Group Solutions, located in Minneapolis, MN, boasts a sizable office equipped to cater to the diverse needs of employers seeking comprehensive insurance solutions. With a proven track record, this local brokerage firm stands out for its extensive experience working with self-funded clients, providing adept support to both local and regional employers. Their expertise spans various industries, including beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers, rail transportation, and electrical equipment manufacturing. Notable clients such as 7G Distributing, a leader in the beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers sector with 150+ participants, Bmc Aggregates LC in nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying with 160+ participants, and Bodine Electric Company in electrical equipment manufacturing with 240+ participants, underscore the broker's ability to navigate the intricacies of diverse industries. This office stands out for its significant experience in serving midsize and large employers, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the distinct challenges and opportunities inherent in both segments. Group Solutions in Minneapolis, MN, is synonymous with tailored insurance solutions, leveraging its local presence and industry-specific expertise to empower employers in safeguarding their workforce and enhancing overall well-being.

What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton's private ownership empowers its 10,000+ Associates doing business in over 125 countries to focus solely on clients' risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results. For 14 consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." Lockton was named among the 2022 Best Managed Companies by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal, a program that recognizes excellence and honors private companies for their strategy, execution, culture, and financials.

Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) provides business insurance, employee health & benefits, retirement, and private client insurance solutions to organizations and individuals seeking limitless possibilities. With over 9,000 colleagues and 160 offices across the United States and Canada, MMA combines the personalized service model of a local consultant with the global resources and expertise of the world’s leading professional services firm, Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC). MMA generates more than $2 billion in annualized revenue, making it one of the largest brokerage operations in North America.

Dattilo Consulting, Inc. helps companies and their employees thrive through affordable benefit plans and related services. Headquartered in the West Metro (Chanhassen, MN) we specialize in comprehensive employee benefits consulting and services for companies in the broader St. Paul and Minneapolis area. BENEFITS CONSULTING DCI clients spend 49% less on benefits than the national average. Employees spend 21% less. We help you navigate company health insurance plans, develop strategies to reduce healthcare costs, evaluate health insurance pricing models, and find the right mix of employee benefits to keep your competitive edge. ■ Group health insurance benefits - Including BENIC plan (benefiting employees not insurance companies) ■ HSA (Health Savings Account) ■ HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangements) ■ Copay health insurance ■ Company Dental Insurance plans ■ Group Life Insurance ■ Employee disability plans ■ Vision Plans ■ Voluntary Benefit Plans ■ Cafeteria plans - POP (Premium Only Plans) - FSA plans (Flexible Spending Accounts) - DCAP (Dependent Care Assistance Plan) HR CONSULTING & SUPPORT A common fear we hear from Controllers and HR Directors is dropping the ball and creating liability for their company because there isn’t enough time or help to get everything done. We bring order to chaos by helping you with simple day to day operations like onboarding and offboarding, open enrollment, health plan administration, and regulatory compliance. ■ Offboarding (employee termination) ■ Open enrollment (electronic and paper materials, in-person meetings, digital distribution) ■ HSA, HRA, and FSA plan administration ■ HR Compliance management - COBRA administration - Affordable Care Act (1094C, 1095C) - CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Reporting - 5500 filings - Document storage and organization - Department of Labor (DOL) audit reports If you need help implementing or managing benefits, give us a call! (952) 448-8800

We exist to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.

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.

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.

AssuredPartners: Your Trusted Insurance Broker in Duluth, Minnesota Located in Duluth, Minnesota, AssuredPartners is a national insurance broker known for its exceptional services and expertise. With a strong focus on meeting the unique needs of their clients, they have established themselves as a reliable partner in the insurance industry. One shining example of their successful work is their collaboration with TBI Residential & Community Services, a prominent employer in the health care and social assistance sector, boasting 230 members. AssuredPartners worked closely with TBI's HR and finance team to set up a self-funding arrangement, a specialized pharmacy benefit management (PBM), and a drug plan tailored specifically to the needs of their members. AssuredPartners has extensive experience working with self-funded employers, as well as a deep understanding of HMOs and their clients' diverse requirements. They have established solid relationships with PBMs and other pharmacy providers, allowing them to offer comprehensive solutions to their clients. Serving a wide range of clients, including large, midsize, and small employers, AssuredPartners has earned a stellar reputation in the industry. Some of their notable employer clients in the Duluth area include LHB Inc, Mada Insurance Incorporated, The Lakes Community Health Center Inc, and Duluth Regional Care Center. Their services extend throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, catering to a diverse clientele. Boasting a commendable M Score, AssuredPartners' expertise spans various sectors, excluding public administration. They are particularly well-versed in serving the needs of the health care and social assistance industries, as well as utility system construction. In the Duluth, MN market, AssuredPartners stands among the top brokerages, thanks to their extensive experience and exceptional customer service, which has garnered high praise from satisfied clients. When it comes to insurance brokerage, AssuredPartners is your trusted partner, offering a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific needs

Direct Benefits, Inc is a highly regarded local insurance consultant, operating out of their office in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With a focus on serving clients of all sizes, including large, midsize, and small employers, they offer comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to meet their specific needs. A notable example of their expertise can be seen through their partnership with Cliff Viessman Trucking, Inc, a leading employer in the general freight trucking industry, boasting 380 members. Direct Benefits worked closely with Cliff Viessman Trucking's HR and finance team to establish a self-funding arrangement, as well as a tailored Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), and drug plan that catered specifically to the unique requirements of their members. Direct Benefits, Inc demonstrates a wealth of experience in working with self-funded clients, highlighting their expertise in managing such programs effectively. Additionally, they have a strong track record of collaborating with clients to meet their needs and achieve optimal results, particularly in the realm of PPO plans. Their partnerships with PBMs and other pharmacy providers further underscore their commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions. Operating across multiple states, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon, Michigan, Georgia, and Colorado, Direct Benefits, Inc serves a diverse client base. Some of their notable employer clients include American Bancor, Ltd., Cliff Viessman Trucking, Inc, Crosscountry Courier Inc, and Kaeding Management Group. Direct Benefits, Inc prides itself on their

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., located in Minneapolis, MN, presents a compelling option for employer benefits buyers, particularly in the realm of medical and ancillary benefits. As a local brokerage firm, they have honed their expertise in serving both local and regional employers, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to understand and cater to the specific needs of diverse industries. One of Ameriprise's standout features is its proficiency in the retail trade sector. They have successfully managed benefits for notable clients such as Palm USA, a prominent player in the retail trade industry based in Illinois. With over 80 participants, Palm USA's collaboration with Ameriprise highlights the firm's ability to handle complex benefit needs in this sector effectively. Another exemplary case of Ameriprise's capability is their work with Aduro, a company in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry located in Washington. Catering to over 120 participants, Ameriprise has showcased its adaptability and expertise in managing benefits for a diverse range of industries and company sizes. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. distinguishes itself not just through its industry-specific knowledge but also through a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements faced by businesses in their local and regional contexts. Their tailored approach in providing solutions that align with their clients' specific needs makes them a valuable partner for businesses looking to optimize their employee benefits programs.