Many local business owners are now discovering that the post-COVID economic recovery has a downside – namely, inflation.  As a result, these employers are searching for ways to offset the rising expense of running a business.

According to Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, these business owners should consider switching from traditional fully insured employee benefit packages to self-insured plans, such as level-funded policies, in order to control costs.

Reduced Costs

“Level-funded plans can offer employers substantial savings in this inflationary environment because of the fact that they do not include marketing expenses, have lower administrative costs, and are exempt from premium taxes and most state regulations,” said Calistri.

These plans also allow business owners to pay a fixed or “level” monthly fee (based on expected claims) that is usually lower than traditional insurance premiums.  In addition, employers may be awarded a partial cash refund if actual claims are lower than expected.   (If claims are higher than predicted, the employer’s stop loss insurance will kick in.)

Transparency and Versatility

Unlike business owners with traditional insurance plans, those with level-funded policies receive claims activity reports with detailed information about employees’ health care usage patterns throughout the year. 

This transparency of claims data allows employers to take advantage of another cost-saving feature of level-funded plans – the customization of benefits.

“Having access to claims data lets business owners customize their benefit offerings so that they are more cost effective,” said Calistri.  “For example, if their employees seem to be over-using hospital emergency rooms, employers can tailor their plan designs so that workers have incentives to use urgent care centers and doctors’ offices for health problems that aren’t life threatening.”

Employee Engagement

Most level-funded plans offer a number of services designed to engage employees more fully in their healthcare decisions, while maximizing employers’ cost savings,

For example, many plans provide wellness programs designed to motivate workers to pursue healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising, since it is widely recognized that a healthy lifestyle can reduce employees’ medical costs.

Many of these plans also include telemedicine, which lets employees have online medical appointments and is not only a big money saver for employers but is also highly convenient for workers.  Some also offer prescription benefit management programs, which help employees select generic and mail order drugs rather than more expensive brand name products. 

“Because of their transparency, versatility, and potential savings, level-funded plans can be a great fit for many businesses whose owners are concerned about inflation,” said Calistri.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program will be holding a Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course on campus on August 24, 26, 31, and September 2, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Space is limited. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. 

The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of payment. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of the Weaver Building on the Johnson College campus.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will present “Best of the Eagles” on October 1 at 7:30 PM in its Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre.  “Best of the Eagles” is one of the top Eagles tribute bands in the country with performances of the band’s greatest hits from the 70s, 80s and more.

“Best of the Eagles” prides itself as the most authentic interpretation of the music of the Eagles in America, bar none! Each member mirrors his counterpart in the Eagles instrumentally and vocally. However, this is no simple copy band or impersonator act but rather a group of excellent musicians who expertly and authentically re-create the songs, the music, the vocals and the magical aura of one of America’s greatest rock bands. After selling out many venues in the region including the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, “Best of the Eagles” looks forward to sharing a great night of Eagles hits in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Tickets range from $28.25 – $48.25 (includes fees) and are available for purchase at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Marywood University will launch its bachelor of science degree in construction management for the fall 2022 semester. As part of the University’s renowned School of Architecture, this is the first and only four-year construction management program in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Marywood University’s School of Architecture’s integrative curriculum emphasizes a design/build approach, sustainable construction, and novel problem-solving skills, preparing its graduates to take on the most complex situations in the profession.

A bachelor’s degree in construction management prepares graduates to manage complex projects in the construction industry. Construction managers plan, budget, coordinate, and supervise construction projects throughout every step of the process. Construction managers work with all members of the team, from designers to contractors, to fulfill client needs and positively contribute to the built environment.

Students in the construction management program, within the School of Architecture, at Marywood University will enjoy close partnerships with other disciplines in the built environment. The University’s integrative curriculum connects business practices, construction knowledge, emergent building technologies, and design practices. With a construction management degree from Marywood University, graduates will be able to apply their education to a range of industry applications in a projected field for growth.

The new construction management program at Marywood University is a participant in the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) Mentor Program. As part of ACCE’s five-year process for new programs on the path to full accreditation, Marywood University is a prospect school, currently in a mentoring partnership with The Ohio State University.

For additional information about Marywood University’s construction management major, please visit marywood.edu/architecture/programs/bachelor-of-science-(b.s.)-in-construction-management/, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Joann Marsili, Michelle Carr and Jill Valentini have been promoted.

Joann Marsili, Senior Vice President, has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. Under her direction, the Marketing Division has created a robust and competitive brand. Her emphasis on promoting Fidelity Bank as the Best Bank, and her innovative approach to marketing, drives sales in all divisions. Marsili holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications/Broadcasting from The Pennsylvania State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing, where she is an instructor. She is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP).

Michelle Carr has been named Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Director. A 15-year Fidelity Banker, Carr has directed multiple branches, offering guidance to managers and branch bankers to continuously enhance the client experience. She oversees the integration of the Landmark branches into Fidelity Bank’s retail banking model to ensure that new clients experience the exemplary service to which longtime Fidelity customers are accustomed. In her new role, she oversees an expanded branch network and the Customer Care Center. Carr holds Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees in Business Management, both from the University of Scranton. She resides in Covington Township.

Jill Valentini has been promoted to Vice President, Regional Retail Sales Manager for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Valentini has served the Fidelity Bank community for 13 years, fulfilling various roles throughout her career. Most recently, she served as Retail Branch Manager of Dunmore, the largest Fidelity Bank office. Valentini holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from The Pennsylvania State University. A resident of Peckville,  she is Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Leadership Lackawanna, and a Board Member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

The Tenderloins, creators and stars of truTV’s hit show “Impractical Jokers” and TBS’ “The Misery Index,” announced today “The Scoopski Potatoes Tour,” a brand-new live show slated to hit arenas around the U.S. Launching this November, the 40-city tour is produced by Outback Presents.

Off the heels of a successful season 3 launch of game show “The Misery Index,” the Season 10 pickup of “Impractical Jokers,” and their sold-out global “Cranjis McBasketball’ tour, The Tenderloins are excited to bring new jokes to comedy fans across the nation. Tickets for all shows will be available on Friday, July 23rd and can be found at thetenderloins.com/tour. Tickets for the Wilkes-Barre show are on sale now.

“The Scoopski Potatoes Tour,” consisting of never-before-seen videos and storytelling stand-up will be kicking off in Glendale, AZ on Friday, November 19, 2021, visiting such markets as Cleveland, OH; Sacramento, CA; Portland, OR; Milwaukee, WI; and Chicago, IL for New Year’s Eve, amongst many others.

James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, Joe Gatto, and Sal Vulcano have been making audiences laugh on “Impractical Jokers” since 2011, having reached a 200-episode milestone back in February 2020. Impractical Jokers is a top 5 comedy on cable, and truTV’s longest running & top-rated original comedy.

“We’ve waited a long time to be able to get back on the road doing what we love most – making people laugh!” said The Tenderloins’ Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano. “This tour is especially meaningful to us, and we are absolutely thrilled to be back in person where we can connect with and laugh alongside our fans for the first time in over a year and a half. We can’t wait to kick off the festivities.” For more information and a full list of “The Scoopski Potatoes Tour” dates visit thetenderloins.com/tour.

Your last chance to experience the Lakeland Orchard Strawberry Festival is NOW! Just one more week of delicious strawberry sweets and treats! BUY TICKETS online at lakelandorchard.com/products/strawberry-festival.

Included with Admission:

• One time, all-access admission to the Strawberry Festival
• A 1 quart box for pick-your-own strawberries (while supplies last)
• Admittance to our Expanded Cider Garden
• Live music every Saturday & Sunday
• Over 15 Attractions – Country Carousel, Giant Corn Box, Goat Corral, Yard Games, and More!

Strawberry Festival specific food & drink includes STRAWBERRY:

• Shortcakes
• Donuts
• Lemonade
• King Slush
• Hard Cider Slush

TRADEOFFS A Collaboration of Paintings by Peter Hoffer and Georgio C Kyriakos will host its opening reception in the Waverly Small Works Gallery, South Wing of The Waverly Community House on July 30 from 5-7 p.m.

Light refreshments, music by Rich Jenkins and open gallery – meet the artists. Open to public. Parking available, handicap accessible.

Show runs through September 10 M – F 10am – 4pm or by appointment. 570-586-8191 ext 2 for further information.

The Scranton Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in downtown Scranton, PA the first weekend of August. The Main Stage is located at the Historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel.

After the main stage closes there is a “Jazz Walk” throughout numerous downtown Scranton venues. It is an authentic weekend of Jazz, Blues, World Beat music and much more. see the schedule of artists at www.scrantonjazzfestival.org

Johnson College offers a 1-week Innovation and Creation Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students from Monday, August 16, 2021, to Friday, August 20, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA. The cost of the camp is $50 per student, and space is limited.

Students will utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills while learning about the latest robotics and STEM technologies. They will start camp as a passive user of technology but finish as experienced inventors.

For more information and to register, email Tim Frank, Academic Program Specialist at Johnson College, at tfrank@johnson.edu.