ABOUT US
Creative Benefits for Educators has been working since 1976 to meet the needs of the education community in Florida by providing quality insurance and financial products and services at competitive rates.
It was created "for educators - by educators" and is committed to make a difference in the financial lives of Florida's educators and their families. The CBE advantage is a comprehensive approach that enables educators to protect their most important assets - their families and their possessions.
Our History
1976
PESCO is founded with FEA/United as a 50% shareholder.
1987
PESCO becomes a subsidiary of Fringe Benefits Management Company (FBMC).
1994
FEA/United acquires PESCO. Company adopts "financial and retirement planning" as the core service to members.
1996
PESCO and Met Life create PESCO Plus; PESCO becomes profitable for the first time since separation from FBMC.
1997
PESCO and Liberty Mutual joint ventures new "best in the nation" auto/homeowners program for Florida educators. Profits rise.
1998
PESCO buys Met Life's share of PESCO Plus ... creates partnership with VALIC. Services continue to grow.
2000
Transfers controlling ownership to FEA locals ... Florida Legislature adopts pension reform.
2002
Distributes additional shares leading to 99 FEA locals becoming PESCO shareholders. "Members Only" enrollments expand.
2004
Auto/Home Insurance Program (Educators Plus/Liberty Mutual) extended through 2012. DROP education offered to all educators.
2005
Teamed up with American Fidelity, an industry leader in worksite enrollments to expand "Members Only" benefits throughout the state.
2006
Company changes name to Creative Benefits for Educators (CBE)
2007
CBE implements new Member Benefits Program to develop local Action Plans, enhance the value of membership and increase the membership base.
2008
CBE assists FEA and other major education organizations to lead nation in the reform of 403b investments with development of the Model Plan, potentially saving employees billions of dollars over the next 20 years.
2009
CBE partners with Jackson Hewitt to provide significant discounts to members for income tax preparation services.
2011
Under a shareholder approved buyout plan, FEA locals aquire 100% ownership of Creative Benefits for Educators.
2013
Edward Baum was elected president of CBE. Jim Geiger remains as Chairman of the Board.
2015
CBE partners with BMG Money to offer the LoansAtWork program - payroll-deducted emergency loans designed to protect members from predatory payday loans.
2016
H&R Block, the world's largest tax preparation company, becomes a CBE Partner serving Members throughout Florida.
2017
Sharon Beardman was elected president of CBE. Jim Geiger remains as Chairman of the Board.
2018
2019
2020
Creative Benefits partners with CrossCountry Mortgage to provide home mortgages with one of the nations top lenders featuring reduced fees for FEA Members.