement when the tornado sirens sound, why does IT specialist Brian Thalken put himself in the front lines of those deadly storms? “My college roommates majored in meteorology,” Brian explained. “One day they skipped class because a storm was firing up in Missouri. They invited me since I had an interest in photography. That’s all it took.”
That was nine years, 30 tornadoes and 30 storm-chasing days ago as of this writing. Brian admits that watching the storms develop and tornados appear is a rush, but that’s not why he saves his PTO to chase storms around the Midwest. “I’ve always been interested in weather. I like doing my own forecasting to see if I can get it right and find the super cells.” But even if he gets that right, there’s no guarantee. “If the forecast holds, you drive to where you think the storms will develop, and then you wait. Once the storms fire up, you pick what you think is the best cell. Then you stay in position and monitor.”
The other reason Brian likes chasing storms is to help provide information for the public. “The Weather Service will call me to find out if what I’m seeing on the ground is what their radar is telling them.” The weather service has used Brian’s live streaming video to help evaluate weather. And the History Channel and other media outlets have used his photos to help tell their weather stories. His best days as a storm chaser include seeing five tornados in a single day along I-70 in Kansas. Another was predicting the location of a storm near Throckmorton, Texas, to then have a tornado-producing super cell develop
Mutual. Strong. Trusted.
a quarter mile from the exact spot he predicted. Brian’s had not so good days, too. “We call them ‘busts,’” he said. “If one little piece of information is wrong, you could drive 300 miles and find nothing but clear skies. You always need to monitor, forecast and reposition.” Brian’s advice for those who wish to avoid tornados instead of pursue them is two great common-sense reminders. “The first thing is to have an NOAA weather radio. Next, have a plan and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do and how to find shelter.” View Brian’s photos and videos at his Web site, www.nebraskastorms.com.