Rancho Mesa News
Employee Spotlight: Debbie Milburn Returns to Rancho Mesa
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Debbie Milburn’s return to the Rancho Mesa Team as Senior Account Manager for Employee Benefits.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Debbie Milburn’s return to the Rancho Mesa Team as Senior Account Manager for Employee Benefits.
“She’ll be working for us primarily from Austin, TX, although she’ll be visiting us regularly, and as needed, to support the agency and to continue to take care of our clients,” said Brian Armstrong, Director of Employee Benefits.
Beginning her career in the health insurance industry in 1990, Debbie brings more than 25 years of experience to our health benefits department. She has joined Rancho Mesa to team up with Brian Armstrong, to focus on enhanced service and expertise we deliver to our clients.
Employee Spotlight: John Parker Promoted to Account Manager
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is pleased to announce and congratulate John Parker on his promotion to Account Manager.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is pleased to announce and congratulate John Parker on his promotion to Account Manager.
"Through his determination to succeed and hard work, he has demonstrated to us the expertise and understanding necessary to take the next step," said Kim Vasquez, Vice President of Account Services.
In college, John worked summers at his mom's insurance agency. In 2014, he started his official insurance career at Willis in Irvine, CA. John then moved back home to San Diego and began working at Rancho Mesa in 2015.
John will be supporting Jeremy Hoolihan's book of business.
Employee Spotlight: Yvonne Gallagher
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Account Manager, Yvonne Gallagher, recently attended the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon, a bi-monthly fund-raising event benefiting the Family Health Centers of San Diego, on July 21, 2017 at the Logan Heights Family Health Center. Yvonne won a gift card at the raffle drawing and her photo was featured in the event's September invitation.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Family Health Centers of San Diego
Rancho Mesa Account Manager, Yvonne Gallagher, recently attended the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon, a bi-monthly fund-raising event benefiting the Family Health Centers of San Diego, on July 21, 2017 at the Logan Heights Family Health Center. Yvonne won a gift card at the raffle drawing and her photo was featured in the event's September invitation.
The Spirit of the Barrio event serves to bring awareness about the organization's mission to the community and raises funding to support its programs.
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) is a nonprofit organization rich in history and tradition. In 1911, the San Diego Industrial School was built on the site where our first clinic now stands. This school was originally a settlement house that provided Barrio Logan’s immigrant residents with social services. The community grew around this location, and by 1940, Barrio Logan had become one of the largest Mexican-American communities on the West Coast.
To learn more about the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon and Family Health Centers of San Diego, visit: www.fhcsd.org.
Employee Spotlight: Drew Garcia Addresses Reducing Workers' Compensation Costs in NALP Magazine
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, was recently published in The Landscape Professional May/June 2017 issue. The magazine is a bi-monthly publication produced by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
"NALP’s Safe Company Program is relevant and critical to improving your risk profile and helping you control your insurance costs."
Rancho Mesa's Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, was recently published in The Landscape Professional May/June 2017 issue. The magazine is a bi-monthly publication produced by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
In the article, "Ways to Keep Workers' Compensation Costs Low," Drew discusses specific ways employers can actively work to reduce their costs. Some of the ideas he provides include:
- Winning safety awards
- Offering health benefits
- Offering employees the ability to grow within the company
- Timely claim reporting
- Thorough accident investigation techniques
- Establishing a return-to-work program
- Having Landscape Industry Certified employees on staff
- Instituting good hiring practices, including: pre-employment physicals and drug testing, reference checks and review referrals.
He also describes how an underwriter may award credits to companies who have implemented safety programs like the Safe Company Program offered by the NALP.
To read "Ways to Keep Workers' Compensation Costs Low," download the digital copy, today.
Contact Drew Garcia if you have questions about lowering your Workers' Compensation cost or the NALP Program.
If you liked the "Ways to Keep Workers' Compensation Costs Low" article and would like to receive the full bi-monthly news magazine, The Landscape Professional, consider signing up for NALP membership.
Rancho Mesa’s Dede Pyle’s Cousin, Griffin Canning, is semifinalist for USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award
UCLA’s junior right-hander, Griffin Canning, is having another dominate season as is a semifinalist for the prestigious USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award. Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. The award is presented in partnership with the Rod Dedeaux Foundation. It is presented each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship.
Photos courtesy of the Canning Family.
UCLA’s junior right-hander, Griffin Canning, is having another dominate season as is a semifinalist for the prestigious USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award. Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. The award is presented in partnership with the Rod Dedeaux Foundation. It is presented each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship.
UCLA’s Canning has become one of the country’s top starting pitchers, as he has compiled a 7-3 record with a 2.34 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 111.3 innings. He also ranks in the top-10 on the NCAA’s active career list for shutouts, complete games and strikeouts.
We all at Rancho Mesa want to wish Griffin the best of luck in winning the award and hopefully starting his professional career.
Congratulations and good luck to both Griffin and Dede’s family.
The Rancho Mesa Family
Employee Spotlight: Sam Brown Named 2017 Emerging Leader of the Year by IIAB San Diego
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services' Sam Brown was awarded the 2017 Emerging Leader of the Year award by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers (IIAB) San Diego Chapter at the organization's annual Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-Day) trade fair and seminar. The event was held at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center in Mission Valley on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services' Sam Brown was awarded the 2017 Emerging Leader of the Year award by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers (IIAB) San Diego Chapter at the organization's annual Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-Day) trade fair and seminar. The event was held at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center in Mission Valley on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
Sam Brown served as the organization's 2015 President and continues to be involved in the association.
Other highlights from the event included the keynote speaker, Chief Deputy District Attorney Summer Stephan and a continuing education course.
About IIAB
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) has served the interests of local Independent Insurance Agents since 1934. As the industry has changed, so have the projects, involvement and goals of this association. IIAB San Diego actively participates in and conducts regular continuing education sessions. Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-DAY) is the largest one-day trade fair and seminar in the State of California. IIAB San Diego have supported local organizations such as the San Diego Safety Council’s Stamp Out Crime Committee, the San Diego Fire Department’s S.A.F.E. Program, the San Diego Child Care Coalition, a junior high school level essay contest, and the Insurance Vocational Education Student Training program (InVEST) at both the high school and college level, the San Diego Burn Institute, and San Diego Brain Tumor Society.
Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa's Jeremy Hoolihan Joins IFMA
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is proud to announce that Jeremy Hoolihan, Rancho Mesa’s Janitorial Group Leader, has joined the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa is proud to announce that Jeremy Hoolihan, Rancho Mesa’s Janitorial Group Leader, has joined the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
IFMA is a volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the performance and professional growth of their members through networking, education and promoting the practice of facilities management. Jeremy is eager to get involved with IFMA’s San Diego chapter to share his expertise in risk management and insurance within the maintenance and construction Industries.
PWI San Diego Holds Painting Social Fundraiser
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, PWI San Diego held its Painting Social fundraiser at the local craft beer venue, 57 Degrees. The event is one of many the organization hosts to raise funds for various charities.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, PWI San Diego held its Painting Social fundraiser at the local craft beer venue, 57 Degrees. The event is one of many the organization hosts to raise funds for various charities.
The evening began with some light networking, hors d'oeuvers, beer, wine, and of course laughter! The excitement in the room rose as the instructor began to lead the class through the painting process. Everyone at the event had a great time learning new painting skills, seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Rancho Mesa's Christina Haake and Alyssa Burley proudly attended the event.
Attendees make the final details on their paintings.
Alyssa Burley and Christina Haake from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, and Jimmy Trujillo from Imperial PFS show off their finished paintings.
Through its events like the Painting Social, golf tournament, fashion show, and holiday party, the PWI raises funds to support:
- Programs for students entering the insurance industry,
- YWCA's Battered Women's Shelter for women in transition,
- Rachel's Women's Center - Homeless Women's Shelter, and the
- Girl Scouts of San Diego and Imperial Counties.
About PWI San Diego
PWI San Diego is an insurance industry organization bringing together local insurance professionals in San Diego County. The organization provides opportunities for networking, business development, idea exchange, career enhancement, education and giving back to the industry and the community. For more information, visit www.pwisd.org.
Rancho Mesa Encourages Employees to Stay Healthy with the "7th Inning Stretch"
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Twice a day, music fills the air of Rancho Mesa's office and the hum of keyboards come to a halt. The music signals the staff that it's time to take to the sidewalks of Santee, CA. This ritual is part of Rancho Mesa's Health and Wellness Program. The daily walks, also known as the "Seventh Inning Stretch," provide an opportunity for the staff to get away from their desks, get moving, and enjoy the outdoors.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Twice a day, music fills the air of Rancho Mesa's office. The hum of keyboards, the clicking of calculators and the various phone conversations come to a halt. A song signals that it's time to take to the sidewalks of Santee, CA, a song in which is alternated from each of the staff's personal playlist.
This ritual is part of Rancho Mesa's Health and Wellness Program. The daily walks, also known as the "7th Inning Stretch," provide an opportunity for the staff to get away from their desks, get moving, and enjoy the outdoors.
“RMI’s 7th Inning Stretch success could not have occurred without the tremendous support of Dave Garcia and the staff. Can you name another company who rewards their employees for time away from their desks?" said Dede Pyle.
The rules are simple. When someone participates on the walk, they get a blue pebble. If they walk five times (or more) during the week, they get a red pebble. If they walk to lunch or go to the gym during lunch, they get another red pebble. At the end of each quarter, prizes are awarded based on the number of pebbles each person has earned.
The staff's progress is measured on a map of the United States. Each quarter, the pebbles are tallied and the distance walked is calculated and recorded on the map. The goal is to walk from San Diego to New York City.
Dede Pyle proposed the 7th Inning Stretch to Rancho Mesa in November 2014, as a means to stay healthy and focused during the agency’s 01/01 crunch, which is the busiest time of year in the insurance industry. The goal was to raise the energy level in a healthy, non-stressful way, have quality time away from the workstation and create camaraderie within the agency. In addition to the twice daily walks, Rancho Mesa provides healthy snacks on Tuesday, also known as “Healthy Snack Tuesday” which is an alternative to the vending machine snacks.
Updated 01/11/2018.
Rancho Mesa in the Community: Waldorf School of San Diego Climb-A-Thon
Author Daniel Frazee, Execuitve Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a proud Corporate Sponsor, Rancho Mesa participated in the first annual Waldorf School of San Diego Climb-A-Thon at Torrey Pines State Beach on Saturday, March 25th.
Author Daniel Frazee, Execuitve Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a proud Corporate Sponsor, Rancho Mesa participated in the first annual Waldorf School of San Diego Climb-A-Thon at Torrey Pines State Beach on Saturday, March 25th.
Elementary school kids of all ages were invited to hike the Torrey Pines trails with older High School students and conclude their adventure with breakfast as a community.
Students focused on an Easter theme with the climb as trail leaders were dressed as bunnies to hand out Easter eggs to the younger kids. The goal of the event was raising funds and awareness for Waldorf’s eleventh grade service trip to Costa Rica later this year.
Photos by Daniel Frazee.