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Organization and Planning Tips for Outdoor Corporate Events

StrategyDriven Talent Management Article | Organization and Planning Tips for Outdoor Corporate Events

Outdoor corporate events provide a valuable opportunity for companies to connect with employees, clients, and stakeholders in a more relaxed and engaging environment. Whether it’s a large-scale conference or an informal company picnic or retreat, these events are powerful tools for building stronger relationships and reinforcing company culture.

However, the success of outdoor corporate events depends heavily on thorough planning and meticulous organization. Unlike indoor functions, outdoor settings present unique challenges such as unpredictable weather, logistical complexities, and spatial considerations.

To help you navigate the process, here are practical organization and planning tips to create a seamless and enjoyable outdoor event experience for your team and guests.

1. Secure the Right Venue

Perhaps the most important aspect of planning an outdoor corporate event is choosing the right venue. The place sets the tone for the entire event and can significantly influence the overall guest experience. First and foremost, consider the location and accessibility of the venue. Ideally, it should be centrally located and easily reachable for all attendees. If your desired venue does not meet these criteria, be prepared to provide transportation options.

Capacity is another vital factor, so choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list. If you’re hosting a large group, ensure the venue provides ample space for all activities, whether for networking areas or break spaces.

2. Manage Crowds Efficiently

Managing a crowd at an outdoor event presents unique challenges, especially when large numbers of people are moving between different areas. To ensure the smooth flow of the event, consider using wearable passes, like color-coded wristbands or lanyards, to distinguish between staff, guests, vendors, and VIPs. These wearable identifiers help organizers monitor access to certain areas and maintain order without being intrusive.

For events that extend into the evening or take place in low-light environments, LED wristbands can offer an added layer of functionality. They enhance crowd visibility and safety, as well as contribute to the event’s visual appeal, especially when synchronized with entertainment segments.

3. Rent Temporary Structures and Portable Buildings 

Outdoor events often require temporary structures like tents, marquees, and portable stages to accommodate various functions. They also provide necessary protection from the elements, ensuring guests remain comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

When selecting temporary structures, consider the size and design of the space to meet the specific needs of your event. If you’re hosting a presentation or panel discussion, ensure that the structure has adequate space for seating, AV equipment, and a stage.

In addition to shelters, consider the need for other portable buildings, such as restrooms, storage areas, and even medical stations. If your event is large or lasts for an extended period, portable buildings can provide essential services without compromising the event’s flow or guest experience. It’s also crucial to ensure that these structures are set up securely and comply with all local health and safety regulations to avoid potential issues on the day of the event.

4. Plan for Weather Contingencies

The weather can be one of the most unpredictable factors when hosting an outdoor event. Rain, extreme heat, or unexpected winds can disrupt even the most well-planned gathering. So, it’s vital to have contingency plans in place and to monitor the weather forecast in the weeks leading up to the event to prepare for and accommodate potential changes. However, don’t rely solely on forecasts, as weather conditions can change quickly.

As a precaution, it’s best to have backup plans. Ideally, the venue should offer both indoor and outdoor options, allowing you to relocate activities if necessary. If this isn’t possible, invest in weatherproof structures, like tents with side panels, to protect guests from light rain or wind. If extreme heat is a concern, provide shaded areas and cool-down stations with fans or misting systems to ensure guest comfort.

5. Coordinate Event Logistics 

Efficient logistics are also essential to ensure the smooth operation of your event, keeping everything running on schedule and allowing guests to enjoy all aspects of the event. With this in mind, create a detailed event schedule that outlines the timings for each session, activity, or performance. Make sure to also factor in time for networking, breaks, and transition periods between activities.

Additionally, plan for transportation and parking, especially if your venue is located away from main transport hubs. Ensure there’s enough parking space for attendees, including those with disabilities, and consider offering shuttle services if the venue is far from hotels or public transportation options.

6. Ensure Event Safety 

Safety should be a top priority when planning any event, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. This includes making sure the venue complies with local health and safety regulations, like fire safety measures. Have fire extinguishers readily available and create clear evacuation routes in case of emergency. Additionally, emergency medical services should be on standby in case of accidents or health issues during the event.

7. Organize Post-Event Clean-Up

Once the event concludes, it’s important to coordinate a thorough clean-up. Ensure that your venue is left in good condition and that all rented equipment and structures are returned on time. A cleanup crew should also be prepared to handle waste, including recycling and disposal of any event-related materials.

Planning an outdoor corporate event involves a great deal of preparation, but with careful organization and foresight, it can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. To minimize potential setbacks, follow these planning tips. They can help ensure your event runs smoothly, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and supporting your company’s goals.

Five Essentials You Shouldn’t Overlook When Hiring a Corporate Lawyer

StrategyDriven Talent Management Article | Five Essentials You Shouldn’t Overlook When Hiring a Corporate Lawyer

Choosing the right corporate lawyer can make or damage your business’s legal foundation. From navigating complex regulations to ensuring airtight contracts, the right legal partner helps safeguard your company’s interests.

However, many businesses overlook key factors when selecting a legal attorney, which leads to costly blunders. Understanding what truly matters in this decision can save bucks, time, and legal hassles.

In this article, we will explore five essentials you shouldn’t overlook when hiring a corporate lawyer.

1. Deep Sense of Business Laws and Industry-Specific Protocols

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, regulations are costly in the US. The US federal government regulations cost around $3.079 trillion in 2022, equal to 12% of U.S. GDP. These costs are imposed unevenly on the various economic sectors and firms of different sizes.

Therefore, it is very important to hire a corporate lawyer with a deep understanding of business law and the specific regulations. This expertise ensures they can provide tailored legal advice, anticipate potential risks, and help your business stay compliant.

From mergers and acquisitions to intellectual property and employment laws, knowledge of both general and niche legal frameworks is crucial. This legal insight can protect your company from costly litigation and regulatory pitfalls.

2. Proven Track Record With Contracts, Mergers, and Compliance

When hiring a corporate lawyer, it’s essential to look for a proven track record in handling contracts, mergers, and compliance issues. Partnering with a reputable law firm ensures these critical areas are managed with expertise and precision.

As of January 1, 2024, there were 1,322,649 active lawyers in the US, according to a survey by the American Bar Association. Over the past decade, the legal profession has grown by more than 41,000 lawyers, a 3.2% increase from 2014 to 2024. However, not all lawyers are meant to handle legal issues of a business.

An experienced lawyer can skillfully draft and negotiate contracts, guide you through complex mergers or acquisitions, and ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements. Their past success indicates reliability and competence in managing high-stakes legal matters that directly impact your operations.

What red flags should I watch for in a lawyer’s track record when reviewing past cases or deals?

Watch for a history of missed deadlines, frequent client disputes, or poor outcomes in similar cases. A lack of transparency, vague references, or inconsistent communication are also red flags. Repeated regulatory violations or ethical complaints suggest deeper issues. Always verify credentials and client reviews before proceeding.

3. Commitment to Continued Legal Education and Adaptability

In today’s fast-evolving legal landscape, a corporate lawyer’s commitment to continued legal education and adaptability is more important than ever. Laws, regulations, and industry standards frequently change, and a lawyer who actively updates their knowledge is better equipped to advise your business.

Professionals who pursue advanced credentials or certifications demonstrate not only expertise but also a proactive mindset. Many now leverage flexible options like law school online programs to stay ahead without disrupting their practice. This dedication to lifelong learning signals reliability and a genuine commitment to offering up-to-date legal solutions tailored to current market demands.

According to Cleveland State University, these flexible programs help lawyers to achieve their goal of earning an extra online degree in less time. They can easily maintain their professional and personal life. Always choose a lawyer who values ongoing growth and professional development.

How can I tell if a lawyer is keeping up with legal changes that affect my business?

Ask how they stay informed about industry-specific laws and regulations. Look for memberships in professional associations, recent certifications, or ongoing legal education. Lawyers who attend seminars, publish articles, or enroll in law school online programs often stay current. Regular updates during consultations also signal active legal awareness.

4. Strong Communication and Negotiation Skills

Good communication and negotiation skills are essential traits in a corporate lawyer, as they directly impact your business dealings and legal outcomes. A lawyer who communicates clearly can explain complex legal terms, align strategies with your goals, and avoid misunderstandings.

Effective negotiators help secure favorable terms in contracts, resolve disputes efficiently, and protect your interests in high-stakes situations.

As per Research Gate, three core principles are essential for effective professional negotiation. First, successful outcomes begin with thorough preparation; take the time to plan and understand the negotiation in advance. Second, aim high with realistic goals and explore a range of creative, optimal outcomes. Third, focus on the underlying interests behind each party’s position, rooted in the relevant legal context.

These skills ensure smoother interactions and more successful business relationships across the board.

How do I assess a lawyer’s negotiation style before hiring them?

Review their past case results and client testimonials for insights on negotiation outcomes. Ask about specific negotiation experiences during consultations. Observe how confidently and clearly they communicate. A lawyer who listens well, stays composed under pressure, and explains strategy transparently is likely to bring a strong, effective negotiation style.

5. Transparent Fee Structure and Availability

It is essential to consider the availability and fee structure when hiring a corporate lawyer.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that lawyers are employed by a wide range of organizations, typically working in office environments. Many serve in federal, state, or local government roles. Most lawyers work full time, with some exceeding 40 hours per week. As of May 2024, the median annual salary for lawyers was $151,160.

Knowing how you’re billed, whether hourly, flat-rate, or retainer, helps prevent unexpected costs and supports better financial planning. Equally important is the lawyer’s responsiveness and accessibility, especially during urgent legal matters.

A professional who’s upfront about costs and consistently available builds trust, ensures smoother communication, and becomes a dependable partner.

Making the Right Legal Choice for Your Business

Hiring a corporate lawyer is more than just checking qualifications. It’s about finding a trusted advisor who understands your business and stays ahead of legal changes.

By prioritizing key qualities like industry expertise, negotiation skills, transparency, and continued education, you can secure the legal support your company needs. Taking the time to choose wisely today can help prevent costly legal issues tomorrow.

Top Benefits of LMS in Corporate Training

StrategyDriven Talent Management Article | Top Benefits of LMS in Corporate Training

Traditional training methods are becoming too inflexible to adapt to the rapid pace of modern business. Employees tend to forget much of what is taught in workshops, while in-person training fails miserably in addressing any real gaps in skills. That’s where the benefits of LMS come in. It offers more than courses; it makes learning stick by integrating it into everyday work, customizing itself to the individual’s needs, and ensuring retention. 

The real power of an LMS is not in what it teaches but in how it uses training not as an event from time to time but as an opportunity with continuous advantages. Let’s see how it re-engineers corporate learning in the way some businesses are yet to realize.

What Is an LMS? 

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a web-based application that allows organizations to deliver, track, and manage training programs. The LMS serves as a centralized repository for learning materials, automating course assignments and providing real-time progress feedback. With an LMS, employees are no longer constrained by traditional training methods, such as in-class training, and can, therefore, learn at their own pace, access content anytime, and receive personalized recommendations.

The solution supports multiple formats, such as videos, quizzes, and interactive modules, stimulating constructive participation in learning. Businesses use an LMS for onboarding, compliance, and skills training, ensuring consistency and efficiency. An LMS is not just a tool; instead, it converts training into a continuous, data-driven process aimed at improving workforce performance and development.

LMS Benefits in Corporate Training 

Most discussions about LMS benefits focus on surface-level advantages such as cost savings, flexibility, and tracking. But today, we discuss the real power of an LMS that lies beneath the obvious. 

Here’s a deeper look at how it transforms corporate training:

1. Eliminates the Knowledge Decay

Most employees forget much of what they learn within a few days, so training sessions are not effective if they are only held once. According to statistics, employees forget 70% of what they have learned in the first 24 hours, and 90% is lost within the first week. An LMS counters this by micro-learning, spaced repetition, and just-in-time training. Instead of overloading a learner with content, it offers content in small, easily digestible bites, at which one learns integrated with the concept of time. 

The concept allows an employee to go back and learn when needed, thus ensuring retention by producing cyclic enforcement of knowledge and making online learning an eternal process rather than a single event.

2. Brings Out Invisible Skill Gaps

Most often, employees do not know where they lack proficiency, and managers miss such blind spots, too. The LMS system collects data from assessments, user interaction, and real-time performance metrics to reveal weaknesses before they can affect productivity. It generates targeted learning with AI-powered recommendations to personalize the learning paths. 

Instead of relying on self-reported skills, businesses gain a data-backed understanding of workforce capabilities, which allows them to proactively mitigate the adverse effects of skill shortages before they become a hindrance to operations. 

3. Embedding Compliance into Culture

Most employees see compliance training largely as a checkbox to tick, resulting in very little actual engagement. One of the LMS benefits in corporate training is that it builds compliance into daily activities through scenario-based learning, interactive modules, and automated reminders. 

Continuous learning moments, rather than annual sessions, reinforce policies. Thus, regulatory knowledge becomes second nature rather than forced. It reduces risk for the organization and makes people more likely to comply. Businesses introduce training enforced by law and beyond and thus into a culture where company policies line up with industry regulations as a matter of course. 

4. Reduces Silent Turnover

Disengaged employees do not always exit immediately but check out mentally before leaving. Gallup’s most recent report on The State of Global Workplaces revealed that disengaged employees have led to a $8.8 trillion annual loss. 

The advantages of learning management system in this regard are that it creates clear career paths, continuous skill improvement, and visibility on opportunities for growth to combat this. When employees perceive investment in their growth, they feel valued, and thus, they put in more effort. 

Managers can track individual learning progress, which helps them identify early signs of disengagement and intervene before talent is lost. This proactive measure leaves little room for turnover since skilled people stay motivated.

5. Develop an Adaptive Workforce

The shift in business needs occurs rapidly, specially when you hire virtual assistants; hence, an LMS adapts to changing employee needs. An LMS updates continuously based on market changes, the goals of an organization, and an individual progress algorithm. It would provide personalized educational services for employees to tailor-learn future-ready skills before needing them. 

Instead of reacting to skill shortages, companies stay ahead by developing talent in real-time. This agility prevents businesses from being disrupted and keeps employees competitive in emerging industries.

6. Removes Bottlenecks in Learning

Instructor-led training often has scheduling conflicts, leaving some people waiting for an instructor to take a session. Since LMS has an on-demand feature, employees can access these materials when they need extra learning. Also remove backgrounds from your images so they’re accessible quickly in your online learning materials.

Employees get courses to level up, enabling them to learn more quickly. Hence, there is no training dependency on a trainer’s basic availability. Knowledge is made available across teams at the point of requirement, thereby boosting productivity.

7. Turns Every Employee Into a Knowledge Contributor

Corporates regularly distribute knowledge and information through training activities. Top-down methods, however, are not the most effective means through which employees learn. An LMS establishes an avenue to share knowledge through content-generated users, discussion forums, and mentorship programs. 

Employees document sharing best practices and creating training materials, effectively exporting internal expertise as an accessible resource. Such a learning process is decentralized, meaning that organizations retain their expertise, and it also grows over time. Collaboration is important as learning becomes continuous, real-world, experiential, and market-driven.

8. Fills Leadership Gaps 

One of the top LMS benefits in corporate training is that it helps companies nurture real-time future leaders. Many organizations struggle with leadership development, waiting for employees to train them in managerial roles. However, an LMS recognizes those early in their careers or development as high-potential employees, providing them with targeted leadership training. 

Employees develop confidence and are equipped before stepping into leadership roles. This structured approach fills leadership gaps within an organization, guaranteeing the continual delivery of already qualified leaders. Even in a fast-paced environment like a dropshipping business, where roles often evolve quickly, an LMS can help identify and prepare future team leads who can manage operations, customer service, or supplier relations more effectively. 

9. Preserves Institutional Knowledge

Most of the time, when employees leave the company, they take with them a lot of information that is valuable. An LMS captures and stores those important workflows, best practices, and some expertise, all related to specific roles, thus preserving institutional knowledge. Employees can document insight through training to build onto a knowledge base that is accessible even when they are not around. 

New hires quickly become productive without waiting for training, as their resources are structured to minimize the learning curve. Loss of expertise within critical employee exits is converted to intellectual capital, leaving organizations with a continuous flow of stability. 

10. Builds Learning into Everyday Work

Traditional learning forces employees out of their responsibilities. An LMS brings learning into everyday tasks through tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and CRM systems. This is like training and learning in the flow of work. 

Instead of treating learning as an autonomous, separate activity, it is part of their routine, which improves engagement and application. Training will be more organic and ongoing as an organic part of productivity rather than a requirement now and then.

Conclusion 

An LMS should not just be considered software; it should instead be a strategic investment in human evolution. More than merely training boxes being ticked, it strives to be a living knowledge repository to build a dynamic learning culture. This is not only training but also protecting the workforce for the next generation. Such an investment will ensure that your LMS becomes the mainstay of the long-term success of your organization.

Enhancing Recruitment Efficiency In a Fast-Changing Job Market

StrategyDriven Talent Management Article | Enhancing Recruitment Efficiency In a Fast-Changing Job Market

In today’s fast-paced business world, mastering streamlined hiring strategies is more critical than ever. Businesses across various sectors are constantly challenged to attract top talent while dealing with the overwhelming demand of a competitive job market. Crafting an efficient regimen enables companies to save valuable time and resources and ensure they secure the best fit for each role within their team.

Despite these advantages, many recruiters confront numerous obstacles, from sourcing qualified candidates to ensuring long-term retention. As the challenges continue to evolve, it becomes imperative for businesses to re-examine and enhance their hiring strategies, thereby ensuring every procedural step aids in achieving their broader organizational objectives.

The Need for an Efficient Hiring Process

A meticulous and well-structured recruiting regimen significantly impacts business efficacy and success. When companies strive to streamline their hiring practices, they can enjoy many benefits, including resource optimization, enhanced candidate experiences, and improved hiring outcomes. Conversely, approaches marred by inefficiency can lead to lost opportunities, increased turnover rates, and a negative ripple effect on overall company productivity.

Implementing an efficient hiring process transcends beyond the simple transactional nature of filling positions. It plays an integral role in cultivating a positive work environment, fostering cultural alignment, and positioning the company as a desirable employer in the industry landscape. Consequently, businesses must prioritize refining and adapting their recruitment methodologies to meet and exceed current and prospective employee expectations.

Steps to Streamline Recruitment

Define Clear Objectives

The foundation of any successful recruitment strategy rests on clearly defined objectives. By establishing specific goals and stringent criteria for each new role, businesses ensure alignment with broader business requirements. Engaging all relevant stakeholders, including team leads and current employees, enriches the hiring process with diverse perspectives, ensuring the role’s demands and expectations are comprehensively understood and addressed.

Leverage Technology Tools

The recruitment sphere has witnessed a technological metamorphosis, with automation providing unprecedented efficiencies. By replacing time-consuming manual processes, technology empowers hiring teams to concentrate on more strategic initiatives. For instance, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become indispensable tools, facilitating seamless candidate tracking, streamlined interview scheduling, and enhanced cross-team communication. These tools increase operational efficiency and ensure a smoother candidate journey from application to onboarding.

Utilize Data-Driven Decisions

Data analytics have emerged as pivotal allies in refining and optimizing recruitment strategies. By harnessing the power of data, hiring managers can identify procedural bottlenecks and devise solutions to enhance their overall approach. Metrics such as time-to-fill, quality of hire, and candidate satisfaction provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of existing practices, enabling a strategically sound and data-driven recalibration of hiring methodologies where necessary.

Improve Candidate Experience

Today’s job market emphasizes the importance of the candidate experience as never before. An exceptional candidate experience—anchored in effective communication and prompt feedback—is paramount to attracting and retaining top talent. By streamlining interview stages and ensuring transparency throughout the process, companies can nurture a candidate-focused culture that leaves a lasting positive impression.

Establish a Strong Employer Brand

A robust employer brand stands as a key differentiator in drawing skilled candidates. Organizations can distinguish themselves in the crowded talent market by fostering a positive brand image that aligns with company culture and values. Successful employer branding initiatives attract high-quality candidates and play a crucial role in engendering strong employee loyalty and retention rates.

Foster Collaboration Among Teams

Cross-departmental collaboration can significantly bolster hiring results by broadening the scope of insights and expertise in recruitment processes. Businesses can craft holistic recruitment strategies that align with diverse organizational goals and needs by inviting teams from various disciplines to participate actively in the hiring process. Embracing a collaborative hiring approach ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of potential candidates and enriches the overall decision-making.

External Insight From Industry Leaders

Gleaning wisdom from the experiences and insights of industry leaders is invaluable in navigating the complexities of the recruitment terrain. Experts in the field advocate for embracing innovative recruitment practices to address the challenges presented by the evolving workforce landscape adeptly. For instance, a Forbes article on recruitment trends highlights key strategies for adapting to the post-pandemic labor market and underscores the essence of relentless evolution in hiring practices.

The Long-Term Benefits of a Streamlined Process

Efficient recruitment practices extend their benefits beyond short-term gains, laying the groundwork for sustainable organizational growth and success. A well-designed hiring process enhances employee satisfaction and retention, ensuring a stable and productive workforce. As companies continuously refine their hiring strategies, they create a self-sustaining cycle of attracting, nurturing, and retaining talent that propels the organization toward achieving its long-term goals.

Conclusion

Optimizing the recruitment process is a journey that demands deliberate consideration, strategic foresight, and continuous adaptation. By prioritizing efficiency in hiring practices, companies can meet immediate staffing needs and enhance the overall candidate experience. In doing so, they position themselves favorably within the competitive talent market. They are better equipped to attract, hire, and retain top-tier talent necessary for navigating the dynamic workforce environment of today and beyond.

Business Owner’s Guide to Employment Laws in Washington State

StrategyDriven Talent Management Article | Business Owner's Guide to Employment Laws in Washington State

Business owners who hire one or more workers in Washington must follow specific local, state and federal employment laws when selling products and services to consumers and other businesses. If they fail to follow these laws, they might experience production and sales disruptions after accidents or lawsuits and face costly fines, damages or even jail time. This guide helps new business owners understand important basic requirements for employing workers legally in Washington state. Read on to learn more…

Minimum Wage Requirements

Federal laws require business owners throughout the country to pay workers a minimum wage for their labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Washington’s laws also require employers to pay their workers a specific base wage per hour of scheduled work. This minimum wage helps protect workers from unscrupulous employers who might attempt to underpay them.

As of January 1, 2025, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. In Washington state, the wage is $16.66 per hour. It increased from the previous $16.28 per hour. Some cities and municipalities have additional laws that supersede the state ones. Legislators in these areas take into account a lot of different factors, such as location, cost of living, business size and industry, and even the number of workers employed by a business. For example, employers in Seattle must pay workers a minimum wage of $20.76 per hour because of the city’s high cost of living.

Rest, Restroom and Meal Breaks

Federal, state and local laws also require employers to provide rest, restroom and meal breaks based on employee age, schedule length, the company’s industry and other considerations. In general, a business owner must give their employees a rest break of 10 minutes minimum during every four hours of work at approximately the two-hour mark or several mini breaks that equal 10 minutes or more. Employers must never count restroom breaks in this period or prevent an employee from using a restroom when necessary.

With meals, an employer must provide a 30-minute minimum unpaid meal break for every five-hour shift some time after the second hour. If the employee must return to work during their meal period for any reason or stay at a post or remain on call during the break, the employer must pay for the meal break. Exceptions exist if the employer and employee jointly agree to waive any of these requirements.

Family and Medical Leave

The federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires a private business owner with at least 50 workers to provide 12 or 26 weeks per year of unpaid, protected leave for specific covered reasons. Common reasons for 12 weeks of leave include adoption, childbirth and newborn care, foster care, a serious medical condition that prevents the employee from working as needed, other care of an ill child, spouse or parent, or a covered active-duty event. The 26-week period covers care of a servicemember suffering from a serious illness or injury by a spouse, child, parent or other relative.

A separate Paid Family and Medical Leave program exists at the state level for all seasonal, part-time and full-time workers. Common coverage areas include adoption, foster care arrangement, pregnancy, birth, early child rearing, care of an immediate or extended family member, military obligation, serious acute or chronic illness, incapacity and recovery after domestic violence. It can also cover cosmetic or restorative surgery related to specific illnesses and substance abuse treatment. The program offers up to 12 weeks of paid, protected leave to workers in businesses of any size. Business owners must report the hours and wages for all employees every quarter and pay premiums toward the program.