Farmers Presents Check for $2.5 Million to March of Dimes

Platinum Elite Marketing, which develops many of the Farmers Insurance agents in the Southern California Region, is very proud of Farmers' group effort to fight for the cause of premature babies.  Already this year $2.5 Million has been raised for the March of Dimes.

Reprint from Farmers Insurance

Farmers No. 5 car driver Kasey Kahne, the Farmers No. 5 show car, Extraordinaire hot air balloon and cheering crowds set the scene for the annual Be a Hero for Babies Day pep rally, where employees and volunteers gathered to support the March of Dimes. 

“An event like Be a Hero for Babies Day really speaks to the power of the work we do both as individuals and as members of this great organization,” said Head of Operations David Travers. “Once again, the Farmers family came together to support the March of Dimes — and with fantastic results.” 

March of Dimes Chair of Trustees LaVerne H. Council also spoke at the event, praising Farmers’ passion for the cause. 

“It doesn’t take millions of people to make a difference, but a few who really believe in the power of change. And that’s exactly the kind of people that Farmers agents and employees are. I feel blessed,” she said. 

This year, Farmers raised an astounding $2.5 million for the March of Dimes. 

Shalini and Shane Wootstruck, parents of the 2012 March of Dimes Ambassador Kieran Wootstruck, 6, was more than appreciative. 

Home Safety: Grilling & BBQ Safety

Platinum Elite Marketing wishes you a happy, and safe, holiday this coming 4th of July.  While we think of safety with fireworks, don't forget a lot more people will be grilling than shooting off fireworks.

Be careful so you can enjoy the summer.

Re-Print from WIBW.Com:

Grilling Safety:

· Only use the grill outdoors; position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

· Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.

· Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because flames can flashback up into the container and explode.

· Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a grill.

· When cooking food, use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited when the grill is hot.

· Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

· Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

· If you smell gas while cooking on a propane gas grill, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

· Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Hailstones

Hail may not be a big worry in Southern California, but we have many other elements of nature that can cause havok.

Fires.
Earthquakes.
Flash Floods.
Wind storms.

We have insurances that can help with all of that.

Enjoy our most recent University of Farmers commercial.

Disaster Preparedness Videos Subtitled for the Hearing Impaired

Reprint from MarketWatch:

Farmers Insurance Produces Series of Subtitled Catastrophe Preparedness Videos for the Public

Videos are designed for hearing impaired. 

LOS ANGELES, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, it is not if, but when, a major tornado, hurricane, fire, or ice storm can strike leaving you totally devastated if you aren't prepared. The question is, not if, but when a disaster strikes, will you and your family be ready to respond? 

Farmers Insurance, in an ongoing effort to provide the latest and most helpful information on preparing for disasters, offers a new series of subtitled videos that can be viewed and used as important components in disaster preparation.

"The videos can be found at http://www.farmers.com/cat_videos_eng.html notes Paul Quinn, Assistant Vice President, Claims. "The videos, all with subtitles for the hearing impaired, are filled with excellent tips on how to prepare for a disaster. The series begins with general information about disasters and what a family needs to do to prepare. Then, there are four specific disaster preparedness videos dealing with hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. They are featured separately for maximum benefit. We urge everyone to go on the site and check these videos out."

The idea for subtitles came from Beth Fields, a Farmers agency producer in Fishers, Indiana. "She also teaches at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis and suggested we subtitle all of our catastrophe preparedness videos for the hearing impaired," Quinn said.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is a leading U.S. insurer of automobiles, homes and small businesses and also provides a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with more than 20 million individual policies across all 50 states through the efforts of over 50,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 24,000 employees.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Marvel's Avengers Assemble

After last years successful cross-promotion with X-Men: First Class, Farmers Insurance and Marvel reunite to celebrate the opening of May's movie for The Avengers.

Watch it, and a making-of video, below.

While for fun, on a "bad day" having a trusted, local insurance agent to depend upon can be a blessing.  Give us a call and begin assembling your team before the next emergency.






And here's a behind-the-scenes video on the making of this commercial...

Do It Yourself Thor Costume

Advanced Training: Safelite, Caliber Collision, & Farmers Insurance

On April 18th, 2012, representatives from Safelite AutoGlass and Caliber Collision, and agents with Farmers Insurance got together at a San Diego Safelite facility for an educational seminar (learn-n-share) on the topic of providing excellent customer service.  

It's their superior level of service that differentiates these companies from their competitors.  These are the types of training programs the Platinum Elite encourages the agents it works with to attend to further hone their skills.

A little about our hosts...

The sign awaiting Farmers Family
 Clients when you visit Caliber Collision.

The seminar was conducted by Matt Albright with Caliber Collision.  Last year we visited a Caliber Collision Center in San Diego to become better familiar with the claims and repair process.  This is important when giving our clients guidance and re-assurance all is well.  Click HERE to see us test an air-bag.

For Excellent Service, Contact Matt HERE.

Jim Power with Safelite made his facility available for this gathering.  We got a quick tour.  The facility stores over 8000 pieces ready for installation.  This is important since it allows them to replace damaged glass immediately versus waiting for it to be ordered and delivered. Our customers need their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible.  This is one of the most important ways the overall service is judged.

For Preferred Care, Contact Jim HERE.

"We Are Farmers!"

To reach Farmers Insurance...

Susanne Romo (lic. #: 0720743) - (858) 751-0956

Araceli De La Torre (lic. #: 0G17321) - (858) 751-0956
Tony Gutierrez  (lic. #: 0A87116) - (858) 751-0956
Kevin Tuckey   (lic. #: 0B72553) - (858) 751-1357

The Susanne Romo Agency can be found at:

3675 Ruffin Rd.
Suite 220
San Diego, CA  92123

Advanced LUTCF Training: Life Insurance

Several times a year, Don Swanson makes his Platinum Elite Classroom available for use to teach LUTCF classes through the American College.  In April 2012, another class concluded.

Many agents with Farmers Insurance and other insurance professional attend these classes on their way to achieving their advanced life insurance designation.  This degree shows their clients that they took the time to study their profession more than the average insurance agent in a belief their clients deserve superior service and the best advice. 

This series on Retirement Planning was attended by: Rick Felix, David Wu, Amber Ramirez, Roxy Chappelle, Mark Ross, Lorena de la Huerta, Esteban Carbajal, Vina Gan, Kris Avram, Kevin Tuckey (moderator), Travis George, Nolan Richardson, Kevin Putrus, Tony Wright, & Ernesto Valdez.

Click HERE to e-mail us about future classes in the San Diego Area, or to arrange classes for your agency.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Equine Therapy: Camels for Hippos Fundraiser in Ramona

Farmers Agent, Amber Ramirez, will be out meeting members of the community this coming weekend.

Camels for Hippos: Equine Therapy

Stop by and say, "Hi!".  It's for a good cause.


Reprint from The Ramona Sentinel

Camels for Hippos benefits equine therapy program

Friendly camels from the Oasis Camel Dairy will return to Mountain Valley Ranch for the 2nd Annual Camels for Hippos, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser for San Diego Hippotherapy: Equine-Facilitated Therapy program in Ramona, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.

Camel rides, pictures with the camels, alpacas from La Dolce Vita alpacas, other farm animals, a bouncy house from Seidl’s Party Supplies and Rentals, face painting, barbecue from John Little Catering, and a silent auction and drawing are included in the fundraiser. Admission is free.

Many businesses and individuals are lending their support as sponsors: Title Event Sponsors are Oasis Camel Dairy and Mountain Valley Ranch; Diamond Sponsors are The Toby Wells Foundation and Blue Apple Ranch; Platinum Sponsors—Moms Making Six Figures, JH Marketing, Ramona Disposal Service, Ranger Doug’s Shootists’ Emporium, Marketing Worx, Ramona Martial Arts, and La Dolce Vita Alpacas; Gold Sponsors—Shelly Heimer/WJ Bradley Mortgage, Sun Valley Florist, San Vicente Saddle Club, Jewelry World, and Sludgebusters; Silver Sponsors—Amber Ramirez/Farmers Insurance and Seidl’s Party Rentals.

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month: Is Your Kit Ready?

April is Earthquake preparedness month. Also seems like there's been a lot of earthquakes in the news these last few weeks. The Platinum Elite cares foremost about the safety of our neighbors.

Click here to learn more about Earthquake Insurance.

Click here for more info on disaster preparedness.

Buy emergency and disaster supplies and have 10% of your purchase benefit the March of Dimes.

Click on the re-print's title below to watch the Fox 5 San Diego news report.

Red Cross promotes low-cost earthquake kits

By Walter Morris Fox 5 San Diego Reporter

6:00 p.m. PDT, April 19, 2012

SAN DIEGO - April is Earthquake Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross is reminding everyone to stock up on emergency supplies incase the big one hits.

The cost of emergency kits can range from $45 to more than $600, but planning ahead is a good way to keep that number low.

"You probably already have half of the kit [supplies] that you need in your home," Cruz Ponce with the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter said. "You just need to put them together and put it somewhere where you know they are at."
Many Southern Californians know what they need for a good emergency preparedness kit like plenty of water, nonperishable food, batteries and extra cash, but you don’t have to go out and get everything at the same time.

"Each time you go out to the supermarket buy an extra can of tuna and put that away as part of your kit," Ponce said. "Then the next time you go out to the hardware store, buy some extra flashlights or batteries. By the end of three to six months your whole kit is ready."

You don’t need a fancy new bag either - an old backpack or purse will do the trick.
It is also a good idea to have a hand crank AM/FM radio copies of your important paperwork, and a month’s supply of your medication.

If stocking on your medication is too expensive, writing down all of your specific prescription information is the next best thing.

"Instead of going out and buying a $600 kit right off the bat, you can spend that money gradually throughout time," Ponce said.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

3rd Annual Golf Tournament for Parkinson's at Maderas

PLAY FOR PARKINSON'S!

For the third year in a row (for all 3 years) the Platinum Elite will take part in this year's Annual "One Round. One Cause."Golf Tournament, Presented by: PING to be held at Maderas Golf Club on May 10th, 2012.  The event is hosted by The MEYROW Foundation and all proceeds go to support The Parkinson's Wellness Fund.

Get your foursomes together and enjoy a nice day off of work.  It's for a good cause.

Player fee of $160.00 includes: Golf, Lunch, Buffet Dinner, Cocktail Hour, and a Ping Shirt. Click here to register.   Includes a $100,000.00 shoot off.

Farmers Insurance Agents who work with the Platinum Elite Group will be present on the day of the tournament.

Sponsors of this great event include: PING, SanDiego6: The CW, Parkinson's Association of San Diego, Kearny Pearson Ford & BMW South County, and Lyman & Potente. 

Location: Maderas Golf Club 
17750 Old Coach Road Poway, CA 92064

Time: Thursday, May 10th, 2012
11:30am Check-in.  First Tee: 12:30pm.

For more information, click HERE.

For more information on the The MEYROW Foundation's journey with Parkinson's, click HERE.