Latest News

Employer News

It's Official: Agencies Release Final Rules on SBC, GINA, 401(k)s

The federal government has been busy issuing final rules on a number of benefits-related regulations that will directly impact employers.

March Webinar: W-2 Reporting

Learn about the new Form W-2 requirements and how you can prepare for the changes.

In Brief: Union Elections

The NLRB is proposing a series of rules that would change procedures regarding union representation elections.

Employers Go High-Tech with Benefit Information

Employers of all sizes are turning to new technologies to make benefit communications easier and more effective.

Expert: CDHPs Can Succeed with Right Incentives

A little nudge (and maybe some cash) can spur employees to be good health consumers, which can save employers money in the long run, experts say.

Feb. Webinar: Communicating with Benefit Plan Participants in the Digital Age

The February installment of the Employer Webinar Series will explore compliance requirements and challenges of electronic notices for benefit plans.

To address the rapidly changing environment in which we operate and provide the best customer service, our staff engages in regular continuing education. We strive to be a trusted resource for our clients and use innovative ideas to help you build the most affordable and effective benefit package possible, so that you can help retain top talent in your organization. Our client list includes groups of all sizes and is spread across industry, government, educational institutions and non-profit agencies. Each group is unique and our customer-service approach is individualized to the distinct needs of each employer.

United Benefit Advisors ® (UBA ®) has members in more than 40 states, one in Canada and one in the United Kingdom, making it one of the nation's largest employee benefits advisory organizations. As a charter member of United Benefit Advisors, Russ Blakely & Associates enjoys access to a national network of independent employee benefit advisory firms. While we are attuned to the trends in benefit plans in the Tennessee Valley, our membership in UBA also allows us to call on the expertise of colleagues around the country in coming up with unique, effective benefit solutions for employers. The combined buying power of the UBA allows us to obtain the very best rates from a tremendous variety of carriers and enhance the benefits selections offered by our clients. Additionally, we employ a number of exclusive technology tools to help clients and employees full understand and utilize their benefit package. With the shared knowledge and expertise of thousands of other UBA benefits professionals, UBA Firms can meet the needs of any sized business.

Our Staff:

Russ Blakely - President & Owner
Tony Brown - Employee Benefits Advisor
Pat Patterson - Employee Benefits Advisor
Brent Wick - Employee Benefits Advisor
Lisa Eaves - Account Manager
Melvia Chitwood - Account Manager
Sharon Finnell - Account Manager
Jack Matens - Director of Human Resource Services
Brooke Maedel - Benefit Technology Administrator