Letter from the Board
As spring breathes new life into the world around us, we’re celebrating the season of growth and fresh starts – just like the journey of the entrepreneurs who have joined AWA!
This edition highlights new membership levels with access to ManhattanLife benefits. We have also partnered with On Call Home Warranty to help our members potentially save on a home warranty for your home office. Learn more in the AWA Benefits section.
AWA is committed to providing resources for our small business and entrepreneur members. In our Business section, we’re highlighting Small Business Majority, who advocates on our behalf for the betterment of small business owners nationwide, as well as the free SCORE mentor program.
Eating seasonally supports better health, enhances flavor, and promotes sustainability. Find out more in the Health & Lifestyle section.
We hope you have a happy and healthy spring!
Neil Peterson
AWA Board President
Members’ Corner
AWA Annual Members Meeting
AWA held its Annual Member Meeting on December 13th. AWA Directors Neil Peterson and Joey Ray were re-elected for a two year term through a vote of members present and via proxy. AWA Board President Neil Peterson gave an update to the members about the status of the association. Read more here.
Membership or Benefits Questions?
Be sure to check your Member Portal for the latest information on your membership.
For any questions- contact the AWA benefits administrator Premier Health Solutions at (214) 436-8881 or or visit their Member Support page.
Stay current on small business news, health trends and AWA benefits by visiting the AWA blog and other social media pages. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest news!
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AWA Benefits
New Membership Levels Now Available
AWA is proud to announce a recent partnership with ManhattanLife to provide access to new supplemental insured benefits.
The AWA Accident AssureGuard membership provides supplemental accident insurance toward accidents, injuries, ambulance services and accidental death.
The AWA Critical AssureGuard membership pays benefits directly to members toward critical illness covered conditions. Benefits can be used however chosen to help with out-of-pocket expenses.
And the AWA HealthAssureGuard membership includes Group Hospital Indemnity Benefits, which may help offset expenses incurred with a covered sickness, condition or accident.
All of these membership levels also include additional valuable association discounts, tools and resources. And if you would like to add an AWA membership that includes ManhattanLife insured benefits to your current AWA membership, be sure to call (214) 436-8881 to speak with a Customer Service representative.
Safeguard Your Investment
AWA is proud to announce an affinity partnership with On Call Home Warranty as a new way for you to save money.
As an entrepreneur, your home office is a vital part of your business, and ensuring its protection is key to your success. With On Call Home Warranty, AWA members can choose the right amount of coverage with the flexibility to select their own licensed contractors for any service needs.
Visit the AWA Affinity Partners page for more information on how you can save on your home warranty.
Advocate for Your Health & Wallet
Did you know that AWA members have access to patient advocacy through different membership levels offered? AWA has partnerships with two patient advocacy providers – GetAdvocacy and Alight Healthcare Navigation. These services offer the opportunity to find the lowest cost, most convenient provider for the health service you or your family may need ahead of scheduling the service. And after you receive your bill, they may be able to help reduce the amount charged for the service.
Find out more information on your AWA Member Portal.
Business
Advocacy for Small Business Owners
We recognize that small business owners and entrepreneurs might feel like no one is fighting in their corner when it comes to recent legislature and political moves. Our partnership with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council gives all AWA members a voice in Washington D.C.
Review the SBE Council’s latest updates for 2024 to find out how they are striving to make a difference this year. You can review the letters they have distributed to Congress, as well as their testimony, as a champion to the Small Business agenda.
For regular updates on the progress against this agenda, all AWA members have access to the Small Business Insider updates, which are published on a regular basis. To get involved and stay connected, opt in to the SBE Council’s weekly e-News and special alerts.
Mentoring Opportunities
Are you looking for someone who has already been there and done that successfully? Someone who can help show you the ropes and provide the wisdom of similar experiences on your journey to small business ownership?
SCORE provides free business mentorship to help entrepreneurs start, grow or divest of a small business. There are mentors from a wide variety of backgrounds that can provide advice on best practices and education on business topics.
Visit SCORE to request a mentor and get partnered with a local expert that matches your needs. Don’t forget about SCORE’s informative events led by industry experts too! Find out more at score.org.
Health & Lifestyle
Eat in Season, Thrive All Year
As the seasons change, so do the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that naturally grow around us. Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend — it’s a time-tested way to support your health, connect with nature, and enjoy more flavorful food.
Why Eat Seasonally?
- Nutrient Density: Produce picked at its peak ripeness tends to have more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, summer berries are packed with vitamin C and phytochemicals, while fall root vegetables offer complex carbs and essential minerals.
- Improved Digestion and Energy: Nature often gives us what our bodies need at the right time. Cooling foods like cucumbers and watermelon help us stay hydrated in summer. Hearty squash and warming spices like ginger support digestion and circulation in cooler months.
- Local and Sustainable: Seasonal eating often goes hand-in-hand with eating locally. This reduces the carbon footprint of your meals and supports regional farmers and ecosystems.
- Better Taste and Variety: When food is in season, it’s fresher and more flavorful. Embracing the changing harvest also invites you to diversify your diet throughout the year — a natural way to avoid mealtime ruts.
What’s in Season Right Now?
Be sure to do your research in your local area to find out what it is in season for you. Many regions will have the following available during springtime:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, and chard are rich in iron and great for post-winter detox.
- Asparagus: A natural diuretic, asparagus supports kidney health.
- Strawberries: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Radishes & Peas: Crisp, refreshing, and supportive of liver function.
Get started by visiting a local farmer’s market and chat with the vendors about what’s in season and how to prepare it. Make a plan for your weekly meals around a few seasonal staples. And you can preserve or freeze seasonal produce for use in the off-season.
By syncing your plate with the seasons, you’ll not only support your health but also deepen your connection to the world around you — one delicious bite at a time.
Healthy Recipes with Seasonal Produce
Spring brings many flavorful fruits and veggies back into season! These recipes help take advantage of the new crops of produce available for the picking.
Grilled Salmon & Vegetables – This grilled salmon recipe paired with grilled vegetables and a charred lemon-garlic vinaigrette captures the flavor of spring with smoky flavor from the grill. Asparagus and zucchini are quick and easy to grill and pair nicely with the salmon. Click here for the recipe.
Whole Grain Spaghetti with Italian Turkey Sausage – Total happiness in a bowl: pasta, sausage, tomatoes and herbs. The tomatoes get sweet and tender and turn into sauce with the stock and the pasta. Adding the herbs at the end gives the dish a fresh pop of color and flavor. This is one healthy pasta recipe we can definitely get behind! Check it out here.
Creamy Lemon Orzo with Spring Peas – This recipe is an irresistible bowl-scraper. It’s fragrant and flavorful from the shallots, garlic, lemon and tarragon, and creamy from cream cheese. Plus, the orzo cooks in the same pan as the rest of the ingredients—no extra pot or strainer necessary. Recipe found here.
One-Pot Chicken & Cabbage Soup – This simple, yet flavorful, chicken-cabbage soup is perfect for enjoying on a cool, rainy day. Sherry vinegar adds a touch of brightness and pairs well with the medley of vegetables. Serve with crusty bread. Find out more here.