ACCE Benefits Trust: Solutions for the Unexpected

After nearly two years of uncertainty, coupled with what some are calling “The Great Reshuffle,” most chambers are competing for talent just like their member businesses. Things like office flexibility, work/life balance and benefits can often help turn the tide for an in-demand job seeker. A robust benefits plan can be used for both recruitment and retention, providing a solution for unexpected events in an employee’s life.

“People are not ready for the emergency,” said Stacey Breslin, ACCE’s vice president of benefit services. “Most people aren’t even ready for three months of unemployment.”

ACCE Benefits Trust was founded in the 1950s to provide benefits plans designed to meet the specific needs of chambers. The Benefits Trust Board is comprised of chamber executives to oversee ACCE insurance and retirement plans. The board focuses on what’s in the best interest of their chamber peers.

ACCE offers:

• Group term life and accident insurance
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 457(b) executive deferred compensation plan

When it comes to insurance, no chamber is too small to benefit. “ACCE does represent the group on the entire list of products,” Breslin said. “There are plenty of organizations that are one employee only and they participate in these plans.”

Adam Thorn of AGIA said having quality solutions for employees for issues that life throws at them is often an overlooked part of the hiring pitch. “Employees are telling us that they’re looking for not just a paycheck, but an organization that really prioritizes their needs,” he said. “The difference between a challenge and a catastrophe is being prepared.”

For retirement plans, ACCE Benefits Trust is the plan sponsor for the 401(k) plan, ensuring the plan is compliant. “They do take the fiduciary responsibility in terms of the investment selection and oversight,” said Marsha Mathis of Principal Financial. “All of that comes at a much more efficient cost because of the number of participants and the assets in the plan.”

ACCE members can request a quote and see information kits at acceinsurance.org.