AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: TURNING CRISIS INTO OPPORTUNITY

“Let’s not pretend that things will change if we keep on doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, and to any nation.

For all crises bring progress. Creativity is born from anguish, just like day is born form night. It’s in crisis that invention is born, as well as discoveries, and strategies. Whoever overcomes a crisis, overcomes himself, without being overcome. Whoever blames his failure on a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions.” – Albert Einstein

Let’s Not Waste Another Crisis

The crisis we have recently let go to waste was the Economic Catastrophe we are still trying to climb our way out of. The Big Banks and Investment Machines on Wall Street are back to pretty much business as usual. Gretchen Morgenson, an assistant business and financial editor and a columnist at the New York Times, has covered the world financial markets for the Times since May 1998. Morgenson won the Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for her “trenchant and incisive coverage of Wall Street”, and has written a lot about this since the collapse of the Financial Markets. The crisis opportunity I am referring to now has been developing over a longer period of time; I am referring to the quality and cost of our Health Care system in this country. As a partner in a small business, I have a first-hand view of the rising costs of health-care insurance, not just from the consumer perspective, but from the perspective of trying to continually find the right plan and benefits ratio for our employees and their families, while at the same time balancing the percentage of the total premium cost the firm can afford to bear, with what we must pass along to our employees to pay. This formula has meant constantly changing to higher and higher deductible plans, and reducing the benefits that are covered. Over the last 10 years our Group Premiums have risen 12% in the best year to over 25% in our worst renewal year. You do not have to read very far into the news each day to see something about the rising, uncontrollable costs of healthcare in this country. The crisis is not only about insuring the great number of our citizens who do not have coverage, but it is one of a system spiraling out of control, even for those who already have insurance.

Making Sense of the Affordable Care Act

Elizabeth Ritchie, RN has written the most readable and understandable explanation of the Affordable Care Act that I have read, in the September 2012 Issue of Colorado Central Magazine, entitled “Making Sense of the Affordable Care Act.” It begins:

“The entire conversation of health care reform starts with the consensus that in the United States the health care status quo cannot be sustained. Reining in health care costs and putting health care back in the hands of individuals rather than insurance companies has been attempted by Presidents since Teddy Roosevelt’s administration. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the single greatest deficit-reduction package since President Clinton’s budget of 1993….

…The act is comprehensive, complicated, is designed to be phased in over time, and is supposed to provide accessibility, affordability, high-quality and patient-centered care. These are all areas that doctors, nurses and health care providers have wanted addressed for years, but somehow the health care delivery system developed around the money and not so much around the health of individuals, families and communities.”

So, for the moment, the ACA is law and most of us are trying to get our hands around what it means and how it will impact us. Some states are doing a much better job than others in embracing this challenge. Regarding the Supreme Court decision to uphold the majority of the tenets of the ACA, Ms. Ritchie says in her article, “Whether it was a happy day or an awful day for the country, it is time for all of us to get on with the massive amount of work it will take to get fully implemented, and ultimately achieve a better health care delivery system.” Colorado, a state in which I once lived and often still visit, as well as the home of the quoted author above, has been planning for this since 2008 and is one of a few leading the pack in trying to make the most of how to best implement the law. Ohio, on the other hand, has been dragging its feet in opposition in hopes that it would go away, and is just now joining the Federal Exchanges and struggling to put a last minute plan together. Needless to say, this leaves the business and investment communities up in arms about what the rules are and how to play by them.

As Architects and Designers, we work with a lot of businesses in many industries, from the Financial Sector to the Industrial Sector. A day does not go by where the supposed impacts of “Obamacare” are not debated, or, espoused as bringing some fearful wrath upon us. I think it is time we all put the bigger goal back in front of us, and decide what type of community, state and nation we want to be. Regardless of your political views, “who is opposed to a health care system that provides effective, safe and reliable care to every patient in need, every time; who does not believe that the improved health and well-being of our entire population does not benefit us all; and who doesn’t like the idea of improving our per-capita costs for health care services?” (Pursuing the Triple Aim, Bisognano and Kenney, 2012)

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25: 35-40, KJV

We fashion ourselves a Godly Nation and I think that it is time we actually try to live up to our beliefs, and Act, in lieu of just espousing it. I think we need to work to let the tide raise all boats and know that we all benefit from improving the greater good. Author George Saunders sums it up best in his address this year to graduates from Syracuse University:

George Saunders’s Advice to Graduates

“So here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a little corny, and I don’t quite know what to do with it:

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded…sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth?

Those who were kindest to you, I bet.

It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: Try to be kinder.”

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PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024 IN CORPORATE OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Jeff Klump • 20 Dec, 2023

In the dynamic world of corporate office interiors, staying ahead of design trends is crucial to creating spaces that not only inspire productivity but also reflect the latest aesthetic sensibilities. As a firm specializing in corporate office design, K4 embraces Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue offers a fresh perspective on creating contemporary workspaces that balance sophistication and comfort and an opportunity to infuse sophistication, and a touch of modernity into the corporate design landscape. Peach Fuzz, a delicate and nuanced shade blending peach and blush, brings a sense of tranquility and optimism to any space. When incorporated into corporate office interiors, this color has the power to redefine the atmosphere, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. K4 is committed to enhancing the workplace experience, and we recognize the significance of color in influencing mood and productivity.

FACILITY DESIGN FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, where the strength of relationships is paramount, the role of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a strategic catalyst for talent acquisition and retention. In an era where attracting and retaining top talent is pivotal for organizational success, the significance of an intentionally designed workspace cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into how strategic design decisions can not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a culture of engagement, innovation, and long-term commitment among employees, contributing to relationship building and the overall prosperity of community banks. Join K4 on this journey through the intersection of design and community banking, where the blueprint for success lies in the spaces we create for those who make our banks the heart of the community.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: PART II UNIFYING PHYSICAL & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

By Nicole DeRogatis • 07 Nov, 2023

In the previously published Journey to Brand Consistency: Part I, K4 addressed Facilities, Marketing & People as the three pieces that comprise the Financial Success Puzzle for community banks. This article examines one level deeper in unifying physical and digital marketing assets within the Financial Success Puzzle, and the importance of creating a harmonious and powerful brand identity across all platforms. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving community banking industry, maintaining a strong and recognizable brand presence is vital for success. As a full-service design and branding firm working closely with community banks, we have witnessed the transformative power of consistent marketing assets in bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. By solidifying the customer experience across all touchpoints, banking institutions can establish a stronger emotional connection with their customers and create a lasting impact on their success. Investing in brand consistency is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of a bank's commitment to their own stability and future growth.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: HOW FACILITIES, MARKETING & PEOPLE CREATE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS PUZZLE

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

Now more than ever, brand consistency is of utmost importance to financial institutions. Creating brand consistency goes a long way in building brand trust, increasing customer/employee/community loyalty, and impacting your bottom line. Why is there so much brand inconsistency in the community banking landscape? Because being brand consistent requires change and commitment, and it can be tedious and expensive. Taking the first step is often overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you update first? These are excellent questions, but there are other important questions to consider. What is the cost of NOT getting brand consistent or what is the cost or potential loss of creating brand confusion? Inconsistencies are costing your bank time and money. Not practicing brand consistency will cost you significant consequences to customer experience, brand reputation, and overall loss of trust – all of which can impact your bottom line. Conflicting brand usage accounts for a damage to brand credibility, making it harder to compete in the market. As K4 gets ready to hit the road in 2023, presenting at various community banking conferences on this topic, we thought it was important to preamble this timely subject of the Financial Success Puzzle. At K4, we define the Financial Success Puzzle as a 3-piece formula to creating and maintaining brand consistency for community banks. This formula is simply the act of connecting people to place and connecting brand identity to place. Many retailers have capitalized on this concept for years. Your branch facilities, marketing & people MUST work together to create stability and not only that…they must be triplets, not just siblings. They can’t just resemble one another; they need to be nearly identical in their delivery.

MAKING ROOM FOR THE COMMUNITY

By Jeff Klump • 08 Dec, 2022

For decades, small town business districts across America have featured a strong physical presence from a local bank perspective. Near the courthouse or city hall, these buildings are often identified by their traditional columns and prominent facades of brick or stone. Not only do these structures help establish the fabric of the streetscape; they often contribute to defining the social framework of the residing individuals and neighborhoods, supporting the hopes and dreams of generations. Community banks need to continue to reinforce their presence and values to those individuals and businesses in the geographic areas they serve. Making your bank’s physical appearance memorable, builds brand awareness and offers an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of banking locally which includes working with trusted friends and neighbors. Many community banks are exploring ways to create community space by revitalizing main offices and branch experiences while positioning themselves as a valuable and integral local resource.

SAME RETAIL BRANCH, DIFFERENT CUP OF JOE? THINK AGAIN!

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2022

Let’s first explore how the definition of the coffee shop has evolved…from simply being a beverage offered at a restaurant to an actual stand-alone destination, service and experience that provides and encourages co-working space, meeting opportunities, and community gathering.