BofA report finds 64% of women want menopause-specific benefits

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Bank of America published Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace(PDF), a new report revealing half of peri- and post-menopausal women (51%) report menopause has negatively impacted their work life, yet only 14% believe their employers recognize the need for menopause-specific benefits. The under-recognized need for menopause-specific benefits comes as 20% of the workforce is in some phase of menopause transition ¹ and the number of post-menopausal women is expected to reach 1.1 billion by 2025 globally.

“Right now, there are millions of women suffering in silence – trying to simultaneously manage menopause symptoms, stigma and their careers,” said Lorna Sabbia, Head of Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions at Bank of America. “With this report, we are addressing the issue head-on by bringing awareness to the challenges and identifying actions for employers. Our goal is to help women of all life stages comfortably and confidently bring their best selves to work.”

The report, which surveyed 2,000 female workers and 500 benefit managers on menopause and its impacts in the workplace, uncovered there is room for employers to better support women in this life stage. The report was developed in partnership with the National Menopause Foundation, a foundation committed to providing women with the information and resources they need to thrive during their journey to and through menopause.

Disconnects Between Employers and Female Employees

While 76% of HR benefit managers say they discuss menopause with their employees, only 3% of peri- and post-employees say they have talked about menopause with HR, revealing a significant disconnect between the two groups. In addition, while 71% of employers have a positive perception of their company’s culture toward menopause, only 32% of women employees share that same perspective.

The number one reason employers say they do not offer menopause-specific benefits is that employees have not asked for them. Among employers who say they offer menopause-specific benefits, top benefits include access to menopause health professionals (40%), menopause policies such as time off or flexible work arrangements (38%), and hormone replacement therapy coverage by health insurance plans (38%). However, less than 1-in-3 women are aware of available benefits and only 1-in-10 use them.

When it comes to addressing the impact of menopause on the workplace, employers see the responsibility equally split between employees (49%) and employers (51%). However, female employees see the responsibility to be more on themselves (70% vs. 30%).

Menopause-Specific Benefits Create Better Workplaces

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of women want menopause-specific benefits. In fact, when benefits are offered, 58% of women report they have had a positive impact on their work, mostly by allowing them to bring their best selves to work (40%). Female employees are also likely to feel more comfortable talking about menopause in the workplace when they have access to menopause-specific benefits.

Additional support from employers can impact female employees’ overall perception of the workplace. Employees feel more inclined to recommend their employer as a great place to work when menopause-specific benefits are available (83% vs. 69%), revealing an opportunity for employers.

“Menopause is a normal life stage in women’s lives, yet there is still a need and opportunity for workplaces to enhance their menopause policies and benefits,” said Claire Gill, founder of National Menopause Foundation. “We hope this research will inspire employers to create cultures that reduce stigma and foster better communication.”

Impact of Menopause

Top symptoms peri- and post-menopausal employees report experiencing include impacts to their sleep (45%), mental health/mood (30%), physical health (20%), relationships with family/partner (20%), ability to focus on work (17%), daily activities (15%) and even career progression (9%).

Despite millions of employees experiencing menopause each year, stigmas around the topic persist. The majority of women (60%) consider menopause to be stigmatized, with 58% of peri- and post-menopausal women reporting they don’t feel comfortable discussing their menopausal symptoms at work. Most women (80%) consider the topic to be too personal to discuss, but other concerns include:

32% fear being perceived as old.
28% are embarrassed to talk about their body.
23% do not want peers to treat them differently.
18% fear not being respected by male peers.

More findings, including actionable steps for employers, are available in the Bank of America Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace (PDF) report.

Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace Methodology

These are the findings of two polls conducted by Ipsos between February 21 and March 8, 2023. The first was conducted among a sample of 500 human resource benefit decision makers from companies that have at least 1,000 employees. No post-hoc weights were applied to the data and findings reflect the opinion of these respondents. The second was conducted among 2,000 women ages 40-65 that are employed full-time at a company with 1,000 or more employees and have had a menstrual cycle. Both surveys were conducted online in English in the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Results among human resource benefit decision makers have a credibility interval of plus or minus 5.4 percentage points for all respondents. Results among employed women have a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points for all respondents. Survey content was developed by Ipsos in consultation with the Bank of America team. Bank of America, Merrill, their affiliates, and advisors are not affiliated with Ipsos.

National Menopause Foundation

The National Menopause Foundation (NMF) was founded in 2019 by women and for women to create an informed community where women can learn, exchange information, find support and be inspired as they approach and journey through menopause.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 1, 2023|

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

From left, Michael Rem of JBL Development, Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson and Sandra Pabon of Itasca Construction Partners sign the cornerstone of the Interstate Commerce Center. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Dozens of dignitaries gathered along Interstate 95 in Fort Pierce on Feb. 15 to add their signatures to a cornerstone for the Interstate Commerce Center (ICC).

Currently under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, the 207,458-square-foot Class-A industrial building has 1,300 feet of clear I-95 frontage and is located in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect.

The facility is being developed on 12.7 acres by JBL Development and will be managed by JBL Asset Management. Itasca Construction Partners is the general contractor. Designed for mid-size users with space requirements from 20,000 to 200,000 square feet, the facility will be ready for occupancy this spring.

ICC is located within one mile of both Exit 129 on I-95 and Exit 152 on the turnpike. The facility’s location provides for access to Orlando, Fort Myers and Miami within two hours. When complete, the facility will have 32-foot interior clear heights, a 60-foot speed bay, 60 dock-high loading bays, and several at-grade ramps. Separate parking areas and entrances for employees will prioritize safety and visitor experience with a total of 302 parking spaces on site.

“There is currently quite a bit of product being developed for large users, so we are very excited to be able to offer attractive Class-A facilities for mid-size users with I-95 frontage and excellent access to both the interstate and Florida’s Turnpike,” said Michael Rem with JBL Development. “These distinctive and desirable qualities are driving interest from efficiency-minded businesses seeking brand exposure and quick access to Florida’s most densely populated hubs.”

“JBL’s choice of Fort Pierce as the home for this excellent facility was a wise one,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “Not only is the Interstate Commerce Center located at the northernmost point where the turnpike and I-95 come together, there is easy access to the Treasure Coast International Airport, the Port of Fort Pierce, the Florida East Coast railroad, our safe Fort Pierce Inlet connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and our pristine uncrowded beaches.”

“Since the inception of this project, JBL Asset Management has engaged with the St. Lucie County community to ensure the end users at the Interstate Commerce Center will not only have first-class space to lease in a great location but also have connections to the community to assist with employment and business services,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “Our signatures on the building’s cornerstone are tokens of our ongoing commitment to assist the tenants -- future local employers -- who will be joining us here in the Sunrise City.”

“We are pleased to work with JBL and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County in taking this top-tier industrial project to market,” said Michael Falk, executive vice president at Colliers. “We anticipate high demand for the facility given its ability to provide for tenants as low as 20,000 square feet with brand new, quality space in Fort Pierce’s booming market with excellent visibility along I-95.” Leasing inquiries can be directed to Falk at 561.478.6400.

About JBL Asset Management

The project’s sponsor and property manager is JBL Asset Management, a privately held, fully integrated commercial real estate services company. Founded in 2005 by Jacob Khotoveli, JBL invests private capital on behalf of itself and its investment partners. JBL is based in South Florida and invests in major metropolitan areas on the eastern half of the United States. Led by a skilled and seasoned management team, the company provides in-house professionals for all aspects of the real estate equation. JBL’s portfolio currently exceeds 4 million square feet of real estate, diversified between asset classes of retail, multifamily and industrial products.

JBL Development, partnered alongside JBL Asset Management, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The company’s reputation has been built on execution within the industry and its portfolio includes 1,100+ multifamily units in various stages of development, 500,000+ square feet of ground up commercial product, and 400,000+ square feet of commercial repositioning projects.

Avenue Property Group is a boutique real estate investment company, founded in 2010 by Daniel Gohari, that specializes in identifying industrial/commercial assets and executing opportunistic strategies designed to maximize value. The group’s investment strategy is governed by extensive knowledge of targeted real estate markets across the United States, with a focus on Florida and New York. The long-term strategic vision is to recognize deficiencies in the real estate and capital markets and implement practical approaches to unlock value. Avenue Property Group owns and is a partner in over 3 million square feet of real estate and is actively looking for opportunities.

Interstate Commerce Center Leasing Inquiries

Colliers Executive Vice President Michael Falk, Executive Vice President Scott Weprin, and Associate Jonathan Temple represent the property owner in leasing opportunities at the property. Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 63 countries, its 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 27 years, the company’s experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.6 billion and $92 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of its clients, investors, and people. Contact Michael Falk and Jonathan Temple at 561.478.6400 or [email protected] / [email protected] for leasing inquiries.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community. The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

Feb. 16, 2023|

$60,000 gift to Martin Health Foundation to fund glioblastoma research

Pictured L-R : Dr. Oszkar Szentirmai, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Mitzi Macias, Donna Qvarstrom, Debbie Johnston, Tony Huerta, Tobi Schelin, Lenny Schelin Sr.

Cleveland Clinic’s Martin Health Foundation recently received a $60,000 gift from proceeds raised during the third annual Lenny Schelin, Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament. Family and friends of Lenny Schelin, Jr. presented the gift, which will continue to help support research into glioblastoma, an aggressive form of malignant brain tumor. Schelin Jr., passed away in 2018 at the age of 33 from glioblastoma. An avid fisherman, The Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament helps keep his legacy alive.

Oszkar Szentirmai, researcher and neurosurgeon at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, was on hand to receive the gift and is grateful for the trust they have placed in the research at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.

“Without their support, we could not have made the progress we have in learning more about this disease,” Dr. Szentirmai said.

The next Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament will take place on Jan. 6 - 15, 2023. For more information, click here.

About Cleveland Clinic Martin Health

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is part of the Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida. It features three hospitals with a total of 521 beds, a free-standing emergency center, and numerous outpatient centers and clinics across Martin and St. Lucie counties on Florida’s east coast. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health offers preventive, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, a heart center, wellness and rehabilitation services, and much more. Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information, visit clevelandclinic.org/martinhealth. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Nov. 17, 2022|

POINSETTIA POWER! fundraiser for Meals on Wheels set for Dec. 7

Poinsettia Power! fundraiser for Meals on Wheels

The date is set for the Council on Aging of Martin County’s annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. Poinsettia Power! Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held at the Kane Center on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Poinsettia Power is donning a tropical holiday theme this year, featuring pink poinsettias and bright colors. Guests are encouraged to attend in pink and green or tropical prints. Doors open for shopping at 10 a.m. The Holiday Bazaar is a great place to discover unique items that will wow even the hardest people to shop for on your list. Find anything from fine jewelry and fashion to home décor and gourmet foods. Plus, shopping helps benefit Meals on Wheels!

In addition to visiting the vendors, guests will have opportunities to participate in a prize drawing and a silent auction. This year’s prizes include staycation packages, a day with the interior designer Francesca Morgan, a box full of premium liquors, and a dine-around package, to name a few.

The luncheon will begin at noon led by guest emcee Ashley Glass, correspondent with Scripps National News. Following the luncheon will be the holiday fashion show produced by Rose Meyerowich. The Holiday Hat Parade and Contest will return as well. Guests are encouraged to attend the event in their most fabulous headpieces and then strut the runway for a chance to win a prize…and bragging rights.

Poinsettia Power was founded 17 years ago to ensure low-income, homebound seniors on the government waiting list for Meals on Wheels did not have to wait hungry. Last year, thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, underwriters and guests, Poinsettia Power raised a groundbreaking $100,000 for Meals on Wheels and supportive case management services. This year, the Council on Aging hopes to match the monumental success, which will help fight senior hunger and isolation in Martin County. The need continues to be great. Each weekday, at least 500 meals are prepared fresh by the Kane Center’s culinary team and hand-delivered to homes throughout Martin County.

“There is an unending need for the Meals on Wheels safety net,” said Karen Ripper, President and CEO of the Council on Aging. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to identify many seniors who had never needed or wanted to ask for help. Though the demand has leveled off, we are still delivering well over 100 more meals each day compared to pre-COVID times.”

Tickets are $100 per guest. Table sponsorships are also available for groups of eight or 10. Purchase online at www.kanecenter.org/foundation/poinsettia-power or call (772) 223-7827. The Kane Center is located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart.

Poinsettia Power is sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, the Law Offices of John Mangan, P.A., Francesca Morgan Interiors, Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, N. Schoonover & Associates, Rehmann Financial Services, and Seacoast Bank.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Nov. 14, 2022|

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Program rally

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Promise Program rally

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College, will announce the continuation and expansion of the IRSC Promise Program and provide a community update on the impact of Promise 2022, at an assembly and press conference hosted by the School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David Moore, at Sebastian River High School.

WHAT:

Indian River State College President, Dr. Timothy Moore, addresses a special assembly of Sebastian River High School seniors to introduce year two of the IRSC Promise program—a free tuition program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation.

A community report on the impact of the inaugural year of the Promise Program and a question and answer period for members of the press will follow the assembly/Promise Rally. Leadership from the School District of Indian River County, Indian River State College, and the IRSC Foundation will be on hand to answer questions.

WHEN:

7:30 a.m.: Promise Rally kicks off as students assemble in the Auditorium

7:35 a.m.: Promise program announcement

8:30 a.m.: Community update/Media Q&A with college, school district, and IRSC Foundation leadership

WHERE:

Performing Arts Center, Sebastian River High School, 9001 Shark Blvd., Sebastian, FL 32958. Parking for media is available behind the Performing Arts Center. All others may utilize the guest parking lot.

Media interested in covering the event should contact Suzanne Seldes, Indian River State College, at [email protected] or 772-462-7265.

Nov. 14, 2022|

33rd annual Stuart Air Show taking place Nov. 11-13

33^rd annual Stuart Air Show taking place Nov. 11-13

Celebrating aviation and the 75th anniversary of the US Air Force the 33^rd annual Stuart Air Show promises thrilling, gravity-defying, jaw-dropping, and award-winning military and civilian aircraft and performers Nov. 11-13 at historic Witham Field.

With record breaking attendance reported at airshows across the country, please find important information to help you build engaging and informative content packages for your audiences whether in print, television, radio, digital or omni-channel.

Schedule of events:

Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11.: Aircraft will start arriving at historic Witham Field Wednesday
Thursday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: STEM EXPO with 10-12 grade appropriate stations for schools to explore exciting opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. More than 25 schools and 690 students registered for this unique educational experience.
Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.: Annual Veterans Day Parade and fly over
Friday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m.: Practice
Friday, Nov. 11, 5 p.m.: Gates open for Twilight & Firework Show, with concert by the Rotorheads and the TD Bank Dirty Flight Suit Party
Saturday, Nov. 12 & Sunday, Nov. 13:

o Gates open at 9 a.m.

o Ground attractions and displays all day including static aircraft, exciting simulators, Kids Zone, dozens of novelty and community vendors, concessions, and much more

o Aerobatic portion of the day starts at 11:30 a.m. with opening ceremony and the All-Veteran Group jumping into the show with the American and POW flags.

o Performances end approximately 4:30 p.m.

Media interviews with performers and key personnel or volunteers, rides and photo or video opportunities available upon request throughout the week.
To request media credentials please to go https://stuartairshow.com/media-credentials

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS:

US Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team "Viper" with Capt. Aimee “Rebel” Fieldler

Rebel has punched the ceiling by being one of only a few female demonstration pilots
US Air Force A-10 Demonstration Team "Warthog" with Major Haden “Gator” Fullam
After eight years coming to the Stuart Air Show, this will be Gator’s last airshow as he will be retiring after the show
US Air Force Heritage Flight, 25th Anniversary featuring the F-16, A-10 and a P-51

o A three to four ship formation with multiple generations a USAF warbirds and fighter jets, a stirring tribute to the US Air Force.

A twin ship P-51 Team featuring "Mad Max" and "Little Witch"
US Navy F-18 Demonstration Team "Rhino" with Lt. Ryan “Peaches” Garcia

o Unlike the F-16 which will be staged and flown from another airport, the F-18 will be staged at Witham Field. In addition to the demonstration, there will be two other F-18 on the airfield as static displays and a F-18 simulator experience.

US Navy Legacy Flight featuring Jim "Torc" Tobul and his beautifully restored Corsair

o In honor of those served this touching tribute will feature the F-18 and the F4U-4 Corsair and will also perform the Missing Man

Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, a precision multi-ship T-6 formation team

o Founded in 1987, one of the most successful aerobatic performance teams, for nearly 40 years thrilling crowd with their precision and beauty

Rob Holland, an international award-winning aerobatic "athlete" who defies gravity with every flight

o Fresh from his 11^th consecutive National Aerobatic Champion title, Holland promises the most thrilling of performance of the show

Kevin Coleman with his high-performance Extra 300 in striking Red Bull colors
Qyon Aerosports, jet demonstration in the L-39 Albatross
Younkin Airshows returns with the meticulously restored 1943 Twin Beech 18
Vertigo Airshows, Bob Carlton performs an aerobatic ballet in a jet sailplane named Salto
Friends of Army Aviation bring open door helicopter rides over the intercoastal in a Huey UH1
All Veteran Group Parachute Team and Round Canopy Parachute Team- USA

GROUND HIGHLIGHTS:

AFTERSHOCK Jet Fire Truck (also performing during the airshow)
DreamBig Entertainment, a "Top Gun" themed cockpit experience
Static aircraft, including; two F-18s, a C-17 Globemaster with expanded aeromedical capabilities, the C-130 Hercules, and the E-9A airborne sea surveillance platform
Vietnam reenactment hosted by Road to Victory Military Museum and partners
Military displays and encampments
Dozens of exhibitors, vendors, and concessions

Each year the Stuart Air show donates tens of thousands of dollars to area charities as well as service programs for children and Veterans. With more than 24 groups volunteering at the show, the airshow becomes an important platform for these groups to raise awareness as well as funds.

Media interviews, rides and photo or video opportunities available upon request throughout the week.

To request media credentials please to go https://stuartairshow.com/media-credentials

For information on times, ticket prices, the latest information on performers, rides, attractions, upgrades, and frequently asked questions visit www.stuartairshow.com.

About the Stuart Air Show

The Stuart Air Show is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. For more than 30 years, it has been dedicated to honoring the history of American aviation and veterans. Each year the air show attracts tens of thousands of attendees and partners with schools and children's service agencies to offer STEM and other educational opportunities to hundreds of school-age children. The Stuart Air Show also partners with like-minded mission nonprofits such as EAA Chapter 692, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, as well as providing fundraising opportunities for dozens of other Martin County-based charities.

Nov. 7, 2022|

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital announces new COO

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital announces new Chief Operating Officer

Alexander Greenwood, MBA, has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer for Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

Greenwood joins Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital from Lee Health in Fort Myers, where he served in various leadership roles during his 16-year tenure. In his most recent appointment as Vice President of Lee Health Coconut Point and Orthopaedics Service Line, Greenwood was responsible for opening a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility serving southwest Florida. Responsibilities entailed designing and implementing the Coconut Point operating model and performance excellence structure. His successful efforts to engage with the community and collaborate with local leaders on the project led to Greenwood being honored as “Estero, Florida’s 2021 Top 25 Most Influential Leaders.”

Greenwood completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at National Louis University in Illinois, where he received a Master of Business Administration.

“We are very pleased to have Alexander Greenwood join our team,” said Greg Rosencrance, MD, President of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. “He has proven himself to be a results-focused, service-oriented healthcare executive who has demonstrated the ability to develop and engage diverse teams with the goal of achieving operational excellence.”

About Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is a 332-bed, not for profit hospital offering comprehensive medical services to the Treasure Coast community. The Welsh Heart Center, Scully-Welsh Cancer Center and Scully Endoscopy Center offer full-service programs and a multidisciplinary approach. Healthcare professionals represent specialties including orthopaedic services, minimally invasive vascular surgery, neurosurgery, stroke services, robotic surgery, a state-of-the-art wound healing center, bariatric surgery and the only maternity wing in the community. The hospital features all private rooms and is the largest private-sector employer in Indian River County. Learn more at ccirh.org.