Q: Why is Sequoia Financial Partners merging with York International Agency?
A: Sequoia was proactively approached by York to augment and expand York’s life and benefits practice; however, Sequoia and its clients will be greatly benefited by this merger.  First and Foremost, Sequoia can now offer its clients a broad array of new insurance and risk management solutions including Commercial, Executive and Personal Insurance solutions.  In addition, our life and benefits service department has expanded to include 3 more account executives with specialties in areas such as claims management and human resources.

Q: When did this happen?
A: Although this merger took place effective 1/1/2009, Sequoia has been vetting this opportunity for some time.  This decision was not entered into lightly and we are very excited about the synergy this merger creates between two very dynamic insurance organizations.

Q: Are you staying in New York City?
A: No.  The whole of Sequoia Financial’s operations will be relocating to Yonkers, NY sometime in the late 1st Quarter of 2009.  We welcome all of you to visit us in our new location- 1 Executive Blvd, 3rd Floor, Yonkers, NY 10701.  We will still be as accessible as ever to our clients and look forward to our face to face meetings and personal interactions.

Q: Who is York International Agency?
A: Learn more about York by visiting the web site here.  York was recently rated the #1 Best Practices Agency in the country by Reagan Consulting and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers.  York shares Sequoia values of personalized, attentive and superior service, efficacy and innovation.

Q: How will this impact staffing?
A: This is important- Sequoia is retaining 100% of its existing staff.

Q: I’m a benefits client of Sequoia, what can I expect in the coming months?
A: First and foremost, you can expect to be serviced and renewed as you always have by the same staff and executives that you have known for years.  Second, you can expect either Josh or Mike to reach out to you to discuss our new benefit service offerings including HR Compliance Check and HRT Advisors.  These services are designed to enhance your benefits solutions by giving you proactive services surrounding your Human Resources infrastructure.  More to come on these services in the 2nd quarter of 2009.  Third, you can expect Mike or Josh to reach out to you and explain how through RADAR, we can help you manage your overall risk profile through identification, assessment and mitigation of your risks, resulting in leverage within the commercial insurance marketplace.

Q: I’m a personal/individual client of Sequoia, what can I expect in the coming months?
A: First and foremost, you can expect to be serviced and advised by the same staff and executives you have known for years.  Second, you can expect either Josh or Mike to reach out to you and discuss the new individual offerings that being a client of Sequoia can provide you: Free Life Insurance Trust Reviews, Complimentary Business Valuations, access to international medical insurance when you are on vacation overseas or traveling for business, and more.  Third, you can expect Josh or Mike to reach out and explain our new Personal Lines offerings including home, auto, umbrella and more.

Q: Where does Sequoia fit into York’s overall organizational structure?
A: As a result of the merger, Mike was appointed to the management board and is a senior partner in the firm.  He will be overseeing and managing the entire life and benefits practice of York International Agency.  Josh will continue to be Mike’s partner in delivering unparalleled service and support to our group and individual clients.

Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Do what you’ve always done, reach out to us, we are still as accessible as ever and we would love to hear from all of you and tell you about this exciting opportunity!