Executive Compensation at Houston Methodist
Houston Methodist describe a large system of non-profits that include hospitals (7) , research institutes, a foundation, physician groups, 120 care locations and more throughout the greater Houston area. Although the organizations employ more than 22,000 people, this post only addresses the executive compensation reported by the Methodist Hospital Group – a 501 (c) (3) considered to be the “group return” although the other major two non-profits within the organization (Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group and the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation) file separate Form 990’s to the IRS. However, the group return does list the compensation of employees of affiliated or related organizations.
The Methodist Hospital Group employed 11,025 individuals in 2016 who were compensated $712 million which equates to an average compensation of $64,600. 674 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 49 most highly compensated employees listed below: Read more 
Executive Compensation at the Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group
The Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG) is also known as the TMH Physician Organization. A 501 (c) (3), HMSPG is based out of Houston, Texas and part of the healthcare organization known as Houston Methodist, which has dozens of non-profits that are affiliated and related. Consequently, each non-profit files its own Form 990 with the IRS annually.
HMSPG employed 2,754 individuals who were compensated $385 million in 2016, which equates to an average compensation of $140,000. However, only 721 employees were compensated more than $100,000. The 38 most highly compensated employees were reported to be: Read more
Noka® Superfood Smoothies
No prep. No waste. No mess. No wait.
Who doesn’t love a smoothie? A thick, smooth drink typically made with fruit, vegetables, and some type of liquid (i.e. water, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, juice, etc), a smoothie is thirst quenching, filling, usually nutritious (depending on what is added to the fruits and vegetables), delicious, and very satisfying.
The problem with smoothies is that you either have to make a smoothie at home or go to a store to have one made for you, which isn’t always convenient. You may be on your bike, at a sports event, or even in the car when all you have is a dry energy bar in your backpack or handbag when what you really want is a smoothie. Until recently, you had to settle for the energy bar but not anymore. Read more
Where Does $100 to the National Milk Producers Federation Go?
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is a farm commodity policy organization representing most (but not all) dairy marketing cooperatives in the United States. A 501 (c) (6), – that also has a political action committee or PAC to host and participate in fundraising activities for political candidates – NMPF’s membership dues are tax deductible because they qualify as ordinary and necessary trade or business expenses. Their non-profit status simply means their earnings are exempt from federal income tax (with the exception of any funds used for lobbying or political activities, which is why they have a PAC) because they do not benefit any private shareholder or individual. Read more
Executive Compensation at the National Milk Producers Federation
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is a farm commodity policy organization representing most (but not all) dairy marketing cooperatives in the United States. A 501 (c) (6), – that also has a political action committee or PAC to host and participate in fundraising activities for political candidates – NMPF’s membership dues are tax deductible because they qualify as ordinary and necessary trade or business expenses. Their non-profit status simply means their earnings are exempt from federal income tax (with the exception of any funds used for lobbying or political activities, which is why they have a PAC) because they do not benefit any private shareholder or individual.
NMPF has three types of membership: cooperative, associate, and affiliate. Only cooperative members have voting rights. Read more
Summer Corn Salad
Fresh Summer Corn Salad is an easy and delicious summer side dish made with 4 ingredients: fresh corn, tomatoes, parsley, and spices (preferably pink peppercorns, salt and pepper). But, the quality of the salad greatly depends on the quality of the ingredients: fresh corn, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh flat leaf parsley.
Fresh corn on the cob is abundant in August so finding good quality corn shouldn’t be a problem. Look for bright green moist husks. Read more
Executive Compensation at HealthPartners
HealthPartners, Inc. was founded in 1957 as a health insurance cooperative and has grown and expanded to be one of the largest consumer-governed non-profit health care organizations (HMO) in the country with approximately 26,000 employees. The organization has 1.8 million health plan members in six states who receive care through eight hospitals, 55 primary care clinics and 22 urgent care sites.
The organization consists of dozens of affiliated and related non-profits with HealthPartners, Inc. (HPI) – a 501 (c) 4, Group Health Plan, Inc. (GHPI) – a 501 (c) 3, and Park Nicollet Health Services (PNHS) – a 501 (c) 3) the three primary organizations that report executive compensation. However, it is important to note that HPI reports having no employees and that all officers, directors, and key employees are are paid by GHPI although the return also states that all officers of HPI are employed and compensated by GHPI and PNHS. Because these organizations are related and affiliated with each other, the most highly compensated employees are listed on HPI’s Form 990. Therefore, the list of most highly compensation employees will include all those listed. Read more
Lark Ellen Farms Granola
Lark Ellen Farms is leading the pack in redefining what granola is and can be. Instead of oats as a base, this California-based company uses organically grown and certified nuts and seeds and takes them through a process of sprouting (a soaking process) to help make the nutrients more easily absorbable when consumed. The sprouted nuts and seeds are mixed with other organic ingredients and then air dried at a low temperature to help keep the nutrient content intact.
Lark Ellen Farms makes 6 different varieties of granola (although 5 of the flavors are called “granola bites” and one flavor is called a “cereal” with the differentiation made based on the size of the finished product in the bag. The bites are larger but easily crumble while the cereal contains smaller, looser pieces). Read more
Vegan Dining Options in Asheville, NC (Part 8)
Just when I think I have the vegan dining options figured out in Asheville, more pop up. Most of the plant-based dining options in Asheville are at non-vegan restaurants which says a lot about the culture in western North Carolina. Even if menus don’t list a vegan option, most restaurants accommodate plant-based eaters by eliminating the animal products or making an off menu dish. With that in mind, the following restaurants in Asheville offer some great plant-based options for vegans. Read more
Vegan Dining Options in Asheville, NC (Part 7)
Asheville’s vibrant restaurant scene is often compared to Portland, Oregon’s (often referred to its sister city) but its not because both cities have numerous vegan restaurants. Instead both cities are known for being incredibly tolerant and accommodating to diners preferences. Plant-based options are available at most restaurants even when the menu doesn’t list a vegan option.
There are many fine, casual, southern, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and Indian restaurants in Asheville. Here’s just a few that offer some great vegan dining options: Read more
Paddock Post 