16 BRAND STORY PRODUCED BY THE OREGON BUSINESS MARKETING DEPARTMENT BY JOHN CHANDLER Despite the name, Oregon’s nonprofit sector has actually buffed itself into a sizable economic force statewide, with more than 23,502 organizations providing an estimated 225,284 jobs. With an emphasis on lean, efficient business models, every nickel is necessary if nonprofits are to make their financial goals and continue their altruistic operations. “Every single year we see an increase in nonprofit jobs, as it has a direct impacts on our communities and economy. ,” says Jacob Colmenero, a sales executive with Marsh McLennan Agency, a nationwide insurer and Fortune 500 company. Colmenero served for more than 10 years in the nonprofit sector, principally as a fundraiser for children’s health care groups raising over $10 million. He’s familiar with all the usual challenges, including nonprofits facing an uphill battle when it comes to finding quality candidates. “I understand the difficulty in competing for skilled labor. And retaining it,” he says. “If we can help a nonprofit to attract skilled labor, to fundraise more efficiently, we can make a bigger impact on our community.” Community impact turns out to be a major part of MMA’s corporate culture. Whether the client is a local, communitybased nonprofit, or a multi-state agency supporting communities nationwide, Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) can bring significant industry expertise to insure employers against inevitable risks. “At MMA, our passion is to serve others,” Colmenero says. “Together we have a shared purpose; to improve our communities and the lives of our colleagues and clients.“We seek to safeguard your organization and provide counsel so you can concentrate on furthering your mission.” Unfortunately, when it comes to salaries and benefits designed to attract the best job applicants,it’s well-documented that even established nonprofits cannot compete with private companies. After salaries, the largest expense for any employer is health insurance, an area where some sound strategic planning with an experienced insurance broker can result in lower rates for both the suits and the boots. “The important thing is being strategic in your health-benefit planning before your next renewal,” advises Colmenero. “Instead of seeing it as an annual event, or having your broker bring the renewal to you and be blindsided, have a discussion upfront about how to have tactical conversations. Not just with your broker, but Nonprofits Notch Savings With Informed Renewal Planning Insurance burden eased with an engaged broker on your side Jacob Colmenero has served the nonprofit sector for more than 10 years.
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