News from the Chamber - October 17th, 2023

Building Business for a Strong Community

Tuesday, October 17th,2023

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17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
Pat Shepherd, Pat's School of Dance (2010)
Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Nomination Form

Navigating Your Health Insurance Renewal: Key Tips for Employers

Article from WNC Business

10.09.2023

Understanding health insurance options can be a daunting task, especially with ever-rising costs forcing you to carefully balance value against price. You're juggling day-to-day operations while trying to ensure your team gets the healthcare they deserve. Going into your renewal with a well-thought-out plan is your best bet for long-term, sustainable healthcare solutions. But where do you begin?

What to Expect in 2024

Health insurance costs have been rising steadily for the past two decades. With a 7.7% increase in 2023 and a predicted 6% hike in 2024, your expenses are going nowhere but up. Driven by inflation, a shortage of healthcare workers, and high-cost specialty medications, these increases are a reality you can't ignore. If you're in North Carolina, you're likely feeling this pinch even more, as our state has higher-than-average health insurance rates.

Adding to this, out-of-pocket costs for your employees are also rising. The maximum OOP cost a plan can allow for 2024 plans has increased to $9,450 for individual employees and $18,900 for families. Without a strong renewal strategy, you may increase OOP costs to minimize premium increases leaving your employees to ask, “Why am I paying more for less.”

Bound by fiduciary responsibilities and a genuine desire for your employees' well-being, you're aiming to identify the best possible health plans. Given these mounting challenges, developing a strategic approach to your renewal is crucial.