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Discover how Cottingham & Butler restructured a stalled insurance program in under 60 days — delivering broader coverage, higher limits, and significantly lower total cost. Key Wins $967K in Total Premium Savings With 28% reduction inoverall insurance spend 42% Reduction in Average Property Rate Saving $690K inproperty premium $60M Property Limits Property limits increased$25M to $60M with theoption to expand to $75M Workers’ Comp Premium Reduction 25% Workers' Compensation premium reduction despite payroll growth The Situation A food manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Chicago, IL engaged Cottingham & Butler late in the cycle — facing a market that had already been worked — and needed a partner who could re-engage carriers, restructure the program, and deliver results quickly. The challenge: the property program was significantly underinsured with only $25M in limits, the workers' compensation program was overpriced relative to the actual risk profile, and the broader program lacked the structure to position the insured competitively with carriers. Why They Needed Change The insured's program had been on autopilot — with no proactive strategy to address rising costs, inadequate limits, or coverage gaps. They needed a broker who could tell the right story to the marketplace and fight for materially better terms, not simply accept what the market offered. The Cottingham & Butler Approach Property Program Restructuring Re-engaged carriers after the incumbent had already worked the market Increased property limits from $25M to $60M (with an option to expand to $75M) Reduced average property rate by 42%, saving approximately $690,000 in premium Secured expanded Earthquake and Flood coverage: CA earthquake increased to $10M; non-high-hazard earthquake and flood doubled to $20M with minimal incremental premium Workers' Compensation Optimization Secured $10M umbrella limit for contractual requirements, with the primary insurer offering a $5M primary umbrella limit Eliminated work comp deductible, improving cash flow Significant premium savings driven primarily by inflated auto and workers' compensation premiums Broader Program Improvements Increased Cyber and Recall limits to $5M Reduced excess umbrella cost by more than 40% year-over-year Negotiated 0% finance terms on casualty lines with the carrier — saving $80K annually in finance fees

Discover how a strategic insurance partnership and industry expertise transformed a beer distributor’s inadequate coverage into a comprehensive risk management program. Key Wins Strategically Avoided 20% Market Increase Proactively and strategically fought to combat rising standard market costs 35% Reduction in Insurance Premium Reduced property & casualty insurance spend – saving $375,000 The Situation One month before renewal, an Illinois beer distributor learned their insurance spend was increasing 15-20% for the third consecutive year. They were frustrated with accepting "standard market rate increases" year after year and wanted a different approach. Why They Needed Change The challenge was clear: through no fault of their own, the insured found their insurance program on autopilot. Without proactive strategies to combat rising costs, comfortability with the status quo was significantly impacting their bottom line. They needed a broker who specialized in their class of business, knew the marketplace, and would actively fight for better terms rather than simply passing along market increases. The result:  immediate positive financial impact, enhanced coverage, and a strong position for the client for future renewals. The Cottingham & Butler Approach Coverage Enhancements Increased business interruption protection by $6.5M with minimal premium impact, aligning the client with industry benchmarks Waived coinsurance on property values, providing better protection flexibility Composite auto rating, streamlining administrative processes when adding/removing vehicles Cost Reductions & Administrative Improvements Secured $10M umbrella limit for contractual requirements, with the primary insurer offering a $5M primary umbrella limit Eliminated work comp deductible, improving cash flow Significant premium savings driven primarily by inflated auto and workers' compensation premiums Telling the Correct Story Matters While other brokers promised  rate reduction at next renewal if the client implemented telematics, Cottingham & Butler successfully communicated the insured's firm commitment to implementing telematics in 2026 to the marketplace. This proactive storytelling positioned them as a partner committed to continuous improvement, earning immediate rate relief as carriers sought to partner with an insured dedicated to risk reduction.

Author: Ryan Butler, Senior Vice President – Risk Management While thousands of insurance brokerages have been bought and sold, one thing has remained constant at Cottingham & Butler – our commitment to independence and putting people first. Over the past decade, the insurance brokerage industry has undergone a dramatic transformation and while it continues to consolidate at a rapid pace, many of the largest competitors in our space are now navigating multiple challenges at once. These include integrating acquired platforms, rationalizing expenses, debt and capital management, softening market in certain lines of business as insurance rates decline and maintaining a primary focus on “reporting to Wall Street” often at the expense of client and employee experience. There is meaningful data that helps illustrate how this dynamic is unfolding. Over the past twelve months, stock performance for several of the largest insurance brokers has trended down meaningfully. While stock performance is not everything, it does influence decision making and creates additional pressure on leadership teams to regain momentum and will force many of these organizations to make difficult choices around expense management, layoffs, while balancing continued acquisition activity. With this noise, we are proud to share that Cottingham & Butler experienced another year of double-digit growth, industry leading retention, and continued reinvestment in our future. Why Cottingham & Butler Stands Apart We have intentionally built a firm that grows by doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. That means taking great care of clients, solving hard problems, and doing it together as one team. This focus is not accidental. It is a long-term strategy grounded in more than 138 years of culture, discipline, and the collective effort by our colleagues to be the best professionals and experts in their respective practices. We do not rely on constant acquisition activity to manufacture momentum. Instead, we continue to deepen our expertise in the industries we serve, invest heavily in our people and their careers, and improve how we deliver outcomes year after year. This discipline allows us to compound our value over time, and one of the reasons we’ve been able to grow organically into the 3 rd  largest independent and privately held insurance brokerage in the nation.   While many firms feel forced to choose between growth, culture, and stability, we believe it is possible to achieve all three by playing the long game, staying aligned, and remaining clear on our mission of becoming Better Every Day. Reinvesting in Our People and the Future A clear example of this long-term mindset is our continued investment in our team. In 2025, we welcomed more than 270   new colleagues to Cottingham & Butler and continued to expand our leadership capabilities with the addition of Mike Hessling as President of C&B. While some of the largest firms in our industry are reducing staff, we remain focused on investing in our colleagues, their careers, and their professional development. The Takeaway In an industry defined by consolidation, it is easy for firms to lose clarity and drift toward a model where growth is something you buy rather than something you earn. When that happens, pressure often shows up quickly and forces restructuring, talent churn, and an ongoing search for the next lever to pull. At Cottingham & Butler, our path is simpler and stronger. Develop great people. Take care of clients. Solve problems. Execute on behalf of our clients. Stay aligned as One Team. That is our competitive advantage, and it is exactly why the next chapter for Cottingham & Butler is so compelling. Our future as One Team, working together with purpose and alignment, has never been more exciting. Hear more, directly from our clients, about how we partner with them to create breakthrough solutions that deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

WEBINAR Spring Cleaning: Compliance Checklist & Regulatory Updates Thursday, April 23, 2026 Register Now! Each person who plans to attend the webinar should complete this registration form. It's time for a compliance refresh. This month we'll review key compliance deadlines, best practices, and areas that deserve a second look. We'll also cover regulatory updates that have already rolled out in 2026 and what to watch for in the months ahead, giving you a clear roadmap for the rest of the year. April 23, 2026 2:00 PM CST VIRTUAL Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify key compliance deadlines and best practices for managing employer benefit obligations through the remainder of 2026 Summarize regulatory updates that have taken effect in 2026 and evaluate their impact on current benefit plan administration Develop a clear compliance roadmap by applying actionable next steps to gaps or areas that warrant a second look Brought to you by our Partners at Assurex Global Upcoming Events WEBINAR June 18, 2026 Nondiscrimination Rules Differentiating benefits can be a strategic tool for employers — but not all differences are allowed. This webinar will help employers understand when and how they can differentiate benefit programs while staying compliant. In this session, we'll break down the various nondiscrimination requirements that apply to employee benefit plans, including tax code testing rules for highly compensated and key employees and protections against discrimination based on health status, disability, and other protected characteristics. Read More Register Now IN-PERSON May 28th, 2026 Benefits Seminar | Power Hour Rising healthcare costs are inevitable, but how much you absorb may not be. Many employers are leaving significant savings on the table by only using surface-level fixes like raising deductibles or shopping the market. C&B’s approach works with employers across 5 standout strategies: managing plan eligibility, transferring large claim risk, restructuring plan financials, controlling pharmacy spend, and steering employees to cost-effective care. These strategies together can fundamentally change what you pay and why. Register today to secure your spot for a great discussion. Read More Register Now WEBINAR May 21, 2026 Leaves of Absence: Focus on State Mandates As leave laws evolve, administering employee benefits during protected and unpaid leaves has become increasingly nuanced. In this session, we'll break down employer obligations, benefit continuation requirements, and key decision points when coordinating federal, state, and company leave policies. Special focus will be given to how expanding state paid leave programs are reshaping employer responsibilities and compliance strategies. Read More Register Now IN-PERSON May 20-21, 2026 2026 Transportation Safety Workshop Join us for a two-day safety workshop designed to strengthen your transportation safety program from the ground up. Engage with industry experts and fellow safety professionals as we dig into the topics that matter most: nuclear verdict prevention and large claims mitigation, safety inspection protocols and Hours of Service compliance, CSA reduction strategies, safety incentive programs, and driver coaching techniques. Two sessions set this workshop apart, our live truck and trailer inspection gives you hands-on experience you won't get in a conference room, and our deposition training puts you through real-world scenarios so you're prepared when it counts. Through focused breakout sessions and peer roundtables, you'll share challenges with professionals who understand your daily operations, build connections that extend beyond the event, and walk away with strategies ready to put to work the following Monday. Read More Register Now WEBINAR April 23, 2026 Spring Cleaning: Compliance Checklist & Regulatory Updates It's time for a compliance refresh. This month we'll review key compliance deadlines, best practices, and areas that deserve a second look. We'll also cover regulatory updates that have already rolled out in 2026 and what to watch for in the months ahead, giving you a clear roadmap for the rest of the year. Read More Register Now WEBINAR December 16, 2026 OSHA Recordkeeping & ITA Compliance In this session, safety expert TJ Greenwood will provide a comprehensive overview of OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately complete the OSHA 300 log to ensure it makes a positive impression during site inspections, as it is often the first document requested by OSHA. Additionally, this discussion will cover strategies for staying compliant with OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Read More Register Now View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

We are excited to extend an invitation to our upcoming Employee Benefits Seminar Tour designed specifically for individuals like you, who are at the forefront of shaping organizational culture and strategy. Cottingham & Butler hosts these exclusive events to provide a free opportunity for HR professionals to network, stay on top of emerging trends, and be a strategic leader in their organization. MULTI-DATE EVENT Better Every Day Seminar Tour April - August, 2026 Dallas, TX | Pewaukee, WI | Minneapolis, MN | Des Moines, IA Oak Brook, IL | Coralville, IA | Green Bay, WI Pick Your Date! Last year over 600 HR, finance, and executive leaders attended our seminars to address the most pressing workplace challenges. This year's seminars will deliver the leadership strategies and benefit insights you need for 2026. The day will start with a powerful keynote from our partners at BecomeMore Group on Authentic Leadership, followed by three Power Talks on employees basic finance as a valuable benefit, addressing misaligned incentives in healthcare costs, and exploring weight loss and wellbeing strategies. We'll wrap up the seminar with a session on personal productivity and why being busy doesn't always mean getting things done. Throughout the day, you'll network with industry peers, enjoy breakfast and lunch, and earn valuable HRCI and SHRM recertification credits. Register today to secure your spot at our exclusive seminar where industry experts will share proven strategies for the critical challenges you're facing. “The content and the information is great and I walk away with ideas to bring back to help enhance our benefits packages and compensation.” - COTTINGHAM & BUTLER SEMINAR ATTENDEE Seminar Tour Coming to a City Near You! IN-PERSON April 29-30, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Trucking / Dallas Join us in Dallas, TX at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel for our first annual Trucking Seminar where industry leaders will share proven strategies to tackle your biggest challenges in 2026. Discover what's actually working to attract and retain talent through our exclusive 2025 Trucking Compensation & Benchmark survey results, learn how top-performing carriers are beating industry turnover trends, and gain actionable tactics to reduce rising prescription drug costs without driver backlash. We'll also cover critical compliance topics like leave of absence management and high-risk member care strategies that protect your bottom line while keeping operations running smoothly. Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON June 25, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Minneapolis Join us at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, MN for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON August 6, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Green Bay Join us at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON May 14, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Pewaukee Join us at The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, WI for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON July 9, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Oak Brook Join us at Oak Brook Hills Resort in Oak Brook, IL for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON June 11, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Des Moines Join us at The Rewind Hotel in Des Moines, IA for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON July 29, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Coralville Join us at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville, IA for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! Interested in Sponsoring a Seminar? Our events offer unmatched networking opportunities and exposure to the latest trends in employee benefits. These signature events feature keynote speakers, hot benefit topics, and exclusive networking opportunities. We experienced over 600+ attendees at our events last year. Sponsor an event to attend and elevate your brand visibility in the benefits space. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We help clients lower their total cost of risk by challenging the status quo, solving complex business problems and delivering creative insurance solutions. Our technical expertise and proprietary programs, combined with our commitment to client service is the foundation of the value we bring to our clients every day. Article Mastering Your Resume: A Guide for College Graduates Read More On-Demand Webinar OSHA Reporting and Recordkeeping Compliance Updates Read More Article Managing a "Hard" Insurance Market Read More Case Study Leveraged best practices and good loss experience to return $80,000 year after year Read More Article HR’s Role in Mergers and Acquisitions Read More Article Coverage Basics: Cyber Insurance Read More Case Study Providing a Better Open Enrollment Solution Read More Case Study A 33% Decrease to Health Insurance Spend in 3 Years Read More Article Bond Producer vs. Surety Advisor: Beyond the Bond Read More