Rancho Mesa News
Rancho Mesa Named "Best Practices" Agency in National Competition for 14th Consecutive Year
Author, Alyssa Burley Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading Southern California-based commercial insurance brokerage firm, has been awarded the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (Big “I”) Best Practices Agency designation for the fourteen consecutive year.
Author, Alyssa Burley Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Santee, CA, August 2020 - Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading Southern California-based commercial insurance brokerage firm, has been awarded the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (Big “I”) Best Practices Agency designation for the fourteen consecutive year.
An elite group of agencies endure a comprehensive analysis of their methods, practices and financials to determine the best agencies in the industry. Of the roughly 36,500 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., only about 250 across the nation are chosen each year for this distinction. In California, Rancho Mesa is among about a dozen agencies to earn the Best Practices status.
The data collected from these Best Practices independent insurance agencies is studied and used to establish benchmarks in which other agencies can measure their performance and adjust their businesses based on the best practices guidelines established through the study.
In order to participate, an agency must first be nominated by the Big “I.” Then, it must submit detailed financial and operational information which is analyzed, scored, and ranked objectively based on operational excellence, including: outstanding customer services, growth, stability, and financial management.
Each year, the Big “I” publishes its "Best Practices Study" using financial and operational data collected from agencies throughout the United States. The 2020 Best Practices Study will be available later this year. It will include a list of all the Best Practices Agencies by state and the results of the study.
To learn more about what it takes to be a "Best Practices Agency," visit www.independentagent.com/best-practices.
About Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa was founded in 1998 and is regarded as a leading Southern California insurance agency with recognized expertise in construction, landscape and nonprofit/social services. The company provides its clients with risk management services, comprehensive insurance programs, bonding, employee benefits, and industry specific training.
Rancho Mesa’s 7th Inning Stretch Goes Virtual
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s staff is accustomed to their twice daily “7th Inning Stretch,” a walk around the neighborhood designed to get people moving and away from their desks. It’s a time to take a break from busy schedules, talk to coworkers, build strong relationships and get outdoors.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s staff is accustomed to their twice daily “7th Inning Stretch,” a walk around the neighborhood designed to get people moving and away from their desks. It’s a time to take a break from busy schedules, talk to coworkers, build strong relationships and get outdoors.
Since Rancho Mesa’s staff members are now working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some have found a fun way to continue their daily “7th Inning Stretch” as a group, while still practicing social distancing.
Using video group chats on their smart phones, coworkers are able to take their “7th Inning Stretch” walks with their peers.
As they each walk around their respective neighborhoods, coworkers chat and exercise while keeping a little sense of normalcy in this unprecedented time.
If you are working remotely and miss the face-to-face contact you used to have with your coworkers, consider incorporating your own virtual “7th Inning Stretch” at your company.
Stay healthy and safe!
StudioOne™ Films NAWIC San Diego Contest Video Entry
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21’s Amber Webb from Ryan Companies (who is the chapter’s President-Elect) and Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction (Vice President for the chapter) visited Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ on Monday, March 9, 2020 to film a portion of the chapter’s new video.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Amber Webb from Ryan Companies and Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction pictured on the set of their upcoming NAWIC San Diego Chapter video.
NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21’s Amber Webb from Ryan Companies (who is the chapter’s President-Elect) and Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction (Vice President for the chapter) visited Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ on Monday, March 9, 2020 to film a portion of the chapter’s new video.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is hosting a nation-wide Marketing & Membership Contest. Chapters from throughout the country are encouraged to submit videos showing how NAWIC powers their members, the chapter and their community. Contest winners will be announced at the 2020 NAWIC Annual Conference in Houston, TX in August.
Good luck on the video contest submission and we look forward to releasing the finished video, soon!
Rancho Mesa is pleased to support the NAWIC San Diego Chapter and the local construction industry that it serves.
About National Association of Women in Construction San Diego Chapter
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) 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. For more information, visit www.nawicsd.org.
Support Our Local Construction Industry at the NAWIC 2nd Annual Toast to the Trades - March 6, 2020
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter will celebrate its annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week with its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Toast to the Trades dinner on March 6, 2020 at The Dana on Mission Bay Resort.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter will celebrate its annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week with its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Toast to the Trades dinner on March 6, 2020 at The Dana on Mission Bay Resort.
Local members of the construction industry, government, and general public will come together to celebrate the careers that build San Diego.
This year’s event will include dinner, drinks, a silent auction, networking, and a panel discussion on “Paving New Roads to Construction.” Proceeds from the event will benefit several youth programs designed to introduce young adults to careers in construction.
NAWIC San Diego’s 2nd Annual
‘Toast to the Trades’
Friday, March 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm
at The Dana on Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
ENJOY DINNER, SILENT AUCTION & PANEL DISCUSSION. ALL SILENT AUCTION PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE FUTURE CONSTRUCTION LEADERS FOUNDATION 501 (C) (3)NON-PROFIT.
This event is part of WIC Week (Women in Construction) with a goal to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week is one of the many ways we involve and give back to our community.
WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in construction and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.
“We must remove barricades and barriers, fill potholes, and pave smoother roads for women in a male-dominated industry and build one another up to help each other achieve success in our careers,” said Diane Mike, NAWIC 2019-2020 National President. “We can and we will change the future of this industry by becoming ingrained at every level of construction to provide a diverse voice.”
Purchase tickets or sponsor the event by visiting nawicsd.org/event.
Rancho Mesa’s Alyssa Burley, Shane Medlin, Sam Clayton, Tom Carapella (Sunrise Bobcat), and Kevin Howard at the 2019 Toast to the Trades event.
About National Association of Women in Construction San Diego Chapter
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) 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. For more information, visit www.nawicsd.org.
#GivingTuesday: One Day to do a World of Good
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to supporting local charities. As a community, we celebrate the season of giving with cherished meals with loved ones on Thanksgiving day. For the next few days, many rush out of the house to stock up on discounted gifts. But, Tuesday has been set aside to give back to the organizations that make a difference in our communities.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to supporting local charities. As a community, we celebrate the season of giving with cherished meals with loved ones on Thanksgiving day. For the next few days, many rush out of the house to stock up on discounted gifts. But, Tuesday has been set aside to give back to the organizations that make a difference in our communities.
The Boys & Girls Club of East County would like to encourage you to embrace “One Day to do a World of Good” by participating in the organization’s celebration of #GivingTuesday.
Club members are getting into the spirit of giving. “Our Club Kids are hard at work raising cans and dry goods for our local food bank. We challenge you to donate this Giving Tuesday. Your gift today can transform a child’s life tomorrow. Donate $3, $5 or $10 dollars today to change a child’s life and spread the giving this season,” reads that organization's flyer.
Donations can be made at bgcec.org/donations/.
About the 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 bgcec.org.
Client Spotlight: 36th Annual Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Raises Funds for UCP San Diego
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
San Diego’s firefighters, local TV and radio personalities, Hollywood celebrities, look-a-likes, and caring patrons gathered on Coronado’s sunny shores to raise funds for the United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County (UCP) at the 36th Annual Firefighters & Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon. Clear skies over the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa on September 20, 2019 lend itself to a perfect afternoon for given to a worthwhile cause.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
San Diego’s firefighters, local TV and radio personalities, Hollywood celebrities, look-a-likes, and caring patrons gathered on Coronado’s sunny shores to raise funds for the United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County (UCP) at the 36th Annual Firefighters & Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon. Clear skies over the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa on September 20, 2019 lend itself to a perfect afternoon for giving to a worthwhile cause.
The event’s live and silent auctions, generous tips and sponsorships raised $58,000 for the organization whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
“UCP would like to thank our local media partners Sunny 98.1 FM, Location Edit, KUSI News and the San Diego Community Newspaper Group for their promotional efforts,” reads the organization’s website. “UCP also thanks the staff of the Coronado Marriott Resort & Spa for their assistance and cooperation and the following organizations, companies and individuals for their support: Auctioneer Clint Bell, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Misty Thompson & Melody Morgan, DPC Productions, the San Diego Gulls, San Diego Seals National Lacrosse team and the San Diego Enforcers.”
Rancho Mesa Insurance is truly honored to support UCP’s mission.
The 36th Annual Firefighters & Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County. Video courtesy of United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.
About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
UCP is an agency committed to serving people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families since 1958. Working throughout the years to improve services with every step, UCP has program centers in San Diego and Escondido and numerous community based programs serving hundreds of local citizens on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.ucpsd.org.
Rancho Mesa Launches RM365 HRAdvantage™ Platform
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading commercial insurance brokerage based in Southern California, launched its RM365 HRAdvantage™ platform in late August 2019. The platform is designed to assist business owners, human resources and office staff with navigating their employment risks through an online portal.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading commercial insurance brokerage based in Southern California, launched its RM365 HRAdvantage™ platform in late August 2019. The platform is designed to assist business owners, human resources and office staff with navigating their employment risks through an online portal.
Clients enjoy unlimited access to a team of certified HR experts who can quickly answer complex human resources and compliance questions over the phone or through the online portal. They will provide their expert advice on how your company should proceed in unique situations.
Confidently manage a living employee handbook with an easy-to-use comprehensive handbook builder and receive suggested updated as laws change throughout the year.
Rely on an extensive library of human resources and compliance articles, forms, job description builder and calendar of important dates to ensure that your company is in compliance with regulations.
Develop your employees’ soft skills and ensure compliance through targeted online courses in human resources, compliance and legal issues, computer and IT, customer service, and professional development.
“Rancho Mesa saw a need and decided to offer its clients access to an online portal with expert human resources advice along with a host of other tools to assist them with their administrative duties,” said Dave Garcia, President and CEO at Rancho Mesa Insurance. “We’re confident our clients will take advantage of our new HRAdvantage resource.”
Feel confident that you have a team of HR professionals providing expertise and guidance to minimize the risks associated with employment law, safety, healthcare, and compliance.
All Rancho Mesa clients will receive login information to the RM365 HRAdvantage portal the first week of September 2019. Clients will have the opportunity to register for two overview webinars held the second week of September 2019.
To learn more about the HRAdvantage portal visit RanchoMesa.com/HRAdvantage.
Rancho Mesa Recognized as Best Practices Agency for 13 Consecutive Years
Author, Alyssa Burley Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading Southern California commercial insurance brokerage, has been recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) as a Best Practices Agency for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Author, Alyssa Burley Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading Southern California commercial insurance brokerage, has been recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) as a Best Practices Agency for the thirteenth consecutive year.
The 2019 Best Practices Study conducted by the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting subjectively scored and ranked agencies on 33 performance factors. Out of 1,349 nominated agencies, only 267 qualified for the coveted Best Practices designation as industry leaders.
“Since 1993, the Best Practices Study has examined top performing agencies across the country,” according to the study’s website. “The purpose of the research is to compile the operating statistics of the country's leading agents and brokers. This provides the industry benchmarks and operational information on growth, profitability, productivity and financial stability.” A list of the 2018 Best Practices agencies is available here. The 2019 study will be released later this year. Visit the Big “I” website for the 2018 study results.
About Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big "I") is a national alliance of more than a quarter million business owners and their employees who offer all types of insurance and financial services products. For more information, visit www.independentagent.com/best-practices/Pages/Become-BP/become-bp.aspx.
Rancho Mesa Celebrates Launch of New Agency Management System
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services.
With champagne and cheers, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a twelve-time Best Practices Agency, celebrates a successful migration from Applied Systems’ TAM agency management system to Applied Systems’ Epic®. To ensure the company continues to stay ahead of the pack with the latest technology, sixteen months ago, the decision was made to upgrade the agency’s internal system.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services.
With champagne and cheers, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a twelve-time Best Practices Agency, celebrates a successful migration from Applied Systems’ TAM agency management system to Applied Systems’ Epic®. To ensure the company continues to stay ahead of the pack with the latest technology, sixteen months ago, the decision was made to upgrade the agency’s internal system.
The migration process was a labor of love for members of the implementation team, Kim Vasquez and Lori Stone. Without them, this process would not have gone so smoothly.
The implementation team worked for over a year and a half to ensure the transition went off without a hitch. Their diligence and attention to detail was not only to ensure staff were well-trained and prepared for the new system, but also to ensure that Rancho Mesa clients saw no disruption in service.
“I’m so proud of everyone’s dedication, hard work and the overall effort it required to insure that this is yet another OneofOne moment for Rancho Mesa – Cheers!,” said Dave Garcia, President and CEO at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
After months of intense preparation and weeks of online and in-person training, Rancho Mesa’s staff is well prepared and eager to dive into using the new agency management system.
Client Spotlight: Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services' Tiffany Carapella Elected to NAWIC Board of Directors
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter 21 held its annual election on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the Riverwalk Golf Club. Members voted for the chapter’s President-Elect, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and six Directors. Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services’ Tiffany Carapella was elected to the Board of Directors.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter 21 held its annual election on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the Riverwalk Golf Club. Members voted for the chapter’s President-Elect, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and six Directors. Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services’ Tiffany Carapella was elected to the Board of Directors.
Carapella is the Chief Financial Officer for Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services, Inc., a well-established family-owned business located in Lakeside, CA.
She began her career as a Montessori teacher; but, after starting a family, Carapella found herself working side-by-side with her husband Tom Carapella in the family business.
Tiffany Carapella joined NAWIC in 2018 after hearing her daughter Tosha Carapella, who is Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services’ President, share many wonderful things about the organization. Tiffany attended the Fall Conference held in San Diego last year and has become a staple in an organization she now calls family.
“I am helping with Camp NAWIC, was a member of the WIC Week committee this year, and helped to plan and execute our very successful 1st annual Toast to the Trades event,” wrote Tiffany in the NAWIC San Diego Chapter’s Election Guide.
Carapella is a perfect fit for a board position as she is a dedicated team member and always put others first. She has many years of experience being in a leadership position and feels that she is a strong leader.
“I would be open to hearing different ideas and passions and bringing those to light with the help and guidance of my fellow board members,” wrote Carapella.
Tiffany is passionate about giving back to others and being an active influencer in her community. She believes “alongside a team of women who are equally as involved, we could better the community as a whole.”
Congratulations to Tiffany Carapella and all the other ladies who will be serving in leadership roles in the 2019/2020 term, including Kimberly Bell (President) from Pulice Construction, Amber Webb (President-Elect) from Ryan Companies, Shelby Ballow (Vice President) from Dowling Construction, Helen Panebianco (Recording Secretary) from Dynalectric, Edna Rodriguez (Corresponding Secretary) from Herc Rentals, Mary Webb (Treasurer) from Hayward Baker, Hailey Martensen (Director) from J. Geyer Plumbing, Isabel Marocco (Director) from Casper Company, Carol Hutchinson (Director) from United Site Services, Shawn Brown (Director) from RDO Equipment, and Lorena Quintero (Director) from Williams Scotsman.
About Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services, Inc.
Sunrise Bobcat and Hauling Service Inc. has been a full service excavation & hauling contractor for over 20 years. We have been dedicated to ourselves to meeting the needs and demands of our customers, both large and small jobs. We will continue to focus on customer satisfaction and safety to maintain our impeccable reputation. For more information, contact info@sunrisebobcat.com.
About NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21
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. To learn more, visit www.nawicsd.org.