Does Your Business Need a Spotted Lanternfly Permit?

Matt OlphinAgribusiness, News, Risk Management

To prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) issued a quarantine for counties where the presence of this pest has been confirmed. Businesses and organizations conducting business in the quarantine zone must have permits from PDA to move vehicles, equipment and goods within and out of the zone. Click for more information >>>

7 Tips for Grain Bin Safety

Courtney MeyerAgribusiness, News

Today’s large grain augers can transfer from two to four times as much grain as augers of the past. Your body can become completely submerged in about 8 seconds, leaving you helpless. Crusted, spoiled and wet grain associated with wet harvest (as well as remaining grain from last year’s wetter harvest) can also contribute to grain bin suffocation. As grain is removed from the bin it can bridge and form a cavity under the crusted surface. There’s little chance of survival if you are walking on the surface when the crust breaks and you plunge into flowing or hot grain. Read the safety tips here >>>

Farm Bureau Urges FDA to Enforce Milk Labeling Standards

Courtney MeyerAgribusiness, News

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is urging the Food and Drug Administration to vigorously enforce food standards regarding the labeling of dairy products and prohibit the misleading labeling of nut-based and plant-based food products as “milk.” “Products identified as almond milk, soy milk and similar items are not being held to the same FDA standards as milk and dairy products that come from healthy cows, yet they still benefit by using the term ‘milk’ on their packaging,” said PFB President Rick Ebert. “Through their packaging, labeling and location in the refrigerated dairy section, these imitation products directly compete with and are marketed as substitutes for beverage milk products. It’s time for FDA to enforce its existing rule and forbid imitation nut and …

Reduce the Potential for Water Damage and Severe Weather Claims

Denise GillinBusiness Insurance, Home and Auto Insurance, Risk Management

The insurance industry pays many more claims for water damage than they do for fire damage! And, the number of losses spike during the cold winter months. Do you know how to reduce the potential for water damage from: Wind-blown rain, sleet and snow from severe storms Ice damming Flooding and damage from surface water Accidental activation or damage to piping containing water Roof collapse   For more information and to access the Water Damage Prevention Inspection Checklist >>>  

Preparing for New Cyber Threats

Denise GillinBusiness Insurance, News, Risk Management

According to an article by Jody Westby, CEO of Global Cyber Risk, published on Leader’s Edge website, as companies look to the year ahead, they should make sure they are prepared for the types of cyber attacks they might encounter in 2019. The cyber threat environment is more sophisticated than ever, and nation-states have increasingly played a role, often in coordination with other actors. Even the best chief information security officers are evaluating their programs against current threats and beefing up.   Tell me more >>>

ACA Form 1095 Deadline Extended

Tom HenschkeHealth Benefits Administration, Human Resources, News

According to BASIC HR Compliance & Technology, the IRS has extended the due date for certain 2018 information-reporting requirements for insurers, self-insuring employers, and certain other providers of minimum essential coverage under section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code and for applicable large employers under section 6056 of the Code. Read more here.  

Mad Cow Disease: BSE Case Found on Farm in Scotland

Courtney MeyerAgribusiness, News

A case of BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, has been detected on a farm in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, officials have revealed. A statement issued by Scottish authorities said “precautionary movement restrictions” had been put in place at the farm. Experts stressed it was a case of classical BSE, so posed no harm to human health. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the disease, which has not been seen in Scotland in 10 years.   Read more here >>>

Celebrating 25 Years as an ESOP: What employee ownership means for our clients

Jeff GelburdESOP, News

You may have heard that Murray is an employee-owned or ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) agency. What, exactly, does that mean if you are a Murray client or prospective client? Empowered Employees Employee ownership empowers employees. By giving employees the autonomy and flexibility to make judgement calls based on the customer’s needs, we streamline processes and increase customer satisfaction. Our employee-owners know their actions affect their customers, and ultimately, the success of our agency, and they take ownership of their decisions. In short, your success is their success. Preservation of Company Culture Many of our competitors have been involved in mergers and acquisitions that have distracted their employees, disrupted their culture and had a negative impact on the quality of …

September is National Preparedness Month

Matt OlphinNews, Risk Management

United States Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration Emergencies can create a variety of hazards for workers in the impacted area. Preparing before an emergency incident plays a vital role in ensuring that employers and workers have the necessary equipment, know where to go, and know how to keep themselves safe when an emergency occurs. Access OSHA emergency preparedness and response pages >>>