CAMDEN, N.J., February 20, 2025 – Conner Strong & Buckelew (CSB), one of the nation’s leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms, is pleased to announce the opening of a new regional hub located 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia at 650 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 350, Wayne, PA 19087. This expansion to the Philadelphia suburbs will provide additional space to accommodate the company’s growing workforce.
Commenting on the reasons behind expanding the company’s footprint, CSB President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tiagwad said, “As part of the country’s 13th largest brokerage and consulting firm we’ve experienced continued growth over the last few years. We’ve made a significant investment in increased staffing to ensure we deliver high-touch support and innovative solutions for our growing book of business. The new regional hub will enable us to reach a broader talent pool and expand our capacity as we continue to grow.”
The new CSB location will also provide space to house the former CME Benefits Consulting (CME) team. This team has been operating from a separate location since CME merged with CSB five years ago. “Being under the same roof with CSB colleagues will support greater collaboration and help us deepen the services we offer to clients”, said Partner Manny Stamatakis. “In conjunction with the move we will be fully migrating our systems to CSB’s platform, making this the culmination of our five-year assimilation into the CSB family.”
At Conner Strong & Buckelew client service is paramount. Expanding the company’s footprint to include the new regional hub is just one example of CSB’s commitment to remaining nimble and ensuring that every client receives exceptional service every time.
Founded in 1959, Conner Strong & Buckelew is a privately held firm headquartered in Camden, NJ. An industry leader in providing complex businesses with comprehensive consulting and brokerage solutions for commercial insurance and employee benefits, we have unique resources and expertise in a variety of areas, including captive and alternative risk solutions, owner and contractor-controlled insurance programs, risk control services, claims advocacy and consulting, population health, data analytics, benefit consortiums and technology-driven solutions.
For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).
A recent analysis showed that between 2019 and 2023 Conner Strong & Buckelew employee benefits clients that transitioned from fully insured to self-insured with our CREO stop-loss solution saved nearly $194 million. That equates to a savings of 33% versus what they would have spent had they remained fully insured.
Focusing on just the last year of the study, the savings trajectory becomes even clearer. The estimated per employee per month (PEPM) cost for fully insured employers was $1,812, while the PEPM for self-insured clients using our captive solution was $1,096. That’s a savings of almost 40%.
In the last year we’ve seen a 40% increase in our self-funded captive clientele as an increasing number of organizations have discovered the financial benefits of working with Conner Strong & Buckelew and transitioning to a self-funded model that includes our CREO stop-loss captive solution.
To learn more about the key advantages of our captive solution for self-funded clients, please see our snapshot overview. Then contact us to start the conversation about how we can help your organization achieve savings through this innovative approach.
Founded in 1959, Conner Strong & Buckelew is a privately held firm headquartered in Camden, NJ. An industry leader in providing complex businesses with comprehensive consulting and brokerage solutions for commercial insurance and employee benefits, we have unique resources and expertise in a variety of areas, including captive and alternative risk solutions, owner and contractor-controlled insurance programs, risk control services, claims advocacy and consulting, population health, data analytics, benefit consortiums and technology-driven solutions.
Since 2021 we have been an autonomously operated member of BroadStreet Partners, an insurance brokerage holding company that invests in high-performing independent agencies using a unique co-ownership business model. Collectively with BroadStreet Partners, we are among the 13 largest insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits consulting firms in the United States, serving clients throughout North America and abroad.
Conner Strong & Buckelew, National Headquarters, TRIAD1828 CENTRE, 2 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ 08102
For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew)
CAMDEN, N.J., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conner Strong & Buckelew, one of the country’s largest and most respected insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits consulting firms, announces the launch of PERMA FAIR Health and Pharmacy [PERMA FAIR], an independent affiliate committed to delivering cost-effective healthcare and pharmacy solutions to employers nationwide.
PERMA FAIR helps businesses lower costs, broaden coverage and improve care through a strategic indexed reimbursement model that helps eliminate unnecessary fees and streamline claims processing and payments. By negotiating directly with providers, PERMA FAIR ensures access to care at fair prices, without the need for referrals or out-of-network restrictions or penalties. The company’s proprietary claims review process focuses on improving efficiencies, eliminating overpayments and providing accurate and timely payments to providers.
Self-funded businesses partnering with PERMA FAIR could save up to 25% on healthcare costs versus traditional models. Employers can explore their savings potential via the company’s online cost calculator.
“Historically, businesses facing mounting healthcare costs are left with two choices: spend more or cut coverage. Neither is good for the business or the health and morale of employees,” said Joe DiBella, Chairman of PERMA FAIR. “We are proud to be able to provide a solution that empowers businesses to tailor custom provider networks and prioritize quality of care, outcomes and equitable healthcare provider reimbursement”.
Rooted in the legacy of PERMA, a trailblazer in municipal joint insurance funds for nearly 40 years, PERMA FAIR draws upon decades of experience in risk management services and claims program oversight. Notably, PERMA has saved taxpayers over $4 billion to date, a testament to its proven track record.
“As a veteran of this industry, I’m thrilled about the launch of PERMA FAIR and the opportunity to usher in a new era of healthcare innovation that will help businesses enhance their employee benefits programs and control costs,” said PERMA FAIR President William Green. “The growth opportunities are unparalleled, and as we continue to navigate volatile economic conditions, the need for a fair solution will remain of utmost importance.”
In addition to cost-saving healthcare and pharmacy benefits solutions, PERMA FAIR clients can expect a full spectrum of services, including stop loss coverage sourcing and a member advocacy team to answer questions, provide care navigation support and assist with dispute resolution.
Headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, PERMA FAIR is a privately held company committed to helping businesses find healthcare cost containment solutions. PERMA FAIR’s expertise encompasses health and pharmacy insurance, self-funded health plans, plan design, stop loss insurance, reference-based pricing, member advocacy, medical benefits and human resource and claims support. With a commitment to fairness, transparency and innovation, PERMA FAIR is partnering with businesses and providers nationwide to redefine the healthcare landscape and enhance the healthcare experience for employers and employees. The company’s solutions are primarily distributed through employer and plan sponsor benefits consultants and brokers. PERMA FAIR is an affiliate of Conner Strong & Buckelew, one of America’s largest and most respected insurance brokerages, risk management and employee benefits consulting firms. For more information about PERMA FAIR, visit www.permafair.com.
CAMDEN, NJ (September 24, 2024) – Conner Strong & Buckelew, a leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm, is pleased to announce that President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Tiagwad has been named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs. This honor is awarded to leaders in the region who have demonstrated exceptional business vision and organizational effectiveness while also making a positive impact in the community.
Under Mike’s visionary leadership Conner Strong & Buckelew has grown from a successful regional firm to one of the largest, most admired brokerage and employee benefits consulting firms in the country serving clients nationwide and abroad.
“The organization’s sustained success since Mike joined the firm in 2005 is a testament to the service-oriented structure and consultative approach he has created. He has elevated our ability to do more for our clients by spearheading investments in key areas like safety, risk management, data analytics, pharmacy services and claims advocacy”, said John Muscella, Executive Partner, Chief Financial Officer at Conner Strong & Buckelew. “By creating a client-centric business model focused on partnering with clients to ensure the best possible results, Mike has been instrumental in our ability to achieve a client retention rate near 99% and a Net Promoter Score among the highest in the industry.”
Along with his team, Mike’s leadership has fostered a unique corporate culture of employee respect and empowerment that prioritizes professional development and mentoring and also promoting from within. A big believer in nurturing young talent, under Mike’s leadership, the organization has also built a nationally recognized internship program that has created a continual pipeline of talent to enter the insurance industry.
“Mike’s passion for attracting young people to the business and setting the stage for all employees to build lifelong careers here is reflected in our numbers. Today, 36 Conner Strong & Buckelew employees who started as interns are full time employees, including five who are partners. We have an impressive 97% employee retention rate and 69 employees that have been with the company for over 20 years”, commented Alexis Wolfson, Senior Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer at Conner Strong & Buckelew. “With Mike’s support we have also been able to build a long-term Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) strategy that shatters DEIA program stereotypes and aligns with the company’s business objectives.”
Beyond encouraging a company culture of giving that has translated to thousands of volunteer hours and donations to hundreds of worthy organizations, Mike has been a personal champion of helping individuals and families struggling with addiction. He created the annual Deb Tiagwad Memorial Golf Outing with all proceeds going to support Caron Treatment Centers, a nonprofit, comprehensive addiction treatment and behavioral health organization. To date, the event has raised over $1 million to provide scholarships for individuals to participate in a year-long, post-treatment recovery program.
When asked about being named one of the most admired CEOs, Mike said, “It is quite an honor, but the recognition goes to my colleagues at Conner Strong & Buckelew. Together as a team, we have achieved great success and that is a credit to all our employees.”
From his business acumen to his approach to corporate culture to his charitable endeavors, Mike Tiagwad is certainly a leader to be admired. We congratulate him along with all of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 Most Admired CEO Honorees.
Founded in 1959, Conner Strong & Buckelew is a privately held firm headquartered in Camden, NJ. An industry leader in providing complex businesses with comprehensive consulting and brokerage solutions for commercial insurance and employee benefits, we have unique resources and expertise in a variety of areas, including captive and alternative risk solutions, owner and contractor-controlled insurance programs, risk control services, claims advocacy and consulting, population health, data analytics, benefit consortiums and technology-driven solutions.
Since 2021 we have been an autonomously operated member of BroadStreet Partners, an insurance brokerage holding company that invests in high-performing independent agencies using a unique co-ownership business model. Collectively with BroadStreet Partners, we are among the 13 largest insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits consulting firms in the United States, serving clients throughout North America and abroad.
Conner Strong & Buckelew, National Headquarters, TRIAD1828 CENTRE, 2 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ 08102
For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew)
CAMDEN, N.J., August 27, 2024 – Conner Strong & Buckelew, a leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm, is taking a head-on approach to helping clients navigate the increasingly challenging and complex world of pharmacy policy and prescription drug benefits. With dedicated pharmacy leadership and strategic partnerships, the firm is delivering critical pharmacy and prescription drug savings to plan sponsors.
“We’ve made delivering industry-leading prescription drug coverage solutions to our clients a top priority — but we know actions speak louder than words,” said Mike Tiagwad, President and Chief Executive Officer at Conner Strong & Buckelew. “That’s why we’ve added dedicated pharmacy resources, why we leverage and evolve key partnerships and why we will continue to develop new pharmacy benefits solutions that standout in the marketplace.”
The company established a new Vice President, Head of Pharmacy leadership role and appointed 20-year pharmacy leader Simon Leung, PharmD to the position. Simon oversees all aspects of the company’s pharmacy consulting business, including engagement with clients, pharmacy benefits managers and coalitions.
“Having a strategic, senior level position specifically dedicated to pharmacy benefits is unique among brokers. “Given that employers are now allocating as much as 20-50% of their total healthcare spend to prescription drug coverage, the need for focus in this area has never been greater,” commented Joseph DiBella, Executive Partner and National Employee Benefits Practice Leader. “Simon’s expertise, leadership and proven track record, which includes provider and consulting side experience, substantially enhances our ability to design and implement innovative, cost-effective prescription drug plans that meet the unique needs of our clients.”
To learn more about the new role and Simon Leung, PharmD please read the recent press release.
At the core of the company’s approach is fierce independence and a devotion to finding clients the best pharmacy solutions available. To help accomplish this, the company has established several key partnerships and solutions that better position it to provide leading edge options. This includes the company’s partnerships with C2 Solutions and Level Care.
Conner Strong & Buckelew’s equity partnership in C2 Solutions, a leading national collaborative of seven privately held employee benefits firms, enhances the organization’s ability to keep clients informed on key topics and marketplace trends — and provide them with best-in-class, cutting edge prescription drug benefits solutions. Conner Strong & Buckelew recently shared the 2024 C2 Solutions Pharmacy and Drug Trends Report, a comprehensive study that addresses many of the key issues employers and plan sponsors face today and explores where things are headed in the future. Some of the report’s key findings were featured in a recent press release.
The C2 Solutions partnership also helps the company improve clients’ bottom lines. While drug expenditures increased 4% nationally during the period covered in the most recent report, the overall spending for clients of C2 Solutions member firms decreased by 4.3% —demonstrating next-level expertise in managing pharmacy expenditures and the benefits of collaborative resourcing.
“Our collaboration with C2 Solutions allows us to capitalize on local market strength and expertise that helps us find, create and implement new and innovative pharmacy options,” said Conner Strong & Buckelew’s Vice President and Head of Pharmacy, Simon Leung, PharmD.
To leverage the purchasing power of larger employers, Conner Strong & Buckelew partners with the Level Care pharmacy coalition, an independent pharmacy consortium run by plan sponsors since 2005. Today, Conner Strong & Buckelew remains the key consulting distribution partner for Level Care, which has grown to be one of the nation’s largest independent pharmacy coalitions.
With over one million lives, Level Care can command and sustain leading edge pricing. Unlike coalitions operated by other consulting firms and aggregators, Level Care is run by a collection of plan sponsors whose only purpose is to deliver the lowest unit cost for pharmacy to customers.
Conner Strong & Buckelew clients have access to Level Care and have achieved savings of 20% and more in pharmacy. Continuous program enhancements, annual market checks and superior pricing has put Level Care ahead of the competition. Level Care is exclusively available to the company’s self-funded clients with at least 250 enrolled employees, and, unlike competing coalitions, Conner Strong & Buckelew does not charge clients excessive fees to remain in the coalition.
As the prescription drug benefits landscape continues to evolve, Conner Strong & Buckelew will remain vigilant and committed to finding new ways to help clients contain pharmacy benefits costs without compromising employee needs and satisfaction.
Conner Strong & Buckelew is among America’s largest insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms. The firm is an industry leader in providing high-risk businesses with comprehensive solutions to prevent losses, manage claims, and drive bottom line growth. Its employee benefits practice focuses on providing best-in-class benefits administration, health and wellness programs and strategic advisory services.
Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Delaware, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of 500+ professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).
CAMDEN, N.J., Aug. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Conner Strong & Buckelew, a leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm, continued its tradition of giving back to the community with its 12th annual Community Day event. 120 Conner Strong & Buckelew [CSB] employees came out to volunteer their time at three Southern New Jersey locations.
At Cooper’s Poynt School in Camden the company’s volunteers rolled up their sleeves to paint classrooms and murals, build furniture and put their landscaping talents to work transforming the school’s indoor and outdoor spaces. We are proud to do our small part to help Cooper’s Poynt School as it strives to be a high-quality school where students are valued, challenged and prepared for college and careers that positively impact their community and the world.
In Toms River CSB volunteers partnered with the American Littoral Society by investing their sweat equity to clean up several miles of trails and beaches at Cattus Island County Park. We share the American Littoral Society’s passion for the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, and we were honored to contribute our time and energy to help protect the New Jersey coast.
At Tourne County Park in Parsippany our volunteers assisted the Morris County Park Commission by mulching and planting 120 new trees. Steward to over 20,000 acres of parkland, the Morris County Park Commission is committed to the care and growth of regional parks, recreation facilities, open spaces and more. Their work benefits all of us and we were happy to help them enhance our park system for today — and for future generations.
Michael Tiagwad, Conner Strong & Buckelew’s President & Chief Executive Officer commented, “Conner Strong & Buckelew has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work. Our annual Community Day event is just one example of our employees’ passion for supporting the community. In the true spirit of giving, Conner Strong & Buckelew and its employees provide financial aid and volunteer thousands of hours every year to support a wide range of worthy organizations. A desire to improve the lives of others and uplift communities is an integral part of our culture”.
Conner Strong & Buckelew’s philanthropic culture has resulted in the company repeatedly being recognized as one of the top corporate givers in the region.
About Conner Strong & Buckelew
Conner Strong & Buckelew is among America’s largest insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms. The firm is an industry leader in providing high-risk businesses with comprehensive solutions to prevent losses, manage claims, and drive bottom line growth. Its employee benefits practice focuses on providing best-in-class benefits administration, health and wellness programs and strategic advisory services.
Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Delaware, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of 500+ professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).
