Posted: 11.20.08
FMLA – “Final Rule” Becomes Effective on January 16, 2009.
On November 17, 2008, the Department of Labor (DOL) published its “Final Rule” to implement the first-ever amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Posted: 11.06.08
Food Drive to Replenish Gleaners Community Food Bank Supplies
ALCOS/Brown & Brown and Art Van Furniture Accepts Food Donations

Posted: 11.03.08
Michelle’s Law – Continued health coverage for college students
A provision allowing continuation of health coverage for college students during a medical leave was signed into law by President Bush on October 9, 2008.

Posted: 10.31.08
Leading Detroit-area Insurance Firm Celebrates Golden Anniversary
ALCOS/Brown & Brown Celebrates 50 Years of Community Service.

Posted: 10.22.08
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
On October 3, 2008 President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Contained within this important but unrelated piece of emergency legislation is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (the “Act”).

Posted: 10.01.08
ALCOS / Brown & Brown, Acquires Cardinal Agency, Inc of Shelby Township
“I am delighted to join an agency with the resources of ALCOS. Their commitment to serving clients, as well as their ‘family’ approach to their staff, makes the merger of Cardinal Agency and ALCOS an ideal fit,” said Bob Hambright, President Cardinal Agency.

Posted: 08.14.08
ALCOS awarded Honorable Mention for the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Awards for workplace flexibility and effectiveness.
The Sloan Awards recognize organizations that are dedicated to making work “work” for both the employer and the employees.

Posted: 08.12.08
Employee vs. Independent Contractor - By Leanne Moir
Penalties for misclassification can include fines, being held liable in civil court, the business forced to shut down, and the officers or directors subject to individual liability for sanctions notwithstanding the corporate veil.

Posted: 08.08.08
You Don’t Have To Be a Millionaire To Be Sued For $1,000,000
Could you afford to pay a $976,375 lawsuit against you? That is what one driver was forced to pay after his car rear-ended another automobile and injured a young girl.

Posted: 08.01.08
Strategies to Wring Out Savings in your Health Plan - By Steve Hettrick
The tough economic outlook in Southeast Michigan combined with healthcare cost increases have left many employers looking for solutions to control employee benefits spending.

Posted: 06.03.08
BCBS issuing redesigned member ID cards
BCBS of Michigan is redesigning its member ID cards to meet the BCBS Association mandates.

Posted: 04.21.08
ALCOS Wins Two Silver Awards in the Fifth Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards Competition
The SIAA recognized the creativity and communications accomplishments presented in ALCOS Corporate Brochure and Communications Folders. The SIAA is the only advertising awards to specifically recognize achievements of those companies within the service industry.

Posted: 03.27.08
Changes Affecting the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Posted: 03.17.08
ALCOS Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Our Community
ALCOS is proudly celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2008. Over the past 5 decades we have stayed true to the commitment made by our founders, to serve you as though your business was our business and your family our family.

This philosophy is still true today because our people serve you as they would serve themselves. The only change between 1958 and 2008 is more products, relationships, and expertise. Where every dollar counts in a restructuring economic landscape, ALCOS remains dedicated to you this year and for 50 more!

Gene LoVasco, President

Posted: 03.14.08
Your World > HACKED UP!
Written by Philip M. Lyon, Commercial Vice President

Do you believe hackers have no interest in your company because they’re busy trying to crack security at large corporations or government institutions? You should reconsider.

Posted: 03.13.08
Health Savings Accounts – The Healthcare 401k
Written by Steve Hettrick, Employee Benefit Specialist

By now, most employers have probably reviewed the options available for high deductible health plans and the Health Savings Accounts (HSA) that can be paired with them. However, despite the hype surrounding HSAs, relatively few employers have found them to be a realistic alternative because they shift significant exposure onto employees for out-of-pocket costs before the plan’s benefits begin paying claims. In fact, critics of HSAs have labeled them as being appropriate only for the healthy and the wealthy.

Posted: 03.13.08
Motor Vehicle Record – Retroactive Changes That Affect History
ALCOS was informed by the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that effective Dec. 13, 2007, the length of history on motor vehicle record (MVR) reports will be expanded from the existing 5-year reporting record.

Posted: 03.12.08
FLOOD INSURANCE - National Flood Safety Awareness Week
Now is a Good Time to Review Your Flood Insurance Policy!

Posted: 02.15.08
Proposed Rule Changes to FMLA; Submit Your Comments to the DOL
ALCOS encourages clients to review the proposed changes and submit your comments to the DOL by 12:00 midnight, April 11, 2008.

Posted: 11.15.07
Crain’s Detroit Business ranks ALCOS as the 6th largest Business Insurance agency in Michigan for the year.

Posted: 10.31.07
Sex Drugs and Rock n’ Roll!
Often asked what Employment Practices Liability Insurance covers, my common response is to start with Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll.

Posted: 10.10.07
ALCOS now offers home and car insurance at a special discount price!
ALCOS now offers home and car insurance at a special discount for those who are currently insured with State Farm, Allstate, Farmers or AAA.

Posted: 09.06.07
Communicating the “Big Picture” Can Lessen the Pain of Benefit Changes
Escalating employee benefit program expenses are an issue many employers face, but making cost effective changes without an employee revolt can be challenging.

Posted: 09.01.07
ALCOS Expert Speaks about Wellness in the Workplace.
Hans Brieden an ALCOS employee benefit consultant will be speaking to members of the American Society of Employers about creating a successful wellness worksite program.

Posted: 08.30.07
Unique Personal Coverage for a Unique Lifestyle
If you’re an affluent person, ALCOS’ Premier Client Program (PCP) is for you.

Posted: 08.28.07
Market Strategy and Prudent Investor Behavior with Dr. Ernie Ankrim
ALCOS is pleased to host for the 2nd time a special “Strategy Forum Presentation” featuring nationally recognized investment strategist and industry expert Dr Ankrim who will share his insight and expertise on the current market environment and how certain investor behavioral tendencies can increase the probabilities for successful investing.

Posted: 08.15.07
Recreational Boating is Big Business in the Great Lakes
The 4.3 million recreational boats registered in the eight Great Lakes generate nearly $16 billion in spending on boats and boating activities in a single year.

Posted: 05.09.07
Renting a Car for Vacation? The I.I.I. Provides Rental Car Insurance Tips
Before renting a car, the I.I.I. suggests that you make two phone calls" one to your insurance agent or company representative and another to the credit card company you will be using to pay for the rental car.

Posted: 04.20.07
ALCOS NAMED BENEFITS CONSULTANT FOR PS&E
Michigan-Based Firm to Act as Intermediary for PS&E and Benefits Providers

Posted: 04.17.07
What You Need to Know About Our Acquisition
As many of you already know, ALCOS recently was acquired by Daytona, Fla.-based Brown & Brown, the sixth largest insurance intermediary in the nation.

Posted: 04.17.07
The Emerging Challenge of Catastrophic Product Liability
By Phillip M. Lyon

General liability premiums are costly but do you know why? Have you considered your annual “litigation tax” lately?

Posted: 04.17.07
Your Credit Score Impacts Your Insurance Premiums so Use Credit Wisely
Credit has become an important factor in underwriting for home and auto insurance because it helps make assessing risk more accurate.

Insurers use credit scores differently than lenders, however.

Posted: 04.17.07
How do Credit-based Insurance Scores Benefit Consumers?
Credit-based insurance scores can help you qualify for lower premiums because insurance companies charge lower rates to customers who are considered lower risk.

Posted: 04.17.07
Trend Back to Professional Guidance Helps Investors
By James Wampler
Retirement Planning Advisor

Prior to ERISA becoming law in 1974, government, employer-sponsored and fully funded retirement plans were directed by a plan sponsor, usually with the help of an investment professional. Participants had no voice in how the funds were invested.

Posted: 02.12.07
ALCOS, Inc. Acquired by Brown & Brown, Inc.
Sterling Heights, Mich., February 12, 2007—Sterling Heights-based ALCOS, a privately held insurance, employee benefits and retirement planning firm, has been acquired by Daytona, Fla.-based Brown & Brown, a publicly held company.

Posted: 02.09.07
Brown & Brown, Inc. Announces the Pending Acquisition of ALCOS, Inc.

Posted: 02.01.07
Ice Storms May Leave You Without Power
How would you fare without electricity for one, two, or even five days?

Posted: 12.01.06
An Owner's Three W's of Retirement Planning
What is a Fiduciary? What are your responsibilities? What else do you need to know?

Posted: 11.13.06
Your Life Insurance May Be More Valuable Than You Thought
By Gene LoVasco

Secondary life insurance is a relatively new market which offers many imaginative and exciting ways to use a once static asset as a dynamic planning tool.

Posted: 11.13.06
New Technology Means Better 401(k) Offerings
By James Wampler

When was the last time you looked at your retirement plan and considered your options?

Posted: 11.12.06
Don't Renovate Without Remodeling Your Homeowner's Insurance
By Wendy Wilcox

You’ve finally done it. That old kitchen of yours is history. You’ve dreamed and schemed and know exactly what you want to do to replace it. You’ve chosen the cabinets, flooring, countertops and appliances which will make your kitchen both functional and fabulous, and have worked out every detail in your mind, even the fabric for the window treatments which will create a warm and inviting environment to welcome your family and friends.

Posted: 10.27.06
ALCOS ACCOLADES
Company Retains Top Honors in 2006

Posted: 08.15.06
EIFS and Liability Coverage: What You May Not Know

Posted: 07.06.06
Wellness Program Spawns Camaraderie, Fitness and Health
By Wendy Wilcox

True leaders influence others by their example, not just by their words.

With that in mind, ALCOS President and CEO Gene LoVasco introduced a new wellness benefit to employees during a company meeting in August 2005.

Posted: 07.06.06
New MyWave Technology Provides ALCOS Clients with Online Resources
Click, connect and communicate more effectively with MyWave, an ALCOS-sponsored technology that makes guides, templates, an online peer community and valuable information available on demand.

Posted: 07.05.06
How's Your Financial Fitness?
Here are some tips to make sure your financial muscles are strong in your golden years:

Posted: 04.10.06
Roth Plans vs. Traditional Plans: Which Meets Your Needs?
"The Prospect of tax-free money during retirement is attractive to investors. The Prospect of tax dollars getting paid today instead of being deferred is attractive to the government."

Posted: 04.10.06
Enterprise Risk Management: Increase the Value of Your Organization
Rather than view activities of a business as separate, ALCOS is increasingly working with clients to regard management of risk as a business discipline rather than simply departmental insurance solutions.

Posted: 04.10.06
The Premier Client Program: Exceptional Protection For Your Personal Treasures
Your treasures reflect the very nature of your personality, from the crystal you use for an inviting dinner party to the rings that adorn your fingers. Membership in the Premier Client Program provides the personal service and expertise to ensure that nothing is missed and everything is covered, according to your satisfaction. Become a member and enjoy peace of mind with:

Posted: 04.10.06
ALCOS and Management Impact Partner to Help with HR Issues
ALCOS recently expanded its role as a benefits consultant, now offering clients help in managing their human resource issues by partnering with Management Impact, an experienced network of human resource professionals.

Posted: 04.09.06
Boat vs. Yacht Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Launch This Spring
Unlike a typical homeowner’s or vehicle insurance policy, the language in boat policies can vary tremendously from company to company, and even from policy to policy. It’s a good idea to check your coverages before you launch this Spring.

Posted: 01.25.06
The Premier Client Program: Comprehensive Convenience for Successful Individuals
Dedicated experts provide their experience, knowledge and creativity to respond to the unique personal insurance needs of highly successful individuals.

Posted: 10.20.05
MYWave HR Assistant Launched
Click, connect and communicate more effectively with MyWaveHR, an ALCOS - sponsored technology that assists our employee benefit clients' human resource and benefit administrators with their daily responsibilities.

Posted: 10.10.05
Executive Disability Planning: Can You Maintain Your Lifestyle After Disability?
Every year, 12 percent of the adult population in the United States suffers a long term disability, and one out of seven of these workers will be disabled for five years or longer before they reach the age of 65.

Posted: 10.10.05
Voluntary Benefits Give your Employees Choices While Keeping Costs Down
Because voluntary benefits are typically offered to a group of employees, individuals benefit from the buying power of the group and often realize significant savings versus buying similar products on their own.

Posted: 10.09.05
Focus on the Road!
Make employees put their cell phones down because drivers are four times more likely to suffer an injury accident when using cell phones, and 6.4% of these accidents are fatal.

Posted: 08.29.05
Crain's Detroit Business name ALCOS a Cool Place To Work
Incentive and bonus programs, the “Write Your Own Raise” program, and employee training through ALCOS University and online software training make ALCOS a Cool Place To Work.

Posted: 06.16.05
My International Operations Could Land Me in a Foreign Jail?
Insurance for physical assets and personnel in other countries is very different from domestic coverages.

Posted: 06.16.05
Medicare Part D: What Employers Need to Know
The changes will provide options for retirees and plan sponsors to improve access and to lower the cost of providing drug coverage.

Posted: 06.15.05
Estate Tax Repeal: It's Deja vu
Now that estate tax repeal efforts are making headlines again, it seems like a good time to revisit the estate tax repeal saga.

Posted: 06.15.05
Investing in Changing Times
When you opened your investment statements in 2001, you may have been alarmed. Over the past few years, financial markets have taken some twists and turns. Before making any investment moves, ask yourself the following questions:

Posted: 06.15.05
Team ALCOS Retains ACS Trophy
Team ALCOS raised $51,755 to help fund cancer research during the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life 2005 campaign.

Posted: 03.31.05
Business Continuation Planning: Secure Your Company's Future
A small business owner makes more than a monetary investment into his successful venture; he also invests his time, energy and labor.

Posted: 03.31.05
New COBRA Notice and Disclosure Rules Now in Effect
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued Final COBRA Notice and Disclosure Rules requiring more information on existing forms as well as providing two new notices and new procedures for beneficiaries to follow when a qualifying event occurs.

Posted: 03.31.05
Going Global? Make Sure Your Insurance Coverages Aren't Left Behind
One of the key ingredients to successful global trade is properly structuring international insurance in your risk management program.

Posted: 03.30.05
New System for Blue Cross Blue Shield Pharmacy Claims; Benefits Do Not Change
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently implemented a new pharmacy processing system, which replaces the present DRAMS system. To submit claims, pharmacists now need to use the new MedImpact system.

Posted: 03.16.05
ADVISOR Wins National Recognition
The 2004 ALCOS ADVISOR was chosen as a Bronze Medal winner in the Newsletter category of the second annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) competition.

Posted: 01.31.05
Are Your Personal Assets at Risk Because of Your Job?
Did you know that if your employment responsibilities make you a fiduciary for an employee benefit plan, your personal assets are at risk?

Posted: 12.22.04
Excess Liability Coverage - An Inexpensive Necessity for Homeowners
You don't have to have a lot of assets to be sued for a large amount of money. That's why excess liability coverage, often called umbrella coverage, should be an important part of your insurance portfolio.

Posted: 10.08.04
Mundus & Mundus of Ann Arbor merges with ALCOS
On September 1st, 2004 Mundus & Mundus Inc. of Ann Arbor merged its Commercial, Personal and Employee Benefit business with ALCOS.

Posted: 10.07.04
ALCOS is chosen as a Future 50 of Greater Detroit winner for 2004
The competition, sponsored by BDO Seidman, LLP, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and WWJ Newsradio 950, recognizes top performers and future leaders of the Southeastern Michigan business community.

Posted: 10.06.04
ALCOS is Top Corporate Contributor at the Relay for Life
Team ALCOS took top corporate honors by raising over $42,000 to help fund cancer research at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event in St. Clair Shores.

Posted: 10.01.04
EDGE Offers Valuable Discounts to Employees at No Cost to Employers
An Exclusive Discount Group Enrollment Program

Posted: 10.01.04
Evaluating Your Portfolio at Year-End
Good asset allocation is fundamental to continued solid performance.

Posted: 10.01.04
Make Sure Your Business is Protected When Employing Sub-Contractors
When outsourcing work, it is easy to overlook a sub-contractor's insurance coverages, and assume that the company's workers are adequately protected.

Posted: 10.01.04
Step Therapy: A Strategy to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
These strategies have allowed members to maintain control over what medications they receive and The average prescription drug user took 15.5 prescriptions in 2003, up from 15.1 scripts in 2002.

Posted: 06.10.04
Look Before You Leap: The Attraction of Health Saving Accounts
The theory is that if the plan provides employees with enough resources to become prudent users of their healthcare benefits, claims utilization will go down, and therefore workers will have substantial financial resources left when they retire.

Posted: 06.01.04
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Private Companies are not Exempt from Litigation
"Nearly 40 percent of privately held companies report their directors and officers will likely be sued by shareholders, customers or vendors in the year ahead."