Local Agent Has Become a Certified Family Business Specialist (CFBS)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January, 2011

Contact: Alexandra Iosif - (503)542-9421- aiosif@finsvcs.com

MassMutual agent earns professional designation in family business planning
Jason Kansier shows commitment to business owners and their financial planning needs through continuing professional education.

PORTLAND, OR, December 2010 – Jason Kansier a financial services representative of the Oregon Financial Services Group agency in Portland a Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company's (MassMutual) general agency, has become a Certified Family Business Specialist (CFBS) to help ensure the success of the Oregon’s growing number of family-run businesses with whom they work. The latest research shows that there are 24.2 million family businesses in the U.S., accounting for 89% of the business tax returns. 82 million people (62% of the workforce) are employed by family enterprises. (Poutziouris, Panikkos, “Handbook of Research on Family Business,” 2006).

The program educates students to help:

Understand the emotional issues confronted by business owners contemplating a transition of their business

Identify financial issues regarding succession planning

Recognize tax considerations regarding transitioning the business

This achievement places him in an elite class of financial services professionals who provide services to family-owned businesses regarding succession planning, family business dynamics and financial service products specifically tailored to the needs of family business owners. Jason has earned this designation, offered solely for MassMutual career agents, through a rigorous educational program at The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

“I’m pleased to have completed this course with a greater understanding of the financial needs of family business owners,” said Kansier, CLTC,CFBS, of Salem, OR. “It is very satisfying to know that I have the ability to educate my clients on the importance of business succession and retirement planning and guide them towards achieving their goals. The designation is regarded as a significant professional milestone, reflecting a commitment to business owners and their financial needs through continuing professional education.

Of the approximately 24.2 million businesses in the United States, small companies (those having 500 or fewer employees):

Represent more than 99.7% of all employers

Create approximately three-quarters of U.S. net new jobs

Pay nearly 45% of total U.S. private payroll

Create more than half on nonfarm gross domestic product (GDP)
(Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy September 2008)

Jason Kansier with MassMutual for 5 years, is a member of Million Dollar Round Table and NAIFA. Jason received a Business Administration degree in Economics from University of Oregon and has completed several other industry related courses.

About MassMutual Financial Group

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company’s strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, member FINRA AND SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit massmutual.com.
CRN201212-142408

-MassMutual Financial Group
-1295 State Street
Springfield, MA 01111-0001
-Alexandra Iosif
222 Columbia St. Suite 825
Portland, OR 97201
503 542 9421
www.massmutual.com

This release was published on openPR.