Rancho Mesa News
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.
Client Spotlight: Spirit of the Barrio Benefits Family Health Centers of San Diego
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's Kim Vasquez, Claudia Garczewski, Yvonne Gallagher, and Alyssa Burley attended the Spirit of the Barrio fundraiser for Family Health Centers of San Diego on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Logan Heights Family Health Center.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's Kim Vasquez, Claudia Garczewski, Yvonne Gallagher, and Alyssa Burley attended the Spirit of the Barrio fundraiser for Family Health Centers of San Diego on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Logan Heights Family Health Center.
The event brought together businesses and community members to celebrate Maritime Month with the Port of San Diego. Expert panelists Commissioner Robert "Duke" Valderrama, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, Diane Takvorian, Executive Director of Environmental Health Coalition, and Mark Steel, Chairman of the Barrio Logan Planning Group came together to discuss their plans for the waterfront and local community. Jon Horn from 10News was the event's emcee.
The Spirit of the Barrio is a bi-monthly luncheon hosted by the Family Health Centers of San Diego to raise funds for their programs.
Family Health Centers of San Diego
Family Health Centers of San Diego's mission has been to provide affordable, high-quality health care and support services to all people, with a special commitment to the uninsured, low-income and medically underserved. For more information, visit www.fhcsd.org.
ICW Provides OSHA 10 Workshop
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa hosted an OSHA 10 Workshop on April 18th and 19th, 2017. It was presented by Steve Medellin from ICW Group at their Del Mar, CA offices.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa hosted an OSHA 10 Workshop on April 18th and 19th, 2017. It was presented by Steve Medellin from ICW Group at their Del Mar, CA offices.
Over ten different companies were represented at the workshop.
The training covered an overview of OSHA as an organization, its mission, employee rights and inspections. It also included fall protection awareness and tested attendees ability to identify safety hazards and OSHA violations.
Attendees who completed the 10 hours of instruction receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Heath card.
Rancho Mesa offers regular workshops on various topics. Visit the Workshops page for a current list of upcoming workshops.
Safety Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Supports Landscape Industry Certified Field Testing with a Mobility and Stretch Program
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the early hours of April 1, 2017, hundreds of landscapers from near and far gathered at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon for the annual Landscape Industry Certified (LIC) Field Test branded by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and administered by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the early hours of April 1, 2017, hundreds of landscapers from near and far gathered at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon for the annual Landscape Industry Certified (LIC) Field Test branded by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and administered by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
Before the long day of hands-on testing began, Drew Garcia from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., like a seasoned baseball coach, inspired the crowd with stories from his former baseball career and emphasized the importance of stretching before performing strenuous activities. It was a perfect segway into Rancho Mesa's Mobility and Stretch program.
Drew Garcia enlisted personal trainer, Collin Dawson from BRZN Fitness to develop a stretch program specifically designed for the landscape industry. The idea was to create a stretch program that would allow landscapers to stretch their bodies before starting their work day. The program uses the company truck to help employees achieve total body activation in minimal time, while both stretching and strengthening the key muscles that surround common industry injuries.
"Even light stretching activities can help you protect yourself from strain related injuries and back pain as the result of reaching, bending, or stooping during daily tasks," writes Mark Stice, CSP, CHST from Bear Valley Loss Control Services, LLC. "A well-stretched muscle more easily achieves its full range of motion, improving performance. Those who practice stretching also find it to be a great way to get you moving in the morning, to limber up after sitting for a long period of time, or a way to relax after a long day. Don't just stretch at work. Make it part of your daily routine."
At the event, Collin Dawnson led the group in a 15-minute stretch designed to loosen their arms, legs and back. The crowd was energized and ready to start testing after completing the program.
Rancho Mesa is pleased to offer the Mobility and Stretch Program to its clients.
Mobility & Stretch Program
Team Zamora Captures 2017 ICW Ryder Cup Event
Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia joined Paul Zamora, VP of Underwriting for ICW Group, and was part of the “Team Zamora” winning team at this year’s ICW Ryder Cup Championship.
Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia joined Paul Zamora, VP of Underwriting for ICW Group, and was part of the “Team Zamora” winning team at this year’s ICW Ryder Cup Championship.
Team Zamora prevailed over Team Engel 12-8 in the match play format. The matches were held at the magnificent Pechanga Journey Golf Resort and Casino in Temecula California.
Safety Spotlight: ICS Trains Employees on CPR & First Aid
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Industrial Commercials Systems, Inc. (ICS), a premier mechanical contractor in the Greater San Diego Area, held a CPR and First Aid training for employees on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at its corporate office in Vista, CA.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Industrial Commercials Systems, Inc. (ICS), a premier mechanical contractor in the Greater San Diego Area, held a CPR and First Aid training for its employees on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at its corporate office in Vista, CA.
Matt Horovitz from M Squared Safety Solutions was brought in to facilitate the classroom instruction and hands-on training.
"While CPR and First Aid trainings are OSHA requirements, ICS takes its employees’ safety very seriously," Said London Adams, Human Resources Manager at ICS. "Training more employees than what is required, ensures we’ll always be prepared.”
Industrial Commercial Systems
At Industrial Commercial Systems, our business is repeat business. It is this philosophy that has allowed us to deliver innovative design and construction services to a select clientele for over 25 years. Our clients increasingly turn to us for cost-effective, intelligent solutions and our staff of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. For more information visit: www.1ics.net.
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.
Rancho Mesa Says Goodbye to Debbie Milburn and Welcomes Suzi Ffrench
Author Brian Armstrong, Director of Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
It’s been nearly a year since I joined the team here at Rancho Mesa, and what a year it’s been. While we’ve worked to improve the expertise and service provided to you on your employee benefits, as well as the cost of and your actual benefits themselves, there was a Presidential election that has the potential of changing the entire landscape of healthcare and health insurance in this Country (although it’s important keep in mind that we’re in California, which politically can be a country of its own). While much is still to be determined- just today the GOP announced that they don’t yet have enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act in its current form- you have my commitment to continue to advise and direct you on your benefits to the best of my abilities, and to your satisfaction, if not downright gratification, and to that of every single one of your employees.
Author Brian Armstrong, Director of Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Brian Armstrong, Broker
It’s been nearly a year since I joined the team here at Rancho Mesa, and what a year it’s been. While we’ve worked to improve the expertise and service provided to you on your employee benefits, as well as the cost of and your actual benefits themselves, there was a Presidential election that has the potential of changing the entire landscape of healthcare and health insurance in this Country (although it’s important keep in mind that we’re in California, which politically can be a country of its own). While much is still to be determined- just today the GOP announced that they don’t yet have enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act in its current form- you have my commitment to continue to advise and direct you on your benefits to the best of my abilities, and to your satisfaction, if not downright gratification, and to that of every single one of your employees.
Debbie Milburn, Former Account Manager
Toward that end, one of the commitments we made this year was to hire a full-time Senior Account Manager to help you with your day-to-day needs, which when it comes to health insurance, as you know, there can be a lot of. Because of that, you’ve likely gotten to know Debbie Milburn as the wonderful person and service-provider she is, both of which I’m personally grateful for, so I’m sad to announce that due to a great opportunity for her and her family, she is relocating to Austin, Texas, at the end of this month.
While we’ve known for a while that Debbie is leaving, I wanted to wait until we secured a great replacement for her before announcing her departure, and that we’ve done by adding Suzi Ffrench (yes, that’s Ffrench with two F’s) to our team. Like me, Suzi has joined us from one of the largest consulting firms in the country, Willis Towers Watson; so, she brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience helping both employers and employees with their benefits questions and needs. Like Debbie, she is a great fit for Rancho Mesa; so, she’s going to be a great fit for you as part of your benefits team.
Suzi Ffrench, Senior Account Manager
Please feel free to reach out to Debbie to thank her for the great service and commitment she’s provided over the past 7 months (her last day is Friday, March 31st), and to introduce yourself to Suzi, from whom you’ll be hearing, as she picks up where Debbie is leaving off.
As always you’re invited to call me with any questions or input you have on how we’re doing and how we can be of better service to you as we move forward under the current Administration. Through better technology, tools, and services, I’m going to continue to work toward making your employee benefits better, more affordable, more compliant, and easier to administer, and I look forward to doing so with Suzi as part of our team.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
Brian Armstrong
Director of Employee Benefits
Client Story: MAAC Project Video
MAAC Project, a local organization providing career pathways, education, health & wellness and housing in the community, recently published a video featuring Darjené Graham, one of the parents from the Child Development Program and Sam Brown from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
"My MAAC Story - Darjené Graham/Rancho Mesa Insurance"
MAAC Project, a local organization providing career pathways, education, health & wellness and housing in the community, recently published a video featuring Darjené Graham, one of the parents from the Child Development Program and Sam Brown from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
MAAC builds partnerships with each one of their Head Start parents, providing them with opportunities to grow as leaders and develop their own professional paths, as they open up the doors to academic success for their children.
"Thank you Rancho Mesa Insurance, for believing and investing in our work," wrote Elsa Roth, Manager, Development and Donor Relations for MAAC Project. "Rancho Mesa is not only a sponsor, but a community partner. Together, we provide life-changing programs and services to over 70,000 individuals every year in San Diego through Career Pathways, Education, Health & Wellness and Affordable Housing. We really appreciate you sharing your commitment to MAAC!"
About MAAC Project.
Since MAAC’s beginnings in 1965, its focus has remained constant: to help individuals and families create the lives they want and deserve.
Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Collaboration with community partners ensures MAAC remains on the forefront of the community’s ever-changing needs, while strong relationships with funders foster strategic planning around emerging trends. MAAC’s Pillars of Service — Career Pathways, Education, Health & Wellness and Housing — support our mission of maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. For more information, visit www.maacproject.org.