Raising the Bar

Description

Health and pharmacy costs are climbing faster than most small and mid-sized employers can absorb, and the rise of GLP-1 drugs has turned a budgeting headache into an executive and financial concern. This session cuts through the noise to give business owners, HR professionals, and advisors a plain-language map of the cost-containment strategies that works in 2026. As we enter the typical renewal season, you'll leave understanding which levers fit which size of business, what the compliance guardrails are, and how to have a smarter conversation with your broker or carrier instead of just accepting next year's renewal increase. No jargon, no sales pitch — just a clear framework for protecting both your budget and your people.

About the Speaker:
Don Hicks brings over 25 years of experience across legal, technology, and Human Capital Management, giving him a well-rounded perspective on how businesses operate and grow. Today, he serves as an Area Vice President with Vensure Employer Solutions, where he leads a team focused on helping organizations streamline HR processes and make smarter use of HR technology. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University and is also a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, where he earned the distinguished honor of Marine of the Year. Outside of work, Don enjoys sports, movies, and reading about American history and business. He and his wife have been married for 25 years and live in Strongsville, Ohio with their son and their dog, Chloe.