As health care costs soar for businesses (especially small businesses) it is important to remember that 90%of all health care costs come from preventable illness. With that in mind, as an employer the easiest way to keep health care costs down is to promote health among employees. Some of the easiest ways to do this is to promote healthy lifestyle choices in the workplace, and identify participants in the health care program that are at risk for illness. By targeting at risk individuals and offering preventative care options, it allows your company to make a small investment in prevention to avoid much larger health care costs for both the company and the employer further down the road. Only 5% of total health care costs go to preventative care; but if more dollars went toward prevention the total health care costs for businesses would decrease dramatically.
One way to promote preventative health in the work place is by using the CVS Select Card which works for all your Health and Wellness, HAS, and HRA programs. This is a selectively filtered card based on the IIAS database, and current FSA recipients of the CVS Select Gift card are able to purchase from the following
o Baby Care, Allergy remedies, First Aid, Pain relievers, Home Diagnostics,
o Oral Hygiene, Stomach Remedies, Nicotine Replacements, Cough and Cold
o Remedies, and Eye and Ear Care
o Filters out purchases such as cigarettes and alcohol.
o Cards are available in flexible denominations and are reloadable.

The Dads and Grads season is again upon us. So this year, before you dig out the checkbook, think about personalizing your gift a little further. Checks and cash can be easy, and might save you a trip to the store, but personalizing a gift for a dad or a grad can mean more, and involve you spending less. Gift cards are more personal than cold hard cash, and give your gift receiver a better idea of the giver’s intentions for how the money should be spent. For example, it is fun for a college grad to think of being able to splurge on some new clothes, or a spa day instead of thinking of their impending loan payments. Adding some personalization in a gift can go along way. So before you whip out the checkbook, think of your recipient, and add some value without spending more money.

Here are some creative ways to motivate, and engage your employees as the weather gets warmer, and the vacation days more tempting. Remember, the people who “thank-you’s” mean the most to are the ones who work for you!

1. Sales and performance recognition
2. Health and wellness reward programs
3. Worker safety incentives
4. Fundraising
5. Loyalty programs
6. Gifts for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries
7. As a reward for your next sales promotion
8. Door prizes
9. Employee appreciation

Gift cards are a great gift, whether for colleagues, employees, friends, or family.  They allow the recipient to choose their own gift, and takes the pressure off the giver of the card to find that “something perfect.”  Plastic gift cards are versatile, but e-gift cards are growing in popularity due to their convenience and ability to be accepted unconditionally on the internet.  Studies have shown that when consumers receive gift cards, 60% of them spend 40%-100% more than the face value of the card.  So selling gift cards for your business could not only make gift and reward giving easy, but boost revenue and sales in the process.  Learn more about the importance of e-gift cards here.

As the technology involved in the gift card business becomes more common, and well known in the consumer based retail industry, thefts of gift card balances have also become more prevalent.  Gift card thieves use simple technology of scanning the unique gift card numbers, or writing them down on a piece of paper in a retail outlet and using the customer service line to discover when cards have been purchased and charged, at which time the thief uses the numbers to make purchases for themselves.  It is important whether you have received a gift card, or are buying them for others, that you prevent yourself from falling victim to these types of scams.  Here is a website where you can learn more about how to avoid scams.

A sign that the economic crisis is showing signs of improvement came out of the First Data Holiday Gift Card Performance Report this week. The report indicated that both dollar amounts of gift cards and number of total gift cards sold increased during the 2009 Holidays season. The report indicated that several specific industries including Specialty Retail and Restaurant gift cards had increased their sales. This is a positive indicator that both the industry and the economy are back on the upswing. A good 2009 holiday season is sure to indicate expanded business throughout the 2010 fiscal year. For more information on the report or the specific figures visit http://loyalty360.org/association_news/article/holiday_season_gift_card_activation_dollars_grew_2.1_in_2009.

As the economy continues to recover, consumers are still looking for a bargain. Whether it’s a a $5 Footlong at Subway or a $20 three course dinner for two at Chili’s, consumers like to treat themselves to low-cost meals that are calculated in round numbers. Five or ten dollars a person feels very affordale even when money is tight. These types of dining deals are viewed by consumers as feasible ways to spend a night out. These deals are also changing the casual dining industry completely.
Subway’s market share has skyrocketed since the introduction of the $5 Footlong. Subway is scheduled to overtake McDonald’s in number of worldwide outlets sometime next year, and they are also on the verge of becoming more financially successful. The $5 Footlong was one of the major factors that contributed to Subway’s incredible success. To make customers feel like they are getting special treatment, and a deal in these economic times seems to do the trick in getting more consumers back into restaurants. For more information on the innovative ideology behind the Subway $5 Footlong check out this article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_46/b4155058815908.htm.

As the Holiday season approaches giving back is on everyone’s mind. You know, since your Holiday season table is plentiful this year, it is time to give to people who are not so fortunate. So SMOVE! Smoving is a new movement (a combination of smile and move) to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and help others, connect with people, and change the world. So this Holiday season, before you reach for the turkey, do something to help others. One way to smove this holiday season, is to give a giftcard, like those of the Giftback program. With Giftback cards you can give a regular giftcard as a gift to a friend or family member, but a percentage of the price of the card goes to a charity of your choice, any registered 501(c)3 in the United States. So, Smove, but before you do watch the video link below to learn more about the smove movement. Smoving video, check it out!

Healthcare Reform has passed through the House of Representatives and is well on its way to debate on the Senate floor.  Many Americans are relieved to know they are one step closer to insurance and a more secure healthcare situation.  However, many companies who provide healthcare to their employees are planning to manage the increased cost of the public option.  It has been acknowledged by both Congress and the White House that companies that provide healthcare to their employees will absorb the decreased consumer cost of healthcare reform.  This means companies need to decrease their healthcare costs by keeping their employees healthy.

Incenting employees to stay healthy through health and wellness programs is an easy way for provider companies to keep their healthcare costs low.  Rewarding employees for taking care of themselves and their families is a win-win, especially with useful, flexible incentives, such as small denomination gift cards.  To learn more about how healthcare reform will affect you, or your employees see the video below, courtesy of Businessweek.com.

BusinessWeek take on Healthcare

The incentive industry has been under continual price pressure during this economic down turn.    There has been continual pressure from 3^rd party incentive  companies who purchase Gift Cards in bulk to receive ever bigger discounts on the bulk purchase of retailers gift cards.  This is a key competitive advantage in buying using the Bonus+ Suite of products which are paired together synergistically on both price and fit.

Giftcard Partners new Bonus+ suite of products adds a new and innovative twist to traditional gift card buying in the B2B market..  The incentive industry continues to seek out fresh new ideas surrounding the purchase of gift cards.  The Bonus + ™ suite of products provides an answer by bundling 2 unique gift cards in one. For example, A SUBWAY® card with a subscription to Fitness Magazine, an Express Gift Card with VH1 Save the Music card. The customer who select a bundled card as an employee reward for doing a good job receives a double treat, two cards in one reward! (Just like the old Double Mint Gum add)

The incentive industry has been under continual price pressure during this economic down turn.    There has been continual pressure from 3^rd party incentive  companies who purchase Gift Cards in bulk to receive ever bigger discounts on the bulk purchase of retailers gift cards.  This is a key competitive advantage in buying using the Bonus+ Suite of products which are paired together synergistically on both price and fit.

This program is a perfect solution to meet the needs of companies in the Incentive and Promotional Industry due to their constant price consciousness.  This program is strong and unique because gift card bundles are for highly desirable and recognizable brands only.  This provides price conscious, high perceived value products with strong brand recognition for companies looking for solid promotions and incentives.