Jerry Batt's Schools

• Bowling Green State University Bachelors in Marketing

Jerry Batt's Publications

• Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey (CLIPS), Jerry Batt July, 2010 For the fifth consecutive quarter, commercial insurance prices have remained steady or experienced only insignificant increases, a drastic change from the previous five-year period of steady declines. This stagnation is a result of the current economic turmoil threatening industries around the world, combined with below-average catastrophic losses during these quarters and excess capacity in the overwhelming majority of commercial insurance lines. Based on a recent Commercial Lines Insurance Pricing Survey (CLIPS), these results reflect comparisons between the policies underwritten by 37 independent insurance companies involved in the survey—about one-fifth of the commercial market. Policy prices remain similar to the consistent rates seen throughout 2009 and any increases are offset by reduction in directors’ and officers’ liability, employment practice liability, and commercial property plans. Accident loss ratios have consistently deteriorated over this period. From 2008 to 2009, there was a 4 percent decrease, and there will be an estimated 5 percent decrease from 2009 to 2010, according to first quarter projections. This slightly larger loss ratio deterioration is partly due to a slightly higher degree of inflation during the first quarter of 2010. In such a market, it is harder than ever for property and casualty insurers to turn a profit without dedicating a significant amount of time and resources to strategic risk selection and pricing. Some professionals have suggested that the use of predictive modeling during price determination is a short-term answer to the current issues plaguing the industry, but more sophisticated techniques will be required in the future to maintain profitability. The CLIPS data used to demonstrate price stagnation represent many of the top commercial lines companies and insurance groups within the United States. The survey was primarily concerned with comparing first quarter policy underwriting prices to those for the same policies during all four quarters of 2009.

• Jerry Batt's Professional Background, Jerry Batt September, 2010 After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Marketing, I enrolled in the Max. M. Fisher School of Business Executive Leadership Program at Ohio State University. Upon completion of my studies, I embarked on a career in executive management, accepting a position with Huber, Harger, Welt & Smith. Serving as a Sales Executive, I was responsible for launching the company’s Employee Benefits division, the first of many professional accomplishments to come. During the five years I spent at Huber, Harger, Welt & Smith, I achieved annual sales increases of 100 percent, departing with the knowledge and confidence to establish my own business. Kurivial, Ball & Batt Insurance was the result of my entrepreneurial efforts, and after directing daily activities for a period of time, I was presented with the opportunity to merge the company with Erie Coast Agency, resulting in the formation of a new company, Ohio Benefits Group. I retained my executive duties, as I was still involved with the firm’s operations. Following the initial merger, Cavalear Insurance and Heritage Insurance Services expressed interest in a partnership, and Ohio Benefits Group/Celaris Group was born. In the ensuing nine years, I served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the organization, developing and implementing a strategic marketing plan that fostered marked business growth. During my tenure as Ohio Benefits Group/Celaris Group, the company was ranked as Ohio’s fastest growing insurance agency, and I left knowing my contributions laid the groundwork for the company’s continued success. Stepping into the dual roles of President and Chief Executive Officer at Sky/Huntington Insurance, I oversaw a talented and dedicated team of 450 employees, expanding the firm and garnering yearly sales revenue of $15 million. Currently, I serve as President of Neace Lukens’ Employee Benefits sector, utilizing my extensive experience to create customized, cost-effective insurance plans for my clients.

• An Overview of Employee Benefits, Jerry Batt June, 2011 Jerry Batt is very aware of the importance of employee benefits. As the President of Employee Benefits at Neace Lukens, Jerry Batt works to enhance employee satisfaction and security by ensuring the most comprehensive and thorough benefit plan possible. While every company has its own strengths and limitations in terms of benefit offerings, it remains important to understand the options and the true weight that such programs have on employee quality and retention rates. Required Employee Benefits Within the United States, mandated employee benefits include Social Security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment insurance. All of these programs aim to assist workers in times of unemployment, injury, or retirement. Optional Benefits Benefits that remain optional to employers include retirement and pension plans, paid leave, and health, disability, and life insurance, as well as flexible compensation and more unique benefits such as day care or product discounts. For many, these optional benefits embody the most sought-after programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 76 percent of employees contribute to a retirement savings plan if it is available to them. Most Valued Benefits Generally, jobs in any industry become more appealing with the addition of benefits and employee perks. Such benefits can make up for a smaller salary or represent valued commodities that other employers do not or are not able to offer. In 2004, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported on the most valued employee benefits. The top-rated programs included health plans, retirement savings accounts, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and thrift savings plans. Paid vacation also represents one of the most treasured employee benefits.

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