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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Platinum Elite Assists Future San Diego Charger Girls Squad


San Diego Charger's Salute to the Military Opening
 Ceremony, 8/11/11.  Courtesy Sheryl Roush

With tonight being the first preseason San Diego Chargers game, it now feels official that the lock-out is now over. Here's a look back at our blog from during the days of uncertainty...

*************



Excerpt originally from Why Platinum?
While the NFL Owners and Players work on their next labor agreement, trying to avoid a lock-out, the Women of the NFL are already hard at work.

The Charger Girls, Ambassadors of the City of San Diego, serve all year round making about 300 public appearances a year, helping charities like Susan G. Komen (cancer) and Make-a-Wish raise money, visiting childrens' hospitals, and promoting the San Diego Chargers organization.  This includes recent promotional visits as far as China, Hong Kong, and Mexico City.  

It also means countless hours preparing, rehearsing, and developing their dancing and speaking skills.  Like the player, time spent on the field is a fraction of the real hard work they commit.  And their training camp opens first.


Early April every year, a new squad of twenty-eight is chosen.  With the league's future schedule unknown, the Charger Girls are already moving "full steam ahead", waiting to be called upon.

The Charger Girls' commitment to San Diego reaches beyond the playing field at Qualcomm Stadium. For instance, the Charger Girls have a tradition of pre-season visits to local military bases. The picture above was taken last year during an appearance for the U.S. Marines.  The soldiers always enjoy taking the visiting cheerleaders on a tour of their base.

2010 - 11 San Diego Charger Girls at QualComm Stadium


Click HERE to read a recent SignOnSanDiego article about what it takes to be a Charger Girl.  It covers a lot of the questions people have about the hours, the hard work, the pay, the physical requirements, the fans, and the thrill of performing before thousands.

What the public doesn't know is about the network of individuals who work behind the scenes to make sure the Charger Girls are ready gameday.  Dance instructors and coaches.  Hair, make-up, and wardrobe.  Fitness trainers and nutritionists.  Photographers.  Public relations and marketing.

Where does the Platinum Elite come in?  We'll get there.

One thing the Charger Girls have, that many cheerleader squads don't have, is a team of volunteer speech coaches who help the Charger Girls refine their public speaking skills.  Lifetime dancers and performers, many are new to the world of public relations.  Through practice they gain even more confidence to perform before thousands.  It is during this time with their coaches that the Charger Girls get what's for many of them their first time answering media questions in front of a live video camera.  They practice where its safe to rehearse, surrounded by their "team-family".   The speech team is led by internationally-known, professional speaker & trainer, Sheryl Roush, and her organization, Sparkle Presentations.

Kevin Tuckey with
 Visiting Charger Girls
As one of those volunteer speech coaches in my spare time, and a Farmers Insurance Agent with the Platinum Elite during the day, it seemed a natural to enlist the Charger Girls with some of our Farmers / March of Dimes fundraisers.  On two occasions the Charger Girls have helped us raise over $15,000.00 total to help in the fight against the effects of premature birth.  The picture to the right is from a recent Golf Expo we held at Riverwalk Golf Club on January, 8th, 2011. See previous blog.

This year Sheryl Roush, and Sparkle Presentations, was asked to meet with the 75 semi-finalists competing for the final 28 spots on the squad.  Step One of the audition process started with 452 hopefuls.  The 75 finalists whose dance skills qualified then moved on to work with Sheryl Roush to refine their public speaking and media skills before interviewing with San Diego Chargers Officials and advisors.  After that, those 75 compete by dancing one more time before becoming the Final 28. Quite a five days for everyone involved.

Click HERE for the results of who has made the Charger Girls squad for the 2011-2012 San Diego Chargers' Season.

So, how did the Platinum Elite apply to these try-outs?  Platinum Elite Founder, Donald Swanson, graciously volunteered his Platinum Training Conference Room to Sparkle Presentations for three days of interview and media practice for some of those 75 hopefuls before they enter the final stage to make the finished team.   Each applicant will represent herself the best she can in her interview.  This is a brand new step in the process this year thanks to the donation of Don's facility & Sheryl's valuable time.  Everyone involved is sure it will add to the overall confidence of every member of the Charger Girls' squad for years to come.

Sheryl and her other coaches will then meet again with the Final 28 to continue their work once the squad is chosen and training camp opens.


When the players return to the field, the Charger Girls will be ready to do their part.

~ Kevin Tuckey

2010 to 2011 San Diego Charger Girls

For a consultation, contact Kevin Tuckey, Platinum Elite Education Specialist & Agency Producer,  (619) 296-3276.
Ca. Lic. #: 0B72553.


The Platinum Elite Headquarters can be found in the Farmers Insurance Building at 1011 Camino del Rio South, suite 100, San Diego, Ca  92108.
The Platinum Elite Headquarters can be reached at (619) 296-FARMERS, or (619) 296-3276. 

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.

Why 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.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Ben Crane's Golf Themed Music Video Approaches 2.3 Million Views

In less than 2 months, the Ben Crane video made with some fellow golfers, together collectively known as the Golf Boys, is approaching 2.3 Million YouTube Views.

Best thing is, Farmers Insurance, the sponsor of the video, is donating money to a collection of charities based upon the number of views, so keep watching.

For more details, read our original blog...
Farmers Insurance Sponsors Ben Crane's Golf Parody Music Video for Charity


For some info on the story behind the video, including that red wet suit, read this article from the Kansas City Star: 'Golf Boys' video goes viral


Ben Crane recruited fellow Tour players and friends Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson (winner of the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open and 2011 Zurich Classic of New Orleans) and Hunter Mahan to form this "boy band" and star in a music video that's "gone viral" to rave reviews on the internet. 

"The four PGA Tour stars have created the band Golf Boys and released their world premiere music video.  ...  Oh Oh Oh presented by Farmers Insurance premiered on the Golf Channel during their Live From the U.S. Open programming. It's also available on Ben Crane's YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/bencranegolf." 



Monday, August 1, 2011

Farmers Airship Wows Wisconsin Air Show as National Tour Continues

Zeppelin Impresses at Oshkosh Air Show
German-made airship set to give Chicagoans a lift next weekend


Click HERE to go to original Chicago Tribune article and video from within the zeppelin. 

— Captain Jim Dexter takes passengers up for a spectacular 360-degree view of the earth aboard an aircraft he dubs "the ultimate skybox."

It's the largest flying airship in the world, a Zeppelin NT4 (New Technology) named Eureka, painted with the livery of its current corporate sponsor, Farmers Insurance Group.

The German-made airship represents somewhat of a paradox, albeit enjoyable for its passengers. At 246 feet in length, the zeppelin is 15 feet longer than a standard Boeing 747 and its glass cockpit is equipped with some similar state-of-the-art avionics.
Yet the top speed is 78 mph carrying a maximum of 12 passengers and two crew members, according to Airship Ventures Inc., a California company that owns and operates the vehicle.

Monday, July 25, 2011

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.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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.

Monday, July 18, 2011

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.

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.


Make your yard a
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.


Friday, July 15, 2011

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.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Distracted Driving: A Simple Kiss While Behind the Wheel?

A peck and a wreck
Amorous drivers at risk

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.