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SBLI Supports National Breast Cancer Foundation’s HOPE Kit Program

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SBLI Supports National Breast Cancer Foundation’s HOPE Kit Program
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To honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) supported National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) by underwriting the cost of 100 NBCF HOPE Kits for breast cancer patients. The company also donated $20,000 to NBCF to support their mission of helping women affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

Each HOPE Kit is filled with items that patients find comforting and encouraging while undergoing breast cancer treatment, including fuzzy socks, tea, unscented lotion and more. With their additional $5,000 HOPE Kit donation, SBLI invited 100 of their employees to designate a recipient of a HOPE Kit, either a loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or one of the more than 4,000 women on the NBCF HOPE Kit waitlist.

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“SBLI is proud to support National Breast Cancer Foundation and their HOPE Kit program,” said SBLI President and CEO James Morgan. “Most of us know someone who has been or will be affected directly by breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime, and we need to support this important work.”

In recognition of SBLI’s contributions, NBCF presented the company with their Silver Partner Award “For supporting women at every step of the breast cancer journey.”

“The SBLI team is a powerful example of an organization committed to making a difference. In the midst of a pandemic they tapped their creativity to find a way to engage everyone on the SBLI team and Help Women Now® by delivering HOPE Kits to employees’ loved ones or those on our HOPE Kit waitlist,” said NBCF Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Charitable Giving, Ken Ramirez. “National Breast Cancer Foundation is extremely grateful for Team SBLI’s creative thinking to empower hope through the distribution of these valued HOPE Kit care packages, as well as for their incredibly generous gift of $20,000 which will make a significant impact on those affected by breast cancer.”

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Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for 14 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs.

Headquartered in Woburn, MA, SBLI is committed to helping further the well-being of families by investing in the communities in which they live and work. Through its charitable foundation, SBLI supports numerous non-profit organizations across the country, including the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Red Cross and National Brain Tumor Society.

  1. National Breast Cancer Foundation staff assemble the 100 HOPE Kits sponsored by SBLI.
  2. Each HOPE Kit contained a personal note of encouragement from an SBLI employee.
  3. SBLI Senior Vice President and Chief Distribution Officer Denis Clifford holds the Silver Partner Award presented to SBLI by National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Mutual of Omaha

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Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha has introduced a new disability income insurance product featuring a fully digital experience and additional coverage options for customers who are seeking to protect their income if they become sick or injured and are unable to work.

Mutual Income SolutionsSM covers a wider range of occupations (including medical professions), offers numerous optional add-on coverages, stackable discounts up to 30 percent, and an increased maximum monthly benefit of $20,000.

Additionally, Mutual Income Solutions provides a non-cancelable rate option, which guarantees coverage for the duration of the benefit period and locks in premium amounts, as long as they are paid on time or within the grace period.

“Our company has more than a century’s worth of experience delivering disability income protection when customers need it the most,” said Mary Swanson, vice president and actuary. “Mutual Income Solutions allows us to serve more customers through a wide array of coverage choices, while also providing a more simplified, convenient way to purchase and maintain policies.”

The enhanced process includes an electronic-only experience for customers and sales professionals, complete with e-applications, e-policy delivery and an online self-service portal.

As of Oct. 15, Mutual Income Solutions was available for customers to purchase through licensed advisors and brokers in all states except California, New York and the Virgin Islands.

To learn more about Mutual of Omaha’s disability income insurance solutions, visit http://www.mutualofomaha.com/disability-insurance.

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit http://www.mutualofomaha.com.

SBLI

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SBLI

SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) recently announced it has increased its coverage limit to $750,000 (from $500,000) for all risk classes, and for level term and whole life insurance policies underwritten for those eligible under the company’s fully digital and contactless underwriting process.

SBLI’s Accelerated Underwriting process now guarantees that no in-person contact is required for all clients ages 18-60 seeking $750,000 or less of life insurance. SBLI is the only life insurer to make such a process available for all medical risk classes.

SBLI’s Accelerated Underwriting is a seamless digital process from start to finish. No in-person medical exam or fluid collection is required; rather, a tele-med interview is conducted to complete an application which can be signed electronically by the client. Upon issue the client is able to accept and pay for the policy entirely online.

“SBLI is pleased to offer our unique process to a wider audience with this increase to $750,000 of coverage,” said James Morgan, president and CEO of SBLI. “During this time, our contactless Accelerated Underwriting process provides peace of mind and convenience for clients, simplicity for agents and speed for all.”

For more information on SBLI’s guaranteed Accelerated Underwriting process, please call 1-888-630-5000.

For over 110 years, SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) has specialized in providing hassle-free, affordable life insurance. Whether it be term life, whole life or a plan that combines the two, we offer dependable protection at a fair price.

Allianz

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Allianz

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it is making $2 million in grants to nonprofits in the Twin Cities with the goal of helping to address inequities in the community and bring about positive change in the lives of at-risk members of the Twin Cities community, specifically people of color (POC), seniors and youth. The company will be making two separate $1 million grants, the first to address racial inequity and the youth achievement gap and the second to address senior equity issues in the community.

“Allianz Life is committed to being an active and meaningful driver of systemic change in our community,” said Walter White, president and CEO of Allianz Life. “We recognize there is a critical need, now more than ever, in the Twin Cities community to address systemic equity and inclusion. These grants will help create lasting and meaningful ways to bring about positive change from both a short- and long-term perspective.”

The intent of the first grant is to remove barriers and increase access to tools and resources that help POC attain a sustainable standard of living and a secure future. Funds will support minority-owned entrepreneurs and businesses as well as food shelf expansion in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. In addition, Allianz Life will partner with organizations that help prepare the next generation of youth to reach their full potential. Organizations receiving grants include:

  • Black Women’s Wealth Alliance
  • College Possible Minnesota
  • Genesys Works
  • Keystone Community Services
  • Neighbors United Funding Collaborative
  • Neighborhood Development Center
  • Partnership for a Connected Minnesota
  • Summit Academy OIC
  • We Love St. Paul

The intent of the senior services grant is to address long-term disparities in senior care and support in the Twin Cities, and combat the risks being faced by seniors in our community. These are exacerbated by COVID-19—particularly among diverse seniors. The program will focus on three critical risks: combating social isolation, fighting elder financial abuse, and enhancing caregiver support. Allianz Life will be working with seven organizations serving seniors in the Twin Cities. The organizations include:

  • Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Help At Your Door
  • Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
  • Metro Meals on Wheels
  • Minnesota Elder Justice Center
  • Senior Community Services

“The Allianz Life mission is We Secure Your Future, and this extends to our community,” added White. “With this commitment, we are helping ensure all members of our community have the opportunity to secure their future, regardless of race, age, or economic situation.”

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® and one of the Ethisphere 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products. In 2019, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $10.4 billion. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with over 147,000 employees in more than 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.

Mutual of Omaha

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Mutual of Omaha

Although it’s hard to measure loneliness and social isolation, there’s strong evidence that many adults aged 50 or older are lonely or socially isolated in ways that have the potential to put their health at risk. In the past seven months, this issue has become an even greater cause for concern with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to this need, Mutual of Omaha has launched Mutual Cares, a valuable new online resource for seniors to help them stay well, connected, active and entertained.
Through Mutual Cares, individuals now have online access to comprehensive tools and resources, including ways to:

  • Stay Well—resources to provide a helping hand, listening ear or tools to build mental resilience.
  • Stay Connected—connections to crisis lines and ways to make meaningful connections.
  • Stay Active—exercise tips, yoga classes and exercises to help both mind and body.
  • Stay Entertained—tools to find great shows, great reads and great deals.

“Loneliness and social isolation, particularly as it impacts our country’s senior population, is a serious public health concern,” said Manoj Pawar, chief medical officer at Mutual of Omaha. “At Mutual of Omaha, we are committed to helping our customers live their healthiest, best lives. Staying healthy and engaged, despite our current stay-at-home and physical distancing mindset, is paramount. We’re excited to provide seniors with Mutual Cares and a wide range of information and tools to help them feel connected.”

Individuals can visit www.cares.mutualofomaha.com to access the loneliness and social isolation resources.

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly-rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.  

Life Brokerage Technology Committee

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Life Brokerage Technology Committee

The Life Brokerage Technology Committee (LBTC) recently elected three new co-chairs. The new leadership team brings a vast amount of industry experience to drive LBTC forward in working with its members in solving industry technology pain points and creating process improvement for life insurance services.

The LBTC new co-chairs will also bring awareness of new innovations to the industry: Pat Wedeking, vice president of Tellus Brokerage Connections; Marjorie Ma, vice president and head of Product Management of AIG USA Life Insurance; and Brian Kirland, senior director Sales and Marketing of SuranceBay.

The new co-chairs each represent respectively distributors, carriers and vendors. They will serve a two-year term. The new co-chairs are supported by the LBTC Steering Committee: Joann Mattson of Highland Capital Brokerage, Jeff Lingenfelter of John Hancock Insurance Company, and Ken Leibow of InsurTech Express. LBTC has 120+ industry members.

The Life Brokerage Technology Committee (LBTC) is an independent working group whose purpose is to exchange information about technology related systems and services related to the marketing, sale, and servicing of insurance in independent distribution channels. Some of LBTC’s past initiatives focused on process improvement and solving technology pain points: Automated-Underwriting, eApp, eDelivery, eSignature, Commission Accounting, and Pending Case Status to name a few. LBTC conducts industry surveys, whitepapers, webinars, media and has a face-to-face meeting at the Annual NAILBA Conference in November. LBTC partners with other industry associations such as NAILBA, ACORD and LIDMA.

There is no cost to becoming an LBTC Member. Each person who wants to participate in LBTC in your organization can join. Each person will need to fill out a membership form. You can join LBTC by downloading the membership form and emailing it to Joann Mattson at jmattson@highland.com. Download LBTC Membership Form: https://lnkd.in/eHhHjfZ.

Swiss Re

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Swiss Re

Chris Behling has been appointed Hub Head Life & Health Products for the Americas, with immediate effect, and he will continue in his role as Chief Underwriter. Chris succeeds Jeff Katz, who retired on September 30, 2020, after 38 years of service in the industry and nearly 10 years with Swiss Re.

Chris joined Swiss Re three years ago and brings over 20 years of experience in the U.S. life and health insurance industry, working with several firms including Princeton Consultants, Hooper Holmes, and AXA/Equitable. Chris has worked for both carriers and distributors and served in a variety of roles including product development, operations, sales and underwriting.

As Hub Head and Chief Underwriter, Life & Health Americas, Chris will be responsible for costing, underwriting, and ownership over the mortality portfolio in the Americas. In addition, he will join Swiss Re’s Life & Health Products Executive Team and Americas Management Team.

Chris has a proven track record of innovation and execution and relentless client focus. He’s been a passionate leader in the quest to close the mortality protection gap and an active voice in helping insurers adapt, transform and make better use of tools, processes and data to create a more seamless, customer-friendly journey.

Prior to his appointment as Hub Head, Chris was Chief Underwriter, Life & Health Americas. Under his leadership, the U.S. underwriting team was ranked #1 by underwriters for overall underwriting management in NMG Consulting’s 2020 Life & Health Reinsurance study.

Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.

Allianz

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Allianz

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®), announces the expansion of its advisory channel services with the formal launch of Allianz Advisory Solutions, an expanded suite of products and services built specifically for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) to help enhance their risk management capabilities.

A reflection of Allianz Life’s ongoing commitment to the advisory community and leadership in risk management, Allianz Advisory Solutions is built on three core pillars:

Risk Management Solutions: Allianz Life offers a growing suite of risk management strategies built to help advisors more efficiently plan for longevity, address portfolio volatility and ultimately, help improve quantifiable financial outcomes for clients. Products span across a spectrum of practice models and partner affiliations and include annuities, life insurance and AllianzIM Buffered Outcome ETFs.

Advanced Strategies and Planning: This pillar encompasses a full range of support designed to help advisors address the uncertainties and risks associated with an increasingly challenging market environment. Allianz Life has a dedicated team of fintech and advanced planning strategists committed to helping RIAs deliver wide-ranging financial planning capabilities to their clients. Services range from helping advisors model annuities in popular planning software to addressing complex cases on tax rules and new legislation, Social Security, and estate planning.

Technology and Platforms: In an effort to help advisors seamlessly implement risk management into their unique planning and investment ecosystem, Allianz Life provides tech support to guide them through the process of establishing direct data feeds with many of the largest platforms in the industry. Further, Allianz Life has developed strategic partnerships with Halo, LifeYield and Vestwell through the Allianz Ventures program, providing access to leading-edge knowledge, tools and capabilities in the financial industry.

Heather Kelly, senior vice president of Advisory and Strategic Accounts at Allianz Life and a 25-year veteran of the advisory community, will be leading the deployment of Allianz Advisory Solutions.

“We built Allianz Advisory Solutions to help advisors address some of the most important practice management challenges they are facing today, including the mitigation of risk associated with retirement planning,” said Kelly. “This trifecta of products, services and technology, all supported by our strategic partnerships, is truly a platform for advisors that will not only help them demonstrate the value of risk management to their clients, but also, enhance the value they deliver to clients and build a more sustainable practice for the long-term. With Allianz Advisory Solutions, we are truly meeting advisors where they live.”

The introduction of Allianz Advisory Solutions comes on the heels of the launch of AllianzIM’s Buffered Outcome ETFs, which are managed by Allianz Investment Management LLC, and debuted in June.

For more information on Allianz Advisory Solutions, please visit: www.allianzlife.com/advisorysolutions.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® and one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2020®, has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products. In 2019, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $10.4 billion. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with over 147,000 employees in more than 70 countries.

AllianzIM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, is a registered investment adviser and represents the Minneapolis hub of the global Allianz Investment Management network established by Allianz SE. AllianzIM provides hedging and other derivatives-based risk management solutions through its proprietary platform.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, does not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Medicare or Social Security benefits. Clients are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or to go to your local Social Security Administration office regarding their particular situation.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Variable annuity guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.

Annuities and life insurance are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. Variable annuities are distributed by their affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297.

Investment involves risk including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the funds will achieve their investment objectives and may not be suitable for all investors.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus with this and other information about the Fund, please call 877.429.3837 or visit http://www.allianzim.com and review the prospectus. Investors should read the prospectus before investing.

Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Mutual of Omaha

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Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha recently announced several new initiatives to address issues of racial equity and social justice, including the removal of Native American imagery from its corporate logo and additional funding for initiatives and charities addressing these issues.

“Mutual of Omaha has a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, both within our company and in our community. As an organization and a leadership team, we are focused on taking additional actions to answer the call for racial equity and inclusion,” said Mutual of Omaha Chairman and CEO James Blackledge. “We have spent time listening to diverse perspectives among our associates, community leaders and diversity and inclusion experts, and are taking further action to advance racial equity and social justice to create meaningful change.”

Mutual will stop using the Native American imagery associated with its corporate logo. The transition away from the current symbol will begin immediately.

“We believe the decision to retire our corporate symbol is the right thing to do and is consistent with our values and our desire to help overcome racial bias and stereotypes,” Blackledge said. “We feel strongly our logo should reflect who we are as a company and our commitment to positive change.”

The company has earmarked $1 million in additional funding for community-based initiatives and non-profit organizations committed to racial equity, inclusivity, economic equality and social justice. In 2019, the company and its Foundation contributed more than $2 million to nearly 60 charitable organizations working in this critical space. In addition, the company will also offer the time and talent of its associates to be directly involved in these initiatives as appropriate.

Mutual also announced it will provide its management team additional training on diversity and inclusion, including unconscious bias training. The company will enhance its efforts to recruit, hire, promote, develop and retain a diverse workforce and heighten its focus on inclusive culture-shaping. Performance expectations will be expanded to evaluate management on progress in these areas.

“We have a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy, so we have not been standing still in this area. However, in terms of outcomes, we have room for improvement and recognize that we must do more,” Blackledge said.

Mutual is also developing a more robust supplier diversity strategy, proactively seeking out vendors from underrepresented communities and purchasing from suppliers who are demonstrably committed to social justice and racial equity.

“As we work to create economic opportunity, it is incumbent upon us to seek diverse suppliers and business partners, and to ensure our vendors share our commitment to social justice and economic equality,” Blackledge said.

Mutual will continue to focus on issues of economic equality and social justice, with additional programs and initiatives in the months ahead, he said.

Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.

Mutual of Omaha

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Mutual of Omaha

With more than fifty percent of employees saying they worry about their personal finances while at work,* financial stress can be a distraction leading to loss of productivity. Understandably, that’s a concern for employers.

Mutual of Omaha is now offering resources for employers who want to help their employees improve their financial wellness. Through Enrich’s financial wellness platform, Mutual of Omaha’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) customers now have online access to comprehensive financial tools and resources, including:

  • Information on personal finance, budgeting, banking, insurance, investing, student loan and debt management
  • An online assessment of financial strengths and challenges that provides personalized information to aid in achieving financial goals

“Financial wellness has become increasingly important to employers as it’s become more of a concern for their employees,” said Kurtis Stewart, senior vice president of Workplace Solutions Underwriting and EAP at Mutual of Omaha. “At Mutual of Omaha, our mission is to help customers protect what they care about and achieve their financial goals. The Enrich financial wellness platform offers our customers convenient access to a wide range of information, tools and customizable resources tailored to individual needs.”

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly-rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com. 

iGrad™ is a San Diego-based financial technology company that offers financial wellness solutions to more than 600 colleges and universities, more than 20,000 employers and more than 300 financial institutions. For more information about the iGrad™ platform for colleges and universities, visit www.igradfinancialwellness.com. For more information about the Enrich platform for employers and financial institutions, visit www.enrich.org.

*PwC’s 9th annual Employee Financial Wellness Survey, PwC US, 2020.

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