Rancho Mesa News
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
Client Spotlight: Boys and Girls Club of East County
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's Dave Garcia was featured along with Sam Attisha, Todd Raley, Bob Elkins, Vicki Petix, and Ron and Mary Alice Brady in a Boys & Girls Club of East County's video, "Conrrad's Supper Club 2017."
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's Dave Garcia was featured along with Sam Attisha, Todd Raley, Bob Elkins, Vicki Petix, and Ron and Mary Alice Brady in a Boys & Girls Club of East County's video, "Conrrad's Supper Club 2017."
"The Boys & Girls Club really helped shape me as an adult, in terms of being able to own and run a business, by all the traits I learned like leadership, competitiveness, honesty, integrity. They established a lot of those core values - through the Boys & Girls Club, right here in El Cajon." - Dave Garcia, President/CEO, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
About Boys & Girls Club of East County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County have been developing, implementing, and providing activities and programs to disadvantaged youth since 1961. Operating in the communities of El Cajon, Lakeside, La Mesa and Santee, the Clubs offer three full –service clubhouses with gymnasiums for children 5-10, and two Teen Centers in La Mesa and El Cajon designated for teens ages 11-18. Providing children with age appropriate activities, trained professional staff, state of the art computer labs; cool, clean, well maintained buildings and a safe, healthy atmosphere to learn and grow has been the ultimate goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County. For more information, visit: https://bgcec.org
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.
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.
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.
NAWIC Holds 58th Annual Awards Dinner Celebration
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, April 7, 2017, the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) San DIego Chapter held its Annual Dinner at the Four Points Sheraton.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, April 7, 2017, the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held its Annual Dinner at the Four Points Sheraton.
Attendees celebrated the chapter's 58th anniversary with Jazz and Blues music, dinner and dancing.
The evening's highlights included scholarships to local high schools students, Block Kids and CAD Drawing Contest Winners, and Spirit Contest Winners.
Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley is a new member of the NAWIC San Diego Chapter. "Many of Rancho Mesa's clients are in the construction industry or related fields. So, it make sense that we support and participate in the organizations that our clients value," said Alyssa Burley.
About NAWIC San Diego
The San Diego Chapter, chartered on April 30, 1959, is very active and involved in the construction industry and the community. Each year the chapter participates in a variety of events including educational seminars and conferences, Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Block Kids (construction awareness program for children in grades 1 thru 6), CAD/Design/Drafting Contest (High School student activity), Camp NAWIC (a week long program designed to mentor high school girls planning to enter the construction industry), college scholarships, joint meetings with other San Diego professional organizations and various activities with local charities. Learn more at www.nawicsd.org.
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.