Urban Views Weekly November 11, 2015 by Urban Views Weekly

Nov. 11, 2015

Scholar of the Week - Stephanie Martin

Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school cash program is A Plus for those who participate

THURSDAY MORNING MIXER Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to “family” members who did not know that you existed.

Make connections that can grow your business. Make connections so you can refer others to someone that you just met.

November 12, 2015 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Bon Secours Heart Institute

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Many small donors, or a few large donors? As the year comes to a close, many nonprofits are looking at their fundraising goals and asking an important question: Should we focus on securing a large number of small gifts, or a few large ones? We believe the answer is “both.” Here are three things to consider.

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Letter To The Editor

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Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

2. Continuing to ask your donors for a small gift may mean you lose out on a larger gift. When asked why they decided to make a larger gift many donors respond, “because I was asked.” If you have been running a direct mail campaign for years, you should have data you can review. Are there individuals who consistently give year-after-year? Do you know them? Should you consider a personal letter asking for a larger gift? Better yet, who within your board, staff or volunteer pool knows your consistent donors? Could a personal ask be made for a larger gift?

1. Securing many small gifts often takes as much energy as securing a few large gifts. Much of the work is similar: Define your case; agree on an ask amount or range; define your pool of prospective donors; determine the right method or approach. Most importantly “make the ask” and say thank you quickly when gifts are received. The difference between the two strategies often depends on a nonprofit’s 3. Consider testing a fundraising fundraising history. Some have a appeal asking for a gift of $25 to history of securing large gifts. Others $100. Depending on a few trusted have built a cadre of fundraising donors to make larger gifts can volunteers, each of whom host parties be efficient in terms of time and or solicit gifts from individuals. Still resources. Yet there’s a built-in danger others have a strong direct mail and/ with that dependence: what happens or on-line campaign. Incorporating a as donors’ priorities change? How are new fundraising strategy often takes you growing a pool of donors time, and given the shortage of time,

at Reynolds Crossing 7001 Forest Ave. Richmond, VA 23230 Forest Ave. & Glenside Dr.

it makes sense to use the method that works best for your nonprofit.

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs Among her many interests, Stephanie Martin hopes to make a difference in the future by tackling childhood obesity. Martin knows what it is like to struggle with obesity because she had to struggle through it as a child. She was encouraged to change her lifestyle because she could not do what other children could because she would easily tire. She also did not want to do things from fear that people would talk about her. “I don’t want a child to go through self esteem issues like I did when I was in elementary school and going into middle school,” Martin said. For anyone going through what she did, Martin advises people to “know your self-worth, or find your self-worth.”

Stephanie Martin

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.28 College of Interest: Old Dominion University Major Community Service: Mentoring, Girl Scouts, Church, Key Club Strong Interests: Childhood obesity, health and wellness, childhood development Favorite Activities: Listening to spoken word, going new places and spending time with friends

her interest in children. Martin’s top choice for college is Old Dominion University in Norfolk. She said ODU was one of only a few schools where she felt at home and like she belonged. Although Martin stays busy with school, where she currently has a 4.28 GPA, some of her favorite activities outside of school include seeing and traveling to new places, spending time with her friends, and listening to spoken word. “I’m not really a visual person, I like to hear things,” Martin said. “I just like the way spoken word sounds and how you can get something off your chest if you’re feeling bad.” In the past she has learned to be confident by performing a poem through the Mayor’s Youth Academy Life Stage Program. She hopes to continue and one day perform her own spoken word poem.

Scholar0

In order to make a difference and combat childhood obesity, Martin’s ultimate goal is to start a non-profit There are many people and programs that have organization. “I feel like that’s my influenced her in life, but her mother is one of element because I want to work with ™ k her greatest influences because she supports e e children anyway,” Martin said. She W e h t of her in anything she does and is always pushing currently gets experience working with her. “I used to be scared about scholarships children by serving as a mentor for a and I was applying to a lot,” Martin said. first grader. As a member of the Girl “She was telling me you’re going to get it, Scouts, she also had opportunities to work with girls younger than you’re going to get it. Just think positive and if you don’t get it then her during a camping trip. That experience helped her build both there’s other opportunities.” With encouragement from her mother communication and leadership skills. Another way Martin has been and others, Martin hopes to one day be an influence through her able to give back was by volunteering at the Children’s Museum, the non-profit. She also admires Michelle Obama for continuously Northside Family YMCA, and by serving as the president of the Key addressing childhood obesity. Club at her school. She is also a member of her church’s choir and usher board. In an essay, Martin quoted Malcolm X who once said, “the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” These are words Martin While she is currently building experience for her future profession, lives by everyday as she continues to be strong and driven in order Martin’s next step is going to college to major in health and wellness to accomplish her goals of fighting against childhood obesity. and minor in business. She also wants to find a way to incorporate

Watch for our Scholar of the Week segment, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM on 

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply! www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

ViewPoints

National American Indian Heritage Month Does the Washington Redskins Football Team celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month? Do they even know that the month of November has been designated to honor and celebrate the rich traditions and historic heritage American Indian People represent within the cultural landscape of the United States of America? Most Americans, including Redskins fans, pretend that the Washington team’s mascot actually honors American Indians. Or they remain unaware that November is National American Indian Heritage Month. This is most assuredly because if they recognized it, they would have to face the cloud of hypocrisy that engulfs them. Given the significant outcry from American Indian People and other voices, the refusal to change the name of the Washington Redskins Football Team, the team logo, and the team’s branded merchandise, is in direct opposition to honoring American Indians and, instead, serves to denigrate, culturally appropriate, and commodify them. In stark contrast, several states have changed what was formerly known as Columbus Day to Native American Day, while other states still deem Columbus Day as a holiday, its significance has become mostly a day for retail stores to offer sales and bargains instead of honoring its history.

By Dr. T

Throughout our nation’s history, the Supreme Court, Congress, U.S. Presidents, and hundreds of treaties have, repeatedly, reaffirmed that Indian Nations retain their inherent powers of self- government. There are approximately 4.1 million Americans who self-identify as American Indian or Alaska Native alone or in conjunction with another race, according to the U.S. census in 2000.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University

The history of the U.S. and American Indian Nations is complex, bloody and, mostly, unknown by the contemporary American citizenry. Over centuries of conquest and colonization, American Indians were forced to cede millions of acres of land that made the United States what it is today, and in return received, among other guarantees, the right of continued self-government on their own lands. Although the lands “given” were usually more barren or difficult to cultivate than not, and Indian People were often pushed to the corners and creases of the American landscape, the founders, patriots and generations upon generations more, took the best and most fruitful and profitable millions of acres as if it were their divine and manifest destiny.

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com www.theconciliationproject.org

Basically, American Indian Heritage Day continues to be a day we observe with little to no recognition as a “legitimate” national holiday, even though President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month” in 1990. There are 562 federally recognized Indian Nations in the United States. Approximately 229 of these ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse nations are located in Alaska; the rest are located in 33 other states. The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to 11 “recognized” American Indian Tribes. The United States Constitution recognizes that Indian Nations are sovereign governments.

In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, the Washington Redskins organization and any other sports franchises that use the pretense of honoring the heritage of the First People, the Native Americans of the USA, by making them into mascots, caricatures and objects of false representation (without permission), while attempting to re-frame culture and A Peoples History into flags, t-shirts, caps and coffee mugs need to STOP doing it. It’s shameful… and if they knew more about history they would…CHANGE THE NAME OF THEIR FRANCHISE IMMEDIATELY. Up Next Week: Diplomacy is difficult!

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll President Obama announced a new order to “ban the box” –an effort to eliminate the requirement that federal government job applicants check a box if they have a criminal record.

What’s Your Take? Should an employer be allowed to pre-screen job applicants for criminal offenses? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

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Savor

Prep Your Home for Holiday Houseguests

Apple Pie Recipe Is there anything better in the fall than sitting down with a heaping slice of warm apple pie? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Making an apple is as easy as, well, pie. Follow the recipe below from Pillsbury to pull off your own version. Don’t forget to compliment your creation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cup of milk.

Ingredients Crust: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box Filling: 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium) 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon lemon juice Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate; press firmly against side and bottom. In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients and spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to make a seal. Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch-wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool on cooling rack at least two hours before serving.

who may increase their giving over time? Now could be the time to take a small, calculated risk in trying something new. In addition to personally asking larger donors for a gift, craft a direct mail or personal letter to send to those who have volunteered or attended one of your events. Or test a small social media campaign. Bottom line: Securing large gifts helps you meet your current goal; small gifts help www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Instead, prepare your home with these helpful tips.

Mudroom Makeover

It’s the first place guests see when they step inside the house. But it’s also where coats are strewn about, shoes are kicked off and winter gear is hung out to dry. Declutter with a row of hooks to hang items, and a bench to sit down and pull on boots. Donate coats you’re no longer wearing; and temporarily store seldom-used garments in a vacuum sealed bag to make additional space for visitors’ belongings. Or, simply buy an inexpensive coat rack that can be placed near the front door so visitors have a place to hang outerwear.

and who wouldn’t want to save a little this time of year? To give overnight guests a truly spa-like experience, install a rainshower showerhead for exceptional water coverage. Did your guests forget shampoo? No room for conditioner in their carry-on? Simply fill a glass container with essentials, such as travel-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion for visitors to grab and use.

Hotel Hospitality

Thoroughly clean your guest room, especially in areas you might not pay attention to regularly. Dust baseboards, drapes and window blinds, and don’t forget the headboard and footboard. Freshen up carpeting and rugs by sprinkling baking soda over the area. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. You can also make stale smells disappear with potpourri; make your own by placing holiday scents, such as cinnamon sticks or nutmeg in a bowl. Or, eliminate this step by hiring a professional cleaning crew -- think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself.

Gorgeous Guest Bathroom

Directions

From Fundraising page 2

Nearly 99 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season, according to AAA. So how do you ensure it’s the most wonderful time of the year for guests and hosts, alike?

The powder room and guest bath are perhaps the most heavily trafficked areas of the home during the holiday season. Before visitors arrive, make sure your space is both functional and stylish. An easy way to make a statement is by updating the bathroom faucet. Choosing one with a variety of configurations, like Moen’s Wynford faucet, will allow a new piece to blend seamlessly with existing décor. It features a high-arc design for easy hand washing, and is kind to the environment, conserving water with a reduced flow rate. Using less water is also good for your wallet,

build a base of donors from which to grow and sustain in future years. Take a risk: Ask for gifts both large and small. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the owners of Saad&Shaw. They serve the nation’s nonprofits. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

StatePoint

Ensure guests get VIP treatment with crisp linens, cozy blankets and plush mattress toppers. Make it easy for them to acclimate to the unfamiliar space by adding a night light. It’s an easy way to keep visitors from falling in the middle of night, and provides extra comfort for young ones who may not travel often. Having a plan will help make your holidays stress-free. Focus on these areas ahead of time, so you can enjoy the season as much as your guests.

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Martin’s A+ Rewards

Helping Hand to Rich

Thanks to the Martin’s A+ Rewards Program, several Richmond-area schools hit the jackpot to the tune of nearly $20,000 during the 2014-2015 school year. The funds, part of an overall $3 million pot that the Pennsylvaniabased Martin’s makes available to participating schools in several states, are used to purchase much-needed items such as books, computers, software, musical instruments and more. “It’s essentially free money for schools,” said Serena Corrigan, Martin’s marketing manager. “Schools can use the money for computers, smartboards, field trips and other activities.” Schools in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield counties that won big during the program’s last cycle include St. Bridget’s, Godwin High School, Holman Middle School, Longdale Elementary School and Grange Hall Elementary School. Here’s how the program works, according to Martin’s website: Area schools encourage Martin’s food store shoppers to register their BONUSCARDS with a specific school to receive A+ School Rewards points each time they shop. For each shopping visit, A+ School Rewards points are rounded per transaction to the nearest whole dollar amount. For example: If a customer’s bill 6

Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

totaled at $3.49, it would earn three A+ School Rewards points for their selected school. If a customer’s shopping bill totaled $8.69, it would earn his or her school nine A+ School Rewards points. The more points earned by a school the more of the percentage of the total award they will receive. At the end of each month, each school’s dollar amount is determined using the following formula: A school’s monthly A+ School Rewards points are divided by ALL participating schools’ monthly A+ School Rewards points. In an era when many schools have seen cutbacks in programs for art and music, the A+ Rewards program can be a lifeline, agree several school administrators who benefit from the program. Brian Fellows, the principal at Holman Middle School in Henrico County, carries unabashed enthusiasm for the rewards program. Holman, which has 900 students and about 400 registered BONUSCARD participants, received $2,666 last spring after the program ended during the school year. “It’s an outstanding program that Martin’s does,” said Fellows, noting that his school uses the funds for faculty and staff development, as well as for guest speakers and equipment.

Holman has participated in the rewards program for six years. Fellows said the school’s winning strategy has been to “inundate the community with emails and requests once or twice a month.” Backto-School-Night is also a great time to encourage parents and others to register their bonus savings card, said Fellows, who considers it part of his job to study other schools’ methodology for winning. For example, one school in Pennsylvania averages about $20,000 a year. So he called the school’s principal to determine the secret of its success. “The principal said there aren’t that many grocery stores around, so it’s become part of the community’s culture to focus on the rewards program rather than other fundraisers,” said Fellows.

s Program Provides

hmond-area schools

Tips for a Successful Martin’s A+ Rewards Program

By Bonnie Newman Davis

other instructional needs for the school. Sadler said St. Bridget’s success in securing the funds is based on getting parents to sign up for the rewards program. “Once that’s done, we reap the benefits,” he said. Parent orientation night is a great time to publicize the program, which largely is handled by St. Bridget’s PTO. St. Bridget’s has 280 families and about 80 percent of those families participate in the rewards program. “They see the benefits to the program,” said Sadler. “The money goes right back to the classroom. We are very fortunate to have a business like Martin’s in our community that chooses to give back to local schools.” Diane Harring, president of the PTA at Grange Hall Elementary School in Chesterfield County, is pleased the school received $3,458.74 from the Martin’s rewards program at the end of the last school year. She said that because Grange Hall’s PTA has nearly 100 percent participation, it is easier to get parents to register for the program. “We’ve got really great parents,” said Harring. “When we ask them for something, they’ll do it.”

While pleased with the funds it has raised, Fellow believes his school could increase its winnings if it were closer to a Martin’s store. He points out that Mills E. Godwin, which received $4,543.47 from the rewards program, is fairly close to a Martin’s store, which means that it is more likely to register Godwin parents, friends and neighbors who shop there. Fellows offers this advice for Richmond-area schools with low rates of participation. “Take advantage of the program and ask parents to sign up,” he said. “It’s free money!” George F. Sadler, principal of St. Bridget School, says students are familiar with the school’s large check bearing the numbers $4,571.49. Beyond that, he isn’t sure whether students realize that the “real” check will help provide books and

During the 2014-2015 school year, Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets donated $3 million to 2,823 public and private schools through its popular school fundraiser, A+ School Rewards. Since launching the program in 2005, Giant’s and Martin’s have donated more than $22 million to local schools throughout the communities it serves. Last spring, five Richmond-area schools that participated in the program received nearly $20 million to use for technology, scholarships, school programs, field trips, playgrounds and other educational needs. This year’s program started Oct. 17 and ends March 17. Schools have until Jan. 31, 2016 to register by visiting Martin’s website. Serena Corrigan, marketing manager for the Pennsylvania-based Martin’s Food Markets, offers these tips for schools that are interested in earning cash through the A+ Rewards program.

Friends, grandparents and other relatives also help the school accrue points for the program, which is publicized via various forms and email alerts. Funds are used to purchase subscriptions for learning programs in language and math, or for teacher programs and activities, said Harring.

Promote the Martin’s A+ Rewards Program during Back-To-School Night or orientation events.

Because the school system does not always provide funding for certain needs, the funds from Martin’s help lessen the strain, Harring added. “We appreciate Martin’s,” she said. “They’re one of the few companies that continue to offer rewards programs.”

Look for information about the program in Martin’s stores.

Winning Richmond Area Schools (2014-2015)

Encourage parents, family members and friends to register for the program with their Martin’s BONUSCARDS.

Use social media, email, newsletters, press releases and other media tools to promote the rewards program.

St. Bridget’s School - $4,571.49

Encourage school PTAs/PTOs to promote the program.

Mills E. Godwin High School - $4,543.47

Visit Martin’s website for more information

Longdale Elementary School - $4219, 47

https://richmond.martinsfoods.com/savings-andrewards/rewards-program/aplus/

Grange Hall Elementary School- $3,458.74 Holman Middle School - $2,666.55.

Photo credit Ervin Clarke www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Making Holidays Bright – And Affordable Already dreading what you’ll spend this holiday season? It doesn’t have to be that way. Gifts aren’t the only budget-busting culprit during the holidays. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are also a peak time for spending on groceries, travel, events, entertainment, energy, clothes and meals out. Financial advisors recommend you use no more than 1.5 percent of your annual income on holiday spending, so consider the following suggestions to keep it under control:

Leverage your creativity. If there’s something you make or do really well that people love, consider making such accomplishments into gifts. From specialty food items your friends enjoy, to clothing or art, anything done well can be a gift. Don’t rule out lessons or skilled labor as potential holiday gifts, particularly for relatives who can’t afford such services at this time. Smart shopping for ingredients or supplies can make such creative gifts a real money saver. Build a year-round gift stash. If there are gifts or foodstuffs you can buy on sale and keep for a while, you’ll have a ready source of thank-you gifts for hosts, teachers or co-workers year-round. Set aside a similar area for cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. Also keep in mind that many retailers put holiday-themed items on sale before the holidays are finished. If you think you’ll need these items next year, grab your coupons, take advantage and put those items aside for future gift giving.

Start with a list and make a budget. Begin your planning by listing every possible holiday expense you’ll face – and don’t stop at gifts. Consult the Practical Money Skills for Life comprehensive holiday budget planner to help organize your information and track your spending. Be open about money trouble. If you are facing financial difficulties during the holiday season, don’t spend to hide the problem. Don’t be ashamed to make adjustments and tell friends and family members that you’d like to temporarily downsize your spending until conditions improve. They might actually appreciate a spending reprieve, too. Build a bargain-hunting strike force. Let friends and family know you’re looking for particular toys, gifts, foods, or decorating items and volunteer to do the same for them. Save and share coupons. Encourage your group to find resources, check prices and share requests and ideas via social media. Results can come back in a matter of minutes. Evaluate all transportation costs. Do you really need to run out of one or two items at a time? Designate certain days of the week for particular items, keep an eye out for free delivery and see if friends and family might want to share errands. Those with large vehicles or trucks can help move, deliver and even install appliances or electronics if they have the skills to do so. Smart transportation choices extend to car pools or public transportation for events and entertainment.

Late saving for gifts? Do it anyway. If you don’t have a holiday fund set up, don’t let that keep you from starting one. Every little bit helps. Take 5-10 percent of your next paycheck and set it aside, doing it each week throughout the holidays. If you keep it up, your holiday fund can eventually become an emergency fund to be used for other savings goals, including retirement. Take notes for next holiday season. Create a paper or digital file where you can collect ideas for next year. Check print and online resources like Consumer Reports for items that can be bought at specific times of the year at a discount so you are able to hide them for the holidays – but remember where you hid them. Bottom line: Keeping holidays affordable isn’t a challenge when you’re willing to do a little planning, idea-sharing and record-keeping. Make it an activity you can do year-round. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney.

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Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

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The KLM Scholarship Foundation received a $10,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to fund the organization’s Book Scholarship Program. The KLM Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in Richmond, Virginia during 2002. The primary purpose of the organization is to distribute book scholarship awards to students attending college within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Scholarships are academic based and target students faced with financial obstacles. Since its inception, the organization has awarded nearly $150,000 in book scholarships. “College debt is at an all-time high and our kids are drowning in it. The support we receive from UPS gives us the ability to award scholarships to students in need. We are elated about partnering with UPS to alleviate the cost of expensive textbooks for many Virginia college students,” said Kimberley Martin, founder of the KLM Scholarship Foundation. Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: volunteerism, diversity, community safety and the environment. In 2014, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $104.2 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS. “The UPS Foundation is honored to support the KLM Scholarship Foundation’s efforts to make education affordable,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.” Lets talk about growing your business...

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How to Guide

Selecting the Right Insurance Agent for Your Needs Getting the right insurance and agent for your needs will not only save you time and money in the future, it will also leave you with peace of mind and satisfaction. Shopping for the right insurance agent can feel overwhelming. After all, there are plenty of things to consider. You need to find a company that offers the right mix of service, coverage and an affordable price. The challenge may simply be not knowing how to identify a reliable, reputable agent. Remember that everyone needs insurance coverage. An experienced agent can walk you through various options, keeping in mind your budget and lifestyle.

your insurance agent will appreciate your willingness to refer acquaintances to them in the future. If you do not have recommendations, begin researching your options. Begin by looking at local companies and brokers. Large insurers

give all of their agents the same training. Each agent will be subject to the same company policies. In some ways, that can be comforting. However, agents at large companies may lack creativity and flexibility in how they

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handle their accounts. As you conduct your research, be thorough and critical. Buying a policy is similar to purchasing a new car or home. It is truly that important. Select a company that is highly regarded by consumers. Read reviews of each company to determine who has the most satisfied clients. Are they easy to work with? Have there been any problems with collecting on a policy?

If an agent tries to pressure you into making a decision right away, inform them that you need more time and cannot sign anything immediately. The right agent will let you take as much time as you need to understand the implications of each policy. They will give you useful information and not subject you to high-pressure sales techniques. Your agent should be available. The relationship doesn’t end once the sale is completed. Your dialogue should be continuous. The best agents are available in the event you have to file a claim. Agents who have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation and track record. They understand the policies and will even take extra care that you are properly protected.

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Also, check that any prospective agent has all necessary licenses and training. After narrowing your list of prospective agents, make an appointment to visit each one. Prepare a list of questions and concerns about your personal situation. Take notes during your meeting. Remember that you must feel comfortable with the answers before purchasing a policy.

Before choosing an insurance plan, you will need to identify an agent to guide you through the process. Your financial future depends on finding the right person to help you get insurance that will fit your needs. Your family, friends and colleagues have likely worked with insurance agents in the past. Ask people you trust for referrals. If you receive a recommendation, it is because that person has had a positive experience. There is a good likelihood that you will have similar results. Successful agents understand that offering great service will keep them in business. Their careers depend on word-of-mouth. If you are happy with the service you receive,

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It is essential that you choose the right type and amount of insurance to adequately protect yourself and your financial future. The policy should be tailored to fit your specific needs. A seasoned, skilled insurance agent will be an invaluable resource for safeguarding your future.

Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | November 11, 2015