Christopher Fisher Speaks at Breakfast Panel Event with Bernstein Private Wealth Management and Bowen, Miclette & Britt Insurance Agency

In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, employee benefits are no longer just perks—they’re strategic levers for attracting top talent, mitigating risk, and fueling sustainable growth.

That’s the message that resonated loud and clear during this high-impact breakfast event hosted at The Briar Club, bringing together business owners, executives, and industry professionals for a deep dive into the evolving world of employee benefits. The event, “Retain, Reward, Recruit: Unlocking the True Power of Employee Benefits,” featured a powerhouse panel of experts who shared actionable insights across retirement planning, HR strategy, payroll integration, group medical plans, and more.

Moderated by Nicole Norton, Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, the panel included:

• Jeff Thompson, Principal – Bernstein Private Wealth Management
• Ron Luster, Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits – Bowen, Miclette & Britt Insurance Agency, LLC
• Christopher Fisher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing – HR&P

Together, they unpacked the most pressing changes and emerging trends shaping today’s benefits landscape.

From the outset, the panel tackled the shifting legislative and regulatory terrain that’s affecting the benefits. With laws and expectations evolving, employers must stay proactive, or risk falling behind.

The conversation then turned to innovation. Panelists explored pricing trends with funding models and how employers balancing costs with employee experience.

Fiduciary risk was another key theme, with the panel addressing the blurred lines around fiduciary responsibility in self-funded medical plans, 401(k)s, and broader benefit programs. They emphasized the importance of knowing who is—and isn’t—a fiduciary within your organization’s benefit ecosystem.

Notably, the discussion also highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in plan modeling, communication, and employee decision-making.

Lastly, the panel wrapped up with each panelist stating their answer to:

“What’s the one question employers should be asking their benefits advisor but often don’t?”

It was a powerful close to an energizing, information-rich morning designed to help business leaders better leverage their benefits strategy as a true engine for retaining, rewarding, and recruiting.

HR&P is grateful for the collaboration with Bernstein and Bowen, Miclette & Britt. We extend our thanks to Nicole, Jeff, and Ron and we look forward to further collaboration in the future.