North Risk Partners https://northriskpartners.com Mitigate Your Risk Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:38:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://northriskpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cropped-site-icon-1-32x32.png North Risk Partners https://northriskpartners.com 32 32 The Leadership Multiplier Effect: How Great Leaders Develop Great Leaders https://northriskpartners.com/the-leadership-multiplier-effect-how-great-leaders-develop-great-leaders/ Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:36:04 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31777

Thursday, Sept. 10
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

The strongest organizations create cultures where leadership is developed at every level. This panel discussion focuses on how leaders can multiply their impact by coaching, mentoring, and empowering others to lead.

 

What you'll learn:

  • How to develop future leaders through coaching and real-time feedback
  • Why avoiding difficult conversations can hinder employee growth and team success
  • Practical ways to create a culture where feedback drives development rather than fear
  • Why leadership development is a business strategy

 

Webinar presented by: 

Chris Meidt

President & CEO, Partner

North Risk Partners

 

Blake Nelson

Construction Law Group Chair, Attorney

Hellmuth & Johnson

 

Kait Keller

VP of Marketing & Sales

Auto-Owners Insurance

Want to register for this webinar?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find an Advisor
]]> Beyond Traditional Benefits: Exploring the Future of Workforce Well-Being https://northriskpartners.com/beyond-traditional-benefits-exploring-the-future-of-workforce-well-being/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:30:55 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=28274

August 2026

Today's workforce expects more than traditional health and retirement benefits. Learn how lifestyle spending accounts, expanded mental health support, and family-building benefits can help attract, engage, and retain talent while supporting a diverse and evolving workforce.

 

What you’ll learn:

  • Creative ways to support employees through wellness and childcare
  • How expanded mental health resources, including EAP enhancements and virtual therapy, can improve attraction and retention
  • The growing role of fertility, adoption, and family-building benefits in a competitive benefits strategy

 

Webinar presented by: 

Courtney McCann
VP of Employee Benefits, Risk Advisor
North Risk Partners

Looking for the webinar recording and slides?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find an Advisor
]]> HR Bootcamp Seminar – St. Cloud, MN https://northriskpartners.com/2026-hr-bootcamp-seminar-st-cloud-mn/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:19:24 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31609

August 2026

This HR seminar will address current industry topics, case studies, and practical tools to apply in the workplace.

Topics covered will include:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance*
  • Performance Management
  • Coaching Managers on Conflict Resolution, Giving Feedback, & Handling Difficult Conversations
  • How AI is Changing the Workplace
  • Religious Accommodations
  • Employee Handbooks

*MN Paid Leave will also be covered.

 

We'll end with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions specific to their organization and leave with actionable takeaways.

 

Seminar presented by:
Jordan Cardenas
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Andy Johnson
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Looking for the seminar materials?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find An Advisor
]]> HR Bootcamp Seminar – West Des Moines, IA https://northriskpartners.com/2026-hr-bootcamp-seminar-west-des-moines-ia/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:19:34 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31615

August 2026

This HR seminar will address current industry topics, case studies, and practical tools to apply in the workplace.

Topics covered will include:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance*
  • Performance Management
  • Coaching Managers on Conflict Resolution, Giving Feedback, & Handling Difficult Conversations
  • How AI is Changing the Workplace
  • Religious Accommodations
  • Employee Handbooks

 

We'll end with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions specific to their organization and leave with actionable takeaways.

 

Seminar presented by:
Jordan Cardenas
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Andy Johnson
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Looking for the seminar materials?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find An Advisor
]]> Beyond Traditional Insurance: Exploring Commercial Group Captives https://northriskpartners.com/beyond-traditional-insurance-exploring-commercial-group-captives/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:33:58 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=28278

August 2026

As insurance costs continue to rise, many organizations are exploring alternative risk financing strategies that provide greater control, stability, and long-term savings. Learn how businesses are moving beyond traditional insurance programs to better manage risk, improve performance, and reduce total insurance costs.

 

What you'll Learn:

  • The difference between traditional commercial insurance and group captives
  • The financial and risk management advantages of captives
  • Whether a captive may be a fit for your organization

 

Webinar presented by: 

Garret Barrera
AVP - Business Development Executive
Captive Resources

Bob Proudfoot
R.V.P., Risk Advisor, Partner
North Risk Partners

Looking for the webinar recording and slides?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find an Advisor
]]> HR Bootcamp Seminar – Omaha, NE https://northriskpartners.com/2026-hr-bootcamp-seminar-omaha-ne/ Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:19:02 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31619

August 2026

This HR seminar will address current industry topics, case studies, and practical tools to apply in the workplace.

Topics covered will include:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance*
  • Performance Management
  • Coaching Managers on Conflict Resolution, Giving Feedback, & Handling Difficult Conversations
  • How AI is Changing the Workplace
  • Religious Accommodations
  • Employee Handbooks

 

We'll end with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions specific to their organization and leave with actionable takeaways.

 

Seminar presented by:
Jordan Cardenas
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Andy Johnson
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Looking for the seminar materials?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find An Advisor
]]> HR Bootcamp Seminar – Plymouth, MN https://northriskpartners.com/2026-hr-bootcamp-seminar-plymouth-mn/ Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:18:32 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31604

August 2026

This HR seminar will address current industry topics, case studies, and practical tools to apply in the workplace.

Topics covered will include:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance*
  • Performance Management
  • Coaching Managers on Conflict Resolution, Giving Feedback, & Handling Difficult Conversations
  • How AI is Changing the Workplace
  • Religious Accommodations
  • Employee Handbooks

*MN Paid Leave will also be covered.

 

We'll end with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions specific to their organization and leave with actionable takeaways.

 

Seminar presented by:
Jordan Cardenas
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Andy Johnson
Attorney
Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Looking for the seminar materials?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find An Advisor
]]> Tony Ciro and The Coverage Partners Join North Risk Partners https://northriskpartners.com/the-coverage-partners-joins-north-risk/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:28:26 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31689

Effective July 1 – The Coverage Partners of Hastings, MN, has joined North Risk Partners, one of the largest independent insurance brokers and risk advisory firms in the Midwest.

Founded in 2023 by Tony Ciro, The Coverage Partners was built from the ground up, with Ciro leading the development of the agency’s brand, carrier relationships, and operational processes. Under his leadership, the agency experienced rapid growth, earning the trust of clients through personalized service, strong community involvement, and a commitment to long-term relationships. Ciro brings 20 years of insurance industry experience, having begun his career in 2006 while working alongside his father, who spent more than 40 years in the business. Along with Ciro, six team members joined North Risk Partners as part of the acquisition.

“Starting The Coverage Partners gave us the opportunity to build something that reflected our values and our commitment to doing what’s best for our clients. The support we received from our clients and the Hastings community allowed us to grow quickly and build an outstanding team. Joining North Risk Partners enables us to maintain the local relationships and personalized service our clients expect while expanding the resources, expertise, and market access available to them. We’re excited for what’s ahead,” said Tony Ciro, Founder of The Coverage Partners and Risk Advisor with North Risk Partners.

The North Risk Partners - The Coverage Partners team and North Risk Partners Hastings team. (L-R): Tony Ciro, Courtney Halverson, Kristi Lofgren, Josh Jenkins, Tonya Horst, John Newcomb, Eric Russell, Tom Daly.

Clients of North Risk Partners – The Coverage Partners will now have access to North Risk Partners’ full suite of insurance solutions, including commercial insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, and surety bonds. They will also benefit from a broad range of value-added services, such as human resources support, loss control and safety consulting, compliance guidance, and more.

“Tony has built an impressive agency in a short amount of time by focusing on relationships, service, and community involvement. His entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to helping clients navigate risk align with our culture and values. We are excited to welcome Tony and his team to North Risk Partners,” said Mike Jacobs, President, Business Lines, Partner.

A longtime advocate for the Hastings community, Ciro is actively involved with the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Hastings Hockey Association. The North Risk Partners – The Coverage Partners team will continue serving clients from North Risk Partners’ Hastings office at 1640 S Frontage Rd., Ste. 102, Hastings, MN 55033.

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About North Risk Partners

North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for people and business. Our team helps clients Face Risk Head On with right-fit insurance coverage and loss prevention resources. For businesses, we offer commercial insurance, surety bonds, employee benefits, as well as programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, health and safety, and more. Our firm has more than 475 employees and 28 locations across Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

 

Media Contact

Kiley Westby, Communications Specialist

North Risk Partners

kiley.westby@northriskpartners.com | (763) 746-0950

]]> Handle Employee Performance Issues & Terminations the Right Way https://northriskpartners.com/handle-employee-performance-issues-and-terminations-the-right-way/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:37:06 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=28282

July 2026

When performance issues arise, many managers struggle with what to document, when to act, and how to handle difficult conversations without increasing risk. Learn how to approach employee performance issues with proper documentation so you can take action with confidence and reduce risk.

 

What you'll learn:

  • Why proper documentation is critical to protecting your organization
  • How to identify red flags and address employee behavior with clear documentation
  • Best practices for handling disciplinary action and making termination decisions

 

Webinar presented by: 

Jordan Cardenas

Attorney

Wagner, Falconer & Judd

Looking for the webinar recording and slides?

Contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? We’ll help you find one.

Find an Advisor
]]> Preparing Jobsites for Severe Weather https://northriskpartners.com/preparing-jobsites-for-severe-weather/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:10:03 +0000 https://northriskpartners.com/?p=31649

Severe weather conditions can be detrimental to worksites by damaging equipment, compromising structural integrity, delaying project timelines, and putting workers at risk. However, employers can take measures to reduce these risks. This blog outlines common weather hazards affecting construction sites and provides practical steps employers can take to prepare for severe weather.

Types of Weather Hazards

Extreme weather can come in many forms. Before preparing your jobsite, it’s important to understand the types of severe weather conditions most likely to affect it, which can vary by season and location. The following are common weather conditions that can impact jobsites:

  • Strong winds—High winds, which can accompany tornadoes or hurricanes, can bring unwanted debris into the jobsite, throw equipment around and, in extreme cases, compromise the integrity of a structure.
  • Heavy rain and flooding—Water is one of the most damaging forces to any jobsite. Jobsites with incomplete drainage may become flooded, and heavy rain can damage unprotected electrical equipment.
  • Winter conditions—Winter weather brings its own unique set of exposures, such as ice that poses slip, trip and fall hazards as well as cold temperatures that may lead to hypothermia.

How to Prepare the Jobsite

While employers may not be able to weatherproof their jobsites fully, the following measures can help prevent damage and allow construction crews to continue work as soon as possible:

  • Develop an emergency action plan. Create a detailed and well-practiced plan that accounts for site-specific exposures, protects equipment and workers, and assigns clear roles to employees. Review and update the plan regularly, especially at the start of severe weather seasons.
  • Monitor the weather continuously. When inclement weather is forecasted, designate one person to monitor for weather alerts. Keep a weather radio or computer on-site at all times. Establish clear thresholds, such as wind speeds or storm categories, that will automatically trigger your emergency action plan.
  • Communicate with local building officials to align plans and verify the site does not pose risks to nearby properties or residents.
  • Secure or remove equipment and materials in preparation for a storm or severe weather. Be sure to include dumpsters, cranes, signage, electronics and documents, hazardous chemicals, and utility systems, among other equipment. For machinery, follow manufacturer guidelines for proper operation and storage, and do not operate machinery during a storm.
  • Prepare for water intrusion and debris. Create and maintain temporary drainage systems in areas that are especially susceptible to flooding. Do not install finished elements such as flooring and drywall until windows, doors, and the roof have been installed and made watertight. If necessary, install temporary roofs where installation of the permanent roof may be delayed. Additionally, have a plan to remove any storm debris after severe weather.
  • Secure the structure. Consider boarding windows, doors, and openings and building a sandbag perimeter to prevent flooding. Brace framing and anchor walls to the framework as soon as it is constructed. Pay special attention to any partially completed sections of the structure that may be more vulnerable to wind or rain damage.
  • Conduct a post-storm evaluation. Before resuming work, carefully inspect the site to identify damaged equipment and areas that require attention to protect worker safety.

If you have questions, please contact a North Risk Partners Advisor.

This blog is not intended to be an exhaustive source of information nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should consult legal counsel or a licensed insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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