The Benefit Initiative for Creating a Financially Secure Workforce

with Chris Thixton, QPA, QKC

VIRTUAL - LINK WILL Be in the confirmation email.

FREE FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $10 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS.

Financial insecurity and stress are wreaking havoc on workers. It affects their mental and physical health, as well as their working lives, in numerous and detrimental ways.  In this session, we will gain a deeper understanding of employee financial security and how it impacts workplace productivity.  We will also address the most effective and achievable way employers can use an existing resource to make a difference in the financial security and overall well-being of their employees.

Learning objectives:  How employee financial stress affects the workplace, discuss what are the greatest barriers to employee financial security, and learn alternative methods of how employers can help improve employee financial security.

For over 20 years, Chris has been an advocate for improving the financial security of employees in the United States. Chris shares his passion, knowledge, and experience as he educates clients, plan sponsors, and fiduciaries on the consequences of financial stress on people and workplace productivity. He currently serves on the leadership council for the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) which is one of five member organizations of the American Retirement Association based in Washington, DC. As a member of ASPPA, he serves as both a Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) and a Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC). Chris testified in Washington D.C. at the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration on fiduciary matters related to fee disclosure as part of the Hearing on Reasonable Contracts or Arrangements under Section 408(b)(2) and testified before the DOL’s ERISA Advisory Council. Chris has developed and implemented a variety of systems that have improved clients’ retirement plans. He also pioneered PCI’s vendor research system which includes extensive service-provider comparative analysis and benchmarking. Chris leads public workshops to train fiduciary committees, as well as conducts private training sessions for individual fiduciary committees across the country. He has spoken at over 50 conferences and seminars.

One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved.

WCASHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

HR Certification Institute's® (www.HRCI.org)  official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval, including SPHR® and PHR®.

SPONSOR

History of HealthStar:

HealthStar was founded in 2000 by Dr. Kevin Hale in Hot Springs. We are an expanding outpatient health care system of experienced family physicians organized for the sole purpose of delivering high-quality, comprehensive, physical, and mental health care. HealthStar is owned and governed by our 14 physician owners, and our modern and innovative facilities are located around the Greater Hot Springs area, Glenwood, Malvern, and Mena.

We operate traditional family practice clinics, a house calls, and telehealth program for enhanced access to care, four school-based clinics, and two walk-in clinics that offer extended hours to meet the needs of our patients. Our patients also have access to pediatric providers, physical therapists, a pharmacist, full-service diagnostic center (CT, MRI, ECHO, and Ultrasound), and central lab. Additionally, each of our family practice sites have a licensed behavioral health counselor imbedded inside the clinic for easy referrals, warm handoffs, and comprehensive physical and psychological care. Lastly, we operate a clinical research department that allows our patients and providers to participate in advancing healthcare.

Aside from family medicine, HealthStar also provides practice management services for various providers that prefer to remain independent but need help with the business of health care. We are equipped to provide support to any specialty across the health care spectrum.

In 2022, we employed over 250 people, including our 14 physician owners, 9 contracted physicians, 40 nurse practitioners, 2 physical therapists, 4 physician assistants, 1 certified registered nurse anesthetist, 1 pharmacist, 7 licensed professional counselors, and a host of support staff that keep HealthStar running day in and day out. All providers and staff are dedicated to bringing patients the best of primary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, and psychological counseling services. We have over 52,000 patients in all our clinics.

Here at HealthStar, we value local partnerships and work very hard to fully integrate ourselves into each community we serve. In 2022, we were blessed once again to be able to provide charity to our communities, patients, employees, and their families! We donated over $27,000 to local organizations and provided over $250,000 in free healthcare.

Mission: To be a leader in patient-centered healthcare with excellence in quality, service, and access.

Vision: A place where patients recommend their family and friends, where employees are proud to work, and that communities are proud to partner with.

Values: Put people first. Be an advocate for positive change. Be bold & think differently. Do the right thing

Contact [email protected] about this opportunity or visit Marketing Opportunities for more information.

SHRM FOUNDATION

Donate $10.75 for opportunity to win $25 gift card doorprize. (You can donate when you register or go to our catalog) 

Giving For A Cause

Donate to our quarterly “Giving for a Cause.”  Add it to your registration or go to the WCASHRM Catalog and we will donate on your behalf!!

NOT A WCASHRM MEMBER? MEMBERSHIP IS FREE FOR SHRM MEMBERS!

If you're not a WCASHRM chapter member, we hope you will consider joining us. Our chapter provides monthly education with 1 hour of CE. Our dues are free for SHRM members who primary designate their SHRM membership with our chapter, $30 for SHRM members designated to another chapter, or $45/annually. Our members consist of HR professionals, small business owners, office managers, payroll clerks, benefit coordinators, and others interested in the Human Resource function. WCASHRM offers certification and college scholarships, legislative updates, a monthly newsletter, free virtual meetings, free online job ad posting, and more to our members. [Your membership will more than cover your registration to all 8 virtual meetings.]

In addition, the national organization - the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - provides a multitude of resources including articles, legal updates, research, online tools including job descriptions, templates, audit information, and expert help in HR and business. SHRM membership costs $264/annually. (Then your local chapter dues with WCASHRM are free!) [SHRM membership price increasing to $299 on Feb 4.]

Visit our Join page for membership information where you can find the online application. Or email questions to: [email protected].