Karen Bald earns Registered Employee Benefits Consultant designation

LACONIA — An account manager at Melcher & Prescott Insurance, Karen Bald recently earned the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant designation, a professional credential for persons selling or servicing group insurance, health insurance, retirement planning and incentive compensation markets.

“Many of my clients are smaller employers who do not have the luxury of a dedicated Human Resources or Benefits department,” said Bald. “They rely on me to help them navigate the rapidly changing health insurance environment.”

She cited compliance as another “huge issue” for her clients. “The REBC designation allows me to provide my employer groups and their employees with the most current and accurate advice available,” she said.

Regarding the investment of time required to earn the REBC designation, Bald said it was substantial, noting she was required to attend a six-hour session once per week over an eight-week period.

“I then had to review the material and achieve a passing score on a final exam for each of eight courses,” she explained. “I completed the work required for the designation in about ten months, but I took a break for several months during our agency’s busy season.”