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Our cost management strategies integrate analytics, alternative funding methods, and forward-thinking claim management to minimize expenses and maintain the value of your investments. The Advantage Program Your Small Business. Our Expertise. The Advantage You Deserve. CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, driving innovation and creating jobs in communities across the nation. Yet when it comes to offering competitive employee benefits, small businesses face an uphill battle. The challenges are significant and growing, from rising healthcare costs to increasingly complex regulatory requirements. Cottingham & Butler’s Advantage Program specializes in helping small businesses get back the Advantage – providing the expertise and scale needed to help you compete for talent with a competitive benefit package, sustainable budget, and lean administrative team. Reimagining Your Benefits Strategy Improve employee satisfaction, save time & money. We craft tailored Employee Benefits Solutions that engage your workforce and optimize your bottom line. Time Savings Financial Savings Make Employees Happy Time Savings: Maximize Your Limited Resources Small business leaders wear multiple hats and often lack the luxury of building dedicated HR and finance teams. Our support system helps you navigate these challenges efficiently with: Dedicated client service team No phone trees In-depth self-service client portal Employee Benefits Hotline Expert technology advisors Financial Savings: Combat Rising Healthcare Costs Healthcare trends continue to drive double-digit cost increases, resulting in lower profits and forcing organizations to pass these burdens onto both customers and employees. Our approach helps you take control of these rising costs through: Preferred Small Business Healthcare Solutions Strategic Program Assessment Group Insurance Advantages Technology Credit Program See how we helped this Midwest-based real estate company avoid a $200,000 cost increase READ THE FULL CASE STUDY See how BETSY transformed this employers' open enrollment satisfaction and participation. READ THE FULL CASE STUDY Benefits That Make a Difference: Win the Talent Competition In today's fierce talent market, small businesses face unprecedented competition for qualified employees while trying to match larger organizations with extensive budgets and resources. We help level the playing field by providing: Competitive Intelligence Financial Wellness Resources Strategic Communications Support Micro-Strategy Session Recordings Simplified Benefit Solutions In just 30 minutes, you'll gain key insights into the benefits and healthcare trends directly impacting your business and discover solutions to the most challenging issues in the employee benefits space with real-world case studies of companies that have successfully implemented these strategies. WATCH THE SESSION Cost-Control Strategies Your Competition Doesn't Know Yet Check out this 30-minute strategy session to discover cost management techniques that don’t involve just moving your insurance carrier or raising deductibles. No fluff, just actionable strategies you can implement immediately. WATCH THE SESSION HR Time Saving Resources Between managing compliance, handling employee questions, and keeping up with regulations across different states, there never seems to be enough time in the day. This session covers accessible resources designed specifically to give businesses like yours precious time back. WATCH THE SESSION 3 Ways to Overcome Open Enrollment Challenges This recording provides HR professionals with strategies to streamline open enrollment through effective employee education, technology solutions, and communication tactics that help employees better understand and appreciate their benefits. WATCH THE SESSION Employee Benefits Insights Variable Pay Plan Interest in Low Wage Growth Environments In part two of our Compensation & Total Rewards Trends series, Matt Shefchik, who leads Total Rewards Consulting at Cottingham & Butler, dives into variable pay plans and why they're gaining traction in today's low wage growth environment. On-Demand Compliance Webinars – On-Demand Library Our 2026 Compliance On-Demand Series is designed to keep you informed, prepared, and confident heading into every quarter. News 2026 Compensation Trends: Pay Budgets, Salary Structures, and What to Watch In Part 1 of our three-part compensation and total rewards series, Matt Shefchik, AVP of Total Rewards Consulting at Cottingham & Butler, breaks down the salary planning data shaping pay decisions in 2026. Articles VIEW MORE Connect with our Advantage Program Experts Today!

As your dedicated partner in safety management, our specialized consultants help clients craft exceptional programs aimed at risk identification, mitigation, and prevention. Safety Management Services Company (SMSC) Building a culture of safety for a secure and successful future. CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM Cottingham & Butler Safety Management Services Company (SMSC) is your dedicated partner in safety management and loss control. Our team of specialized safety consultants help clients craft exceptional programs aimed at risk identification, mitigation, and prevention. Safety Offerings In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, we prioritize building a strong safety culture within your organization. Our consultants work closely with you to instill a safety-first mindset, seamlessly integrating safety practices with productivity even in the most streamlined and lean work environments. Safety Assessments Employee Risk Evaluation Risk Improvement Programs Workshops & Seminars Safety Resources Portal Management Training Mock Compliance Audit Safety Webinars Click here to learn more about our safety leadership program > Safety Education and Training Imagine a workplace where safety isn't just a priority, it's a shared value. At Cottingham & Butler, we don't just offer safety training, we create transformative learning experiences. Our engaging workshops, interactive seminars, and expert-led programs go beyond checklists and compliance. We focus on empowering your employees, creating positive safety behaviors, and building a culture of ownership. The results? Reduced incidents, improved morale, and a safer, more successful organization. A Powerful New Partnership to Transform Your Fleet Compliance Safety Management Services Company (SMSC), Cottingham & Butler's safety consulting company, has partnered with Haul Compliance, a leading fleet compliance software provider, to offer clients access to Haul’s AI-driven platform which centralizes fleet management across compliance, maintenance, and safety. Through this collaboration, our solution will help motors carriers manage: DRIVER QUALIFICATION FILES VEHICLE MAINTENANCE RECORDS FMCSA/DOT COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Click here to download the full guide >> Ready to Transform Your Compliance Management? To learn more about how this solution can benefit your fleet, contact us for a personalized demo. Chad Hoppenjan Vice President, SMSC choppenjan@smscsafety.com Kara Vines Senior Safety Consultant, SMSC kvines@smscsafety.com Safety Insights Crash Data Analysis: What Your Fleet's History is Telling You Hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Barry Wertz, "Crash Data Analysis: What Your Fleet's History is Telling You" explored Excel's essential features that turn raw data into actionable insights. On-Demand 7 Best Practices for Managing Heat Stress in Indoor Work Environments Heat-related injury and illness are occupational hazards that impact many industries and affect millions of employees annually. Heat stress occurs when an individual’s body accumulates more heat than it can dissipate. Articles OSHA Proposes Rule to Remove Its Walking-Working Surfaces Standard Deadline OSHA recently published a proposed rule to remove the Nov. 18, 2036, deadline in its Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This standard would have required all fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems by this deadline. Articles VIEW MORE “Safety Management Services Company (SMSC) has been a great partner and a tremendous resource as we have worked toward our safety goals. Their knowledge and practical, real-world solutions have been an instrumental part of our success.” Chad A. Burroughs | United Building Centers Let’s Get to Work Our dedicated team of Safety Consultants is here to support your success. With expertise across various industries, we're confident in our ability to assess and better manage risk in your business. For a personalized consultation on how we can help your business operations, reach out to us today. Safety Management Services Connect with a Safety Consultant Today!

The Cottingham & Butler Food & Agribusiness Practice sets the standard as a premier insurance consultant, uniquely equipped to understand the intricacies and challenges of the food & agribusiness industry. Food & Agribusiness Industry We cultivate success for the food and agribusiness sector through specialized insurance and risk management solutions. The Cottingham & Butler Food & Agribusiness Practice sets the standard as a premier insurance consultant, uniquely equipped to understand the intricacies and challenges of the food & agribusiness industry. With a team of experts deeply rooted in the field, we deliver personalized risk management strategies, protection for your most valuable assets, and an unrivaled service experience. Your Trusted Source for Comprehensive Insurance Solutions in the Food & Agribusiness Industry. Food & Agribusiness Coverages Accidental contamination / Product recall coverage Alternative risk Auto Crop Environmental risk Excess liability General liability International risk and exposures Livestock / Animal mortality Ocean and domestic cargo Property Stock Throughput Umbrella / Excess Workers’ Compensation Food & Agribusiness Services Claims advocacy and management Contract review and insurance policy compliance Disaster management and loss prevention services Experience modification review and analysis Premium allocations and budget preparations Competitive bidding of insurance programs Download our FREE E-book “Risk Resilience” and discover how we can be your partner in achieving food safety excellence. Food Safety Expertise for Growth Did you know foodborne illness costs the US food industry an estimated $15.5 billion annually? Cottingham & Butler, alongside The Acheson Group (TAG), empowers food & agribusiness companies to cultivate a culture of safety and minimize risk. Our expertise can help you: Reduce recall & contamination risks Optimize operations and boost profitability Navigate complex food safety regulations Specialized Food & Agribusiness Niches Food Processing Food Retailers Food Distribution Bottling & Distribution Swine Operations Dairy Operations Egg & Poultry Operations Grain, Feed, & Seed Commercial Farming Cannabis / Hemp Featured Expertise Food Safety Made Smarter 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food annually! Ensuring food safety is a top priority for any food & agribusiness company. After all, it's about protecting consumers and the integrity of your brand. But here's the surprising truth: many companies, confident in their existing procedures, miss hidden risks that could lead to costly recalls or outbreaks. Our FREE 3-part diagnostic tool helps you proactively identify these hidden strengths and potential areas for improvement in your food safety practices. RECALL & CRISIS MANAGEMENT Navigate Risk with Confidence - Explore Captive Insurance Solutions The food and agribusiness industry is the backbone of our nation's food supply, but it also faces a complex web of risks. From unpredictable weather patterns and volatile commodity prices to ever-evolving regulations and food safety concerns, traditional insurance might not always provide the tailored protection you need. Captive insurance offers a revolutionary approach to risk management. Imagine a self-funded program co-owned by a group of food and agribusiness companies like yours. EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE With roots dating back to the late 1800s, our Food & Agribusiness Practice proudly stands as the longest-established niche focus at our firm. From its inception, Cottingham & Butler was founded with a deep commitment to serving the needs of our food & agribusiness community, forging a legacy of expertise and dedication in the industry. Watch our client success video and hear directly from our food and agriculture clients Explore our expertise, risk solutions, and track record of exceptional results for clients. DOWNLOAD OUR FOOD & AGRIBUSINESS BROCHURE Food & Agribusiness Insight & Impact Beef Processor: Rebuilt a Fragmented, Overpriced Program and Saved ~$3M One of the country's largest beef processors was facing increased premiums, lack of options, and difficulty obtaining adequate insurance. Case Studies 2026 Property Market Update: Are We Approaching the Bottom? Six months ago, we entered 2026 expecting a favorable property insurance environment driven by abundant capacity, healthy reinsurer balance sheets, and increasing competition among carriers. Articles Safety Leadership: Empowering Supervisors to Drive Change "Safety Leadership: Empowering Supervisors to Drive Change," hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Scott Christenson, explored how Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles can become everyday leadership tools. Rather than relying on compliance-driven oversight, attendees learned how to spark meaningful conversations, identify system weaknesses, and champion improvements that actually help people succeed. On-Demand VIEW MORE Connect with a Food & Agribusiness Expert!

Whether you're an owner-operator or manage a national fleet, safeguarding your drivers, trucks, and cargo is critical for success. Industry-Specific Benefits Benchmark Report COMPARE AND COMPETE In today's competitive market, having the right benefits package isn't just important—it's essential for success. Use our industry specific benchmark reports to give you detailed insights into what other companies in your industry are offering, helping you design a benefits program that attracts top talent without overspending. Enter in your company details below to claim your free report! First name Last name Email Job Title Company name Industry Submit What's Inside? This data-driven report helps you understand how your benefits program compares to market standards and identifies opportunities for enhancement. Each industry benchmark report provides a detailed analysis across eight critical areas of employee benefits: Employer Contributions & Plan Design Analysis of premium cost-sharing, funding strategies, and comparison of medical, dental, and vision plan features. Ancillary & Disability Benefits Overview of supplemental insurance (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity) and examination of short-term and long-term disability coverage. Leave & Retirement Benefits Review of paid time off, family leave policies, and assessment of 401(k) and other retirement plan features, including employer matching. Employee Preferences & National Comparison Insights into benefit selection patterns, utilization trends, and evaluation against industry standards and national benchmarks. Contact Contact a Benefits Consultant to learn more.

For over 15 years, Cottingham & Butler has collected data from motor carriers coast to coast through the Trucking Benchmark Survey to provide participants with a detailed outlook on how their benefits and compensation programs compare against others in the industry. 5 Proven Strategies Every Employer Needs to Know How to Cut Healthcare Costs by Up to 30% Did you know that the average cost of family health coverage in the U.S. is a staggering $31,000 per year? That's nearly half of the typical household income. We've compiled five of the most impactful considerations your company can make to save on health coverage costs while providing exceptional benefits plans for your employees. Free Guide Access Your Free Guide By downloading, you agree to receive updates from Cottingham & Butler. You can unsubscribe at any time. Inside this Free Guide: Prescription Drug Cost Management Learn how to cut drug costs by up to 25% without compromising care. Uncover Hidden Savings Discover alternative coverage options that benefit both you and your employees. Family Coverage Optimization Improve coverage to save $10,000+ per family annually. Smart Healthcare Shopping Discover tools to help employees save thousands on procedures. Innovative Funding Strategies Learn how alternative risk programs can help cut premiums by 5-8% annually. $310,000 Saved A school district with 200 employees optimized their family coverage plans, resulting in substantial savings.

Discover IRIS, Cottingham & Butler's exclusive transportation management portal. Streamline fleet operations, access real-time data, and simplify insurance and compliance with one intuitive platform. IRIS – Your Fleet Management Resource IRIS is available exclusively to Cottingham & Butler transportation clients, designed to deliver a one-stop solution to easily access and manage the many moving parts of your business. The IRIS Transportation Portal has an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that provides at-a-glance access to your driver and vehicle lists, Cottingham & Butler client service team, the ability to make real-time account changes, and much more! Avaliable 24/7 Easily Submit Updates Online Submit Payments Online Claims Reporting Access to Excess Cargo Coverage Manage your entire fleet with one powerful, user-friendly tool. IRIS Portal Advantages Manage your driver and equipment list by making changes easily online Export your current vehicle and driver lists Access the direct contact information of your dedicated C&B support team Access to your safety and compliance platform – Risk Management Center Easily access and manage your certificates of insurance Certs Online Connect to your organization’s claims management system – Ventiv Alerts on Cottingham & Butler news and events Easily submit secure, online payments with an instant receipt of payment Ready to Get Started? Current C&B clients can complete the form below to request a new account and a member of your client service team will send your unique log in details shortly. Transportation Insight & Impact Helping Brokers Identify Small Fleets Cottingham & Butler works with owner-operators and small fleets every day, helping them strengthen the safety, insurance, and operational areas that matter most to brokers and shippers. Learn what makes a carrier stand out — and how proper coverage plays a role in winning freight opportunities. Articles The New Insurance Playbook: Surviving and Winning in a Shifting Market The trucking insurance market has fundamentally changed. Here's what carriers need to know to stop reacting and start winning. Transportation Crash Data Analysis: What Your Fleet's History is Telling You Hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Barry Wertz, "Crash Data Analysis: What Your Fleet's History is Telling You" explored Excel's essential features that turn raw data into actionable insights. On-Demand VIEW MORE Connect with a Transportation Expert!

WEBINAR Mastering HOS & PC Rules: Split-Sleeper in Action Tuesday, November 17th | 1-2 PM CST In this session, SMSC Safety Consultant Christopher Caldwell will walk attendees through the 11, 14, and 8-hour Hours of Service (HOS) rules and demonstrate how to properly apply the Sleeper Berth Provision to maximize driver flexibility while staying compliant. Christopher will also clarify Personal Conveyance regulations and what to expect during roadside inspections, equipping you with practical knowledge to avoid violations and keep your fleet on the road. An interactive Q&A session at the end of this session will give attendees the opportunity to ask specific HOS questions and discuss real-world compliance scenarios unique to your operation. November 17, 2026 1:00 PM VIRTUAL Learning Objectives Information Coming Soon! Your Host Christopher Caldwell Safety Consultant, SMSC Upcoming Events WEBINAR July 13, 2026 Leave of Absence Management in Trucking When an employee goes on leave, the compliance clock starts immediately. In this session, Cottingham & Butler VP of Compliance Bret McKitrick, JD breaks down the layered framework employers must navigate — from applicable law to plan documents to handbook policies — so you can handle every leave situation consistently and compliantly. Read More Register Now WEBINAR August 20, 2026 HSAs vs. FSAs vs. HRAs Choosing the right account-based benefit strategy requires understanding how HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs truly compare. This webinar breaks down the similarities and key differences among these plans — including eligibility, funding rules, tax treatment, and portability — and explores how employers can strategically leverage each option to support workforce needs while staying compliant. Read More Register Now WEBINAR August 4, 2026 Too Good to Be True? The Truth About Captive Insurance for Trucking If you've heard the pitch on captive insurance—dividends, pricing stability, control over claims—and thought it sounded a little too good to be true, you're not alone. In a market where commercial auto premiums seem to climb without end, bold claims about captives deserve a closer look. Read More Register Now WEBINAR July 16, 2026 Mid-Year Regulatory Update Regulatory change doesn't slow down, and neither should your compliance strategy. This mid-year update recaps the most important benefits and employment law developments from the first half of 2026, plus a look ahead at what's coming and practical takeaways to help employers navigate the rest of the year. Read More Register Now WEBINAR SERIES September 24, 2026 Open Enrollment – Renewal Checklist Open enrollment season comes with a long to-do list — this webinar helps you work through it with confidence. We'll walk through key tasks from plan review and employee communications to system updates and post-enrollment audits, plus a regulatory and legislative update on recent changes that may impact your 2027 offerings and year-end compliance items to help you close out the year strong. Read More Register Now IN-PERSON July 22, 2026 Healthcare Costs Panel Discussion / Peoria, IL Rising healthcare costs affect every employer in the room, but the full picture rarely gets discussed openly. This moderated panel brings together perspectives from across the healthcare landscape - including hospital administration, health insurance carriers, physicians, and pharmacy - to give you a seat at a conversation that usually happens behind closed doors. Audience participation and open Q&A are built into the format, so come with your questions. Read More Register Now View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

IN-PERSON Better Every Day Seminar / Oak Brook Thursday, July 9th | 8:00AM – 2:00PM Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center 3500 Midwest Road I Oak Brook IL 60523 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! July 9, 2026 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Oak Brook, IL An Agenda Filled with Insight 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration, Networking, and Breakfast 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote 1: Authentic Leadership in Action 10:30 AM -10:45 AM | Break 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Benefits & Business: 20-Minute Power Talks on Critical Trends For All Employers Why Financial Literacy Education Could Be the Most Valuable Benefit You Offer to Employees Misaligned Incentives: One of the Big Reasons Healthcare Costs Are Spiraling and How To Regain Control Weight Loss & Wellbeing: The Ultimate Retention Tool or A Wasted Expense? 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Giveaways 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Keynote 2: Finding Nirvana: Do Less. Achieve More. Presenters Paul Tourville Paul T. Tourville, Partner, CASL Fallon Millerski Account Executive - HealthCheck360 Tiffany Johnsrud Benefits Consultant - Cottingham & Butler Tammy Rogers BecomeMore Group Nichole Schnee Benefits Consultant - Cottingham & Butler Heather Acerra Sales Executive, Benefits – Cottingham & Butler Trent Tangen Assistant Vice President - HealthCheck360 Taylor Orton VP - Benefits Thank You Sponsors Interested in Sponsoring? EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES Upcoming Events WEBINAR July 13, 2026 Leave of Absence Management in Trucking When an employee goes on leave, the compliance clock starts immediately. In this session, Cottingham & Butler VP of Compliance Bret McKitrick, JD breaks down the layered framework employers must navigate — from applicable law to plan documents to handbook policies — so you can handle every leave situation consistently and compliantly. Read More Register Now WEBINAR August 20, 2026 HSAs vs. FSAs vs. HRAs Choosing the right account-based benefit strategy requires understanding how HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs truly compare. This webinar breaks down the similarities and key differences among these plans — including eligibility, funding rules, tax treatment, and portability — and explores how employers can strategically leverage each option to support workforce needs while staying compliant. Read More Register Now WEBINAR August 4, 2026 Too Good to Be True? The Truth About Captive Insurance for Trucking If you've heard the pitch on captive insurance—dividends, pricing stability, control over claims—and thought it sounded a little too good to be true, you're not alone. In a market where commercial auto premiums seem to climb without end, bold claims about captives deserve a closer look. Read More Register Now WEBINAR July 16, 2026 Mid-Year Regulatory Update Regulatory change doesn't slow down, and neither should your compliance strategy. This mid-year update recaps the most important benefits and employment law developments from the first half of 2026, plus a look ahead at what's coming and practical takeaways to help employers navigate the rest of the year. Read More Register Now WEBINAR SERIES September 24, 2026 Open Enrollment – Renewal Checklist Open enrollment season comes with a long to-do list — this webinar helps you work through it with confidence. We'll walk through key tasks from plan review and employee communications to system updates and post-enrollment audits, plus a regulatory and legislative update on recent changes that may impact your 2027 offerings and year-end compliance items to help you close out the year strong. Read More Register Now IN-PERSON July 22, 2026 Healthcare Costs Panel Discussion / Peoria, IL Rising healthcare costs affect every employer in the room, but the full picture rarely gets discussed openly. This moderated panel brings together perspectives from across the healthcare landscape - including hospital administration, health insurance carriers, physicians, and pharmacy - to give you a seat at a conversation that usually happens behind closed doors. Audience participation and open Q&A are built into the format, so come with your questions. Read More Register Now View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

The Cottingham & Butler Manufacturing Practice offers a dedicated focus on risk control, seamless claim services, and comprehensive coverage expertise, delivering a holistic approach to managing the inherent risks faced by today's manufacturers. Manufacturing Captive Cottingham & Butler Captives & Programs deliver alternative risk solutions for best-in-class companies. CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM As a member of our Manufacturing Captive, members collaborate with similar, top-tier companies, gaining control over their insurance programs while fostering the potential for significant culture and financial improvements. Mfg Captive Testimonial “With the help of the captive, we have added the support and structure necessary to not only make safety a focus but to make safety a part of the Woolf Culture— at work and in all of our daily lives.” Karen Corley | Controller, Woolf Distributing Company Inc. Weathering the Storm: Captive Insurance as a Risk Management Solution for Manufacturers in a Turbulent Economy READ THE FULL ARTICLE Current Quarter Market Report DOWNLOAD THE 2025 Q2 REPORT Ready to learn more about our Captive Solutions? VIEW OUR CAPTIVE BROCHURE Unlock the Strategic Benefits of Captive Insurance Predictable Costs Less Market Volatility Control Over Claims Lower Premiums Tailored Coverage Best-in-Class Peer Engagement Return of Underwriting Profits Company Specific Loss Control Is a Group Captive Right for You? Tired of paying too much for your insurance? Want more control over claims handling? Want to join growth-focused peers? Need more proactive safety support? Ready to invest in yourself for premium returns? CONTACT OUR CAPTIVE EXPERTS TODAY! Captive Insight & Impact Captives: Why the Right Companies Are Leaning In & Why Now Is the Perfect Time Discover why mid-market food, ag, and processing companies are turning to captive insurance for pricing stability, underwriting profit, and long-term cost control in today's unpredictable casualty market. Articles 2025 Cottingham & Butler Captive Recap: Delivering Stability in Uncertain Times Discover how Cottingham & Butler's captive insurance programs delivered stability and savings for trucking companies in 2025. Real results, real value. Articles $150K+ Savings: How Persistence Pays in Captive Insurance Discover how Mockingbird Transport saved $150K+ annually through captive insurance. A trucking case study on persistence, peer validation, and strategic partnership. Case Studies VIEW MORE Manufacturing Captive Contact our Manufacturing Captive Experts Today!

Our consulting team is committed to assessing your organization's risks and providing insights and guidance for navigating legislative and economic shifts that directly impact your business's sustainability. Navigating Compliance with Confidence We empower you to navigate complex compliance environments confidently, freeing up your energy to drive business growth. CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM Benefits compliance errors can lead to costly penalties and disruptions. Our team, including on-staff compliance attorneys, helps you stay ahead of regulations, minimizing risk and ensuring a smooth benefits experience for your employees. Compliance Updates Get the Latest Updates & Expert Guidance. Staying on top of ever-changing benefits regulations can be a challenge. Even minor missteps can result in hefty fines, employee frustration, and operational disruptions. Let us help you navigate the complexities of compliance with ease. VIEW LATEST COMPLIANCE NEWS Compliance Webinars – On-Demand Library Our 2026 Compliance On-Demand Series is designed to keep you informed, prepared, and confident heading into every quarter. News Form 5500s for Health & Welfare Plans Form 5500 compliance is an important component of ERISA plan administration and requires careful attention to plan structure, participant counts, and funding arrangements. Employers should regularly review their benefit structure, confirm whether filing thresholds are met, and ensure that filings are completed accurately and on time. Articles Q2 Check-in: State Employee Leave Law Developments This Compliance Overview outlines notable recent and upcoming developments in state leave laws. Articles Antitrust Risk Is No Longer Theoretical: Why It Now Belongs in D&O Insurance Planning Written by: Cottingham & Butler Food & Agribusiness Group Executive Summary Antitrust enforcement in the United States has entered a materially more aggressive phase—one that increasingly places directors and officers under personal scrutiny. Recent federal investigations reinforce a broader regulatory shift: antitrust risk is no longer limited to transformational mergers or a few headline industries. For boards and executive teams, the financial, operational, and personal co Articles Benefits Compliance Services Navigate State & Federal Legislation Identify potential risks of penalties and lawsuits due to non-compliance. Welfare Strategic Planning Develop multi-year strategic plans to ensure compliance with DOL, HHS, and IRS regulations. ERISA Compliance & Guidance Follow an annual federal disclosure compliance calendar, inclusive of employee notices, guides, timelines, and checklists to maintain adherence. Internal Revenue Code Expertise Receive guidance on IRC 125/cafeteria plans, health benefits, and relevant tax rules concerning employee benefit plans. ACA Compliance and Resource Support Access educational materials, timelines, sample employee letters, forms, notices, and waivers for ACA mandates, reporting, penalties, and taxes. Streamline COBRA Administration Efficiently manage COBRA administration, ensuring compliance and smooth transitions for employees during benefit changes. Accurate 5500 Filings Handle precise and timely Form 5500 filings, providing accurate documentation for regulatory compliance. Expertise in HSA, FSA, HRA Management Oversee and optimize HSA, FSA, and HRA management, tailoring solutions to maximize benefits and tax advantages for your organization and employees. Compliance Insights Compliance Webinars – On-Demand Library Our 2026 Compliance On-Demand Series is designed to keep you informed, prepared, and confident heading into every quarter. News Form 5500s for Health & Welfare Plans Form 5500 compliance is an important component of ERISA plan administration and requires careful attention to plan structure, participant counts, and funding arrangements. Employers should regularly review their benefit structure, confirm whether filing thresholds are met, and ensure that filings are completed accurately and on time. Articles Q2 Check-in: State Employee Leave Law Developments This Compliance Overview outlines notable recent and upcoming developments in state leave laws. Articles VIEW MORE Compliance Connect with our Employee Benefits Team!

At Cottingham & Butler, we specialize in navigating the intricate landscape of mergers and acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transition of benefit structures while minimizing risks. Mergers & Acquisitions Streamlining Benefit Transition and Risk Assessment CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM M&A transitions shouldn't be a benefits burden. We help our clients expertly navigate the complexities, ensuring a smooth benefit structure integration and minimizing risks for a successful, stress-free transaction. Our M&A Strategy Our tailored approach involves thorough due diligence and risk evaluation, empowering you with informed choices. From optimizing cost structures to providing additional solutions and support, we stand by your side, making M&A management seamless. Informed Decisions through Due Diligence We carefully analyze benefit structures and risks, equipping you with vital insights for informed M&A decisions. Options for Transitioning Benefit Structure We present tailored options to transition benefit structures smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum employee satisfaction. Optimizing Cost Structure Our expertise allows us to identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate effectively, and streamline procurement, improving overall financial health. Support Beyond Expectations We go the extra mile by providing support beyond benefit transition, ensuring you experience a seamless merger or acquisition and set a solid foundation for future success. Mergers and acquisitions are exciting endeavors, but don’t let benefit discrepancies disrupt your M&A timeline or negatively impact employee morale. Download our free guide to M&A benefits integration Mergers & Acquisitions Insights Merger & Acquisitions Insurance Considerations During a merger or acquisition, both parties must review and update their insurance coverages to ensure all risks are accounted for. Articles Mergers & Acquisitions: Manage the Hidden Risks Discover how to navigate hidden risks in mergers & acquisitions. Uncover essential tips for managing liabilities & protecting your company. Articles Managing Cyber Security During a Merger or Acquisition During a merger or acquisition, cybersecurity is, unfortunately, often put on the back burner. Articles VIEW MORE Mergers Connect with our Team of Experts Today!

In 1957, current Chairperson John E. Butler joined the family business as one of three employees. Under his leadership and vision, Cottingham & Butler has grown to over 1,300 employees nationwide. John E. Butler Chairperson In 1957, current Chairperson John E. Butler joined the family business as one of three employees. Under his leadership and vision, Cottingham & Butler has grown to over 1,300 employees nationwide. The firm’s growth has been propelled by John’s spirit of innovation and commitment to exceptional service, developing several alternative market facilities within the claim administration, health, managed care, and safety sectors. John’s current focus is the development and implementation of initiatives for the company’s continued vigorous growth. During his tenure at Cottingham & Butler, John served as director and acted as an executive committee member for both Assurex Global and the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. He is a former chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. John resides in Dubuque, Iowa, where Cottingham & Butler is headquartered. He is an active member of his community, sitting on the Executive Committee of the Board for the University of Dubuque, and formerly the Grand Opera House Foundation. John was honored with the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. Regionally, John serves as a member of Chicago’s Executive Committee of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, as well as the Lyric Opera. John graduated from Babson College in Massachusetts with a BS in Business Administration, receiving his MBA with a concentration in Insurance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.