Boosting Retention Through Insurance Intelligence Event
On April 9, 2025, Workforce Connections, in collaboration with Empower Upper Cumberland and The Biz Foundry, hosted an exclusive Lunch & Learn event designed specifically for Empower Certified employers. This private, invite-only session offered a unique opportunity for participating businesses to gain valuable insights into improving employee retention through strategic benefit planning and insurance awareness.
Held at the Biz Foundry Cookeville location, the event brought together local business leaders for an afternoon of learning, networking, and collaboration. The session, titled "Boosting Retention Through Insurance Intelligence," featured a dynamic lineup of expert speakers who delivered timely and actionable content:
Megan Spurgeon, Director of Empower Upper Cumberland, opened the event with a powerful overview of Empower UC’s mission and its growing impact on alleviating regional poverty.
Timberley Russell, Director of Training & Employer Engagement at Martha O'Bryan Center, shared a compelling presentation on “Beyond the Cliff,” exploring the barriers employees face when transitioning off public assistance—and how employers can help bridge the gap.
Ryan Barnhart, Executive Director of the Highlands Training Center, led an insightful workshop focused on navigating insurance options to better support workforce stability and reduce turnover.
Events like this exemplify how strong community partnerships can drive meaningful change in our local workforce ecosystem. Workforce Connections is proud to support employers who are committed to investing in their people and strengthening our region’s economic future.
Interested in Becoming an Empower Certified Employer?
If you're an employer passionate about creating supportive, sustainable workplaces and are curious about the benefits of Empower Certification, we’d love to connect with you. Reach out to our team at Workforce Connections to learn more and find out if your business qualifies for this impactful program.
