Author: Vizance

2016 Food Drive

Nov
21
2016
It was our best year yet for the annual food drive. Vizance ended the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive last Friday. With a little friendly office competition, we graciously collected 26,058 food items, $9,197 in monetary donations and 755 requested women's shelter items. Thanks to all who participated and made this year's food drive such a success! We could not have reached the level of success we did without the teamwork, compassionate hearts and generous donations of our contributors.      

Vizance Named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” List for 2nd Time

Sep
16
2016
The Milwaukee Business Journal recently released their "Best Places to Work" winners list, and Vizance is honored to be among the winners. According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, "44 southeastern Wisconsin companies are being honored for having the best culture and leadership and where employees feel the most engaged by their jobs and management. Nearly 160 Milwaukee-area firms were nominated for the awards and the winners were determined based on scores from a survey that employees filled out. Each company that was nominated was ranked according to the 10 core areas of engagement: teamwork, retention, alignment with goals, trust with co-workers, individual contribution, manager effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, feeling valued, job satisfaction and benefits." Additional information, including rankings, will be published later this year.  

Beth Ward joins Vizance as Compliance Attorney

Jul
25
2016
Beth Ward will be serving as the Compliance Attorney at Vizance. She brings over 20 years of experience in the area of Employee Benefits Compliance. Beth will focus on helping Vizance’s clients understand the complex compliance obligations that govern health insurance plans, including the Affordable Care Act. Beth’s expertise in ACA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, Section 105, Wellness and other aspects of Employee Benefits will help the team deliver best-in-class solutions. Beth has represented employers in audits with the DOL and the IRS, and she is skilled at helping employers comply with federal and state mandates affecting employee benefit plans. Beth is a Principal Attorney at The Simandl Law Group, S.C., which specializes in labor and employment law. On August 25th, Beth will present “Maintaining a Healthy Wellness Program: Issues and Compliance Strategies for Employers” at 8:30 am at MRA in Waukesha. To register, please send an email to register@vizance.com.    

Vizance Named One of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Firms Again

Jun
27
2016
The Milwaukee Business Journal recently released its annual list of the winners selected for the Fastest Growing Firms awards, and Vizance is honored to be among the 28 businesses selected for this award. The 2016 winners, who have each shown significant growth over the past three years, will be recognized at an awards luncheon on August 12th in Milwaukee, as well as in the Business Journal’s August 12th edition. Our dedicated associates and loyal clients makes this award possible, and we are very grateful for their on-going support.

New DOL Overtime Rules Effective December 1, 2016

May
23
2016
On May 18, 2016, changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) increase the salary an employee must earn to qualify to be exempt. Employees that are currently not eligible for overtime but make less than $47,475 per year will be eligible for overtime pay beginning December 1, 2016. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime. In order for an employee to be exempt, they must meet all three of the following criteria: Salary Basis Test: Employee is paid a predetermined and fixed salary that is not subject to reduction due to variations in the quality or quantity of work. Salary Level Test: Employee’s salary must meet a minimum specified amount to qualify for the exemption. This salary threshold provides employers with an objective and efficient way to determine whether an employee qualifies for a white collar exemption. Duties Test: Employee’s job duties must primarily involve executive, administrative, or professional duties, as defined by law. The new FLSA regulations modify the Salary Level Test to mean no less than $47,475 per year. An employer may include ten percent of non-discretionary incentive bonuses tied to productivity and profitability. The bonus must be paid at least quarterly in order to be factored into the Salary Level Test. Because an employee must meet all three criteria to be exempt, an employee that makes less than $47,475 per year as of December 1, 2016 will no longer be exempt. What should employers do now? Employers shoul

Workers’ Compensation Program – 2016 Overview and Update

Apr
22
2016
The Wisconsin Workers Compensation -- 2016 Overview and Update Employment Law Summary further outlines the changes made to the Wisconsin Workers' Compensation system that became effective on March 2, 2016.

Employee Leave Administration Essentials

Apr
19
2016
We help our clients avoid risk.  Not only do we secure the appropriate insurance to cover losses, we also work proactively to prevent bad things from happening in the first place.  Our Insight Series is designed to provide business owners and HR professionals with the information they need to improve upon their business practices.   Attend our Vizance Insight Series to gain information that will help you avoid litigation or surprises during an audit. Join us on May 5th to learn if your leave administration policy complies with FMLA, workers compensation, and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Managing employee absences well can save your organization money and avoid litigation. Join us to learn: What is required by FMLA, workers compensation, and the Americans with Disabilities Act How your organization can establish consistent practices that are compliant, fair, and keep your organization out of trouble What organizations that are not governed by FMLA can do to manage employee absences When: Thursday, May 5th 8:30 am – 10:00 am Where: MRA – The Management Association N19 W 24400 Riverwood Drive Waukesha, WI 53188 Cost: Attendance is complimentary to clients and friends of Vizance, Inc RSVP: Space is limited.Please RSVP by sending an email to register@vizance.com. For more information, click here.

Changes to Wisconsin’s Worker’s Compensation System

Mar
03
2016
Amendments to the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act were signed by Governor Walker on February 29, 2016 and went into effect on March 2. Several aspects of this bill represent significant changes. The Plain Language Summary Act 180 explains more, but some of the notable changes, and their place in the summary, include: #4. PPD Rate The maximum weekly permanent partial disability (PPD) rate will increase to $342 for injuries occurring throughout the rest of 2016. The rate increases to $362 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2017. #8. Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations for traumatic injuries will be reduced from 12 years to 6 years (the statute of limitations for occupational injuries did not change). #9. Permanent Disability Apportionment Apportionment of permanent disability resulting from accidental injuries will be based on their causes. Practitioners will determine the percentage of permanent disability caused by the direct result of the work-related injury and the percentage attributable to other factors before and after the injury. An employee who claims a work-related injury is required to disclose all previous permanent disabilities or physical impairments and the records needed to make an apportionment determination. #20. Discharge or Suspension for Misconduct or Substantial Fault Temporary disability benefits can be denied if an employee is brought back to work on light duty and is then fired due to misconduct or substantial faul

Vizance Associate Joe Dundon Receives Rising Star Award from NAIOP

Jan
27
2016
Congratulations to Joe Dundon, who was recently awarded the 2015 Rising Star Award for his involvement with NAIOP, a Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and two of its committees. Joe's extensive involvement with the Education & Programs Committee and the Developing Leader Committee was recognized by the leadership of  NAIOP. Congratulations, Joe!  

Another Successful Food Drive

Dec
03
2015
The 7th annual Vizance Food Drive has come to a close. Vizance’s associates, along with our clients and company partners, gathered a total of 18,650 food items and $4,360 in cash donations. Thank you to everyone who helped us stock the shelves of our community food pantries. We could not have reached the level of success we did without the teamwork, compassionate hearts and generous donations of our contributors.