About Us
Alera Group, formerly Barnes Insurance & Financial Services is a performance based, proactive, benefit firm committed to our client's success. Founded January 1, 2005 as a LLC, BIAFS has offices located at 1582 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504. In August of 2018 we joined Alera Group giving us a vast amount of resources to better serve our clients.
Our principal lines of business are Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Supplemental Policies, and Financial Services. United HealthCare, MetLife, UNUM, Guardian and ING are just a few of the carriers with whom we write business. BIAFS is a Blue Diamond agency with Florida Blue (highest agency status with Florida Blue). One of the most respected insurance agencies in the panhandle, Barnes Insurance & Financial Services has grown rapidly into a top ten agency with Florida Blue with over 15,000 lives insured.
As a Florida Blue contracted general agency, we have the ability in certain circumstances to help employees transition their dependents to individual health policies. We are also available to counsel with employees and dependents that no longer meet eligibility requirements to review their specific options and possibly limit their cost and the employer’s COBRA exposure.
With a combined working experience of over 100 years, BIAFS has 8 accomplished employees with a diverse insurance background that complements our clientele.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST and all federally recognized holidays are observed.
Meet Our Team
David Nicolette
Sales Executive
Graduating from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Risk Management, Insurance, and Managerial Finance, David was inspired to pursue a profession in insurance because he believes this industry is a true difference-maker across all sectors. He appreciates having the ability to play a role in so many different clients’ success, not only in the present but also in the future.
David is a hard-working, detail-oriented individual and brings a high level of energy to everything he does. Being a younger producer in the insurance industry, David has the luxury of being able to grow alongside clients for many years to come.
David enjoys spending time with family and friends. He believes relationships are essential, and he takes full advantage of any opportunity he gets to be with those closest to him. David is also interested in health and spending time in the gym, playing tennis and golf.
Cathy Powers
Senior Account Manager
Johnnie Dahlinger
Senior Account Manager
Lisa Knichel
Small Group Service Assistant/ Administrator
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Driving Communications and Engagement: Open Enrollment
Our experts will walk you through a strategic planning process to make sure you’re sharing in a way that not only drives employee awareness and engagement but also reaches your workforce across platforms with what they need to know about choosing the right benefits for them and their families.
August 15, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Q3 Compliance Update
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
September 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Collaborative Conversations: 2025 - What to Expect and What You Need to Know
Save the date for a conversation in September where we will discuss the impending PLO changes by BOLI and the Employment Department, their impacts, and other critical considerations.
September 12, 2024 at 08:30 am PT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks were under pressure last week as investors appeared to rotate out of mega-cap tech stocks and into areas that may benefit from lower interest rates.
July 22, 2024
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Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks advanced last week as market leadership shifted amid fresh inflation data and quarterly corporate reports starting to roll in.
July 15, 2024
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Paying Off Debt? Start Here
Part of prudently managing debt is making sure you have a plan to repay what you borrow. Of course, any plan starts with a solid grasp of your budget and a full emergency fund! While it may seem counterproductive to begin with saving before paying down debt, let’s discuss why these two planks make the best foundation.
July 11, 2024
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Monthly Market and Economic Update - June 2024
Read about the latest insights on the market and economy from our Director of Investments, Bob Janson.
July 9, 2024
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