TouchPoints Daws a publication of Dawson Insurance
Fall 2013
Getting It Right With safety as the name of the game, Geyer Signal provides signs for road construction projects of all sizes across the state of Minnesota. The Geyer Signal team is led by Kevin Kissner.
Manny Kissner, general manager, and Kevin Kissner, president, Geyer Signal, Inc.
Financial Se President’s Moving Message Forward Financial Services
President’s Message
Change Before You Have To… By Tom Dawson
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ack in the day at Dawson Insurance, new “secretaries” were greeted with an IBM Selectric typewriter, an electric model that made its debut in 1961. What set the Selectric apart from the competition was that instead of a basket of individual typebars that swung up to strike the ribbon and page, the Selectric had a type element or typeball that rotated and pivoted to the correct position before striking. The typeball could be switched easily to enable – are you ready for this – different font styles in the same document. Fifty years later, the Selectric is a thing of the past, as is the term “secretaries” and the confines of “you get two 15-minute breaks a day.” Today’s workforce and workday are dramatically different than they were half a century ago. Technology has enabled mind-blowing connectivity. Rigid work hours have been replaced by flexible work schedules. Suits and ties, dresses and skirts have moved to the “wear once in a while” portion of the closet, and casual work wear – as well as casual work spaces – abounds. We often hear that we need to think differently to attract and retain talented young people. In the age of “work smarter, not harder,” we strive to hit on whatever it is the young workforce of the time desires (because after all, “young workforce” is a fluid and relative term). But maybe, at the core of it, the young workforces we’ve seen through the decades all want the same thing: flexibility, recognition, and opportunity. Those core values don’t change. What changes is how those core values adapt to the everchanging world around us. From strict break times to flexible schedules, from Selectric typewriters to smartphones, successful companies adapt in order to continue growing and succeeding. Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, is credited with saying, “Change before you have to.” At Dawson Insurance, we continually challenge ourselves to embrace the insightful forward thinking that attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. In May we were awarded a 2013 ChamberChoice Award by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce in the Young Professionals Best Place to Work category. We are honored and humbled by this recognition that reflects our efforts to make Dawson Insurance the best place to work for not only our young workforce, but also our entire workforce. It is a privilege to work with this team day in and day out. Here’s to the best of the best! D
with Health Insurance Exchanges
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pen enrollment for individuals and groups in the health insurance exchange will begin October 1, 2013. Exchanges will be the marketplace for purchasing insurance, either through a Private Exchange, a Public Exchange, or a Web-Based Entity. A Private Exchange is managed by a private entity such as a broker or insurance company. A Public Exchange is managed by a government entity such as a state offering a product or the federal government, which will include both premium and cost sharing subsidies. Web-Based Entities offer products from both the Private and Public Exchanges for individuals and employers. Insurance benefits will be categorized by “actuarial value,” or the percentage the plan pays for healthcare expenses. The products that will be available on the Exchanges include: •• Platinum Plan – Pays 90% of healthcare expenses •• Gold Plan – Pays 80% •• Silver Plan – Pays 70% •• Bronze Plan – Pays 60% •• Catastrophic Plan The Catastrophic Plan, a lower-cost plan with limited benefits, is available to people under age 30 and to people with financial hardships. Premium subsidies are available for individuals and families with incomes ranging from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Subsidies will set the maximum an individual or family will be required to pay for the third lowest cost plan, the Silver Plan. The subsidy is in the form of a tax credit that is calculated using the following formula: 1. Individuals with annual income of $10,830 to $43,336 2. Family of 2 with annual income of $14,470 to $58,280 3. Family of 3 with annual income of $18,310 to $73,240 4. Family of 4 with annual income of $22,050 to $88,200 5. The formula continues for up to families of 8 with annual income of $39,630 to $158,520
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Services FinancDaws Cost sharing subsidies are also available for individuals and families with incomes that range from 100% to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. The subsidy is designed to protect people from high outof-pocket costs for healthcare expenses. The benefit allows for the Silver Plan, which typically covers the cost of medical services at 70%, with a higher percentage of coverage in the following manner: 1. Annual income of 100% to 150%: Covered at 94% 2. Annual income of 150% to 200%: Covered at 87% 3. Annual income of 200% to 250%: Covered at 73% The first phase of the open enrollment begins with applications finalized between October 1, 2013 and December 15, 2013 resulting in coverage being effective January 1, 2014. Phase 2 enrollments then follow from December 16, 2013 to March 31, 2014. If a person’s application is finalized between the first and fifteenth day of the subsequent month, the
Exchange must ensure a coverage effective date of the first day of the following month. If a person’s application is finalized between the sixteenth and the last day of the month, the Exchange must ensure a coverage effective date of the first day of the second following month. Dawson Insurance can help you get started and support you through the enrollment process with the following services: •• Education on insurance basics and available products •• Personal consultation to help you find the plan that is right for you •• Detailed plan comparisons and pricing breakdowns •• Online enrollment support •• Access to an experienced service team for ongoing support For more information on taking control of your healthcare spending, contact us today at 1-800-220-4514. D
Assoc Dawson Associates SALES STAFF
Todd Anderson, CPCU, CIC Dan Armbrust, CIC, CPIA, CPCU, CRIS Penny Crowder, CISR, CIC Tom Dawson, CPCU, CIC Zack Dawson, CIC Ryan Hoffman, CPCU, AIC, ARM Mark Julik, CIC, CRIS Jay Kleingartner, CIC Wayne Lauwers, CIC Jim Nyhof Matt Peterson, CIC Roger Peterson, CIC Natalie Schultz, CPCU, AIC Steve Winter, CIC Ben Zietz
ADMINISTRATION Mary Bjerke, CPCU Jaclyn Hanson Steve Miller, CPA Maria Reinhiller Angie Wohl
CUSTOMER SUPPORT BONDS
Becky Hecker Bridget Helm
CLAIMS
Jill Graveline Kathy Richard
COMMERCIAL LINES
Joni Alfson, CIC, CPCU Kevin Bruggeman, CPCU Donna Christlieb, AU, CIC Jennifer Davis, CISR Alex Dawson Holly Fitch, CISR Joan Hagen, CISR Deb Johnsen, AU Stacy Kemerling Lesley Koehler Jen Kopel, CISR, CIC Melissa Krystosek, CIC Karen Lundberg Pam Rudolf Kelsey Stevens Matthew Weis
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Evonne Johnson, INS
PERSONAL LINES
Kendra Ahlquist Connie Bertram Grant Ellis Stacey Frolek, CISR Christina Maynard Raeanna McCollum Crystal Rosen
800.220.4514 • DawsonIns.com
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Client Spotlight Clien Client Spotlight
All the Right Signs Day In and Day Out, Geyer Signal Delivers Geyer Signal, Inc. Founded: 1998 Website: http://geyersignal.com Location: Saint Cloud, Minnesota Number of employees: 40 Geyer Signal is the leading provider of traffic control services for road and bridge construction projects throughout Minnesota. Through timely service and attention to detail, the company creates safe and productive work zones.
Dawson 24/7 Online Access
Geyer Signal uses Dawson 24/7 on a regular basis: For this term, Geyer Signal has issued 53 percent of its own certificates online. “Dawson 24/7 works very well for us. We provide hundreds of certificates a year, and the process is very easy, and more importantly, very efficient.” – Sarah Walz, office manager, Geyer Signal
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or Geyer Signal, “getting it right” is a family tradition. The company, led today by brothers Kevin and Manny Kissner, was originally part of Geyer Rental Service, which was owned by Kevin’s inlaws, Donald and Beverly Geyer, and has been in business for more than 50 years. Kevin served as general manager of Geyer Rental Service for several years. In 1998, Geyer Signal became a separate entity, and while ownership transitioned to Kevin, one thing remained constant: unwavering customer service. “We pride ourselves on providing our
customers with timely service and an unmatched attention to detail,” says Kevin. Fifteen years later, that commitment remains rock solid. Built on a simple yet profound philosophy of “We get it right”, Geyer Signal, headquartered in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, is the leading provider of traffic control services for road and bridge construction projects throughout the state of Minnesota. Kevin leads administrative and estimating efforts; Manny leads operations efforts. Sarah Walz, office manager, Rick Borgen, crew foreman, and Chris
ntGiving Spotlight Client Sp Dawson N Back Dawson News
Geyer Signal believes in giving back to the community and regularly donates signs, message boards, time and talent to a number of causes, including the Graniteman Triathlon, Tri for a Cause, and Safe and Sober. Albers, shop supervisor, complete the core Geyer Signal team. The company employs about 15 people full-time and 25 people seasonally from May through November. Given the demand for its services, the company has grown from six to 17 trucks. Fourteen one-ton trucks, two semi-trailer trucks, and two rollback trucks make up the company’s current fleet. From Warroad to Winona, from Browns Valley to Grand Marais, the trucks – and the Geyer Signal team – get contractors the traffic control signs they need to ensure safety at road and bridge construction sites. And those orange cones? Geyer Signal has them – thousands of them. In the off-season, the signs and cones need to be stored. To keep up with growth, Geyer Signal expanded its office and shop about four years ago. The company’s storage area covers nearly four acres. “We’ve gone from three jobs a week and hand-pounding signs to 40 to 50 jobs a week and more automated installation,” says Manny. With 230 projects to date in 2013, and 200 active projects currently, there’s no doubt that Geyer Signal is hard at work. “We’ve been doing this a long time, and when customers want us there, we’re there,” says Kevin. “If they need us in the middle of the night, we’re there.” In addition to the “usual” signs associated with road construction projects, Geyer Signal produces custom signs. “Technology has helped us do so
Kevin Kissner, president, Manny Kissner, general manager, and Sarah Walz, office manager, Geyer Signal, Inc.
“We pride ourselves on providing our customers with timely service and an unmatched attention to detail.” —Kevin Kissner much more than what we’ve done in the past,” Sarah says. The ultimate goal of the signs Geyer Signal provides is to ensure safety at construction worksites. In recognition of its efforts, the company has earned numerous Work Zone Safety Awards. “Our employees work long hours, and whatever the weather or time of day, they’re working to help keep everyone safe,” Sarah says. “We’re always reminding drivers to please put down their cell phones and concentrate on driving.” Good advice, indeed. D
Dawson Earns Accolades from State Auto
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awson Insurance was recently presented with the Top 100 Sales Star Award for 2012 from State Auto Insurance Company. State Auto’s Top 100 Sales Stars, which is compiled quarterly, consists of the Top 100 State Auto agencies across an operating territory that meet their sales and profitability criteria for the required time period. The agencies are ranked in order of their sales increase based on year-to-date written premium growth in dollars. Dawson Insurance has represented State Auto since 1963 and writes all lines of property and casualty insurance with this regional insurance company. D
Presenting the award to Tom Dawson and Dan Armbrust from Dawson Insurance are State Auto representatives Eric Strobl, personal lines sales representative, and Brenda Christensen, commercial lines specialist.
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Dawson News Dawson Dawson News
Dawson Insurance Named Young Professionals Best Place to Work Small Business of the Year: Heartland Trust Company Business of the Year: Border States Electric Small Not-for-Profit of the Year: Red River Zoo Not-for-Profit of the Year: Family HealthCare Entrepreneur of the Year: Jill Krahn & Jodi Ellingson, Hair Success Salon & Day Spa Young Professionals Best Place to Work: Dawson Insurance
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he Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce received a record number of nominations for its annual ChamberChoice Awards, which are given in the categories of Business, Not-For-Profit, Entrepreneur, and Young Professionals Best Place to Work. Another record was broken when 57 of the nominees successfully completed their applications, making them viable candidates for the
2013 ChamberChoice Awards. The winners were announced at the Chamber’s 16th annual awards luncheon in mid-May. Dan Armbrust, vice president of Dawson Insurance, accepted the Young Professionals Best Place to Work award on behalf of Dawson Insurance. “We’re thrilled to receive this award, and we extend our thanks and gratitude to the Chamber,” he
New Employee
New Employee
Grant Ellis
Bridget Helm
Personal Lines Account Manager
Surety Account Assistant
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rant joined the Dawson team in May. Prior to that, he worked as a customer service representative at Ellis Insurance Agency in Elbow Lake, Minnesota as well as Zandbroz Variety in downtown Fargo. Grant was drawn to Dawson because of the company’s reputation for excellent customer service and community involvement, something that is also highly valued at Ellis Insurance Agency and Zandbroz Variety. Responsible for servicing and assisting personal lines clients and processing policy changes, Grant says he enjoys the challenges and rewards of assisting clients. And what does he think sets Dawson apart from the competition? “Dawson is a great agency because of its commitment to forming long-term relationships with clients as well as the community by providing excellent service,” he says. Grant lives in south Fargo. In his free time, he enjoys reading, biking, and camping. D
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said. “This award is made possible because of our dedicated employees, whether they fit the ‘young professional’ category or not. Congratulations to the other winners and nominees across all the award categories.” For more details about the awards, visit www.fmwfchamber.com/chamberchoice/ index.php. D
TouchPoints • Fall 2013
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ridget joined the Dawson team in August and says she was drawn to Dawson because she had heard it was a great place to work and because of the company’s recent Young Professionals Best Place to Work award from the Chamber. Prior to Dawson, Bridget worked as an assistant manager at the Windbreak and as an office assistant at Starr Fireworks, both in Fargo. Her responsibilities include issuing bid and performance bonds as well as completing notary bonds and renewals. She says the best part of her job is “learning new things and working in an environment where everyone is so friendly and willing to help.” She says the respect that Dawson has for everyone in the workplace is what sets the company apart from the competition. Bridget lives in south Fargo with her husband, Brandon, and their dog, Stavi. In her spare moments, she enjoys crafting and spending time with family and friends. D
Employee Spotlight Em Employee Spotlight Joni Alfson
Zack Dawson
Account Executive
Commercial Lines Producer
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oni was recently named the 2013 Outstanding CSR of the Year for the state of North Dakota by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. To qualify for this top state honor, Joni submitted the winning essay on the topic set forth by The Alliance: “Communication is one of the most important parts of building strong relationships with your clients, companies, and coworkers. Identify and explain the four greatest barriers to effective communication that you face (or have faced) and how you’ve worked to overcome these barriers.” Additionally, Joni was selected for having demonstrated outstanding service and professionalism within the insurance community. “Joni was chosen as a state winner for exemplifying the characteristics and qualifications required to be eligible for the prestigious National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award,” said Dr. William T. Hold, Ph.D., CIC, CPCU, CLU, president of the National Alliance. “She represents the backbone of the insurance community, those customer representatives distinguished for providing exceptional service on a daily basis.” Joni began her career with Dawson Insurance as a customer service representative in 2002 and currently serves as an account executive. She attained her CIC designation in 2004 and her CPCU designation in 2012. “I am very honored and humbled to receive the 2013 Outstanding CSR of the Year award for North Dakota,” says Joni. “I know there are many outstanding CSRs in the state, so being selected among so many qualified individuals is quite an honor.” Joni resides in Fargo and has two grown children that also live in Fargo along with three grandchildren. She enjoys spending time at the lake in the summer and follows UND hockey in the winter. Congrats, Joni! D
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o continually improve our customer ser vice, Dawson Insurance associates are encouraged to continue their insurance education and to achieve various licenses and professional designations. Zack Dawson recently achieved the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) insurance agent professional certification designation. The CIC certification program was started by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research in 1969. The program is recognized for its practical, hands-on approach to learning. CIC is one of the most highly acclaimed professional education designation programs in the insurance industry. There are five CIC institutes: •• Personal lines •• Commercial casualty •• Commercial property •• Life and health •• Agency management To become a designated CIC, Zack completed courses in all five institutes and passed the required examinations. D
New Employee Alex Dawson Client Services Coordinator
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lex joined Dawson in August and most recently worked as a specialty lines underwriter in Madison, Wisconsin. One might be surprised to learn that it was guns that drew him to Dawson Insurance. “As a little boy, I remember asking to go to the office to see my great uncle’s gun collection. As I grew older, it was the culture at Dawson that kept my attention.” His responsibilities at Dawson include centralizing the marketing department and developing a market database as well as assisting clients in implementing safety management programs. The best part of Alex’s job? “Getting to work with my dad and big brother every day.” Alex lives in south Fargo with his younger brother, Mike, and their two boxers, Stella and Layla. He enjoys spending time with his family on Pelican Lake, riding bike, and watching any film by the Coen brothers. D
Our commitment to service includes extended service hours and more service options. With both online and telephone services at your fingertips day or night, Dawson 24/7 is designed so that you choose how to interact with our agency and when it’s convenient for you.
Dawson 24/7 Online Access
Your insurance information is always available so you can: •• Obtain Certificates of Insurance. •• Print auto ID cards. •• Notify Dawson of a claim or loss. •• View your policy information. •• Make change requests such as address or adding vehicles/drivers. Keep in mind, coverages are not bound until you receive confirmation from our office.
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Claims Corner
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Dawson Insurance 721 1st Avenue North PO Box 1958 Fargo, ND 58107
701-237-3311 800-220-4514 701-232-4442 (fax)
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week claims@dawsonins.com info@dawsonins.com Pay Your Home And Auto Bills Online CHECK US OUT AT dawsonins.com
Find Us on Facebook TouchPoints content is for illustration and informational purposes only. Dawson Insurance relies on the accuracy of information provided to us in developing this newsletter. For premium quotes, specific coverage options and other products and services, please contact us.
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o you have kids attending college this fall? Are you wondering if your student’s belongings are covered under your homeowners policy? Ten percent of your personal property limits apply to your student’s belongings while they are away at school. Any loss would be subject to the policy deductible. But be aware: personal property is insured for named perils only (i.e. fire, theft, wind, hail). This means that items such as your child’s laptop, smartphone, iPad, musical instrument, and bike are not covered for any damage from breakage or spilled liquids. You may want to consider scheduling some of your student’s belongings on a personal articles policy for broader coverage. The cost is reasonable, and there is little or no deductible. In most cases, your homeowners policy provides coverage for unintentional bodily injury your student causes to others. Note, though, that your homeowners policy provides very limited coverage for property damage to your student’s dorm room or rented apartment with the exception of damage caused by fire, smoke, or explosion. Homeowners policies will typically extend coverage for your child’s personal property and liability as long as he/she is a full-time student (defined by each individual school) and under the age of 24. If your student no longer uses your address as his/her permanent address or he/ she is over the age of 24, consider purchasing a renters policy to protect his/her property and liability. Contact your agent or account manager for more specific questions about your student. D
721 1st Avenue North PO Box 1958 Fargo, ND 58107
Dawson Insurance is proud to be a locally-owned, independent agency that provides a full line of property and casualty coverage, as well as life and health benefits, surety and financial services for individuals and businesses. For more than 96 years, we have been working hard to ensure our customers always come first, both in the services we offer and the protection we provide. Thank you for your business.