Business Briefs: Unum dividend up 11.5 percent [Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.]

July 16--Unum dividend up 11.5 percent

Unum Group announced Monday it is raising its quarterly dividend by 11.5 percent to 14.5 cents per share.

The higher rate will be paid on Aug. 16 to shareholders of record in the Chattanooga-based disability insurer as of July 29.

Beyoga planned for Ooltewah

Locally owned yoga studio Beyoga will open this fall at Cambridge Square in Ooltewah, according to developer Barrier Properties LLC.

The studio and smoothie bar will open Nov. 1 in 2,500 square feet of space overlooking the square. Beyoga will be owned and operated by Amanda Carmichael and Amy Mace of Mace+Carmichael, a Chattanooga-based public relations agency.

BlueCross hires Medicare manager

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee said Monday it has hired an executive from Wellcare Health Plans in Florida to lead the company's Medicare operations.

Scott Dickler, an accountant and lawyer who previously led product development and management efforts for Medicare plans for more than 1 million Wellcare members, will serve as vice president and general manager of senior products for the Tennessee BlueCross plan. Dickler will be the primary management leader focused on leading the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplemental products.

"We decided to create this new position with the intent of attracting an accomplished proven leader in this market segment and Scott certainly meets our criteria," said Henry Smith, senior vice president of operations and chief marketing officer for the Chattanooga-based BlueCross.

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