Grooming

Taking care of pets by ensuring that they receive a thorough bath and a good trimming will eliminate germs, dirt and any harmful ticks or bugs they may have accumulated while playing outside. A groomer will also make sure to trim their nails to prevent any discomfort. Remember—a clean pet is a healthy pet.

Dog Walkers

It can be difficult to find time to walk pets in the midst of a busy schedule. Luckily, there are professional dog walkers that can get the job done and provide reassurance that a valued pet is getting the proper amount of exercise it needs to stay healthy. It’s recommended for pets to get about 30 minutes of exercise per day to help keep arthritis, obesity and various other medical problems at bay.

Pet Training

Pets can often be thought of as children, and like children, they need a lot of guidance regarding what’s right and wrong as they grow up. Pets can turn into real trouble makers around the house without proper training,which may only get worse as time progresses. Keep rambunctious pets in line with a professional pet trainer to ensure that they stay on track and continue to be an enjoyable presence in the family.

Pet Hotels

Although many would love to, it’s not always possible or practical to bring pets on vacations or business trips. Fortunately, there are a variety of secure, safe and comfortable pet hotels to choose from. Options range from every day, basic hotels to ritzy establishments that even offer pet massages—for an added price, of course!

Pet Insurance

Pets need insurance, too! Although it’s not pleasant to think about, pets are just as susceptible to illness and injury as humans, and can really benefit from the best available health care. There are a variety of pet insurance policies to choose from; most carry a limit per claim, however some policies offer lifetime coverage. Choose a policy fitted to a pet’s condition to ensure that they are safe and insured in the event of something unexpected.

“Employees are fed up with complicated benefit packages, fine print, automated answering services, and restricted business hours,” says Dr. Ann Clark, CEO and Founder of ACI Specialty Benefits.  “With Leverage Concierge and myACIonline, ACI is proud to be in the business of ‘yes.’  Yes, we can help you.  Yes, we can help you now.  Yes, you can email, text, chat, Skype, or call and speak to a real person.”

With a fully loaded travel and entertainment discount center, myACIonline requests for discounted hotel, flight and movie tickets top the list of most utilized Leverage Concierge services.  MyACIonline also offers real-time request tracking, free shipping on tickets and gifts, a customized onsite events calendar, and other highly-personalized services.  By offering referrals, resources and information in the broad category of personal assistance, Leverage Concierge is designed to save employees time, money and stress in all areas of life management.

In addition to corporate concierge services, ACI provides the full spectrum of specialty benefits including employee assistance, wellness, student assistance, work/life and crisis response services.

About ACI Specialty Benefits

ACI Specialty Benefits is a leading global provider of employee assistance programs, student assistance, wellness, work/life, and concierge services.   ACI Specialty Benefits consistently ranks in the nation’s Top-Ten EAPs by Business Insurance Magazine.  Founded in 1983, ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation headquartered in San Diego.  For more information, visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com.

Over the past year, US Joiner, a civilian military marine vessel outfitter, has made employee wellness a top priority.  Teaming up with leading employee wellness provider, ACI Specialty Benefits, US Joiner implemented a program focused on engagement, motivation, accountability and results.  Through an array of wellness challenges, coaching, online support portals, and personalized program promotional and informational materials, US Joiner has pushed employee engagement upwards of 30%–more than double national averages.

The success is tangible.

During a six-week “Cruising Treasure Island” challenge designed by ACI Specialty Benefits, the employees of US Joiner were equipped with personal pedometers and an online tracking platform to organize daily progress.  The program was incentive-based with prizes being awarded to the top individual and group winners, and through enthusiastic executive-level buy-in and extensive program promotion, the results were wildly successful.

“The high rate of utilization and impressive results are a testament to the will of US Joiner and Turnbull employees and the experience, expertise and dedication of the ACI Specialty Benefits CORE Wellness team,” proclaims US Joiner Human Resource Manager Laura Bendler.  “The sense of personal responsibility instilled in our employees along with the commitment and attention to detail provided by ACI Specialty Benefits has been our recipe for success—they know how to get the job done.”

The employees of US Joiner totaled over 38,900 miles collectively—enough to go around the world 1.5 times—and Gary Black of Crozet, Virginia, walked 1.5 million steps on his own to earn the top individual prize.

“US Joiner has embraced the CORE Wellness program wholeheartedly, and their creation of a happier, healthier workforce has set the bar in terms of effort, executive-level buy-in, engagement and results,” exclaims ACI Wellness Director Alison Glenn.  “ACI Specialty Benefits is honored to reward US Joiner/Turnbull LLC and all its employees with the distinction of 2011’s Healthiest Company.”

The CORE Wellness program offered by ACI features a turn-key high-touch, hands-on health and productivity management program featuring user-friendly tools that offer 24/7 instant access to wellness benefits and services tailored to personal health issues.  Here employees are able to design, implement and track personalized exercise and diet plans with the support of experienced wellness professionals in order to attain personal health and wellness goals, and significantly decrease health care costs.

“The implementation of the CORE Wellness program has served as a beacon of light in employee health for a multitude of employers nationwide,” proclaims ACI Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ann Clark.  “With the annual per-employee health care costs rising at an alarming rate with each new year, employers are noticing the significant return on investment that high-performance wellness programs like CORE Wellness are returning to their bottom line, and taking action to ensure the long-term success of their businesses as well as building a workforce of happy, healthy bodies and minds.”

To view the article published in the Charlottesville Business Journal, please follow this link.

About US Joiner

US Joiner installs and outfits high quality marine interiors for large, oceangoing vessels. If you need to furnish the marine interior of a commercial or passenger ship, oil platform or a military vessel, US Joiner will bring its considerable knowledge and capability to outfit your marine interior effectively and efficiently, while delivering the utmost quality, dependability and service.

Media Contacts:

Laura McDermott
Media Relations Manager
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92121
(800) 932-0034
lmcdermott@acispecialtybenefits.com

Anthony Shideler
Media Relations Specialist
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92121
(800) 932-0034
ashideler@acispecialtybenefits.com

1.     “Google” your name and see what’s already posted. Chances are there’s already some online-related content in association with a person’s full name, job, or personal information.  Knowing what’s already tagged to an online identity is the first step in proactively managing it.  Search by first and last name on several popular search engines, and lookout for any profiles, pictures, personal information or other items associated with it.   Tools like Google alerts and Twilerts, help people stay on top of all online name mentions on a regular basis.

2.     Take charge. To ensure that an online presence has more good than bad, don’t let others build it—take charge. Posting things frequently will instill confidence that an online reputation paints an accurate picture of how that person wants to be seen, and won’t be based on outside views or opinions.

3.     Cover up old tracks. If anything unflattering comes up during the online search, see if it’s something that can easily be deleted.  If so, backtrack and delete any images or information that may be inappropriate from the past. Doing so will not only save some embarrassment, but also possibly a career.

4.     Resist the urge to overshare. Use discretion when posting images and information. Keep in mind that the outrageous pictures from last weekend’s party might be amusing to friends, but it’s important to think of how an employer or even an older relative would perceive them, and how that would influence their opinion.

5.     Be considerate of others. One should take caution before posting photos of others on the web—even if it’s a cute baby photo.  Not everyone is comfortable sharing personal photos and information with an online audience.   Also be mindful of potentially offensive opinionated statements. Although it’s important to express personal values and opinions, try to exercise civility when doing so. Respect the reputation and privacy of others when posting their information, and they will return the favor.

If your online reputation has become an issue in your everyday life, workplace, or relationships, ACI Specialty Benefits can help in dealing with these challenges and managing their emotional impact. Please call (800) 932-0034 or visit eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.

“This honor is representative of the dedication, work ethic and ingenuity that characterizes each and every employee at ACI,” proclaims Dr. Ann Clark, CEO and founder of ACI Specialty Benefits.  “Earning this award is a testament to the effort ACI has made since its inception to create a diverse, outstanding workforce through expert recruiting, open communication, advanced training, and employee recognition programs.”

More than 1,200,000 businesses in the United States had the opportunity to participate for the “Top Business” award, and ACI Specialty Benefits has been distinguished as one of the top 2,500 privately-owned businesses from around the country.

As a Top-Ten EAP Provider, ACI Specialty Benefits specializes in providing employee assistance, corporate wellness and concierge, work/life, and student assistance program services.  ACI’s services are built and customized for optimal engagement, success and results to ensure clients foster a workforce of happy, healthy bodies, minds and bottom lines.

The businesses with the largest positive economic impact and strongest entrepreneurial profile were chosen as this year’s award recipients by DiversityBusiness.com.  ACI Specialty Benefits and the other award winners will be honored at the “12^th Annual National Business Awards Ceremony and Conference” from April 25-27, 2012, in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

About ACI Specialty Benefits

ACI Specialty Benefits is a leading global provider of employee assistance programs, student assistance, wellness, work/life, and concierge services.   ACI Specialty Benefits consistently ranks in the nation’s Top Ten EAPs by Business Insurance Magazine.  Founded in 1983, ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation headquartered in San Diego.  For more information, email eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com or visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com.

Media Contacts:

Laura McDermott
Media Relations Manager
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92121
(800) 932-0034
lmcdermott@acispecialtybenefits.com

Anthony Shideler
Media Relations Specialist
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92121
(800) 932-0034
ashideler@acispecialtybenefits.com

ACI Wellness Specialist Katlin Donaghue shows off her skills at the plate.

Joe Hopkins, an ACI Business Development Representative and resident kickball team motivator, leads the team in the warm-up rituals, and other team members gather preparing signs in support of the home team.

“Playing on a sports team with coworkers is not only a fun opportunity, but a great team building experience,” says Team Manager and Corporate Account Manager Chris Ortiz.  “We’ve been able touse really nice parks in the community, and show off our team pride by competing against other business in our area.”

Thursday’s matchup was a foggy, back-and-forth battle between two very competitive teams.  ACI’s “Too Legit to Kick” jumped out to an early lead and was able to hang on to win 7-5 through the cat-like reflexes of 3rd baseman and Administrative Specialist A.J. Pacheco, and a late web-gem by 2nd baseman and Business Development Representative Josh Tiernan.

ACI Business Development Representative Joe Hopkins fires in a first-pitch strike.

The “Too Legit to Kick” cheering section was also out in full force.  Monica Saare, Concierge Manager and Team Cheerleader, was a vocal supporter in the stands with shouts of encouragement, team chants, and the occasional friendly heckle.

Come support the team every Thursday night at the Standley Recreation Center in La Jolla and help make “Too Legit to Kick” this year’s Kickball Champions!

CORE Wellness Homepage

“The CORE Wellness expansion is an exciting opportunity for clients to reap the benefits of a cutting-edge program that goes beyond ‘Wellness 101’ incorporating all the tools and accessibility of Smartphones and the internet, along with the personal touch and motivation provided by one-one-one coaching,” explains ACI Senior Vice President of Marketing, Erin Krehbiel.  “The enhanced program accentuates the most effective aspects of the highly-successful AppleCore Wellness program while evolving and introducing fresh new tools geared toward engagement and results.  The fundamentals of the CORE wellness program allow ACI experts to provide real outcomes for clients while providing ongoing program calibration to ensure optimal program success and continue positive momentum.”

Formerly known as AppleCore Wellness, the enhanced CORE Wellness program features a high-touch, hands-on, full-service health and productivity management program.  The CORE Wellness program revolves around a three-pronged approach to success focused on building a personalized wellness program based on the specific employee population’s needs, engaging employees through a variety of initiatives and customized programs, and analyzing the results to specifically calibrate the program and make necessary improvements to ensure optimal results.

CORE Wellness Personal Dashboard

CORE Wellness also features a new, customized online portal that offers 24/7 instant access to wellness benefits and services tailored to personal health needs.  The portal introduces the Personalized Wellness Dashboard where employees can access their individual Health Risk Assessments, build customized wellness plans, keep diet, food and exercise logs, and track all of their progress at their fingertips from anywhere at any time.

“The new online wellness portal is ACI’s response to the growing convergence of health and technology, and the demands of businesses looking for wellness programs that meet the needs of the 21^st century employee,” explains ACI Specialty Benefits Founder and CEO, Dr. Ann Clark.  “By going above and beyond typical wellness programs and offering a comprehensive tool for all clients to track customized wellness goals, build personalized diet and exercise plans, engage with health professionals, and much more, the CORE Wellness program allows ACI experts to focus on analyzing tangible results—and producing tangible returns.”

The CORE Wellness program also touts a variety of other features including unlimited professional wellness coaching via phone, email, or Skype, customized corporate engagement strategies, incentive-based program design and management, tobacco cessation programs, local resource and vendor integration and much more.

About ACI Specialty Benefits

ACI Specialty Benefits ranks in the nation’s Top-Ten providers of employee assistance programs, wellness, student assistance, and work/life services to corporations worldwide. ACI’s CORE Wellness Program includes creative challenges, unlimited wellness coaching, health seminars, access to a 24/7 hands-on personal online wellness platform and a number of informative monthly publications.  ACI is also proud to provide employee assistance program services to the employees at the City of Charlottesville.  Founded in 1983, ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation, headquartered in San Diego. For more information regarding ACI’s CORE Wellness Program or any other of ACI’s EAP services, please visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com or email ACI at askthepros@acispecialtybenefits.com.

Media Contact:

Anthony Shideler
Media Relations Specialist
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92107

Decrease Intake of Sweets and Fats

A sweet tooth can prove to be a challenge, especially during the holidays.  Instead of making unrealistic promises—like, “I’ll never eat chocolate again,” or cutting out fast food entirely—it’s more effective to set a time limit or a portion limit regarding favorite guilty pleasures. For example, try only eating a single square of chocolate rather than the whole bar, or only ordering fast food once a month.

Exercise More

Vowing to exercise more is one of the most common resolutions made by people each year. It is also one of the most often broken. Many people start off strong but end up abandoning the exercise routine quickly.

Instead of rushing into a vigorous workout, try starting off slow. Adding more exercise gradually as the body grows stronger will maintain a steadier pace and ensure a longer lasting commitment.

Make Meals from Scratch

It’s easy to get discouraged from making meals from scratch because it’s a bit more time consuming than simply popping a TV dinner into the microwave, but it is also much healthier. Instead of promising to make a home cooked meal after a busy day when it is likely that fatigue and hunger will take over, try setting one day aside to cook a few meals for the following week, then pop them in the freezer where they will be ready for quick consumption later on.

Lower Stress Levels

A simple and effective way to get some quick stress relief is simply by walking. Taking a 5-10 minute walk is a quick and easy way to relax at any time of day, perhaps early in the morning, during a lunch break or after dinner.

For more help on choosing the right New Year’s resolution and staying motivated towards goals, feel free to contact the Employee Assistance Program at ACI Specialty Benefits (800) 932-0034, or email at eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.  Looking for a coach? Ask ACI if your company’s benefit covers personal coaching!  Happy New Year from the team at ACI Specialty Benefits!

“After nearly thirty years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to creating productive workforces of healthy bodies and healthy minds, this special honor has become more meaningful with each passing year,” proclaims Dr. Ann Clark, CEO of ACI Specialty Benefits.  “The award is a testament to the high level of customer service provided by ACI’s dedicated staff along the high-quality, results-driven programs molded by ACI’s innovative leadership. This award serves each year as a motivational barometer of ACI’s growth and achievements.”

Each year, Business Insurance magazine gathers data from EAPs across the nation regarding the number of covered lives, employer clients, revenue, total salaried employees and more.

About ACI Specialty Benefits

ACI Specialty Benefits ranks in the nation’s Top-Ten providers of employee assistance programs, wellness, student assistance, and work/life services to corporations worldwide. Founded in 1983, ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation, headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information regarding ACI’s EAP or any other of ACI’s services, please visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com or email ACI at eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.

Media Contact:

Anthony Shideler
Media Relations Specialist
ACI Specialty Benefits
6480 Weathers Place, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92107
(800) 932-0034
ashideler@acispecialtybenefits.com

In looking back at 2011, this past year has seen its fair share of extreme and exhausting natural disasters.  The US alone endured a record 10 major weather catastrophes—tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, heat waves, blizzards, and wildfires—not to mention the massive earthquake that devastated Japan earlier this year.  While ACI has been proud to help locate and reunite family members, provide emergency resources and referrals, and offer counseling services to those impacted by critical events, I am particularly moved by the spirit of survival, perseverance, and hope that has risen in these troubled times.   

People are rebuilding their homes and communities, families are doing more with less, and many are lending a helping hand wherever possible.  The lesson we can all learn from this past year is to not take things for granted, cherish our time with loved ones, and treat each other kindly. 

I, like many, am looking forward to 2012 with joy and excitement for all the exciting possibilities.  ACI has great plans for expanded product lines including the new CORE Wellness platform and myACIonline.  These new user-friendly online portals will allow employees to easily access their benefits any time, any place, using any personal computer or smartphone.  ACI has also strengthened its service team, and remains committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service.    

Thank you—our valued clients, employees, and friends—for the trust and loyalty placed in ACI Specialty Benefits year after year.  I know I speak for all of ACI’s staff in saying that we are so grateful to provide these services and treasure the relationships we build with clients.   

May you all enjoy the best the holiday season has to offer and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Ann Clark, CEO & Founder
ACI Specialty Benefits