Kate Blaha
Burlington Insurance Agency Joins The Richards ...
Burlington Insurance Agency Joins The Richards Group, an IMA Company

Burlington Insurance Agency Joins The Richards Group, an IMA Company

Press Release, February 2026: The Richards Group, an IMA Company, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Burlington Insurance Agency of Colchester, Vermont (“BIA”). A partnership with The Richards Group will benefit existing BIA clients by ensuring that decisions and service remain local for years to come, while expanding client services and resources. BIA’s staff will remain at their current office, located at 1241 Prim Road, Colchester, VT.

“It means a lot that Bill saw The Richards Group as the right fit to carry on the excellent work that Burlington Insurance Agency has built over the years,” said Drew Richards, Vice President of The Richards Group. “Both of our organizations have strong roots in Vermont, and we’re excited to invest further in the greater Burlington community while continuing Burlington Insurance Agency’s trusted commitment to its staff and clients throughout the region and beyond. We’re fortunate to have Bill and his team join TRG.”

“We carefully considered who to partner with for the future and are thrilled to be working with The Richards Group, a Vermont-based firm which has recently become part of IMA’s national platform,” commented Bill Bodette, owner of Burlington Insurance.  “The Richards Group shares our dedication to prioritizing people.  Keeping it local was the best fit for us, our clients, and our communities.  We encourage folks to come see what our expanded product line is all about!”

The Richards Group has made considerable commitments to serving the needs of communities throughout Vermont, with acquisitions in Rutland, Middlebury, Norwich, Springfield, Bethel, and now Colchester, expanding its presence in Chittenden County. As of January 1, 2026, the firm is now supported by the broader resources of IMA Financial Group.

The Richards Group, an IMA Company, is headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, and has provided local Insurance, Wealth Management, Retirement Plan, and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts for decades. The firm serves clients through 13 offices across Vermont and New Hampshire. In addition to insurance brokerage, The Richards Group offers consulting services to help employers with Safety, Wellness, Human Resources, Compensation Analysis, Recruiting, and Fiduciary Stewardship. The firm has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for each of the past 10 years by Vermont Biz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com

IMA Financial Group Partners with The Richards Group to Strengthen Healthcare, Education and Nonprofit Insurance Expertise in New England

IMA Financial Group, Inc., a North American insurance brokerage specializing in risk management, employee benefits and wealth management, announced today a strategic partnership with The Richards Group, a family-owned independent insurance brokerage and advisory firm serving New England.

Effective December 31, 2025, the partnership unites The Richards Group’s 160 employees and 28,000 clients across Vermont, New Hampshire and beyond, with IMA’s national platform and specialty capabilities.

“The Richards Group’s long-standing commitment to New England communities and deep expertise in healthcare, education and nonprofit sectors is exactly what we look for in a partner,” said IMA Chairman and CEO Rob Cohen. “Together, we’ll deliver enhanced capabilities while preserving the local leadership and relationships that clients value.”

With headquarters in Brattleboro, Vermont, The Richards Group serves clients with 13 offices throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. The firm will maintain its local offices and leadership, while its 160 employees will join IMA and become shareholders.

“We are excited to join IMA, a company that shares our dedication to clients, employees and the communities in which we live and work,” said The Richards Group Principal Drew Richards. “For many years, we’ve grown and evolved to best support our clients. This partnership represents the next step in our journey – we can expand capabilities, strengthen services and make our employees shareholders, all while keeping our local teams in place.”

The Richards Group has earned recognition as one of Vermont’s Best Places to Work for 10 consecutive years. The firm’s positive culture extends to sponsorship of Dartmouth Athletics and deep involvement in the New England communities it has served for decades.

IMA has built a national presence through strategic partnerships and organic growth, including recent expansions in the Southeast. The Richards Group partnership adds New England to its growing footprint and deepens its specialty expertise in education, healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

About IMA Financial Group

IMA Financial Group is an independent broker, defining the future of insurance through comprehensive and consultative risk and investment advisory services. A majority employee-owned and managed company, its 2,700-plus associates in offices across the country are empowered by a shared mission to manage risk, protect assets and make a difference.

TRG Awarded Gold for Best Insurance in the 2025 Keene Sentinel Readers’ Choice Awards

TRG is honored to have been named “Gold” for “Best Insurance” in the 2025 Keene Sentinel Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition reflects the trust and appreciation of the Keene community, and we are truly grateful for their support. The awards celebration carried a lively 1980s theme, and TRG was proudly represented by Kate Blaha, Susan Rigg, Ed Coppola, Liz Coppola, and Tammy Gilbert, whose enthusiasm and energy embodied the spirit that makes TRG shine.

We extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues and community members who took the time to vote for us. Moments like these highlight how TRG’s strong internal culture radiates outward into the communities we are privileged to serve.  View the full publication here

TRG Named Best Employee Benefits Firm in VermontBiz 2025 Best of Business Awards

The Richards Group (TRG) is proud to be recognized as Best Employee Benefits Firm in the 2025 Best of Business (BOB) Awards, presented by VermontBiz. This honor is especially meaningful as it reflects the voices of Vermont’s business community—more than 66,000 votes were cast by readers to identify the most trusted and respected companies across more than 120 categories.

This recognition underscores TRG’s long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional employee benefits solutions and the value we bring to our clients and communities throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and honored to serve as a partner in helping organizations support their people.

TRG Earns Eighth Consecutive Gold Level Vermont Worksite Wellness Award

TRG is honored to have once again received the Gold Level Vermont Worksite Wellness Award, marking our eighth consecutive year of recognition. This achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to fostering employee health and well-being, as well as the culture of leadership and care that makes TRG an exceptional place to work.


We’re equally proud that 33% of this year’s award recipients are TRG clients—a testament to the lasting impact of our Organizational Well-being Leaders in helping organizations create healthier, more resilient workplaces.


As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to building on this momentum and making 2025 another year of strength, wellness, and success.

 

Congratulations to all TRG clients who received a 2025 Vermont Worksite Wellness Award:

GOLD LEVEL
ARIS Solutions Inc.
New Chapter, Inc.
Brattleboro Food Co-op
North Star Health
Brattleboro Retreat
Northern Counties Health Care
Bread Loaf Corporation
Northwestern Counseling & Support Services
Butternut Mountain Farm
Norwich University
Chroma Technology Corp.
SD Ireland
City Market Onion River Co-op
Senior Solutions
Community Care Network
Springfield Hospital
Community Health Centers of Rutland Region
The Richards Group
Co-operative Insurance Companies
Town of Brattleboro
DEW Construction
Town of Colchester
Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital|
United Counseling Service
Heritage Aviation
Upper Valley Services
King Arthur Baking
Vermont Law & Graduate School|
Lamoille County Mental Health Services
Vermont Precision Tools
Mascoma Bank
Vermont State Housing Authority
Mountain Community Health
Vernon Homes |
Washington County Mental Health Services

SILVER LEVEL
Gifford Health Care, Inc.
Health Care & Rehabilitation Services
Northwestern Medical Center
Stone Environmental
Vermont Smoke & Cure
VHV Company
Windham

BRONZE LEVEL
Aspire Living & Learning
Stratton Mountain School

The Richards Group Named One of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Vermont

The Richards Group was recently named one of Vermont's 2025 Best Places to Work for the 10th year in a row. This award was created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Workforce Research Group.


This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor Vermont's best places of employment, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses. 


“At TRG, our employees remain at the heart of everything we do. Our culture thrives on flexibility, collaboration, and a deep commitment to supporting one another,” said Antonia Crawford, Human Resources Manager at The Richards Group. “As we celebrate our tenth consecutive year as a Best Places to Work employer, this recognition is more than an honor—it reflects our dedication to continuously evolving and improving. We don’t rest on past success; we actively listen, adapt, and refine our workplace to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees, clients, and communities. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the passion and engagement they bring every day.”


The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management, and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 1867. The firm currently has over 160 employees and 12 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness, and Human Resources consulting. TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser. 

Washburn and Wilson Agency Joins The Richards Group

The Richards Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Washburn and Wilson Agency of Bethel, Vermont. The partnership with The Richards Group will benefit clients by ensuring that decisions and service remain local for years to come, while expanding client services and resources. Washburn and Wilson’s staff will remain at their current office, located at 246 Main Street in Bethel, VT.

“It means a lot to us that Melvin and Matt Washburn felt The Richards Group was the best fit to continue the excellent work that the Washburn and Wilson Agency has done for nearly 20 years,” said Drew Richards, Vice President of The Richards Group. “Their roots in Vermont are strong, just like ours. We’re excited to make this investment in the greater Bethel community and continue the Washburn and Wilson legacy with all of their clients throughout the region and beyond.”

“When we considered what firm was best for our clients, employees and the community, we knew The Richard Group was the right fit. They are based in Vermont, locally owned, and we have similar priorities and values,” commented Matt Washburn, Co-Owner of Washburn & Wilson. “Our clients will benefit from the new insurance markets and technologies that The Richards Group will make available, along with their employee benefit and retirement plan consulting expertise.”

The Richards Group has made a considerable commitment to serve the needs of communities throughout central Vermont, with acquisitions in Rutland, Middlebury, Norwich, Springfield and Bethel.

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Wealth Management, Retirement Plan and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 1867. In addition, TRG offers consulting services to help employers with Safety, Wellness, Human Resources, Compensation Analysis, Recruiting and Fiduciary Stewardship. The firm has over 160 employees in 12 locations and has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” in each of the past 9 years by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser.

The Richards Group Welcomes Dan Lyons and Susan Loynd, Expands Human Resources Consulting Practice

September 2024 (Burlington, VT) - The Richards Group is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Lyons and Susan Loynd to its Total Rewards Team. Dan will lead the Human Resources consulting practice and work with clients throughout the region.

“After listening to the needs of our clients, we decided that now is the time to develop a new range of HR consulting services to better respond to the HR challenges facing employers in our region,” said Tom Scull, Principal and Vice President of the firm. “The Richards Group is thrilled to have Dan and Susan join our Total Rewards Team, as they both bring a level of expertise and genuine client-centric focus that aligns with our organization’s values.”

Dan brings a valuable background to The Richards Group and will add Executive Recruiting and Fractional HR to TRG’s well-established Leadership Development, Human Resources, and Compensation consulting capabilities. In addition to consulting, Dan’s past experiences include Vice President of Human Resources positions for Boston-based companies and working as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner for Amazon. Dan holds a B.S. in Business Management from Texas State University, is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. Dan has worked in the greater Burlington, VT community since 2019. Dan can be reached at (802) 556-1167 or by email at dlyons@therichardsgrp.com.

“I’m proud and honored to surround myself with a team at The Richards Group that has a steadfast focus on delivering excellence, and who will always do the right thing for our clients,” commented Dan Lyons. “Above all, our team puts in the effort to establish and maintain meaningful relationships and delivers work that will address the most pervasive HR challenges facing employers in Vermont and New Hampshire.”

Dan will lead a team of HR consultants that includes Susan Loynd, who was recently hired as part of this expansion, as well as Ross Gibson, former Director of the Vermont State Council of SHRM, and David Twitchell, SHRM-SCP, CCP, CBP.

Susan joined the firm as a Strategic HR Business Advisor and brings with her many years of specialized knowledge in Human Resources, which will play a vital role in helping employers navigate organizational changes and improve their work environment. Susan is originally from the Boston area, and currently resides in Fayston, Vermont. She attended the University of Vermont and the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. She began her career in Finance, Administration & Human Resources with Northern Power Systems, Inc. as a Controller and Senior Manager. After several years, she left Northern Power to work as Director of Administration & Human Resources at Washington County Mental Health Services, where she has spent the past twenty plus years, prior to joining The Richards Group. In addition to her impressive work resume, Susan serves as an instructor for several universities in Vermont and teaches for SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) both statewide and nationally. Her courses specialize in SHRM certification prep and HR Management. Susan can be reached at (800) 222 - 6016 or by email at sloynd@therichardsgrp.com.

“I’m excited to transition from being a client to a colleague at The Richards Group” commented Susan Loynd, “and using my expertise and teaching abilities to help clients facing HR and workforce challenges.”

Tom Scull added “Dan and Susan are both well-known and highly respected contributors within our business communities. They bring an energy and level of experience that truly takes our HR Consulting services to the next level. I’m proud of the work that Ross Gibson and Dave Twitchell have done for our clients over the years. We’re excited to see this team already gaining momentum and can’t wait to witness the amazing work they will continue to do for our clients.”

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts for decades. The firm currently has over 160 employees, and 11 locations, and has been named

one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” in each of the past 9 years by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The Richards Group has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness and Human Resources consulting.

The Richards Group Named One of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Vermont!

The Richards Group was recently named one of Vermont's 2024 Best Places to Work for a 9th consecutive year. This award was created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Workforce Research Group.

This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses.

“At TRG, our staff's happiness and well-being take center stage and our culture revolves around flexibility, collaboration and support,” said Antonia Crawford, Human Resources Manager at The Richards Group. “As we celebrate our ninth consecutive year, I am moved not only by the honor, but the unwavering commitment this achievement represents as we uphold our status of being a Best Places to Work employer. We don't rely on past success or accomplishments; instead, we recognize that our environment is always evolving, and it is critical that we remain in synch, prepared to fine tune and improve each year to meet the needs and expectations of our staff, clients and communities we serve. I am proud of our continued success and grateful to our staff who inspire us to always be at our best.”

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management, and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 1867. The firm currently has over 160 employees and 11 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness, and Human Resources consulting. TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser.

Amy Burns Recognized with Safeco Award of Excellence

Safeco Insurance Award of Excellence 2023

October 2023 (Wilmington, VT) – Amy Burns, Personal Lines Senior Account Manager at The Richards Group in Wilmington, VT has earned the Safeco Insurance Award of Excellence for her superior underwriting skills and long-term commitment to Safeco® Insurance.

This prestigious award recognizes those individuals with excellent underwriting skills who have developed a solid underwriting partnership with Safeco and whose agencies have qualified for the Safeco Insurance Premier Partner Award, the company’s top recognition program. Agents who earn this designation will have the ability to make selected underwriting decisions, in addition to being recognized publicly as an Award of Excellence recipient.

Burns, a resident of Wilmington, joined The Richards Group in 2000. An Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR), Amy is highly qualified to meet the complex insurance challenges facing today’s consumer. She helps The Richards Group deliver customized insurance solutions from many of the country’s finest insurance companies at competitive prices.

“Amy’s expertise, skill and dedication have been a true asset to The Richards Group and our clients,” said Hayley Hill, Personal Lines Manager. “We’re honored to have Amy on our award-winning Personal Lines team.”

Compensation Services

Stay ahead in the race for talent

Looking to attract and retain top talent while ensuring fairness and transparency? We’re here to help. Our comprehensive compensation services are tailored to your organization’s size, industry, and culture. Let us help you build a fair, competitive, and motivating strategy that benefits your employees and business.

Compensation Internal and External Factors + Job Evaluation + Type of Pay System + Types of Pay+ Legal and Pay Theories = Implementation of Compensation Strategy

Contact our Senior HR Consultant Dave Twitchell to learn more. (603) 443-2779

Download a PDF of our Compensation Services >

2023 Vermont Worksite Wellness Award Winners Announced!

More than 100 businesses and organizations that employ Vermont workers have been selected to receive a 2023 Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in Worksite Wellness. Developed more than 20 years ago by the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and presented in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health, the annual awards provide an opportunity for the governor and health commissioner to thank businesses and organizations for their efforts to support Vermonters’ health and make Vermont a great place to live and work.

 


The Richards Group is proud to partner with so many organizations committed to supporting the health and well-being of their employees. One out of every four 2023 award recipients is a TRG client! As a company, we are also deeply committed to the well-being of our own employees and offer a generous, varied set of wellness benefits. Learn more about our workplace well-being consulting services here. Contact Directors of Wellbeing Lindsay Simpson lsimpson@therichardsgrp.com or Mari Walsh mwalsh@therichardsgrp.com.

 

Congratulations to all TRG clients who received a 2023 Vermont Worksite Wellness Award:

 

GOLD LEVEL

ARIS Solutions

Brattleboro Retreat

Chroma Technology Corp.

Community Care Network

Copley Hospital

Franklin County Home Health Agency

Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital

King Arthur Baking Company, Inc.

Lamoille County Mental Health Services

Mascoma Bank

New Chapter, Inc.

North Star Health

Northwestern Counseling & Support Services

Senior Solutions

Springfield Hospital

The Richards Group

Town of Brattleboro

United Counseling Service

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region

Washington County Mental Health Services

 

SILVER LEVEL

Aspire Living & Learning, Inc.

Bread Loaf Corporation

Gifford Health Care, Inc.

Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont

Norwich University

Vermont Law and Graduate School

Vermont Packinghouse LLC

 

BRONZE LEVEL

Brattleboro Food Co-op

DEW Construction

Vernon Advent Christian Home

The Richards Group Named One of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Vermont !

The Richards Group was recently named one of Vermont's Best Places to Work for an 8th consecutive year. This award was created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Best Companies Group. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses.

"Our strategy has always been to create a culture where all our employees feel empowered to reach their full potential in addition to having a strong sense of comradery and purpose” commented Antonia Crawford, Human Resources Manager at The Richards Group. “Over the past year we have focused on re-establishing connections and opportunities for togetherness. Be it virtual or in-person, our sense of community is valuable to us, and it has been immensely rewarding and great fun to develop new and creative ways to enjoy each other’s company as we emerge from the pandemic. Our people are our greatest asset and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we’re honored to be recognized once again as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont.”

 The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management, and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 1867. The firm currently has 165 employees and 12 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness, and Human Resources consulting. TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser. For more inform

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency to Join The Richards Group!

The Richards Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired the W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency of Manchester, Vermont. The partnership with The Richards Group will benefit clients by ensuring that decisions and service remain local for years to come, while expanding client services and resources. Shaw Insurance's staff will remain at their current office, located at 135 Bonnet Street, Manchester, Vermont.

 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Andy and Craig and the talented staff employed by W. H. Shaw. The respect and admiration are mutual and the fit undeniable. We’re so pleased that Andy and Craig would put their trust in The Richards Group to carry on the legacy of what their families built, over the past 100 plus years” said Drew Richards, Vice President of The Richards Group. “We look forward to collaborating with each of them as we move forward and to serving their customers with the same care and professionalism they’ve come to deserve and expect.”

 

“A great deal of consideration was given to choosing the right buyer for our business, and we truly believe that The Richards Group is an excellent fit for our clients and employees. We could have looked at selling to some national-based organization,” commented Andy Shaw, President of W.H. Shaw Insurance. “But frankly, we felt more comfortable with The Richards Group. They are family-owned and Vermont-based, and both of those things are big for us.”

 

The Richards Group has made a strong commitment to communities in Bennington County over the past decade, with the acquisitions of Wills Insurance, Briggs, Fowler Insurance, and now the W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency.

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Retirement Plan and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 1867. In addition, TRG offers consulting services to help employers with Safety, Wellness, Human Resources and Fiduciary Stewardship. The firm has over 150 employees in 12 locations and has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” in each of the past 7 years by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com.

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The Richards Group Announces Partnership with SmartConnect

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Innovative Medicare Enrollment Resource Helps Seniors Navigate Complexities of Medicare

The Richards Group is pleased to announce a partnership with SmartConnect, an innovative Medicare guidance, and enrollment resource. The service is now available for Medicare eligible adults throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

 

SmartConnect is an exclusive program designed for Medicare eligible adults and their family members who may be working or retiring and may not have explored the benefits of Medicare coverage in its entirety. SmartConnect will provide The Richards Group’s clients with individual consultations to help them better understand what the world of Medicare has to offer, including Parts A, B, and Prescription Drug Plans, as well as Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.

 

“What appealed to me most about SmartConnect was the ease of their process,” said Tom Scull, a Partner of The Richards Group. “Their Medicare guidance and comparison shopping is free and done on a one-on-one basis. That level of personalization and care made the decision to partner an easy one.”

After scheduling a phone appointment, a licensed SmartConnect agent will work with clients of The Richards Group to find potential savings and benefits that meet their needs. This new offering is available now and can be accessed by calling (833) 502-2747 TTY:711, Mon-Fri, 7:30 am-5:00 pm CT. Learn more online by visiting therichardsgrp.com/medicare.

“Medicare can seem confusing, especially for people who are used to employer coverage,” says Vanessa Henry, VP of SmartConnect. “The good news is that we make understanding Medicare easy, and help people uncover potential savings and additional benefits, all at no cost to the business or individual.”

About the Richards Group

The Richards Group has provided Insurance, Employee Benefits, and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout New Hampshire and Vermont since 1867.  The firm has over 150 employees in 12 locations and has earned recognition both for contributions to our local communities and as one of the best places to work in the region.  The Richards Group is committed to helping employers with workplace safety, employee retention, and wellness.  We recognize that while we help employers manage the cost and complexity of their insurance and employee benefits, we use our expertise, technology, and resources for the betterment of their workforce.  For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com/medicare.

 

About SmartConnect

SmartConnect is an exclusive program created specifically for Medicare eligible, working or retiring adults and their family members. HR professionals can refer employees to SmartConnect and rely on this program for clear, accurate information about Medicare options and benefits. SmartConnect’s team of licensed agents focus on the needs of employees by comparing their employer coverage to a variety of Medicare options to unlock potential benefits and savings, all as an extension of a company’s benefits offerings. Learn more about SmartConnect: www.startsmartconnect.com

Resources based on Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

On Friday, the Supreme Court rendered a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and eliminating constitutional protection for abortion. In the wake of this ruling, 26 states are expected to ban all or nearly all abortions.

The Richards Group recognizes you may want to consider travel benefit options to help support your employees in obtaining care where access is limited regionally.

Please see the following links to obtain resources for your staff.

Congratulations Vermont Worksite Award Winners!

We are so proud of the many TRG clients who received 2022 Vermont Worksite Wellness Awards. These organizations have demonstrated the commitment and creativity needed to support the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Thank you to the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the Vermont Department of Health for hosting this recognition program.

Chroma Technology

Community Care Network

Franklin County Home Health Agency

Grace Cottage Hospital

King Arthur Baking

Lamoille County Mental Health Services

Mascoma Bank

Mt. Ascutney Hospital

New Chapter

Northwestern Counseling & Support Services

Springfield Hospital

The Richards Group

Town of Brattleboro

United Counseling Service

Vermont Precision Tools

Washington County Mental Health Services

Gifford Health Care

IVEK Corporation

Vermont Packinghouse

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region

Aspire Living & Learning

Contact Lindsay or Mari to learn more about TRG’s Wellness Services.

TRG has been named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Vermont for a 7th Consecutive Year!

The Richards Group was recently named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Vermont, an award created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Best Companies Group.

This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses.

“As the pandemic continues to reshape our lives, prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees continues to be at the forefront of our success” commented Antonia Crawford, Human Resources Manager at The Richards Group. “Many of our employees have embraced the flexibility that comes with a remote and virtual workspace. As a result, we are nurturing a culture of appreciation that ensures each member of our staff feels valued and connected as part of a virtual community. There is a great comfort in knowing that our capability to offer a flexible work environment has eased the strain on staff and allowed them to thrive professionally and personally. It is truly our role as a Best Places to Work employer to support our staff and give them the space to do and be their best. Their hard work, passion and commitment to our customers has been unwavering. It is an honor to receive and share this recognition with the exceptional employees at TRG.” 

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 1867.  The firm currently has 150 employees and 13 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness and Human Resources consulting.  TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser. For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com.  

Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance to Join The Richards Group

The Richards Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance of Springfield, VT.  The partnership with The Richards Group will benefit clients by ensuring that decisions and service remain local for years to come, while expanding client services and resources.  Lawrence and Wheeler's staff will remain at their current office located at 46 Main Street in Springfield, Vermont. 

“It means a lot to us that Paul and Bob Kendall felt The Richards Group was the best fit to continue the excellent work that Lawrence and Wheeler has done over many decades,” said Drew Richards, Vice President of The Richards Group.  “Their roots run deep in Vermont with a strong family history, just like ours.  We’re excited to make this investment in the greater Springfield area and to continue to serve this community.” 

“We’ve collaborated with The Richards Group for years now, so when we considered what firm was best for our clients, employees and the community, we knew they were the right fit. The Richards Group is Vermont based and locally owned, and we have similar priorities and values,” commented Paul Kendall, President of Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance. “Our clients will benefit from the new insurance markets and technologies that The Richards Group will make available, along with their employee benefit and retirement plan consulting expertise.”

The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Retirement Plan and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 1867.  The firm has over 150 employees in 13 locations and has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” in each of the past 6 years by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.  The Richards Group has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness and Human Resources consulting.