SFM recently made several enhancements to its resource catalog.
The resource catalog is a massive repository of useful information for agents and policyholders. It includes posters and training guides about safety, in-depth plans for employers to successfully report, manage and prevent injuries, and handouts with additional workers’ compensation tips and best practices.
The aim of the latest updates is to create a better user experience for policyholders and agents. Upgrades were based on feedback from internal stakeholders and research conducted by SFM’s User Experience team.
At a high level, the upgrades make it easier for users to discover the available resources and make the catalog more searchable. People are also able to more easily download and order resources.
“SFM has a wealth of assets to help our policyholders. These upcoming improvements will not only help users find and utilize our expertise, but hopefully reduce claims and bolster the bottom line for all of our stakeholders,” said Sara Goese, Senior Web Content Developer at SFM.
The upgrades to SFM’s resource catalog include a more user-friendly layout, the ability for people to see all resources at the click of a button, the inclusion of language filters and more.
Specifically, the improvements include:
Users will no longer lose their original search term when clicking in and out of resources
The catalog “remembers” where users were on the previous page when clicking into resources and returning to the previous page
Loading indicators were added to tell users the system is working on displaying their search results
All search results are displayed on the same page, eliminating the need for users to click through pages of results
“SFM takes great pride in helping our policyholders maintain safe and healthy workplaces,” Goese said. “Our resources ensure employers have the tools they need to implement programs and procedures that develop strong return-to-work strategies, stay on alert for potential pitfalls and enhance their ability to keep their workers productive and on the job.”
Lastly, the search functionally was improved across the website in general in addition to the resource catalog itself. Check out the latest updates.
“I think it’s really important for us to be a strong part of the community that we operate in,” said Dave Kaiser, SFM Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “That’s through charitable giving and working with local businesses, but that also means supporting local artists. That philosophy has been the SFM way forever.”
The creative process
In the fall of 2023, Dungey and Tillotson toured the SFM offices in Bloomington, Minn.
“Their eyes were just bubbling with ideas,” Kaiser said. “They came back with a booklet of art that was just brilliant. There’s no other way to explain it.”
As the process moved along, Dungey and Tillotson began researching and reaching out to artists whose work they thought would make sense in the space.
“Indigo Morning 2,” by Amy Tillotson
“From the start, our goal was to present a variety of art that was cohesive and not only original, but also contemporary, timeless and suggestive of a positive energy,” said Dungey, who describes her own work as non-representational and abstract mixed media.
Notably, neither Dungey nor Tillotson had prior experience as an art consultant.
“We are artists first, not professional art consultants. But we each possess experience that contributed to the work as a whole. Working together on this project, our roles became clear where each other’s strengths lie,” said Tillotson, who has a background in exhibit design. “Rita has a very good knowledge of artists in our community. She attends local art exhibitions regularly and familiarizes herself with the artist’s work over time. … Her background in psychology and social work lends itself to empathy and seeing things through other people’s point of view.”
The SFM team had only small suggestions for the types of art that would be included, such as different textures and mediums, said Kim Thelen, SFM Information Services Project Manager. Also, SFM wanted original work for the office’s “neighborhoods,” which are named after U.S. National Parks. Original pieces were created to reflect the attributes of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, etc.
“It was fun for us and for everyone that we took out the traditional middleman of the art consultant,” Thelen said. “Because it let the artists continue to be creative — and the money we paid went to them instead of a consultant. It was such a fun experience.”
The final pieces were installed in March 2024.
Bringing it all together
SFM largely let Dungey and Tillotson drive the process, with the pair offering a few suggestions for each space and the internal company team eventually making selections from there.
“Flock of Trumpeters,” by Steve Hemingway
Even when SFM was asked for feedback regarding the paintings representing national parks, it was more of a hands-off approach.
“I didn’t want to get involved in that,” Kaiser said. “When they did the custom neighborhood paintings, they reached out to Kim and me to get ideas. And we both said no. We wanted the artist to do what she does. To me, that was the beauty of the process.”
The works include diverse mediums — two-dimensional paintings and sculptural (ceramic, wood, metal and mixed media), in addition to the national park paintings, which were created by Emily Donovan , who has a studio in northeast Minneapolis.
“We were happy to hear that SFM wanted to invest in a body of local, original artwork rather than the framed prints you so often see in an office setting,” Tillotson said. “We wanted to suggest artwork that represented a variety of mediums and styles but would be inviting and further enhance the designer’s choice of a natural color palette in paint color, wood, textiles and living walls.”
Still, as is the case with art. It’s subjective. Kaiser’s favorite piece is “Flock of Trumpeters,” by Steve Hemingway . For Thelen, it’s “Wish,” by Eleanor McGough .
“Wish,” by Eleanor McGough
“If you have an office full of disagreements about the art, you did your job,” Kaiser said. “It’s in the eye of the beholder, right? That was the point — to express different things. We’ve got metal grates and swans and petals. We have all kinds of stuff. And that’s the cool part.”
Dungey said she enjoyed helping SFM in purchasing art for their new space and collection.
“We are pleased with the excellent selections they made and are grateful for the support, trust and collaboration with everyone at SFM. It is our sincere hope that the art will bring enjoyment to staff and clients for many years to come,” she said.
Connecting through art
In the end, the artists said they appreciated working with SFM on the project.
“Overall, I think the project was a success,” Tillotson said. “We hope the employees of SFM enjoy the artwork that was selected. We understand that art can be highly subjective and hope there is enough variety for everyone’s tastes. Rita and I would not hesitate to work with SFM in the future.”
Added Dungey:
“It was an honor and privilege to work with SFM on procuring and installing art in their newly remodeled space. From start to finish, it was truly a team project, involving collaboration with my project partner Amy Tillotson and the design team of Dave Kaiser, Kim Thelen, Abby Halland, Barb Etzkorn and Paul Johnson, who all contributed to making the entire process flow with ease.”
SFM is making upgrades to its online MyPayroll system with new features and a streamlined process to make it even easier for policyholders to complete annual premium audits.
The enhancements went live on May 5, 2024.
The new features include:
The ability to securely upload multiple documents at once using a drag-and-drop interface
Email notifications in addition to physical letters about premium audit deadlines
The ability to add documentation to the audit after it’s been submitted
If you have started your audit in the old system at the time of the rollout, the information you’ve entered will be pre-filled into the new system.
New MyPayroll users
With the enhancements to MyPayroll, a wider range of policyholders will be able to complete their audit online, including some policyholders who previously completed audits in person or via email only.
If you have questions throughout the audit process, your auditor is available to help. You can find your auditor’s contact information on letters or emails you’ve received or within MyPayroll.
The SFM Foundation will be accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year until March 31, 2024.
The nonprofit makes college more affordable for families affected by workplace injuries by offering post-secondary education scholarships to children of parents fatally or seriously injured on the job while working for a Minnesota or Iowa employer.
Interested applicants can find a registration form and eligibility requirements for the scholarships on the SFM Foundation website .
Scholarships will be awarded based on injury severity and impact on the student and their family, among other factors.
About the SFM Foundation
The SFM Foundation was created in 2008 by SFM Companies, a regional workers’ compensation insurance group headquartered in Bloomington, Minn. The nonprofit is dedicated to easing the burdens on families affected by workplace accidents. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded 232 scholarships totaling $3.7 million. For more information, visit sfmfoundation.com .
Mark your calendars — dates are set for the SFM Foundation’s 2024 golf fundraisers.
These annual events are the biggest driver of funds for the foundation, which provides scholarship money for families affected by workplace injuries.
The Minnesota event will be held Monday, June 10, at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury
The Iowa event is set for Monday, May 20, at Hyperion Golf Club in Johnston
To register, visit the SFM Foundation’s website . Space at both events is limited — register early to reserve a spot.
Can’t make it? No problem! Sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $750 to $10,000-plus.
“The golf events are the SFM Foundation’s largest fundraisers of the year and it’s great to see all the support from our sponsors come through year after year,” Executive Director Lindsay Henningsgaard said.
SFM Foundation golf fundraisers
The 2023 golf events in Minnesota and Iowa generated $125,000 and $25,000, respectively.
Those contributions helped the SFM Foundation award more than $500,000 in scholarship funds in 2023, with 16 students benefitting. More than 125 scholarship recipients have graduated since the SFM Foundation’s inception in 2008. Scholarships are awarded regardless of the workers’ compensation insurer involved in the claim.
But beyond the financial benefits for scholarship recipients, the golf fundraisers give the students’ families a chance to come together and bond.
“It’s so rewarding to see all the support from the families each year,” Scholarship Director Debra Zorn said. “We value their participation and appreciate the community they have built.”
Lastly, keep an eye out later this year for information about the SFM Foundation’s fall events for 2024.
About the SFM Foundation
Since its inception in 2008, the SFM Foundation has granted 232 scholarships totaling $3.7 million to help students pursue higher education thanks to the generous support from sponsors and donors.
The SFM Foundation provides scholarships for students whose parents were seriously injured or killed while working for Minnesota or Iowa employers. SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota and is also known as Kids’ Chance of Iowa.To learn more about the cause, visit sfmfoundation.com .
Peter Lindquist has been part of the legal team at SFM since 2018. Prior to that, he practiced for four years in the areas of workers’ compensation defense, general civil litigation, and employment law. We asked Lindquist to share a little bit about his background and role.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I’ve been with SFM and Lynn, Scharfenberg & Hollick (LSH) for just over five years now. I got into workers’ compensation and law because my dad was a defense attorney handling a lot of workers’ compensation and employment law issues.
Ever since I was a kid I worked at his office. I started flipping copies when I was younger. Then when I was in college, I started doing more substantive stuff and that led me to go to law school.
I practiced and worked with my dad for four or five years doing work comp and employment law. Then I decided it was time to spread my wings and found my way to another firm and then to SFM.
How would you describe your role in a nutshell?
I kind of have two jobs. One of them is to represent SFM and its insureds in litigated workers’ compensation claims. That’s my primary role.
But I’m also a resource and adviser to SFM’s claims adjusters, medical-only reps and policy holders when they have non-litigated claims. That’s something that SFM does really uniquely compared to when I was in private practice and what I’ve heard of other companies that have in-house law firms.
Also, there’s a strong integration between LSH and the Claims team. Claims adjusters can walk down to our office or call us up any time they have questions to talk to us. We’re not just litigating claims.
How is SFM different from other companies you’ve worked with?
That integration piece is a huge part of it.
I found it difficult in private practice to strike a balance between being an advisor and providing good and candid advice to clients; and also being a business person and having to think about how to please clients and get return business. I also hated having non-communicative clients that I didn’t have a direct line to. I don’t see either of those as issues at SFM.
We’re colleagues and we can speak directly and frankly about the claims we’re handling, and people are responsive.
What about your job is particularly rewarding?
I do really enjoy the times we’ve had in meetings with policy holders, especially small business owners who are new to work comp, where we kind of give them the work comp 101. We do a fair amount of that.
We’ve got a lot of big employer entities that know their stuff but getting to work with those smaller entities that don’t know it as well is rewarding.
What do you like about your job?
I like getting to explain things and help people solve problems.
I also like the problem-solving part of the litigation and day-to-day side. Every new claim that comes in is like a puzzle. You get to look at all the pieces – what are the facts, what are the issues, what does the medical report say? Then you start using those to paint a picture about the case. I really enjoy that part of it.
What’s most challenging about your job?
Litigation is stressful and time-consuming, and has constant deadlines to meet. And you have to work hard to keep a cool head in contentious situations, and in dealing with difficult personalities.
What words of wisdom do you have for small-business employers?
Communicate. Remember that with SFM you’ve got so many resources – claims adjusters, med reps, doctors, attorneys. Communicate with us, use us. When you’ve got an active claim, keep us in the loop as to what’s going on. We’re a team and we should work as a team.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. I’m married and my wife and I have an 8-month-old at home, and that’s the biggest thing in our lives right now.
Outside of that than that, I play guitar in a couple of bands. My three younger brothers and my dad are all musicians, too, so that’s a big part of our family gatherings and activities.
Dave Kaiser doesn’t have a singular moment that stands out during his time with the SFM Foundation.
“The moment for me happened every year,” Kaiser said. “It was when I would speak in front of everyone at our annual golf events. There would be 250 people in a packed room, and we’d be introducing the kids and you could feel the energy in that room. You could understand the whole reason why you were doing this. That was special.”
Fifteen years after co-founding the SFM Foundation, which provides college scholarship funding for families affected by workplace injuries, Kaiser stepped down as board chair on Dec. 6, 2023. While it was partly due to SFM Foundation bylaws, there was another reason.
“Honestly, it was also time,” he said. “It was time for someone else to do this and give them that opportunity. Fifteen years is plenty for anybody.”
Over those 15 years, the SFM Foundation has awarded $3.7 million in scholarship funds.
Origins of the SFM Foundation
Back in 2008, Kaiser had heard of an organization in Colorado that provided scholarships to the children of injured workers.
He told Bob Lund, former SFM President and CEO, a similar nonprofit would be a good idea for the company.
“We saw how successful it was and also how it fit so well into our organization. We thought it would give employees something to be proud of,” Kaiser said. “We’re giving back to the same community that we work hard to provide good outcomes for.”
Aside from heading up the SFM Toys for Tots program, Kaiser had never had any experience with a nonprofit. He made some calls to officials with the Colorado group, spoke to some lawyers and “boom, we had a foundation.”
A board of directors and volunteer team was established to run the SFM Foundation, which started with a golf fundraiser because Kaiser had experience at such events.
In its first year, the SFM Foundation provided $57,000 in scholarship money. This year, it was $500,000. And the SFM Foundation is among the top organizations in the country providing similar philanthropy.
SFM Foundation successes
That growth over the past 15 years benefits more than just the scholarship recipients.
“The mission was to impact not only the kids, but also the families,” Kaiser said. “These families have been through some really awful things. The kids’ grades tend to drop. And the families are often financially strapped because they lost their primary breadwinner.”
Those families have gotten to know each other over the years and attend SFM Foundation events.
“You saw this huge community being built,” Kaiser said. “Since the third year, we typically sell out the golf event in February because everybody wants to show up to it and they want to be part of that community. That’s why you do it – you see how you’re impacting the lives of other people.”
That sense of community and hope is big for Kaiser. “Bad things happen but there are also good people out there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kaiser noted how SFM and its employees have embraced the organization, which has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar – the top transparency rating a nonprofit can receive.
“It’s about finding people that share the same mission,” he said. “The people who have worked on this over the years – you have to find the people who have the same place in their heart and they’re all doing it for the same purpose.”
Those involved in the SFM Foundation don’t see the efforts as work. “When people view it as something that adds to their life, then you have magic,” Kaiser said.
There is a strong core of SFM employees who make the foundation go. Kaiser himself has held virtually every title in the organization over the years, and added that the foundation’s efforts also offer SFM employees the opportunity to take on new roles and challenges outside of their day-to-day job.
Of course, every promotion within the SFM Foundation comes with extra pay.
“Everyone’s used to my famous line – if you get a promotion I double your salary,” he said. “Well, no one got paid.”
Future of SFM Foundation
Kaiser credited the ability of the foundation’s leadership team in making the SFM Foundation a success. That group will continue to operate as it has in Kaiser’s absence.
Taking over as board chair is Andy Gebhard, SFM’s VP & Chief Communications Officer.
“Andy’s going to do fantastic,” Kaiser said. “I told the board – after 15 years, having fresh blood is a good thing. And having someone like Andy, who has so much creativity and shares that same emotional connection, it’s a perfect match.”
Kaiser thanked SFM Foundation volunteers, saying the organization is only successful because of them. “They are the heart and soul of the foundation,” he said.
He’s proud of how the company and its employees have adopted the organization and moved it forward, specifically mentioning:
President Linda Williams
Executive Director Lindsay Henningsgaard
Scholarship Director Debra Zorn
Event Director Kim Thelen
Circling back to the annual golf event that is so special for Kaiser. Is he even any good at golf?
“Not tremendous,” he said. “I can hit the ball a long way, I just don’t know where it’s going.”
Since its inception in 2008, the SFM Foundation has granted 232 scholarships totaling $3.7 million to help students pursue higher education thanks to the generous support from sponsors and donors.
The SFM Foundation provides scholarships for students whose parents were seriously injured or killed while working for Minnesota or Iowa employers. SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota and is also known as Kids’ Chance of Iowa.To learn more about the cause, visit sfmfoundation.com.
SFM has released a new version of CompOnline. The improvements enhance security, provide more permissions to the administrator and streamline our behind-the-scenes processes allowing us to serve you even better.
CompOnline administrators may notice a few changes, including:
Administrators can now manage all policy contacts, not just CompOnline users. Any additions or changes to contact profiles will directly update the information we have on file for your organization.
For security purposes, administrators can no longer create the first-time password for a CompOnline user and will no longer be able to reset a CompOnline user’s password.
Download the new guide
If you’re a CompOnline administrator, please download our updated CompOnline Administrator Guide for information on the updated features.
This fall brings two opportunities to support the SFM Foundation with events in Minnesota and Iowa.
Annual fall event returns
The Foundation’s annual Fall Fundraising Event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, at The Westin Edina Galleria in Edina, Minnesota, near SFM’s Bloomington headquarters. The in-person event will feature wine, craft beer and cider tasting, a silent auction, raffles and complimentary appetizers. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. The online silent auction will run from November 6-9. If you are unable to attend the live event you can still bid on items through the online bidding platform. If you’re interested in making a bigger impact, sponsorships are available at multiple giving levels and donations are also being accepted for the silent auction.
New Iowa event planned
A new event is making its debut this year in Iowa. The Bowling for Scholarships fundraiser is set for 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, at Spare Time Entertainment in West Des Moines, Iowa. Join the Foundation for an evening of bowling and live music by The Juan & Only. There are multiple ways to participate:
Register as a Team Sponsor for $500 and your team of four will receive two hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and refreshments. Team themes and costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for best team theme and highest team score.
If you’re interested in supporting the event without bowling, register to be a Lane Sponsor for $300 and you’ll have your logo displayed electronically at one of the 14 lanes.
Register as a Social Attendee for $50 if you prefer to hang out, watch the bowlers, listen to the live music, and enjoy two complimentary refreshments.
Proceeds from both fall events will support multi-year scholarships for students affected by workplace injuries.
Since its inception in 2008, the SFM Foundation has granted 232 scholarships totaling $3.7 million to help students pursue higher education thanks to the generous support from sponsors and donors.
The SFM Foundation provides scholarships for students whose parents were seriously injured or killed while working for Minnesota or Iowa employers. SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota and is also known as Kids’ Chance of Iowa.To learn more about the cause, visit sfmfoundation.com .
It’s now even more important for employers to notify their claims adjuster immediately if an employee requests a non-emergency surgery.
Minnesota workers’ compensation law changed recently to allow an employee to notify their employer directly of a request for non-emergency surgery. Once notice has been given, the employer or insurer has seven days to give a response to the request. In a previous version of the law, such requests had to be directed to the insurer by the health care provider.
Legal options available to employers and insurers for response include approving or denying the surgery, requesting additional information or a second opinion, or requesting an independent medical examination (IME).
Peter Lindquist has been part of the legal team at SFM since 2018. 
