Insurance industry catching the eye of job-seeking African-Americans

(ARA) – Americans are more interested than ever in identifying new job opportunities in growing industries. While emerging opportunities in technology and health care industries have won a lot of attention, another long-established industry is poised for growth – insurance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for insurance will continue to rise, and the industry will experience “significant growth” over the long term. As baby boomers age, their need for different types of insurance products will likely increase.  This is also likely to be the case for their adult children and their families.

The growth in the industry should be of particular interest to African-Americans seeking a high-growth profession, some industry watchers say. That’s because demand for insurance products and services that meet the needs of the African-American population is expected to rise, and with it the need for insurance professionals who know how to serve the market.

“There is a greater need in the insurance industry for professionals educated and experienced in African-American culture,” says Jodi Webster, a district manager for Farmers Insurance Group in northern California. “The industry is realizing — and responding to — the need to provide education to the African-American community on the importance of having the proper insurance in place, especially in the life insurance arena.”

In addition to the opportunity to fill a high-demand role that will help educate their community, African-Americans might find a career as an insurance agent interesting for several other reasons, says Webster. A Farmers agent for five years and district manager for eight, Webster feels an insurance career as an agent offers the opportunity to be self-employed, in control of one’s own professional destiny and provides an unlimited income potential.

“As an agent, I was an independent contractor, not an employee,” she says. “For agents, there’s a huge opportunity to serve an evolving, growing African-American marketplace. Plus, you get to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The investment required to start an agency is affordable and you gain the benefit of corporate branding and support.”

Major insurance providers are also realizing the value of agents who can culturally connect with the African-American community. Farmers, for example, recently launched its African-American Market Expansion, which aims to provide products and services to a growing market segment. As part of that initiative, the company has focused recruitment efforts in the African-American community to expand awareness of career opportunities with the company.

“This initiative will help Farmers better serve the African-American community’s insurance and financial needs,” says Faye W. McClure, Farmers vice president of strategic marketing. “The campaign aims to increase Farmers’ exposure to the second largest minority group in the nation.” Farmers African-American Market Expansion will initially focus on eight states; California, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Alabama and Tennessee.

As a people person, Webster says, the opportunity to serve the African-American community has been professionally and personally rewarding. “I like the opportunity to coach and mentor people to develop successful agencies,” she says. “It’s rewarding to help them develop their ability to realize their dreams and provide themselves and their families with a comfortable lifestyle.”

“Need for insurance knowledge and education continues to grow in the African-American community, and so will opportunities for agents adept at serving this community,” she adds.

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Job seekers: Give yourself a SWOT

(ARA) – Have you ever given yourself a SWOT? No. It’s not a typo. With a SWOT analysis, you examine your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, along with internal and external factors that might affect your employment search. Many organizations utilize a SWOT analysis to examine their business. A SWOT analysis can also help reduce the anxiety sometimes associated with finding employment.

“It’s a matter of confidence over competence, because most people know how to interview, but may not be confident in themselves,” says Chasity Trzop, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Louisville.

Strengths
When you conduct a SWOT on yourself it’s important that you ask, “What can you do well?,” says Trzop. “For example, you may be great at multi-tasking and have great communication skills. Soft skills are usually where you will find strengths. Your strengths could be whatever comes naturally.”

Always go into an interview with a positive attitude. What is keeping you from calling potential employers? Some of the answers you may give include nerves or not knowing what to say.

“Some people just get nervous about the job search. It’s important to identify the issues and work on those issues with career coaches or if you are a recent college graduate, visit your school’s career services department for assistance,” Trzop says. “Consider reviewing comments that were made about your strengths by past employers.”

Weaknesses
You should always know your weaknesses, because interviewers will attempt to extract them from you.  Never highlight your weak points on your resume or during an interview. When an interviewer asked Trzop about her weaknesses, Trzop used the weakness she once had that is now a strength. She told the interviewer she took extra training to become very proficient in the area.

“Don’t let interviewers extract your weaknesses. Focus on what you do well,” she says.  Don’t have a canned answer to a question regarding your weak points, because interviewers may have a follow-up question. Never let them see you sweat. As previously mentioned, review comments past employers made about your weaknesses.

Opportunities
“Half of your job leads should be face-to-face or from picking up the phone, not just online,” says Trzop. “People complain about not getting jobs, but they’re not selling themselves nor creating opportunities. You cannot create an opportunity if you don’t know what your strengths are. Go out and volunteer. Create an opportunity.”

Trzop also suggests networking. Let family, friends and others know you are seeking employment. They may know someone who can help. “You can’t run out of the building yelling, ‘I’ve got a degree’ and expect employers to be waiting outside the door with job offers,” says Trzop.

Threats
To identify threats that could prevent you from finding employment, ask yourself, “What is it that will keep me from having an effective and productive career search?” That’s the most critical time to make contacts in your field. What if you are waiting for a certification document that confirms training you took? Are there other barriers out there? There may be other barriers that could affect a successful job search. Know what those are,” Trzop says. Job seekers who get upset about not finding employment are sometimes too passive. Seek support from a career counselor, placement search teams, or if you are a recent college graduate, seek support and assistance from the career services department.

While the SWOT analysis creates anxiety during the process, it helps tremendously. Like preventative medicine, you can fix those threats and hopefully come out with promising results.

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Steps for catching up with old 401(k)s

(ARA) – The average American will hold 11 jobs between the ages of 18 and 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010). When you start a new job, you probably remember to pack your personal items and update your contact information, but did you consider what to do with your 401(k) held at your previous employer? It’s easy to leave behind.

A recent Merrill Edge survey found that nearly half (46 percent) of mass affluent Americans plan to rely solely or heavily on retirement plans offered by their employer for their retirement savings, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). This makes it more important than ever to keep track of your retirement savings.

Having accounts in more than one place can make keeping tabs more difficult. Rolling over your balances into one account helps to ensure you can properly track and manage your savings to help you pursue your retirement goals. When it’s simpler to monitor your investments, you can make changes as needed.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Americans today is planning for their retirement,” says Dean Athanasia, mass affluent and small business executive at Bank of America. “Many people expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Rolling over old 401(k)s is one small step consumers can take to help make managing their retirement savings easier and their retirement goals more attainable.”

Rolling over your old 401(k)s isn’t as complicated as you might think. Merrill Edge, offering a wide array of investment solutions from Merrill Lynch and access to the banking services of Bank of America all in one place, has a three step process to help you keep things simple:

1. Locate your accounts: Collect statements and account numbers for all your 401(k)s. If you’re missing any account information, call your former employers or benefits providers for the information you need.

2. Consider your options: Review all of the rollover options available to you. There may be many options for retirement investing and saving, so consider the length of time you plan to invest and the level of risk that’s comfortable for you. You can use a retirement calculator, like the Retirement Evaluator available on merrilledge.com, to help you see where you stand today and help you determine whether you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.

3. Choose your investments: Finally, decide how you’d like to invest. IRAs typically offer more investing options than 401(k)s to help you reach your retirement goals. Many online tools, such as the Asset Allocator available on merrilledge.com, can help you make investment decisions. Or, consult your financial services provider to help you make investment choices for your unique situation.

Consolidating 401(k)s into a single IRA account can make it easier for you to track and manage your retirement assets now, as well as when you start to withdraw funds in retirement. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you remember a few simple steps – collect your account information, evaluate the choices available to you, and select a roll over solution that is appropriate for you.

For more information on rolling over 401(k)s and retirement strategies visit merrilledge.com or speak with a Financial Solutions Advisor at the Merrill Edge Advisory center at (888) MER-EDGE (888-637-3343).

Investing in securities involves risks. Neither Merrill Edge nor its associates provide tax, accounting or legal advice. You should review any planned financial transactions or arrangements that may have tax, accounting or legal implications with your personal professional advisers. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, a 10 percent additional federal tax may apply to withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2.

Investment products:
* Are not FDIC insured
* Are not bank guaranteed
* May lose value

Merrill Edge is the marketing name for two businesses: Merrill Edge Advisory Center, which offers team-based advice and guidance brokerage services; and a self-directed online investing platform. Both are made available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N. A. and affiliated banks, members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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Five steps to take when considering a career change

(ARA) – Is this the right time for you to follow your passion or to reinvent yourself and make a career change? If so, make sure you can put your finger on what you want, so that you can sell yourself to prospective employers.

Carole Redden, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Phoenix, offers five career-change tips.

Network with a mission
Networking is vital to reinventing yourself or making a career move, but according to Redden, it should be done strategically and often. “You cannot wait for the job of your dreams to come to you,” says Redden. “There are people who attend networking events and do not maximize the number of people they talk to, or do not ask the right questions. If you are looking for a job, you must have a plan.”

Establish your targets before attending networking events and job fairs, and keep the conversation brief and to the point. Develop a relationship with employer representatives you chat with and remember, it’s not just about what you can get from them, but what they can gather from you. It’s a two-way exchange of information. To learn more about networking strategies read “Never Eat Alone,” where author Keith Ferrazzi contends that you’ll be more successful if you take the relationship-building approach. “You should circulate and make multiple new contacts at these events,” Redden says. Those who are unsure about how to network should think of it as “purposeful and engaging communication.”

Most people have more of a network of friends, family, former coworkers and other connections than they realize. It’s important to share your plans with them and ask for help. “If you don’t already have a network, try volunteering or going back to school – both are great ways to meet new people,” Redden adds.

Examine your skills and resources
You don’t have to be stuck in a job. Be proactive. Do a personal assessment and ask yourself: What background, skills and experience can I offer an employer? “If you’ve been in a job for 20 years, ask yourself, ‘What do I really want to do for a living?’,” says Redden. “Make some changes and some tough decisions. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Job seeking takes patience.”

Update your credentials
Many jobs require additional education or training. Take classes at local college, or a community or education center. Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost training. If required, obtain certification for your chosen field. “Once you have a developed your ‘brand,’ you’ve got to make yourself more marketable than the next person,” says Redden.

Pursue your passion/your goal
A career is more than a job; for some it’s also a passion, and the career path chosen will require some work. “Some people get so caught up in life pleasing others and forget they have the option to do what makes them happy,” says Redden. If you are out of work, be more diligent. Until you get to where you want to go, you should be willing to work harder in pursuing your passion. The practice of reinvention takes effort. For people who like delivering babies, they are happy when they go to work every morning because they have a passion for what they do.

Volunteer with nonprofits
Use your weekends to volunteer. “This is an opportunity to support those nonprofits that could benefit from your experience,” says Redden. With reinvention, you can still give back and offer to help those who are less fortunate. You will gain valuable work experience in your career of choice.

You can take the Myers-Briggs professional or similar assessments offered by many college career and employment counselors to measure competencies and areas of interest. “If you want a life change, then it’s up to you to do something about it,” says Redden. Be realistic about your strengths, skills and resources. Within reason and with passion, reinventing yourself is possible.

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Finding shoes to inspire confidence and comfort

(ARA) – It’s no secret that shoes can either make or break an outfit. But can uncomfortable shoes also affect your confidence?

According to a recent study, 94 percent of women say they feel good when their feet feel good. Stacy London, style expert and host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” has partnered up with the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her. She agrees that when it comes to shoes – women can look good and feel good at the same time.

“As a stylist, I know that finding a balance between fashion and comfort can sometimes be tricky. And chances are that most women have experienced “Fabulitis” – the discomfort caused by the decision to wear uncomfortable, yet fabulous shoes,” says London. “That’s why I use Dr. Scholl’s For Her insoles – because I can wear the shoes I want and feel comfortable doing it.”

Helping women get back on their feet

One of the most inconvenient times for women to face “Fabulitis” is during a job interview, especially since the right shoes are an essential component to feeling comfortable and confident. That’s why the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her are launching an interactive campaign to support Dress for Success Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that offers professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to women entering the workforce. The program will help empower women by contributing confidence-inspiring footwear and insoles to keep them comfortable while interviewing for jobs.

Stacy London’s interview wardrobe tips
London shares her tips for achieving fashion, comfort and confidence when tackling a job interview:

Comfort is key: Such a big part of achieving success is feeling comfortable in your own skin – and shoes for that matter. Go for heels and add a Dr. Scholl’s for Her insole for comfort.

Suit up: Suits (pant or skirt) are always appropriate. Pair suits with more feminine, colorful or textured tops to add flair.

Must-haves: Every woman should have a comfortable closed-toe heel for suiting and separates, a pencil or simple A-line skirt and a suit.

Walk the talk: Choose clothes and shoes that look and feel good for your body type, stand up tall and show your style with confidence.

To make a difference in the lives of women entering the workforce, consumers can visit www.facebook.com/drschollsforher to vote on the most confidence-inspiring shoe style from now until Aug. 26. Votes will help determine the style of shoes donated to Dress for Success Worldwide ($25,000 in value), and every pair of donated shoes will be matched with an insole. Additionally, for every purchase of a Dr. Scholl’s For Her insole product from July 11 to July 17, a 25 cent donation will go to Dress for Success Worldwide (a minimum donation of $25,000).

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ARA) – If you’re a recent college graduate or a professional looking for work, you already know you need every advantage to compete for work in a marketplace where there are more applicants than opportunities. It pays to be in control of every variable you can, from picking the right suit and honing your interview skills to making sure you know what’s on your credit report before a potential employer looks at it.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s very likely that your potential employer will want to check your credit. More employers than ever are checking job applicants’ credit history. Sixty percent of employers now check applicants’ credit reports, according to a report in the Washington Times. That percentage has climbed nearly 20 percent in the past five years, according to the report.

Employer credit checks can be problematic for many people in this economy. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may have fallen behind on your bills. And if you’re a recent college graduate, you probably have little credit history – perhaps a few credit cards with a running balance, but probably not a car or home loan that can help add depth to a credit history.

Reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies before an employer sees it is an important step for job seekers, experts agree. It will also help prepare you to address any credit-related concerns a potential employer might have.

As you’re reading want ads and scouring job websites, keep this information in mind:

* Obtaining a report and score, such as the PLUS score offered by CreditReport.com, can help you understand your credit status before a potential employer asks to check your credit. While such a score and report are not necessarily the ones a potential employer will obtain, they can give you a snapshot of your credit status.

* The basics of credit management remain the same, no matter what your situation: pay bills on time, maintain a good ratio of credit used to available credit, show a long history of timely payment, and be smart about the types of credit you use (loans, credit cards, etc.).

* Employers will not be able to check your credit until you give your consent, in writing, for them to do so. While you may expect that an employer would check your credit if you’re applying for a job in the financial services industry or another industry in which you’ll be directly working with money, be aware that a broad spectrum of employers are now checking credit for applicants at all job levels – even some you may not expect.

* If your credit history has some blemishes, you may want to consider adding a personal statement of explanation to your credit report – the major credit bureaus all allow you to do this. While credit experts agree that such statements usually have little impact on potential lenders, an employer may view your explanation differently.

Finally, hold your head high regardless of what’s on your credit report. In this economy, many people are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own. If you’re one of them, be honest and open with a potential employer, explaining your challenges and what you are doing to ensure you’ll be able to meet your financial responsibilities. If your credit history is good, consider it one more tool to demonstrate to potential employers that you are organized, responsible and a desirable worker

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CHARLOTTE
After her husband died in 2006, Mary Logan found herself alone in Lincolnton, N.C. Retired after years of working in the town’s mill, she decided to move closer to her family in Charlotte.

Though she grew up with very little, Logan never once considered herself poor. Despite her limited means, Logan knew there were some things no one should go without. That’s why she was thankful to find the Free Store, a program sponsored by Crisis Assistance Ministry that distributes clothing, shoes and other necessities to people in need.

“Nobody should go without clothes. Nobody,” she said. “I’ve found things that I thought I would never find. I mean, really, it’s a blessing.”

Logan isn’t someone you might expect to see at the Free Store. By her own admission, she has the means to shop at department stores, but she simply said, “I’d rather come here.”

Surprised? You shouldn’t be, said store manager John Wakefield. He said Crisis Assistance Ministry’s goal is to help everyone, including patrons like Logan.

“We don’t care where you live, how much money you make, if you have a job or not, or if you have a home or not,” he said. “We want you to take that money and go help pay your rent, your utilities, your food bill for your kids, whatever it may be, and just come here and help take that extra pressure off.”

Crisis Assistance Ministry began in 1975, during the mid-1970s economic downturn. A group of local clergy set out with the goal of “pooling resources to more effectively meet the needs of low-income families in financial crisis in Mecklenburg County.” The Free Store became a staple of Crisis Assistance Ministry’s offerings in 1978.

Ministry grows in response to need

Today, Crisis Assistance Ministry has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit agencies of its kind in North Carolina. The organization receives most of its funding from government grants and private contributions. In 2009, grants and contributions exceeded $17 million, with almost half coming from the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rather than reacting in the wake of financial disaster, Wakefield said the organization takes measures to prevent financial distress for individuals before it occurs. Redirecting funds from expenses like clothing and toward more pressing financial obligations is one way to accomplish the goal.

“We have approximately 7,000 individuals in Charlotte right now without homes,” he said. “We want to keep that number from going up, and that’s truly what we’re here for.”

Last year, Crisis Assistance Ministry helped more than 50,000 Charlotte area families through financial assistance programs, furniture and appliance distribution, as well as the Free Store. Communications Director Akilah Luke said it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of people lined up outside their doors every day as early as 6 a.m., especially during the cold winter months. By intervening and helping these families before their situations worsen, Luke said Crisis Assistance Ministry plays a distinctive role.

“We’re that place — that safety net to catch families before they become homeless, and just allow people to just continue on with their lives and live with dignity,” she said.

But contrary to what one might expect, the majority of their patrons aren’t living in extreme circumstances. Just looking around the expansive waiting room inside Crisis Assistance Ministry’s main branch, there are faces that are not immediately associated with financial hardship. Instead you see folks like Mary Logan, the people you interact with every day.

“The families we serve are the working poor,” Luke said. “These are people that are your school bus drivers, the people who are checking you out at the grocery store, maybe it’s the barista at your coffee shop. These are the people that you’re helping, your neighbors.”

The number of people seeking financial assistance has increased significantly since the beginning of the financial crisis. Before the recession hit in 2006, Crisis Assistance Ministry served just over 40,000 families. Today, due in part to increases of more than 60 percent in hunger and homelessness since 2007, the organization is serving more than 10,000 additional families.

Charlotte city officials are also involved in fighting the growing number of homeless, and the almost 40,000 citizens living in extreme poverty. The city’s communications manager Jamie Banks said one way they are attacking this problem is by seeking to increase the amount of affordable housing throughout the city.

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill found that traditional measures of poverty did not adequately reflect the dispersion of poverty in North Carolina. As a result, scholars discovered that large – and largely affluent – metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Raleigh contain sections of concentrated poverty.

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–POZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: POZN), announced today that it plans to release fourth quarter and year end 2010 results on March 9, 2011, before the market opens.

The announcement will be followed by a live webcast at 11:00 a.m. (EST) with a discussion by POZEN management of the earnings and business results. The webcast can be accessed on POZEN’s website at www.pozen.com and will be archived and available for replay. The fourth quarter and year end 2010 earnings release will be accessible in the News section of POZEN’s website.

About POZEN
POZEN Inc. is a progressive pharmaceutical company that is transforming how the healthcare industry addresses unmet medical needs. By utilizing a unique in-source model and a focus on integrated therapies, POZEN has successfully developed and obtained FDA approval of two self-invented products in two years – something almost no other small pharmaceutical company has done. Funded by these two milestone/royalty streams, POZEN is now creating a portfolio of cost-effective integrated aspirin therapies designed to enable the full power of aspirin by reducing its GI toxicity. The lead candidate, PA32540, is being investigated for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and has entered Phase 3 clinical trials. POZEN is retaining commercial control of the pipeline assets and will launch creatively using a new sales force model and digital communications. The Company’s common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “POZN”. For more detailed company information, including copies of this and other press releases,
please visit: www.pozen.com.

Contacts
POZEN Inc.
Stephanie Bonestell, 919-913-1030
Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations
Source:Business Wire

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Green Occupations Are Growing (449) (NewsUSA) – A combination of legislation and activism is inspiring companies to consider the “green” side to their business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmentally related occupations are projected to grow 38 percent more than all other occupations combined by 2016. The report, “Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy,” predicts the highest growth of green jobs will be in renewable power generation, retrofitting residential and commercial areas and in renewable transportation fuels. As a result, universities are increasingly integrating economic, environmental and social issues into their curriculum. One of these institutions, DeVry University, has created several green-focused specializations to build on the school’s core degree programs — including business administration with a specialization in sustainability management, and electronics engineering technology with a specialization in renewable energy. “Education needs to reflect this trend for the future leaders who will build economic and technological capital while considering the impact on social and natural resources,” said Jesus Fernandez, associate provost for curriculum at DeVry University. “DeVry University’s green curriculum adds focus on sustainability and environmental impact to the core business and electronics engineering technology degree programs.” Fernandez offers three main growth areas: Sustainability Management An emerging area for leadership involves resource conservation, pollution prevention and the regulation and enforcement for process and procedure to be made more efficient and with greater sustainability. Those interested in sustainability management should explore coursework that provides a sound foundation of business and management principles while emphasizing green considerations, technologies and economic factors. Renewable Energy Relating to the production, transmission and storage of sustainable energy sources — wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power — many of the skills needed in engineering, design, planning or project management for renewable sources of energy are similar to those needed in traditional energy fields. A strong engineering technology and electronics foundation, like DeVry University’s Renewable Energy specialization, provides an emphasis on alternative power sources and the economics of green engineering. “Changing Skill” Occupations With the increasing cultural shift toward environmental stewardship, there is a substantial need for employees of all levels to understand the green process. Students now have the opportunity to add desirable green skills to their existing area of expertise ? be it marketing, operations, finance or management. Green job growth won’t slow down anytime soon — it is currently outpacing even total job growth. Between 1998 and 2007, U.S. green jobs increased by 9.1 percent with little government investment — almost 150 percent more than total job growth of 3.7 percent for the same period. Moving forward, companies will require employees to understand “green,” and it will be essential for graduates to prepare themselves for this changing environment. Students interested in these exciting programs and careers should visit www.devry.edu for more information.

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