CMBA Member News

Brian Harvey Agency offers Teen Safe Driver ProgramSM

The Teen Safe Driver ProgramSM, which helps young drivers overcome the challenges of learning how to drive, has received A.M. Best’s E-Fusion award. The award is considered one of the leading technology honors in the insurance industry.

Teen Safe Driver was developed in association with DriveCam, a company that specializes in reducing risky driving behavior and saving lives. The program is offered at no cost for a period of up to one year to American Family customers who have a teen driver. More information on Teen Safe Driver is available from American Family insurance agent Brian Harvey at 1834 SW 58th Ave. Ste. 103, in the Sylvan area.

“My customers who have participated in the program tell me it’s a tremendous opportunity to help build good driving habits in their young drivers,” said Harvey, whose office is open from 9-5 Monday through Friday. “The judges in this national competition agreed, and I would urge anyone with new drivers to check out the program and consider enrolling.”

American Family and DriveCam introduced Teen Safe Driver to all of the company’s 18 operating states throughout 2007. More than 5,000 families have already participated in the program. DriveCam has noted a decrease of 76 percent in risky driving behavior after teen drivers have spent just 10 weeks in the program. That figure rises to 86 percent after six months. The E-Fusion Award judging panel praised Teen Safe Driver for its technological innovation and social responsibility. The panel said the program spoke to American Family’s commitment to building strong customer relationships.

Additional information is available at www.teensafedriver.com.

Mike’s Auto Parts Keeps Up During Arctic Blast
By Teresa Mahoney

During the most treacherous driving conditions in over 20 years, Mike’s Auto Parts was able to help keep its customers safe. It wasn’t just the excessive demand for tire chains that kept business flowing, it was the dedication to serve the community during a time of need.

The greatest challenge Mike’s Auto Parts faced was quickly securing enough tire chains. “We went through thousands of pounds of chain per day, and made frequent trips to our chain supplier,” says Pat Mahoney, owner of Mike’s Auto Parts.

At one point, Pat recalls at least twenty customers waiting outside to pick up their chains directly off the truck. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before; it reminded of a breadline or a scene from the movie The Music Man about The Wells Fargo Wagon coming to town,” says Pat. An employee would call out the size and the customer would claim their purchase. “I felt like we were calling out Bingo or lottery numbers,” said one employee. Pat says the secret to meeting such a rapid increase in demand is flexibility. Pat offered extended business hours allowing customers extra time to pick up their special orders. He also increased efficiency by calling customers en route to notify them their order was on its way.

What makes Mike’s Auto Parts especially unique is the underlying support system. Many of the employees stayed longer hours and even walked in the snow to get to work. “My employees’ positive attitudes and dedication to their job is greatly appreciated and did not go unnoticed,” explains Pat. His family also played a crucial role in his success during this busy time. His wife and daughter helped out with everything from unloading orders to cashiering. “My business could not operate without people who truly care and I am very grateful for that.”

January is national Get Organized Month

Start your year off right by getting organized and celebrate the many benefits it brings. NW Organizing Solutions is offering specials to help you achieve this goal. Beth Giles of NW Organizing will help you clear clutter, manage papers/files, and organize your home or office. You’ll reap time and money savings, increased productivity, improved quality of life, and reduced stress.

Getting organized is one of the top five New Year’s resolutions people make. In recognition of this goal, NW Organizing Solutions is offering 20% discount off all organizing services purchased in January. Call to inquire about a free Get Organized seminar for your office, school, neighborhood, or church group. They can be reached at 503-709-0791, beth@nworganizingsolutions.com or check out the possibilities at www.nworganizingsolutions.com.

Financial Peace University (FPU)

FPU is the most important step to changing your financial future. It takes the knowledge we learn and turns it into real action in our lives through a step-by-step process taught by best-selling author and financial counselor Dave Ramsey.

FPU is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, and much, much more. FPU is for everyone—from the financially secure to the financially distressed.

Sponsored by Cedar Mill Bible Church, classes are available Sunday morning and afternoon, and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Cost is $98 per family unit. Call the church at 503-644-4833 or go to www.daveramsey.com for more information or to register for a class.

Village Gallery News

Due to popular demand we are holding Leila Ball’s December show over into January. Leila has worked as a successful studio artist in media that includes painting, fused glass, polymer clay, fiber sculpture and enameling. This show features Leila’s vividly painted acrylic city scenes. The all-media show themed “Winter” opens January 6 through February 1. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 12- 4 pm

The Village Gallery has a full schedule of classes and workshops with some special one and two-day sessions in January and February: Village Kids workshop for ages 6-12, Saturday January 3, 1-2:30 pm—learn about Guatemala using art & crafts; Cutting Stained Glass for adults, Saturday January 31, 1-3 pm; Journal Making/Journal Jumpstart, Saturday& Sunday February 21 and 22; Needle Felting Workshop For Beginners- Make a Bear, Sunday February 15, 12:30 - 3 pm; Edible Mosaic with Shelley Lebel, Saturday February 14 10 am-noon, ages 7 to adults.

Complete class schedules and price information is on the Village Gallery website at villagegalleryarts.org, or call them at 503-644-8001.

Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson

Cedar Mill health coach offers Take Shape for Life seminar

Jami Krietzman, RN, CCRN, support nurse and certified health coach is pleased to invite everyone to a free seminar featuring the medical director of Take Shape for Life and Medifast, Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson. Jami invites you to join thousands of people worldwide who’ve gone from discouragement to confidence, and discover how you can live better, happier, and healthier into your eighties, nineties and beyond. Ex-Trailblazer Jerome Kersey will join Dr. Anderson, and both will also appear on AM NW that morning.

The seminar will take place Friday evening, January 9 from 7 to 9 pm at the Red Lion on the River in Jantzen Beach. Contact Jami Krietzman at 503-690-4313 or email her at fitandhealthynow@verizon.net to find out how you can attend for free. For more information about Take Shape for Life, visit her website at fitandhealthynow.tsfl.com.

$0 Monthly Health Plan Premiums Available!

Come to a  Free informative community meeting to find out how AARP MedicareComplete plans can benefit you. The meetings start at 10:30 AM at Tilly's Gelato & More (next to Walgreens in Cedar Mill), on the following dates: Wednesday, January 21, Tuesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 19. Call now to reserve a seat or to schedule an appointment: 503-223-9797.

Mike Irinaga, a CMBA member and Independent Agent, will be present with information and applications. AARP MedicareComplete from SecureHorizons health plans may also include: Plans starting at $0 monthly health plan premium; one of the most extensive networks of hospitals and providers in Oregon; New for 2009!  SilverSneakers Gym Membership at no additional cost.

Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, bring your friends. For more information you can email Mike at mike@nw-insure.com 

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