By: Carlie Dorshaw Moe, Manager of Development
Carlie Dorshaw Moe, Manager of Development at the chamber recently spoke with Bert E. Marshall, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas on the recent recession and subsequent economic upturn.
What is your favorite thing about doing business in Dallas?
Dallas has such a healthy economy – from population growth to business-friendly taxes. I think any businessman would agree that it’s a major perk to doing business here. As the fourth-fastest growing metro area in the U.S. right now, I’m excited to see Dallas continue on that trend of growth in all sectors, but most importantly, health care.
How does your company utilize social media?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas realizes that health insurance can get complicated, so we use social media to communicate with our members in a language and medium with which they are comfortable. This has been especially useful as we have tried to help individuals better understand health care reform measures such as the deadline to enroll by March 31. Our online presence includes our website, bcbstx.com, and multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+. Through these channels, we are able to learn more about our customers and serve our members in new preferred manners – with a focus on building engagement and encouraging two-way conversations. I’m especially proud to say that we cater toward our Spanish-speaking customers as well. We have a Latino Facebook page as well as Spanish videos on our YouTube channel.
What is your business background? (Education, previous jobs, etc.)
I’m proud to have been “Blue” for many years now. Before taking the position of president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, I served as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Oklahoma. Prior to my career at Blue Cross, I practiced insurance regulatory and government relations law and held leadership positions within the Oklahoma Insurance Department. It all started with an economics degree and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Currently, I’m fortunate to serve on the Texas Association of Business Board of Directors, Dallas Citizens Council and, of course, the Dallas Regional Chamber.
How long have you lived in and/or been doing business in Dallas?
My wife, Martha, and I are fairly new to Texas. We moved from Tulsa to Plano in the summer of 2012, and it’s been exciting to step into my new role as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. However, our organization has been around long before my time. We have been serving Texans for more than 80 years.
What can the region look forward to seeing out of your business in the next year?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ goal has been to expand access to cost-effective health care to as many people as possible, in every part of the state. We have a number of efforts in the works to work with small business owners as they consider their options for providing insurance coverage for their employees. After a yearlong effort to reach uninsured Texans, and with only weeks left before the March 31st enrollment deadline, we are launching a Countdown to Coverage campaign to raise awareness about the upcoming deadline and the importance of having health insurance. As part of Countdown to Coverage, we’re hosting an enrollment event at Fair Park here in Dallas on Saturday, March 15. Dallas residents can learn more about the event at EnrollYouTx.com. We plan to continue our focused consumer education initiative throughout the year, with emphasis on reaching the working uninsured, from mom-and-pop business owners to contract workers who don’t qualify for company benefits.
How has the recent recession and subsequent economic upturn affected your business?
The DFW area has a pro-business culture that has helped it withstand recent economic uncertainty. While the health care industry isn’t immune to the impacts of the economy, analysts generally agree that the deep recession and the sputtering recovery have helped keep health care spending — and insurance premiums — lower than the double-digit increases experienced in 2004 and before. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, we’re committed to helping keep health care costs down, and I think our competitive rates on the new health insurance marketplace are good evidence.
What is your favorite Chamber program or event?
The annual health care conference, of course! It’s so important to keep the dialogue open in regard to how health care impacts us on a local level. Although I was unable to attend this year’s conference in person, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan McCoy served as moderator of the health care discussion.
What advice would you give a recent graduate entering the workforce for the first time?
Don’t underestimate the importance of having fun and enjoying what you do. Happy people are more productive people. Plus, your co-workers and clients will see it on your face and hear it in your voice. A good attitude is as important to your success as any technical skill you bring to the job.
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of the office?
Since my wife and I are relatively new to Texas, we enjoy spending time getting to know the Dallas area. There are plenty “BIG” local attractions to see – from the Perot Museum to Klyde Warren Park and so much more. People who know me really well are usually not surprised that my weekends fill up with various hunting trips in the fall. I also make a conscious effort to support the community as a volunteer with the American Heart Association and United Way.
What recent or upcoming changes in the region are you most excited to see?
I’m excited to see more and more businesses understanding the importance of having a healthy workforce. I always say, “Good health is good for business,” and I think most employers would definitely agree. Good health is also good for our economy. With there being so many uninsured residents in Texas, our communities need to understand the importance of covering the uninsured – especially in Dallas, where more than 30 percent of our residents need coverage. Let’s get people the health care they need.