Press & Interviews
NorthBayBiz Magazine – February 2020
Transparency and Health Care Consumerism
by Jordan Shields
Ask anyone who has suffered a serious injury or illness, or is living with a chronic condition necessitating continual and considerable expense, how they feel about the state of health care in the U.S. The inner workings of our health-care delivery system remain a mystery. Transparency is helpful, but like all such legislation, it spawns additional questions. For example, what does the terminology mean? Does this include any contract or cash discounts? Are there alternative therapies or procedures available, and what do they cost?
NorthBayBiz – February 2020
Corporate Culture
Interview with Andrew McNeil & Rosario Avila
“Every company has one, whether [it’s] good or bad,” says Andrew McNeil, principal and senior benefits advisor at Arrow Benefits Group in Petaluma, which provides benefit programs for more than 1,400 employer clients in California. “If you have two people, you have a culture. How you live and work in it defines it.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – March 2020
The Art of Attracting and Retaining Employees
by Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila
As the workforce gets younger and demographics change, companies across all industries are looking for new ways to attract and retain their labor force. In Napa and Sonoma counties, wineries and other businesses are currently competing with the cannabis and construction industries for local workers. Along with competitive wages, many companies now offer new, more meaningful benefits to their employees beyond the traditional, run-of-the-mill medical plans and benefits package.
Employee Benefit News – January 2020
Employee Benefit News exclusive Video interview with Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila: How technology can make or break client relationships.
“Technology is the most vital issue for benefits brokers today…a lot of people that we see are not embracing technology when clients want it.” In this Lightning Round video, McNeil and Avila — Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2019 Advisers of the Year — also discuss bilingual employee engagement and how they get over differences as business partners.
North Bay Business Journal – August 2020
North Bay Community Philanthropy Awards 2020
We’re proud to announce – Mariah Shields and Arrow Benefits Group were just awarded The Business Journal 2020 North Bay Community Philanthropy Award. As an outstanding example of corporate giving and community involvement in Sonoma, Solano, Marin, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake counties.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – December 2020
How to Deal with Open Enrollment During COVID-19
by A. McNeil and R. Avila
There is no question the pandemic has changed the way we work, interact, and communicate with our colleagues. Some industries no longer operate in the rigid structure once thought to be “the only” way to do business.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – February 2021
Read latest interview with award-winning Arrow advisors Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila.
Thinking About Diversity
by Michael Barnes
As the current social justice movement and push for progressive policies reshape how society operates, the significance of diversity in the workplace assumes new meaning. Recruiting employees with diversity in mind is a process that is more than simply “checking a box.” It’s a decision informed by a unique cross-section of perspectives, practices and personalities sought by employers and employees alike.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – February 5, 2021
Philanthropy: COVID-19’s Silver Lining
by Mariah Shields
While COVID-19 doesn’t conjure positive images, there is something to be said about the constructive ripple effects of this pandemic. With every emergency or natural disaster, there’s always an optimistic side to the distress. This crisis is no exception. The concept of company culture and giving back to the community is stronger than ever before—the pandemic has opened-up an entirely new conversation about what it means to be civic minded.
NorthBayBiz Magazine – April 7, 2021
Enhancing Company Benefits for a Better Employee Experience
by A. McNeil & R. Avila
Lets start with three questions: How did you develop your company benefits program? Was it built with the employee in mind, or was it to mirror what your competitors are offering? And how do you know if your benefits program is truly meeting the needs of your employees and their families? When we ask employers these questions, the answer we most often get is: “I don’t know.”
NorthBayBiz Magazine – June 2021
Let’s Talk Benefits in English or Español!
Did you know that many employees don’t fully understand their benefit plans? According to a recent study by VOYA Financial, Inc., 66% of employees say they need their employer to help them better understand their employee benefits…54% of Millennials say they don’t understand their benefit offerings.