Wednesday, February 20, 2008

57 Year Old Family Business Survives the Insurance Crisis

57 Year Old Family Business Survives the Insurance Crisis

WorkForce consulting firm helps company continue in business after Workers Compensation carrier leaves state.

(PRWEB) February 15, 2003

BOYNTON BEACH, FL (February 13, 2003) – Centr@lian, a division of WorkForce Central LLC, a workforce consulting firm specializing in the “Outsourced Human Resource” industry provided the solution for another family business threatened by an insurance crisis effecting thousands of small and midsize companies. The firm announced that their client, Webster’s Sports Center Inc., entered into a co-employment agreement with Selective HR Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: SIGI), a leading Professional Employer Organization effective January 2003.

Bill Webster and his brother Bob own and operate WebsterÂ’s Sports Center Inc., a Ft. Lauderdale wholesale distributor of sporting goods, equipment and clothing. The company, started by their father Ed in 1946, is an institution to many in the community. WebsterÂ’s and their 25 employees have provided South Florida families, Little Leagues, High Schools and College teams with uniforms and equipment for almost 57 years. Am Comp, the companyÂ’s workers compensation carrier was leaving the state and would not be renewing their coverage. The WebstersÂ’ wondered if they would be able to continue in business.

Bill needed a solution quickly. “I had heard about PEO’s (professional employer organizations) and was approached by representatives from the TotalSource division of ADP, who was my payroll company at the time. It sounded great. They would continue to process my payroll, and provide health insurance, workers compensation, and a 401k plan for a small fee. They asked for all kinds of information, but after three weeks, they said they would have to decline our company. It was a complete waste of time.”

“I learned about Centr@lian, and their workforce planning services, at a meeting of The Executive Committee (TEC), a business networking organization for CEO’s. I was impressed with the idea of using an experienced consulting firm to help us find the right PEO for our family business. They performed the due diligence, competitively bid and analyzed the proposals, and presented the results in an easy to understand format.” explained Bill Webster, President of Webster’s Sport Center Inc.

“Within a week of receiving the non-renewal letter, Centr@lian notified me that they had received 3 solid offers from leading outsourced human resource companies. That really took the pressure off us.” By entering into a co-employment agreement with Selective HR, Bill not only obtained affordable workers compensation coverage and additional benefits for his employees, but administrative, HR and Risk Management support. Now he and his brother can continue, and concentrate on serving future Little Leaguers and their families.

Centr@lian, a division of WorkForce Central LLC, Boynton Beach, FL is a workforce consulting firm specializing in the “Outsourced Human Resource” industry. The company provides cost effective outsourced solutions for small and mid size employers. Additional information about the firm is available at www. centralian. net or by contacting Bruce Silver, Founder at 561.843.4333.

WebsterÂ’s Sports Center Inc., Ft Lauderdale, FL is a wholesale distributor of sporting goods, equipment and clothing started in 1946. Additional information is available at their website www. webteamsports. com. Bill Webster, President, can be reached at 954.733.0400

Selective HR Solutions, Inc provides human resource administration services and risk management products and services to small and midsize employers throughout the United States. A division of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (SIGI), a holding company for 5 A+ rated property/casualty insurers. For additional information go to www. selectivehr. com

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