KANSAS CITY, MO – (August 23, 2010) – The Lewer Agency, Inc., a leading provider of employee benefits programs for franchised operations in the United States and administrator of health insurance plans for international students attending U.S. educational institutions, is pleased to announce that John Owens, Vice President, Special Markets marked his 30^th anniversary at The Lewer Agency this month.

After being hired by his father-in-law, and founder of the Lewer companies, D. C. Lewer, John began his career in the Policyowner Service Department at Lewer Life in 1980, passed his insurance licensing exam in 1981, and received his first sales award in 1982. Through the years, he has held a multitude of mid-and-senior level management positions at Lewer.

“I have had a variety of shared experiences with John, spanning three decades and two countries,” said president and CEO Mike Lewer. “I think my most memorable recollections of John involve our working together over the past couple of years and his success in reinventing himself to become a recognized expert and resource in the specialized category of worksite marketing in the petroleum industry. I particularly enjoy hearing John bounding-up the back stairway to announce his latest new client. It’s great to experience first-hand his enthusiasm for his market and his belief that he is making a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families employed in the convenience store industry.”

Owens’ reinvention has led to some of his best work, including the ability to solve problems for national accounts during a time that many perceive to be a down market.

“D. C. Lewer had the biggest impact on me, right out of the gate,” said Owens. “About six months after I started selling in the field, I wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t looking forward to calling my father-in-law to tell him I was thinking about quitting. He took me out to dinner where we had a long heart-to-heart talk about what I wanted to do. He was very encouraging. I left that dinner thinking I could conquer the world. If anyone asked me who I thought the best salesman was –I would, and still, tell them that the best salesman, hands-down, is D. C. Lewer.”

John says that it has been the passing down of knowledge by the generations that has created a unique and thriving culture at Lewer. As a result, his career has been dotted with highlights, battle tales, celebrations, and memories that only tenured members of the team can realize.  

“I will never forget Don Knowles, a senior vice president at Lewer who retired a number of years ago,” said Owens. “He was a mentor to a lot of people. What he taught me was how to behave as a principled man of insurance, and how to act in principled ways.

“My time at Lewer feels like a lifetime, but it has been a great journey,” says Owens. ”I just find it funny that I have gone from being the kid who listened to all of the ‘war stories’ to someone who is now telling them!”

“The conference attracted over 7,000 attendees,” reported vice president, sales at Lewer Rick Thomas. “The Lewer Agency was a bronze sponsor. In its effort to show its appreciation to clients who were in Kansas City to attend the conference, we co-hosted a reception, June 2, at the Terrace on the Grand. The event included a Gates barbecue buffet, hosted bar, and live music performed by Kansas City jazz and blues band, Grand Marquis. Everyone had a good time.” 

According to one client, Visakan Ganeson, Director of International Education at Everett Community College, in an email to The Lewer Agency the following week, “it was a great party!”

“Thanks for hosting us,” he wrote. “It was my pleasure to make your acquaintance after working with your company for over 16 years. I look forward to a continued healthy working relationship.”

In another email received at the company, Paula Mangione, Program Coordinator at North Seattle Community College said she appreciated that the conference was held in Kansas City. “It was nice seeing you on your home ground for a change,” she wrote. “I enjoyed the conference and visiting KC. Thank you for the great reception at The Terrace. The food was wonderful, the music was fantastic, and the weather was great!”

“The customer reception was a hit with clients, providers, and staff alike,” reported Lewer account manager Monica Olson. “We received rave reviews for the authentic barbecue, excellent jazz band, and spectacular location with panoramic views of the KC skyline. It was satisfying to see so many clients enjoying an evening of conversation and some flavors of Kansas City.”

Founded in 1956, The Lewer Agency, Inc. is a national employee benefits insurance agency headquartered in Kansas City, MO. In 1991, the agency introduced the LewerMark® Student Insurance Plans. These plans are designed specifically to provide comprehensive medical insurance benefits for international students studying in the U.S. and domestic students studying abroad.

Grand Marquis performs at The Lewer Agency’s co-hosted reception during NAFSA conference week in Kansas City.

“The financial condition of a life insurance company is an important reflection of public perception and confidence,” said senior vice president Mike Dlugolecki, in response to the report findings. “Policyholders need the security of knowing the company behind their coverage is strong and can be relied upon to be there in the future.”

Independent from any insurance company, and other resources such as A.M. Best, Standard Analytical Services’ financial comparisons are based on statutory financial statements filed with state insurance departments. A favorable comparison by the analytical service warrants justification of the individual company’s sound financial condition as of the financial statement date.

In the 2010 report on the financial strength of Lewer Life, four major elements of financial stability were compared with those of the country’s top 25 largest life insurance companies. In summary, the analysis of “Solvency” concluded that assets for each $100 of liabilities as of December 31, 2009, averaged $105.85 for the top 25 largest insurance companies, compared to $145.17 for Lewer Life, up from $140.70 as recorded in the report last year.

A wide range of Assets over Liabilities can be a significant safety factor. This indicates financial soundness and a Company’s ability to meet all obligations as they become due.

In the “Surplus Funds” category, in the 2010 report, the top 25 largest Life Insurance companies averaged $12.86 for each $100 of policy reserves, up from $11.76 last year, while Lewer Life’s surplus to reserves was $51.99, up from $47.85 last year.

According to the report, a high surplus ratio may indicate a company’s ability to take emergencies in stride.

In the third category, “Liquid Assets,” which analyzes assets in Bonds, Stocks, Cash, and Short-Term Investments for each $100 of liabilities, the top 25 largest Life Insurance companies averaged $47.89, down from $51.26 last year, while Lewer Life was $137.39 according to the 2010 report, up from $132.62 recorded last year.

A high Liquid Asset ratio may indicate a more liquid investment position to cover unforeseen emergency cash requirements that may arise, according to the report.

The fourth and final category reported is “Net Interest Earned.” In the 2010 report, Net Investment Income for each $100 of Tabular Interest for the top 25 largest Life Insurance companies averaged $169.00 in 2010, down from $193.72 last year, while Lewer Life was $215.94 in the 2010 report, an increase from $205.22 in 2009.

According to report analysts, this ratio shows the proportion of investment income actually earned on invested assets over the amount required to be earned (tabular interest) to maintain policy reserves.

The concluding summary of the report indicates that in its 24^th year, Lewer Life Insurance Company is a financially reliable institution which warrants public confidence.  As stated in the summary, and based on financial results achieved in the year ended 2009, “the comparative analysis made of the organization featured herein is favorable when compared to the aggregate averages of 25 of the largest life insurance companies.”

“This report was received shortly after we received an improved status rating from A.M. Best, resulting in two positive reports within a short time-frame,” said president and CEO Mike Lewer. “This is a confirmation of Lewer Life’s financial strength and our company’s ability to fulfill its commitments to policyholders.”

Lewer Life Insurance Company, a Missouri-domiciled life insurance company since 1987, offers a wide range of products, including Life Insurance, Term Life, Universal Life, Indexed Annuities, Disability, 401(k) Plans, Estate Planning Programs, Key Person Life Insurance, Non-Qualified Pension Plans, Executive Bonus Plans, Buy/Sell Agreements, and Succession Plans.

Since 1956, The Lewer Agency, Inc. has provided business of all sizes with custom-designed insurance, employee benefits, and investment advice. Through its team of qualified, tenured, and dedicated specialists, Lewer offers a comprehensive menu of programs and services, including Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Diversified Savings, Education Planning, Retirement Planning, and Financial Management. Specialized plans are also available in Canada.

After participating in the A.M. Best annual review conference call on April 16, 2010, president and CEO Mike Lewer said he is pleased with the revised outlook A.M. Best has since published for Lewer Life Insurance Company.

“The outlook change to ‘Positive’ from ‘Stable’ reflects Lewer Life’s stronger operating results reported over the last three years and increased capital and surplus,” reported Lewer. “The decision by A.M. Best to issue a Positive rating outlook is a favorable sign. Considering the turmoil in the financial markets over the past few years and the trend we’ve seen in downgrading the ratings and outlooks of companies in the financial services industries, we are very pleased with this development.” 

According to a summary provided by A.M. Best, “The rating assignment of Lewer Life Insurance Company reflects “an established market niche, generally favorable operating results, and recent business diversification initiatives,” the latter referring to Lewer’s recent expansion into dental insurance and launching of a new voluntary life insurance product.

Lewer Life Insurance Company’s products are marketed exclusively on a national basis by its affiliate, The Lewer Agency, Inc., an insurance marketing organization with extensive expertise in worksite marketing and international student insurance programs.

Life insurance companies request a rating from A.M. Best to help build credibility in the marketplace. When conducting the analysis of a Life insurance carrier, A.M. Best analyzes all pertinent operating companies, holding companies and any other financial obligations of the Life company, including debt securities. Upon completing the analysis, A.M. Best publishes its opinion of the Life company’s ability to meet financial obligations.

Lewer Life Insurance Company, a Missouri-domiciled life insurance company since 1987, offers a wide range of products, including Life Insurance, Term Life, Universal Life, Indexed Annuities, Disability, 401(k) Plans, Estate Planning Programs, Key Person Life Insurance, Non-Qualified Pension Plans, Executive Bonus Plans, Buy/Sell Agreements, and Succession Plans.

Since 1956, The Lewer Agency, Inc. has provided business of all sizes with custom-designed insurance, employee benefits, and investment advice. Through its team of qualified, tenured, and dedicated specialists, Lewer offers a comprehensive menu of programs and services, including Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Diversified Savings, Education Planning, Retirement Planning, and Financial Management. Specialized plans are also available in Canada.

A.M. Best Company, Inc., headquartered in Oldwick, New Jersey and founded in 1899, is a rating agency designated as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial rating it issues to a company reflects the company’s ability to pay claims.

Mr. Keleher’s registration with SFS* enables him to offer financial planning and managed accounts to his clients in addition to the CDs, mutual funds, and variable products he has provided them through SFS* since 2001.

“Many of my clients have been doing business with me since the 1980s,” said Keleher shortly after the registration as an investment advisor representative with SFS. “These clients are now holding Life and Annuity contracts that are maturing, and they are in the process of analyzing and converting the proceeds of those contracts as they begin the income distribution stage of their retirement plans*.  Now, as an Investment Advisor Representative of SFS*, I look forward to bringing my clients an enhanced level of service in managing their investments.”

“Kevin’s ability to offer financial planning services through SFS* gives Kevin the ability to incorporate a client’s discretionary assets and put them together into an integrated financial plan* for his clients,” said Lewer President and CEO Michael Lewer. “This strategy of becoming a ‘one stop shop’ for clients looking for expert assistance with managing their investments* is a very exciting one. His clients will appreciate the difference between Kevin’s personal financial management services*, resources, and costs, compared to other services out there.”

Keleher, who is the first of a group of financial advisors* involved in this new development, has over three decades of experience in the Life Insurance and Financial Services arenas. He possesses a number of professional designations, including the Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL).

Under the banners of The Lewer Agency, Inc. and Lewer Life Insurance Company, the privately-held Lewer Companies have provided businesses of all sizes with custom-designed insurance, employee benefits since 1956. Through its team of qualified, tenured, and dedicated specialists, the Lewer Companies offer a comprehensive menu of programs and services, including Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Diversified Savings, Education Planning, Estate Planning, and Retirement Planning.

Through its Canadian companies, The Lewer Insurance Agency, Ltd., and Sainte-Marie Lewer, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, and Laval, Quebec, respectively, Lewer provides supplemental programs to business owners in the Canadian national healthcare environment, as well as Disability Income Replacement and Dental programs.

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*Kevin Keleher is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Sunset Financial Services, Inc. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Sunset Financial Services, Inc., 3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO  64111, (816) 753-7000 (Home Office), Member FINRA/SIPC. The Lewer Agency, Inc. is not affiliated with SFS.

“HealthySmile is a dental plan which gives our clients and their employees a maximum benefit limit of $1,500 and a 100 percent coinsurance level for all preventative services, in contrast to the majority of plans with a $1,000 limit and 80 percent coinsurance. Even better, HealthySmile rates will meet or even beat many standard plans. That’s why we say the HealthySmile design is top-notch with mid-level pricing,” said Rick Thomas, VP of Marketing at The Lewer Agency. 

Preventative procedures include routine oral exams, bitewing and full mouth x-rays, x-rays of the roots of teeth, fluoride treatment and prophylaxis. Basic expenses – fillings, sealants, space maintainers, simple tooth extractions and emergency treatment for dental pain – are paid at 80 percent.

“Recent studies* have shown that having dental insurance leads to a healthier lifestyle,” Thomas continued. “HealthySmile is designed and priced for employers to offer their employees a great group benefit for themselves and their families.”

For more information on the availability of the HealthySmile group dental plan and how it can benefit your organization, contact Rick Thomas at The Lewer Agency at 816.753.4390 x112 or at rthomas@lewer.com.

About The Lewer Agency

Since 1956, The Lewer Agency, Inc has provided business of all sizes with custom-designed insurance, employee benefits, and investment advice. Through its team of qualified, tenured, and dedicated specialists, Lewer offers a comprehensive menu of programs and services, including Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Diversified Savings, Education Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, and Financial Management.

About National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company has consistently been rated one of America’s most successful independent mutual life insurance companies. While adhering to the highest standards of quality and integrity, National Guardian Life continually demonstrates commitment to policy owners, their families, and the communities in which they work and live. National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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TLA-HealthySmile-PR1-052010

ValueLife is a low-face amount, whole life insurance policy designed to offer affordable life insurance protection in a worksite marketing environment. “While ValueLife was designed specifically with an eye toward the employees of independent marketers and franchisees, the product holds broad appeal because of its low premium rates,” said Rick Thomas, Vice President, Marketing and New Business Development at The Lewer Agency, an affiliate of Lewer Life Insurance Company.

“Coverage is available for as little as five dollars per week, Thomas said. “ValueLife is an affordable, simple issue policy that gives your employees convenience, flexibility and portability. The policy belongs to them at no cost to you.  It effectively extends your group coverage.”

For more information on ValueLife and how it can benefit your organization or complement your personal financial planning, contact Rick Thomas at 816.753.4390  x112 or rthomas@lewer.com.

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* The optional Accidental Death Benefit and Dependent Child Benefit Riders are not yet available in Illinois and Oregon.

Eligible small businesses can claim the credit as part of the general business credit starting with the 2010 income tax return they file in 2011.  

KANSAS CITY, MO – (April  26, 2010) –  Here’s some good news: according to the Internal Revenue Service, many small businesses that provide health insurance coverage to their employees now qualify for a special tax credit – in this tax year!

Included in the health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,   signed into law on March 23, is a credit designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have.  The credit could help you pay at least half the cost of single coverage for your employees.

“This credit provides a real boost to eligible small businesses by helping them afford health coverage for their employees,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman recently.   “The message is clear,” says Rick Thomas, VP Marketing, The Lewer Agency. “As a small business owner, you should look closely at this important tax credit opportunity to see if you qualify.  We are working with many of our clients to help them understand and take advantage of  this generous credit to expand their benefit plans or simply maintain them at a lower cost.” 

Here’s how it shakes out: the maximum credit is 35 percent of premiums paid in 2010 by eligible small business employers. In 2014, this maximum credit increases to 50 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers. 

The credit is specifically targeted to help small businesses that primarily employ low and moderate income workers. It is generally available to employers that have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees paying wages averaging less than $50,000 per employee per year. Because the eligibility formula is based in part on the number of FTEs, not the number of employees, many businesses will qualify even if they employ more than 25 individual workers.

Kansas City, MO – Lewer Life Insurance Company, a Missouri-domiciled life insurance company since 1987, announces its ValueLife whole life insurance product is now available for sale in seven states –Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas. The company plans to expand state availability by the end of 2009.

ValueLife is a low-face amount, whole life insurance policy designed to offer affordable life insurance protection in a worksite marketing environment. “While ValueLife was designed specifically with an eye toward the employees of independent marketers and franchisees, the product holds broad appeal because of its low premium rates,” said Rick Thomas, Vice President, Marketing and New Business Development at The Lewer Agency, an affiliate of Lewer Life Insurance Company. “Coverage is available for as little as five dollars per week for those who qualify,” Thomas said.

For more information on ValueLife and how it can benefit your organization or complement your financial planning, contact John Owens, Vice President at The Lewer Agency at 816.753.4390 x109 or jowens@lewer.com.