Manchester, NH

    About Us

    Our Firm

    Founded in 1992 by K. Brian McLaughlin, Granite Group is a full-service employee benefits and risk management consulting firm. Our mission is to exceed our clients’ and their employees’ expectations as they relate to our commitment to outstanding service, innovation, ethics, and expertise. We are a customer focused company that brings personal and exceptional service to our valued clients on a consistent basis through our dedicated approach.

    Our People

    Built around the premise of teamwork, Granite Group employees’ broad and varied skillsets can better serve our clients unique needs. Our experienced staff will deliver tailored benefits solutions based on a structured consulting process. Our team will assess your benefits needs, survey the marketplace, set goals, provide thorough risk assessment and competitive pricing, and introduce the tools and technology to deliver the best benefit options for you and your employees. In 2023, our Manchester, NH office welcomed former Landmark Benefits employees from the Windham, NH location.

    Our Presence

    Developed over 30 years, GGB remains focused on our client community, and supports their business and social needs across New England. Our employees live and serve in the neighborhoods they grew up in, providing our clients with a valuable resource that understands the local needs of the community. As an Alera Group firm, our clients also benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local service and relationships.
     

    Associations

    shrm

    Meet Our Team

    Kathy Ellis

    Director of Health & Wellness
    Photo of Kathy Ellis

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5265
     

    Kathy joined Granite Group Benefits as the Director of Health & Wellness in November 2014.  Prior to being a part of Alera, she managed comprehensive employee wellness programs for large corporations, worked in clinical health promotion and instructed undergraduate classes in health and human performance.  Kathy’s passion for wellbeing goes beyond promoting healthy habits.  She looks to help people find a way to feel their best every day so they can pursue the things they love. She thrives on sharing those concepts with employers to help create workplace communities that help employees thrive.

    Kathy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science & Sports Studies from the University of Tampa and her Master’s degree in Human Performance from Bridgewater State University. She is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and is also certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council of Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). An outdoor enthusiast, Kathy is also a volunteer hike leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) New Hampshire Chapter.

    LinkedIn

    Kelly Mitchell

    Senior Benefits Consultant
    Photo of Kelly Mitchell

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5261
     

    In 2003, Kelly joined Granite Group Benefits as a Senior Client Manager. She came to Granite Group Benefits from CIGNA Healthcare where she began her career as a Team Leader in the Member Services Department. Having gained significant experience in Group Health Insurance, Kelly then took a position within CIGNA's Sales Department as a Client Strategy Specialist. Kelly has worked in Sales and Customer Service since 1998. She enjoys educating her clients as well as advocating for them, in order to ensure they get the most out of their benefit program. Kelly received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

    LinkedIn

    Kim Socha

    Senior Benefits Consultant
    Photo of Kim Socha

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5269
     

    Kim joined Granite Group Benefits as a Senior Benefits Consultant in 2014. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, she focuses on benefits, retention, and employee satisfaction. Kim prides herself in helping her clients navigate the continuously evolving and complex healthcare industry.

    In her current role as a Benefits Consultant, she works directly with local and multi-site, large employers. Her current accounts include both self-funded and fully insured programs. She helps her clients evaluate, implement and manage their employee benefit programs. Before joining GGB, Kim worked in product development and sales at Cigna.

    Kim is a graduate of Tufts University and lives in Deerfield, NH with her husband and three children. She is certified in the Affordable Care Act by the National Association of Health Underwriters.

    LinkedIn

    Jeanette Chasse

    Senior Benefits Consultant
    Photo of Jeanette Chasse

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5264
     

    Jeanette joined Granite Group Benefits as a Client Manager on June 1, 2013. She came to GGB with a 17 year background in the insurance industry primarily focused on Employee Benefits and individual life, health and disability insurance.

    In her current role, Jeanette is responsible for assisting clients with coverage, claim, billing and enrollment questions and keeping them informed about compliance issues and deadlines. In addition, she works with existing clients on their annual renewal review process and is responsible for quoting and writing group and individual new business.

    Prior to working at GGB, Jeanette worked at Eaton & Berube Insurance Agency, Inc., an independent local full-service agency for 17 years in the Financial Services Division. She resides in Mont Vernon, NH with her husband of 25 years.

    LinkedIn

    Our Community

    We believe in being contributing members of the communities we serve. GGB employees, through business-sponsored and personal endeavors, volunteer their time mentoring, fundraising, and supporting multiple organizations in our local community to include:

    Veterans Count, American Red Cross of Greater Manchester, Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, CareGivers, Cystic Fibrosis – Northern NE Chapter, Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains, Granite United Way, Greater Lakes Region Making Strides, Henniker Food Pantry, Manchester Area Human Resources Association, Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, New England Parkinson's Ride, and UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

    Our culture rewards teamwork. Whether we are working for you, or helping in our communities, we do it together.

    Eugene Van Loan Leadership Award

    2021 Easter Seals NH Celebration Breakfast Granite Group Benefits congratulates Managing Partner Brian McLaughlin, this year’s Eugene Van Loan Leadership Award recipient at Easterseals. 

    We are so proud of your service and all of the great work you continue to do in the community.

    2021 Easter Seals NH Celebration Breakfast

    “We Take Care of the People Who Took Care of Us”

    The Meals on Wheels cause runs deep in the Scammon family. He recalled that when talking to his parents after first joining the board, he learned his grandmother had been a driver for Meals on Wheels. 

    “This cause is so important-we are literally helping people in need be able to live safely at home. These are the teachers, police officers, fire fighters, coaches-all people who played a key role in the community.”

    Logo for Meals on Wheels

    The Meals on Wheels CRAZE! Event is coming up!

    Saturday, October 30th, 5:00-7:00pm, Trombly Gardens, Milford, NH. This is our new outdoor fall event which is fun for all ages! 

    There will be a corn maze, costume contest, bonfire, hot dogs/ s’mores roast, pumpkin cornhole, and more! Cool CRAZE t-shirts available for $10. 

    Visit https://www.hcmow.org/craze to purchase your tickets and t-shirts!

    Poster for Craze

    GGB supports the Meals on Wheels Jam Fest!

    Saturday, September 25th, 11:30 AM- 9:00 PM, Sherman’s Pit Stop, Wilton, NH. 

    All of the musicians’ tip proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County!

    Visit: https://www.hcmow.org/jam-fest for more info and a concert schedule.

    Jam Fest

    Cheering by Chairing for our Community

    Our very own Kim Socha is helping to chair the 8th Annual Farnum Spirit of Hope event taking place May 12th. 

    Friends and supporters gather annually at the Spirit of Hope Event, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to celebrate the victories of recovery made possible through Farnum Services. 

    The event raises awareness about substance use treatment services and invites members of the community to join in changing the conversation around addiction from stigma to support, from problems to solutions. 

    Learn more about the event!

    Logo for Spirit of Hope Event

    Champions Among Us!

    Senator Lou D’Allesandro, a longtime supporter of senior services in NH, stopped by the Carpenter Center in Manchester to assist with the distribution of “Grab ‘n’ Go” meals from Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County.  

    Jim Scammon, current board chair of MOWHC, met with the Senator to thank him for his participation and many years of support.

    Jim Scammon and Senator Lou D’Allesandro

    GGB is Making Strides

    Granite Group Benefits' Jeanette Chasse and her team Carole Strong at the 27th Annual Greater Lakes Region Making Strides walk yesterday at Opechee Park in Laconia!

    Photo of Making Strides Team

    GGB Steps UP!

    Great time last night supporting SJCS Meals on Wheels and their Step UP! 5k.

    Photo of SJCS Team

    We Support Veteran’s Count

    The 5th Annual “Make 12 Hours Count” Radio Thon is this Wednesday, March 20th. 

    Tune in to News Radio 96.7 and WGIR AM 610 – Don’t forget about the online auction happening NOW — text VETSAUCTION to 51555 to bid on the items (the auction is open to everyone)!

    Veteran's Count

    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Employee Benefits

    Setting Your Strategy for the New Year: Alera Group's 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook

    Our experts will highlight key results from Alera Group’s "2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook" and explain how these trends can impact your benefits program this year.

    January 16, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    Webinar graphic - Alera Engage

    Wealth Services

    State of the Markets

    Join us as we unveil the factors that drive the nation's financial pulse and how they may impact your personal finances.

    January 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    State of the Markets

    Wealth Services

    State of the Markets

    Join us as we unveil the factors that drive the nation's financial pulse and how they may impact your personal finances.

    April 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    State of the Markets

    Quote from Dawn Barker

    Granite Group Benefits is the Gold Standard for full service in Benefits. They are innovative and are always striving to offer more to their clients. When we wanted to offer wellness programs to our employees, Granite Group had programs to offer and suggestions on how to improve what we were offering. Granite Group Benefits is genuine and caring in the service they deliver.
    Logo for Riverwoods
    Dawn Barker VP of Human Resources Riverwoods at Exeter

    Quote from Patricia Clark

    Breas Medical partnered with Granite Group Benefits in 2020. Our GGB team has provided outstanding support this past year. They are extremely knowledgeable and provide the necessary guidance so that Breas can make the best informed decisions regarding our benefit practices. Granite Group has also done an amazing job from a compliance perspective. They continuously send legal updates as regulations change especially in this world of COVID. I would highly recommend any company to engage with Granite Group if you are looking for outstanding customer service. Thank you for making our jobs easier on a daily basis!
    Logo for Breas
    Patricia Clark Human Resources Director Breas Medical

    Quote from Tina M. Sharby

    What sets Granite Group apart is their responsiveness and focus on customer service. They are always prepared to jump in and help us find a solution that works for the organization and our employees.
    Logo for Easterseals
    Tina M. Sharby Senior Vice President Human Resources Easter Seals NH, VT, NY, ME, RI and Harbor Schools

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    Employee Benefits

    Don’t Forget About Your Gag Clause Attestations

    When the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was enacted on December 27, 2020, it included a provision that prohibits group health plans and health insurance carriers from entering into certain agreements that, either directly or indirectly, restrict the release of certain information related to provider networks and de-identified encounter data, among other things. Such restrictions are commonly referred to as “gag clauses.” The CAA also requires plans and carriers to attest annually that their agreements do not include such impermissible gag clauses.

    November 20, 2024

    Find out more

    Employee Benefits

    Avoiding an Employee Lawsuit Over a Tobacco Surcharge Claim

    Tobacco surcharges on health insurance premiums for employees who use tobacco products are attractive options for employers looking to keep their workforce healthy while lowering their organization’s healthcare costs. But surcharges can go too far, and many employers may be unaware of the limitations. Alera Group's new whitepaper on tobacco surcharges is designed to assist employers in complying with federal regulations.

    November 19, 2024

    Find out more

    Employee Benefits

    Q4 Considerations: New HIPAA Privacy Considerations

    Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Final Rule titled HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy.

    November 15, 2024

    Find out more

    Employee Benefits

    Spotlight on 2025 Benefit Limits

    The IRS has released the 2025 benefit plan limits. The following chart shows some of the key limits for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tax years.

    November 15, 2024

    Find out more