DEDHAM, Mass. – Feb 3, 2011 – Insight Performance, Inc., a strategic human resources consulting firm, announced today that it has appointed Michael D. Ward as president.  In this leadership position, Ward will work closely with company founder and CEO Nancy R. Mobley to take the organization to the next level of growth.

“I am delighted that Michael is joining our leadership team,” said Mobley.  “His business acumen and experience in leading high-growth organizations will help Insight continue to grow and thrive in the new economy. Together, we can deliver on our shared business vision of providing innovative HR solutions that help companies address changing market needs as they build exceptional workplaces.”

“This is a great opportunity to join a high-caliber team that has earned a reputation for excellence over the past 15 years,” said Ward. “I’m excited about bringing the critical HR services that Insight delivers to new and expanding markets.”

Ward brings extensive experience in strategic, organizational and sales force management.  Previously, Ward was executive vice president of Eastern Benefits (employee benefits brokerage division of Eastern Bank), when the organization grew more than 900 percent.  Prior to this, Ward was president and founder of Harbour Benefits Insurance Brokerage, which he sold to Eastern Bank and its subsidiary Eastern Insurance LLC in 2004.  Previously, Ward served as managing director of the employee benefits division for a regional insurance brokerage firm and successfully grew his division by more than 500 percent over a five-year period. 

Ward is actively involved in several non-profit and business organizations.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children's Friend and Family Services, North Shore Chamber of Commerce, and Net Atlantic, and as an Overseer for North Shore Medical Center.  He formerly participated on the boards of the Plummer Home for Boys and the Salem Chamber of Commerce and worked as the Varsity Head Baseball Coach for Salem High School in Mass.

Ward has also been a member of the Broker Advisory Boards at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim, Delta Dental Plan and the Massachusetts State Health Connector.  Ward has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and MBA, summa cum laude, from Babson College. 

About Insight Performance, Inc.
Founded in 1995, Insight Performance, Inc. is a strategic human resources consulting firm that works with small and mid-sized companies to build exceptional workplaces.  The firm, based in Dedham, Mass., provides proven and cost-effective HR solutions to help companies, in a wide range of industries, solve real-world problems and achieve their business goals. Insight Performance has won 16 awards in six years including: one of the top five companies in “Best Place to Work in Massachusetts,” national recipient of Employer of the Year, national recipient of Best Overall Company of the Year for Service Businesses (under 100 employees), and national finalist for Best Human Resources Organization.  Additional information can be found at www.insightperformance.com.

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Insight Performance to Host Webinar Addressing Growing Business Optimism

DEDHAM, Mass. – Jan. 20, 2011 – According to a survey released today by Insight Performance, Inc., a strategic human resources (HR) consulting firm, and SBANE (Smaller Business Association of New England), 93% of small and mid-sized businesses plan to retain staff levels and add new hires, while only 5% anticipate the possibility of layoffs this year.  The Small Business and Human Resources 2011 Outlook Survey also found that 38% of companies plan to offer base-pay raises, as optimism for business conditions increases to 80% for 2011.

“The survey shows that small and mid-sized businesses see the business climate turning around,” said Nancy R. Mobley, Founder and CEO, Insight Performance, Inc.  “Despite last year’s economy, many companies not only retained staff levels, but also added employees. This trend is expected to continue in 2011, as companies continue to recognize that their employees are integral to business growth.” 

The survey reflects the mood of the small and mid-sized business community in New England as it optimistically plans for a return to business growth.  It also identified the following business trends: 

• Staff retention and hiring remains a key area of focus. According to 2010 actual figures, 84% of companies either retained staffing levels or added employees. In 2011, companies expect to increase this number by 10%, with 93% planning to retain or increase staffing levels. 
• Salary freezes subside.  While 38% of companies are planning base-pay increases in 2011, as compared to 43% projected for 2010, only 23% are planning to freeze base pay this year, as compared to 41% in 2010.
• Companies expect benefit costs to rise.  Eighty-six percent of respondents anticipate that their companies’ costs for benefits will be higher than 2010, with average cost increases expected to be 11% higher. Forty-seven percent expect an employee’s benefit costs to rise.  The average expected increase is 14% higher than last year.
• Companies see employee morale on the rise. Eighty-three percent of companies feel that their employees are confident about their jobs, compared to 47% last year.  

The survey polled small and mid-sized New England companies with on average, less than 50 employees and annual revenues of $20 million or less. 

Insight Performance will be hosting a webinar, “The Small Business and Human Resources 2011 Outlook Survey Debrief Session,” on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST, to present the implications of the survey.  To register, or for more information, visit https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/769904334  or contact Insight Performance at 781-326-8201. 

The Smaller Business Association of New England, Inc. (SBANE)

SBANE, founded in 1938, is a private not-for-profit association of approximately 800 member companies located throughout the six-state region.  SBANE was established to provide a legislative voice for small business at the state and federal levels and to make practical information available to help business owners grow their companies.  SBANE runs diverse, educational programs each year, addressing a range of topics from international trade to human resources. Additional information can be found at www.sbane.org  

About Insight Performance, Inc.

Founded in 1995, Insight Performance, Inc. is a strategic human resources consulting firm that works with small and mid-sized companies to build exceptional workplaces.  The firm, based in Dedham, Mass., provides proven and cost-effective HR solutions to help companies, in a wide range of industries, solve real-world problems and achieve their business goals. Insight Performance has won 16 awards in six years including: one of the top five companies in “Best Place to Work in Massachusetts,” national recipient of Employer of the Year, national recipient of Best Overall Company of the Year for Service Businesses (under 100 employees), and national finalist for Best Human Resources Organization. Additional information can be found at www.insightperformance.com.

Contact:
Linda Pendergast-Savage                           
Pardes Communications, Inc.                     
508-224-7905                                            
Pendergast[at]pardescommunications.com

“Rebecca is an invaluable member of our team, appreciated both for her leadership with our clients and within Insight,” said Nancy R. Mobley, Insight’s president and CEO.  “She is able to quickly address and service clients on all types of human capital issues. Her expertise, dedication and enthusiasm help us continue to raise the bar in client service.  Under her leadership, Insight has been consistently recognized for delivering excellent client service,” Mobley said.

Previously, Blake was an HR consultant at Insight, providing strategic and tactical support for all Insight clients.  Previously, she was operations manager at Insight, where she managed the business infrastructure, organized daily operations, and served as the key interface to Insight’s Client Care Center.  Blake holds a bachelor’s of arts degree from Manhattanville College.

About Insight Performance, Inc.
Founded in 1995, Insight Performance, Inc. is a strategic human resources consulting firm that works with small and mid-sized companies to build exceptional workplaces.  The firm, based in Dedham, Mass., provides proven and cost-effective HR solutions to help companies, in a wide range of industries, solve real-world problems and achieve their business goals. Insight Performance has won 16 awards in six years including: one of the top five companies in “Best Place to Work in Massachusetts,” national recipient of Employer of the Year, national recipient of Best Overall Company of the Year for Service Businesses (under 100 employees), and national finalist for Best Human Resources Organization.  Additional information can be found at http://www.insightperformance.com//.