CE Class: Benefit Plan Design and Strategy using ICHRAs and EBHRAs

A New Year and the start of a new decade is upon us. As an avid Twitter user my timeline has been awash in people reflecting on how they started the decade and how they will end it, ruminating on accomplishments, failures, and massive life changes. Out of the thousands of posts (some full of humor, some poignant), the resounding theme was that of growth. Personal and professional growth through small steps. Growth that was often difficult to see unless magnified through a 10 year lens. It is not hard to feel bogged down in, what often feels like the minutia of our work, our personal lives and our relationships, when in truth what we are doing isn't minutia at all. Rather it is a stead progression towards growth. As I reflect on my last decade I know this is true for me personally and also true for our Triangle AHU Chapter. I assumed the role of Chapter President this year after serving as Vice-President/President-Elect under the direction Tony DeRico.  In July Tony retired as President to become Immediate Past President leaving some big shoes to be filled. As a leader Tony was inclusive, affable and well-liked. He made sure all voices at the table were heard, traits I strongly admire in a leader. Under his leadership we were united in our goal of "increase visibility and credibility to achieve success". This rallying cry lead us in all of our decisions and actions. This year our rallying cry is small steps to growth through evolution. As an association we must constantly evolve. At each level of AHU, the national, state and local level, we are challenged with constantly evolving. Evolving to provide better programs, more robust partnerships, relevant sponsors and overall, provide value to you, our members each year. Evolution because we understand that to stay in business and to stay competitive YOU and YOUR BUSINESS must also be constantly evolving. As we move into 2020 we set our goals knowing we must evolve with you. In this new year you will see some cosmetic changes to our chapter through our revised website, social media presence and newsletters, we are creating and strengthening our partnerships. Sponsorship interest is at an all time high and we are excited to introduce you to some smart and forward thinking innovators in our space. Lastly, our "true North" is to increase the level of member value you receive from our Chapter. We understand that in the evolving nature of our business many of you no longer need TAHU to provide you with CE credits. And while we won't be phasing that portion of our programming out completely, at the Chapter level you will see a reduction in the number of programs CE focused. We will be shifting our focus to programs that will help you grow your business through new business development opportunities and provide you with timely information on some of the most relevant topics and legislative initiatives that impact your business and livelihood. I am pleased to be working with a Board who is singularly united around these common goals. I want to thank my Board for their selfless dedication to this chapter. In addition to the hours we spend in our field as brokers and agents, your Board dedicates and commits to many volunteer hours that enable this chapter to run efficiently. I also thank all of those who have served on this Board in the past. I honor the legacy they have left behind. Lastly, I want to thank all you, our TAHU members. Without your support and membership we would not exist. Thank you. I wish you all success in ALL of the small steps you take towards your next decade of growth and evolution. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Michelle Wilson-Reynolds President