Maria Valdez Haubrich

1 week ago | programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich

As of May 6, 2025, at least 16 wildfires have been reported across North Dakota, with several large fires still burning on the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border. The fires began over the past weekend, affecting a mix of wooded areas and grasslands. In the Turtle Mountain region alone, approximately 6.5 square miles have been burned, according to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

1 week ago | programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a federal complaint against several of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers, alleging that they paid kickbacks to brokers in an effort to increase enrollments. The complaint names Aetna (a CVS Health subsidiary), Elevance Health, and Humana, claiming that the insurers collectively paid hundreds of millions of dollars to brokers from 2016 through at least 2021.

1 week ago | smallbusinesscurrents.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich

When I first opened my business, I thought success would come down to systems, branding, and hard work. While all of that is incredibly important, one thing has made the biggest difference in growing my business: Building strong, meaningful relationships. Whether it’s earning the trust of a new client, supporting your team, or cultivating a relationship with an external partner or vendor, those connections are what give your business heart and provide a competitive advantage.

1 week ago | programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich

The insurance industry is bracing for another costly year as climate risk continues to intensify. According to Swiss Re Institute, insured losses from natural catastrophes are projected to reach 145 billion dollars in 2025. This reflects a nearly 6% increase from the previous year and aligns with the long-term trend of 5% to 7% annual growth. While the number is high, it is not unexpected.

1 week ago | programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich

In a move that underscores the importance of culturally responsive service and agent empowerment, Integrity, LLC has partnered with Smart Insurance, a Virginia-based independent marketing organization led by Jongjoon “JJ” Kim. This collaboration enhances both companies’ ability to deliver more accessible, comprehensive insurance coverage—especially to underserved Asian American communities.