Internal comms takes on even more importance during hard times.

Strong channels for internal communications are essential to any company, but even more so during a crisis.

The government division at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST) - already under pressure as competition for large government healthcare bids intensifies this year - recently spun off a key segment of its business to a wholly owned subsidiary, Riverbend Government Benefits Administrator.

"The establishment of this new subsidiary status, coupled with the business ...