We believe that everybody deserves a workplace culture that supports their total well-being through benefits. Since 2006, Empyrean has provided hundreds of employers of varying size, industry, and benefit plan complexity with the innovative technology and best-in-class service necessary to accelerate their benefits strategies and bring their benefits programs to life. Empyrean’s platform and services are designed to create connected employee benefit experiences that enrich lives, strengthen employer brands, and improve workplace cultures for over 5 million people. With our +YOU solution, clients can deliver a holistic employee experience to help HR and benefit leaders simplify the work technology stack for all of the HR initiatives designed to improve employee productivity, well-being, and retention. Visit us at goempyrean.com.

The Horton Group began in 1971 as a single location, eight-person insurance agency in Orland Park, Illinois. Today, Horton is a large, stable insurance broker that delivers complex solutions to thousands of customers. The company currently features seven offices in four states. Horton provides businesses with a value proposition – tangible services – that other brokers do not match. Additionally, The Horton Group utilizes a professional approach in managing the Company’s core business operations. This unique combination of service capabilities and business excellence gives Horton’s clients real value when compared to what competing insurance brokers can offer. The Horton Group does not take its success for granted. Through continuous improvement and innovation, the Company is able to develop superior risk and benefit programs for clients who are leaders in their field. In the areas of risk management, insurance and employee benefits, Horton provides programs and methodologies that are proven to lower costs and increase value. Horton adds to its service capabilities through acquisitions and new venture opportunities. These strategies, along with the Company’s tools, techniques and talent, come together to form Horton’s aggressive, growth-oriented culture of quality.

The Nesbit Agencies, Inc. is a family owned and operated group of independent insurance agencies. Founded in 1974 by Ross Nesbit and headquartered in Minnetonka, MN, we have progressed from a one man shop to 14 locations and growing! Experienced staff, centralized marketing, strong carrier relationships and a client first commitment has helped us become one of the largest agencies in the Midwest.

North Risk Partners is an independent insurance brokerage and risk management advisory firm specializing in strategic solutions for businesses and individuals. Our firm’s core areas of service are property and casualty, including commercial, home, auto, farm, and more; and benefits, including medical and ancillary plans for employee benefit programs as well as individuals and families. North Risk also has a significant surety bonds practice. Our team is committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage and attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses. For businesses, we have programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness and more. North Risk Partners is one of the largest, privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Midwest with over 400 employees serving our clients from 31 locations across five states: Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Learn more at northriskpartners.com or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthRisk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthRiskPartners/

Ochs Inc is a respected local insurance broker with an office situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Known for their exceptional customer service and expertise, they serve clients ranging from large corporations to small businesses. An excellent example of their capabilities at this specific location is their collaboration with Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc., an employer in the individual and family services industry. Ochs Inc worked closely with the HR and finance team of Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. to establish a customized Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, as well as a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) and drug plan tailored to meet the unique needs of their members. In addition to their work with Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc., Ochs Inc proudly serves numerous employer clients in Saint Paul, Minnesota, including Ashland University, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Davidson Transit Organization Employee Benefit Trust, and more. Their clientele expands across several states, such as Tennessee, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Ochs Inc possesses extensive experience and expertise in various industries, particularly in educational services, individual and family services, and interurban and rural bus transportation. This allows them to provide comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the specific requirements of their clients. With a strong M Score, reflecting their wide-ranging experience across client sizes and industries, Ochs Inc has solidified their reputation as a top-notch insurance broker. Their exceptional customer service, coupled with their extensive knowledge and expertise, has garnered highly positive reviews from satisfied clients. For businesses seeking a trusted insurance partner, Ochs Inc offers unparalleled expertise, personalized solutions, and a commitment to exceptional service.

North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides individuals, families and businesses with the resources needed to create, preserve and protect their wealth. With a network of 170 advisors in 22 states, North Star has contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 140,000 individuals.* Additionally, North Star contributes 10 percent of profits each year to worthy nonprofits through the Scott Richards North Star Foundation, totaling $5 million donated since 2004. *Data as of 12/31/19 North Star Resource Group is independently owned and operated and offers its own suite of products and services entirely independent of Securian. Certain individuals associated with North Star Resource Group are registered with and offer securities and investment advisory services through Securian Financial Services, Inc. ("Securian"), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA / SIPC. Individuals registered with Securian are authorized to offer only those securities and investment advisory services that have been specifically approved by Securian. FINRA’s BrokerCheck contains additional information about registered individuals and also indicates whether they are registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives. You may also refer to their individual bio pages on this website to find their registration status. Not all registered persons are registered as investment advisor representatives. Only registered persons who are registered as investment advisor representatives use titles "advisor" or "financial advisor" and provide advisory services. For further questions about which individuals associated with North Star Resource Group are registered with Securian, as well as information about which securities and investment advisory services such individuals are authorized to offer on Securian's behalf, please contact Securian at 1-800-820-4205. 2701 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Associated Financial Consultants & Investor Services is dedicated to the creation and conservation of lifetime assets. We provide financial solutions to complex situations and challenges that are easy to digest, understand, strategize from and most importantly execute, track and adapt to. Our clientele consists of a wide variety of individuals, who are both well-established or establishing themselves, and companies of all sizes, both local and national. We believe that every individual and company is unique – such as ourselves – with a wide array of goals and challenges throughout multiple stages, whether it’s finding success, during success or with continuing success. Therefore, every solution needs to be tailored and customized with a unique approach. Associated prides itself on being independent for over 40 years, and it’s our goal to continue helping others remain unique and independent for many generations to come. ### Please see my website for additional information and disclosures. Third party comments may not be representative of all customer experiences. Securities by licensed Individuals Offered Through Securities America, Inc. A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA, SIPC The accuracy and authenticity of the information is reliant solely on the author and/or third parties and not by Securities America, Inc. nor its affiliates. Any information represented should be for illustrative and educational purposes only and not to be considered investment advice.

Brown & Brown, located in the bustling heart of Minneapolis, MN under the guidance of Julia Bertrand, stands out as a prominent insurance brokerage firm, particularly esteemed for its expertise with local and regional employers. This office has carved a niche in delivering comprehensive medical and ancillary benefits solutions, a testament to its profound understanding of employer needs and industry demands. One of the hallmark features of this Brown & Brown branch is its proficiency in serving the offices of real estate agents and brokers industries. A shining example of their client success stories is the collaboration with Collopy Real Estate, a Minnesota-based firm. Here, Brown & Brown has demonstrated its capability to manage complex insurance needs, catering to over 180 participants, which highlights their ability to handle substantial and intricate employer benefit programs. The firm’s strength lies in its dual focus: an intimate knowledge of local business landscapes coupled with the resources and reach of a large national insurance brokerage firm. This unique combination enables them to offer tailored, effective solutions that resonate with the specific needs of each client. Brown & Brown’s Minneapolis office, led by Julia Bertrand, is not just about numbers and contracts; it's about building lasting relationships and ensuring the financial safety and wellness of its clients and their employees. Their approach is holistic, considering not just the immediate insurance needs but also the long-term implications and opportunities for their clients. This office's commitment to excellence and its adeptness in navigating the complex world of employer benefits make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking reliable, insightful, and comprehensive insurance brokerage services.

Direct Benefits, an office of Alera Group LLC located in Minneapolis, MN, stands out as a proficient insurance broker, particularly skilled in serving local and regional employers. This office is recognized for its adept handling of medical and ancillary benefits, showcasing a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by various industries. Their clientele is diverse and includes notable names such as J&B Pallet, a significant player in the wood product manufacturing sector. J&B Pallet, based in Minnesota, entrusts Direct Benefits with the benefit needs of over 90 participants, underlining the broker's capacity to manage substantial accounts. Another key client is Valley Sales, an entity in the automobile dealers industry, also based in Minnesota. With Direct Benefits' guidance, Valley Sales efficiently administers benefits for over 70 participants, demonstrating the broker's expertise in this specific sector. Moreover, Direct Benefits has made a significant impact in the depository credit intermediation industry, particularly with Bravera Holdings Corp based in North Dakota. Managing benefits for a massive group of over 920 participants, this relationship highlights Direct Benefits' capability to handle large-scale, complex benefit arrangements. Their expertise is especially pronounced in the automobile dealers and depository credit intermediation industries, indicating a specialized knowledge base that sets them apart in these sectors. As a local brokerage firm, Direct Benefits combines the advantage of localized knowledge with the resources and reach of the larger Alera Group. This blend of local insight and comprehensive resources makes them a reliable choice for employers seeking tailored benefit solutions that align with their specific industry requirements and organizational goals.

America’s TPA has merged with HealthEZ to form the new HealthEZ, the simple solution to employer health benefits. When our founder created HealthEZ's simplified medical statement and payment system in 1997, we knew we had a great new service with a great name. And now – after receiving such positive feedback for such a long time about the way HealthEZ simplifies the medical payment process – we've come to the conclusion that HealthEZ is not just an additional service provided by America's TPA, but rather a completely different approach to the way health benefits are administered.