To compete with a low unemployment rate, American's blue-collar industries are adopting a blunter recruiting approach.

Participants will be able to ask for information on retirement plan account and loan balances, among other things.

According to new LIMRA research, approximately 70 percent of small employers offering insurance benefits obtained coverage via an agent or broker. However, this person has not necessarily achieved “advisor status” in the employer's mind.

VBID has been on employers' radar for a while, but the concept appears to be experiencing a second wind.