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Market Insights

What We’re Reading

A collection of some of the interesting articles, interviews, and stories we’ve been reading lately. Hotel sustainability: What is and isn’t working November 9, 2015 “Research into whether or not guests are willing to pay more for environmentally-friendly hospitality remains inconclusive. What is clear, according to Ricaurte, is that hotels are getting the messaging of…

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Sustainability Spotlight: Marriott

We are always on the lookout for major brands that are setting the standard in green building practices. When it comes to hotels, Marriott is undeniably a leader in the field. In 2005, Marriott became the first major hotel company in the U.S. to design and construct a LEED-certified hotel according to U.S. Green Building…

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Laundry List of Mistakes

As hotels aim to strike a balance between ensuring their sheets and towels are perfectly clean for guests while also being economically and environmentally sound, even some of the best hotels can fall short. Unfortunately, these mistakes may result in high operational costs or the loss of customers, in addition to having a negative impact…

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A Thanksgiving Reader

We were so grateful to have Seth Godin join us for our Culture Week this year, as his program offered us so many insights and new ways to approach the things that we do. And we’re grateful to follow Seth this Thanksgiving, as his Thanksgiving reader is a wonderful reminder of all of the beauty…

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What You Missed in the Budget Bill—And How it Could Hurt You

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that federal penalties for workplace-safety violations increased for the first time since 1990, raising maximum fines for the most severe citations to $125,000 from $70,000 and for other serious violations to $12,500 from $7,000. While the change represents an 80 percent increase, it brings the fines more in line with…

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Coca-Cola, will.i.am, and W Hotels Partner to Offer Sheets Made of Recycled Plastic Bottles

An unlikely combination, but an interesting one. W Hotels will be changing the sheets on all of the beds in its North American hotels before the close of the year. The new sheets are made of polyester partially composed of recycled plastic, using about 31 recycled 20 oz. plastic bottles per king-size sheet set. That’s…

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Looking to the Future

In late August, we announced the acquisition of Fulcrum Insurance Programs by Distinguished Programs and the formation of a new company to be rebranded asDistinguished Specialty. Over the years, together with your continued support, we have developed and expanded our programs and services in the niche markets we serve. We want to thank you for…

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3 Convincing Reasons to Offer Builders Risk Insurance

If small business is referred to as the heartbeat of America, then the more than 500,000 specialty contractors in the United States might just serve as the blood running through its veins. With new housing starts up more than 10% year-over-year, and 16% growth seen specifically in the construction of multi-family units – defined as…

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#31 of the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in WA

Fulcrum Insurance Programs was honored to be a part of the Puget Sound Business Journals 100 fastest growing private companies event Thursday October 9. The 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in Washington state are honored at this award event where the list rankings are revealed in a countdown from 100 to one. Fulcrum was excited to…

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5 D&O Lawsuits That The Board Never Saw Coming

Volunteer work can be some of the most gratifying hours of our week. Giving our time and sometimes our expertise to a cause that we believe in can feel wonderful-while making a positive difference to a group or cause that needs our help. Serving on your community association’s board is no different. How can board…

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