First Annual Platinum Elite March of Dimes Golf Tournament a Success

Originally published on Why Platinum?

Bob Yarbrough, Julia Hayes, Don Swanson, & Kris Avram.

The March of Dimes is a cause near and dear to the hearts of many members of the Platinum Elite Group. Many of the Farmers agents within the team were either premature themselves, or had a child of their own born with health challenges.

I was born early and spent the first 13 days of my life in two hospitals. Shortly after my birth I was rushed to a Los Angeles area childrens' hospital since the regular hospital wasn't capable of handling my delicate condition. In the end they sent me home. "Not much we can do. Take him home and watch his fluid intake and outflow.  Pray for him and we'll see."

The medical technology wasn't that advanced. Better than it used to be, but not as good as it is now, thirty-eight years later. Often just waiting is all parents could do. But thanks to research and education organizations like the March of Dimes hospitals can now do much more to help preemies survive and thrive.

Parents still have to do a lot of waiting and praying, but now they have much more support.

In a related story, check out our blog on various volunteer preemie cuddler programs.

On Friday, July 22nd, 2011, the Platinum Elite Group held its First Annual Golf Tournament at the Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley, San Diego. The proceeds from the event benefited the March of Dimes.

The event was created by Donald Swanson, President of Farmers Agency Operations, and President of Platinum Elite Marketing.

Dozens of golfers enjoyed a Friday afternoon away from work, golfing a full round, and then gathered for an excellent dinner afterwards to share their best, and maybe worst, holes of the day.

We're waiting for the final tally, but several thousand dollars was raised thanks to the golfers, our sponsors, and the hard work of various members of the Platinum Elite Group.  In total, Farmers Insurance has raised over $2.75 Million nationwide year to date.  We're more than happy and proud to add to that amazing contribution.

Sponsors: Marvin K. Brown Auto Center, and
Greg Carter's Fix Auto Santee.

The dinner was sponsored by Greg Carter of Fix Auto Santee (formerly Carter Collision).

The Marvin K. Brown Auto Center of Mission Valley was also a sponsor and they had one of their vehicles there on display for everyone to view. Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Mitsubishi, Saab, Fisker.

Jim Power & Safelite AutoGlass, also  stepped up to sponsor a hole.

Look below for the names of the Platinum Elite Team Members who made the event a success. Each contributed in their own way.

Click to see other March of Dimes Fundraisers the Platinum Elite Group has held recently:

January's Farmers Pre-Open featuring the Farmers Hot Air Balloon and the San Diego Charger Girls.

Mike Clinkenbeard's Santee Softball Closing Ceremony benefiting them and the March of Dimes.

Luis Carbajal's Ramona Pony League Celebration benefiting them and the March of Dimes.

Achieve Excellence in the Insurance Field: Next LUTCF Class on July 29th

LUTCF Class


Why the LUTCF designation from the American College? 

Because you’ll get:

Achievement: Increase your production and income.
Interaction: Benefit from live coaching and mentoring.
Relevance: Learn from up-to-date study materials written by industry experts.
Achievement: Carrying those letters behind your name tells your clients you put the hard work in to be a professional.

Start: Friday, July 29th, 2011
1:00-3:30pm

Farmers Insurance District Office - but open to agents of all companies
NAIFA Member


1011 Camino del Rio South, #100
S.D., CA  92108
(858) 751-1357

To register:
Call America College, (888) 263-7265
Or, www.theamericancollege.edu 

Zeppelin on tour: Take off on the largest airship on the planet

Re-print from Chicago Sun Times 

BY LORI RACKL July 13, 2011 1:24PM

Please, don’t call it a blimp.

It’s a Zeppelin.

The Farmers Airship that’s floating across the country offering flightseeing tours in 16 cities — including Chicago and Oshkosh, Wis. — is one of only two Zeppelins in the world.

The difference between a Zeppelin and a blimp is that a Zeppelin has a rigid internal frame that gives it its shape. Blimps are more like balloons.

Because blimps lack a Zeppelin’s skeletal framework, their engines are mounted on the side of the passenger cabin, creating noise and vibration. A ride on a Zeppelin is much more peaceful, thanks to the engines being tucked away on the sides of the hull and the tail end of the airship, far from the passenger gondola.

Another key difference is that “Zeppelin” sounds way cooler than “blimp.” Jimmy Page would never be in a band called Led Blimp.

FarmVille to Mafia Wars: Farmers Insurance Continues It's Facebook Relationship

Farmers Insurance makes it's Mafia Wars' debut and you can go to Las Vegas to Celebrate in Style!

Reprint from Why Platinum?

The next step in Farmers' domination of brand placement in social gaming starts Monday, July 18, when our promotion tying into Facebook's Mafia Wars game, where players enter the virtual world of crime families and the mob business, kicks off. But before we go into details on the new promotion, it's worth stepping back to see how successful our just-wrapped FarmVille promotion was, and boy, was it ever! 

Click here for the story of our amazing 2 Million new fans in one day, and a chance to win a ride in the world largest operating zeppelin, the Farmers AirShip.

While most of us were sleeping in the early hours of Thursday, June 23, Farmers was racking up 100,000 Facebook fans an hour, thanks to our brand placement in FarmVille. When the smoke cleared at midnight on Friday, June 24, we had made more than 2 million new fans in just 24 hours.

"For a large, stable insurance company like Farmers to gain more fans in a 24-hour period than current record holder Frito Lay is a really big accomplishment", says Marc Zeitlin, vice president of eBusiness. "We're making a name for ourselves as a trail-blazer in social media and exposing Farmers' increasingly cool brand to the roughly 140 million people who use Facebook in the United States."

Our Mafia Wars promotion will run similar to the FarmVille promotion (which offered entrants a chance to win a ride on the Farmers Airship). But this time, a trip to Las Vegas is on the line! Farmers’ "Wiseguy Getaway" sweepstakes is a chance for contest winners to experience Las Vegas with all the old-school charm "Sin City" was meant to have. They'll spend two nights at Bugsy Siegel's recently renovated Flamingo Hotel, dinner at Sinatra at the Wynn, tickets to the Las Vegas Mob Experience, and a fun-packed "The Rat Pack is Back" musical show. 

Our "Wiseguy Getaway" contest kicks off in a big way July 18 when the Farmers brand shows up in Mafia Wars. On that day, Farmers will offer players special in-game benefits that are sure to be a big hit, as well as an opportunity to visit Farmers' Facebook page to enter the "Wiseguy Getaway" sweepstakes. Contest period (July 18-August 18).

Watch for more information throughout the summer on upcoming promotions tied in to two more Facebook games, Cafe World and CityVille, the most popular social media game in the world.

About the Game:

Mafia Wars allows players to build their virtual criminal empires by collaborating with their friends to complete crime jobs, fight and rob other Mafia crews, run underground businesses and purchase criminal musthaves like weapons and getaway cars. Set in New York City at launch, the game has added a number of locales for players to expand their criminal empires: Cuba in June 2009, Moscow in September 2009, Bangkok in January 2010, Las Vegas in June 2010, Italy in October 2010 and Brazil in March 2011. These new locales included enhanced features and extended the popularity of Mafia Wars. Mafia Wars is available in eight languages.

The Platinum Elite Group is excited about this new promotion and the great trip to the Las Vegas of the Past that will be made available to a lucky winner.

Always make sure your auto, fire (home, condo, & renters), earthquake, flood, umbrella, and life insurances all properly work together to protect your home, your business, your family, your future.

"We Are Farmers!"

The Platinum Elite Team:

Susanne Romo - Chula Vista & Kearny Mesa  (license #: 0720743) - (858) 751-0956

Araceli De La Torre - Kearny Mesa (license #: 0G17321) - (858) 751-0956

Kevin Tuckey - Mission Valley (license #: 0B72553) - (858) 751-1357

Tony Gutierrez - La Jolla (license #: 0A87116) - (858) 751-0956

3675 Ruffin Rd.

Suite 220
San Diego, CA  92123

Farmers Insurance & The Platinum Elite use an investigative and educational process to ascertain your current risk exposure and deliver to you through our 'Value Insurance Proposal' (VIP) the correct levels of coverage at the right price without compromising vital coverages. You need to protect your family and the assets you have spent a lifetime acquiring.

With Farmers Insurance & The Platinum Elite, there is a difference. Visit our website at farmersplatinumelite.com and discover:

Why Farmers Platinum!

* 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.

Home Safety: Make Your Yard a "No-Bite" Zone This Summer

In the classic comedy, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Inspector Clouseau asks the innkeeper at the front desk, “Does your dog bite?” to which the man replies, “No.”

Inspector Clouseau then reaches down to pet the dog, which immediately attacks and bites him.

“I thought you said your dog does not bite?”, Clouseau asks, turning to the man.

“That is not my dog,” the man replies.

With at least 68 million dogs in the United States, many of them a big part of the family, there's a large exposure to pet-related injuries. Every year 800,000 people seek medical attention related to dog bite incidences.

Naturally, many of these injuries result in lawsuits when it's not your dog that does the biting, and especially if a child is involved. And when there's a lawyer, often an insurance company needs to get involved.

"A dog-bite (insurance) claim costs $26,166 on average in 2010, up from $24,840 in 2009."

Avoiding the Dog Bite is of benefit to everyone involved: the victim, the owner of the dog, and even the dog who could be put down.

originally published on Farmers Friendly Voice.

During the summer months, children are playing outdoors, adults are barbecuing, and dogs are frolicking in the yard. Remember this: Even the sweetest dog may bite if provoked — even accidentally. With their natural curiosity and exuberant behavior, children are often the most likely to provoke a dog — usually quite unintentionally. Of the 4.5 million people who suffer dog bites annually, about one in five requires medical attention. And children — especially those ages 5 to 9 — are most at risk.¹

What can a dog owner do?

• Carefully consider your pet selection — Your veterinarian is a great source of information about behavior and suitability. Remember to consider who visits you as well as who lives in your household. If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews or friends with children, you’ll probably want a dog that’s good with children.
• Make sure your pet is socialized — Start to expose your puppy or adopted dog to a variety of situations; try to do it a little at a time, under controlled circumstances. Continue until your dog appears comfortable around people and other animals.
• Neuter your pet — Neutered dogs are less aggressive and less likely to bite.
• Train your dog — Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit” or “stay” can develop obedience and help to build a bond of trust. 
• Keep your dog healthy — Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases, and see your vet on a regular basis.
• Be alert — Know your dog and watch for signs that your dog may be uncomfortable or feel threatened.

Home Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Now Required

Re-print from Why Platinum?


PLATINUM CARE: The Platinum Elite Group cares about the health and safety of our clients, and education is always a key.  

A lot of the time you hear something about some new law, but what about the details?  How does it affect you?

Yes, at first glance it's an inconvenience, but with a significant number of deaths and illnesses each year, California has decided to address this issue.

Up to 40 California residents die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), whose legislation was signed last year by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

The new law goes in force requiring installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes sold after July 1st, 2011, and all residences in 2013.  Rental unites are also affected.

We decided to refer to some experts for more details about how this practically affects each of you, and when.

Distracted Driving: A Simple Kiss While Behind the Wheel?

Re-Print from SusanneRomoAgency.blogspot.com

A Peck and a Wreck: Amorous Drivers at Risk

Yeah, keep your eyes on the road,
your hands upon the wheel
— The Doors, Roadhouse Blues

A recent poll, conducted by GfK Roper, revealed that 29 percent of drivers surveyed acknowledged they’ve been amorous behind the wheel sometime during the past year. The numbers reflect the larger issue of distracted driving — with 93 percent of respondents reporting that they engage in it somehow, whether by texting, talking on a cellphone or kissing.1

Some interesting findings: Four in 10 licensed drivers admit that being distracted while driving caused them to do one of the following: swerve into another lane, slam on the brakes, get a ticket, almost get into an accident, or have a minor or major wreck. Interestingly, that number rose to 49 percent for drivers who have a college degree and 43 percent for drivers who earn at least $75,000 a year.1

Distracting activities while driving include:

• Using a cellphone 
• Eating and drinking 
• Talking to passengers 
• Grooming 
• Reading, including maps 
• Using a PDA or navigation system 
• Watching a video 
• Changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player

Taking action: In 2010, 12 states banned texting while driving and two banned the use of handheld cellphones. This brings the total to 30 states with texting bans and eight with cellphone bans, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Recently, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that, depending on the outcome of research being done by his agency, he might push for an all-encompassing nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving.2

Bottom line: Driving is a very serious responsibility that demands your full attention. Driver distractions can occur anytime, anywhere and anyplace so do your best to eliminate distractions: Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel.

end of article

Click for our past Driving Safety blog articles:

> Texting While Driving
> Zero Tolerance for Cell Phone Use
> Farmers Insurance's commercial on Driving Safety
> National Tire Safety Week
> Teens and the "Every 15 Minutes Program" / Auto Insurance Discount for Youthful Drivers

1 Source: Insurance Networking News, February 14, 2011.
http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/
auto_insurance_distracted_driving_risk_management_Valentines_Day-27154-1.html

2 Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-08/
lahood-weighs-urging-u-s-ban-on-all-driver-phone-use-in-cars.html

* 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.

Leadership: Farmers Insurance & The Ronald Reagan Library

Evolving business times require evolving leadership styles. Through the Presidential Leadership Program, Farmers Insurance and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library aim to craft emotionally intelligent leaders who can inspire others to reach great heights.

The Presidential Leadership Program brings together a corporation and a non-profit organization in a truly unique way. Farmers Insurance and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library are jointly committed to the development of leaders in the private and public sectors.

The Presidential Leadership Program uses all presidents, with a focus on Ronald Reagan, to showcase the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. The program is a non-partisan, non-political study of how the 44 men who have served in the Oval Office have inspired the nation. 

Reprint from www.plpmediakit.com

SIMI VALLEY, CA. – What critical skills will America’s business and non-profit organization leaders need to succeed in the future?

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library have partnered to establish the Presidential Leadership Program, which explores the leadership competencies required to excel in the toughest job in the world and applies them to the business and professional arena.

The three-day course, conducted at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., is the latest offering from the University of Farmers, which, in February, was named the top corporate learning organization in the country by nationally recognized Training Magazine.

“The Presidential Leadership Program is an invaluable tool that will help us develop leaders within – and outside of – our company,” said Farmers Chief Claims Officer Bryan Murphy.  “We are honored to partner with the Reagan Library to develop a program that will create not just new visions, but also new visionaries.”

And, added Reagan Foundation Executive Director John Heubusch, “The Presidential Leadership Program gives us a unique chance to showcase Ronald Reagan as a true American leader. We are excited about teaming with Farmers Insurance to improve our nation’s leadership skills with this revolutionary program.”

The program launched in March, with 16 sessions scheduled for 2011. It is aimed at Farmers managers and executives, with a number of seats in each session open to associates of the Reagan Library.

The unique setting of the Reagan Library offers participants a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Activities take place in the Air Force One Discovery Center, which features replicas of the Oval Office, an aircraft carrier situation room, and the White House Press Room. The program includes:

• Exclusive video interviews with more than a dozen former Reagan staffers and leadership authorities, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Attorney General Edwin Meese, Reagan speechwriter and author Peggy Noonan, and leadership expert and former Clinton Administration official Betsy Myers.
• Use of an Apple iPad for each student to access the curriculum, participate in activities and take notes. Several activities also use Apple’s iPod Touch, as Farmers and the Reagan Library integrate new, environmentally friendly technology into their training. Farmers estimates its use of iPads for PLP is saving up to 80,000 sheets of paper per year.
• Interactive sessions on the importance of listening and storytelling in leadership roles, as well as discussions on emotional intelligence competencies such as empathy, situational awareness and inspirational leadership.

“The Presidential Leadership Program is a truly unique learning experience for all participants,” Murphy said. “We are looking forward to graduates taking an active and significant role in their future business endeavors.”