News and Events

 

 

Two quick videos to remind you about the importance of Christmas Tree Safety.

 

Strate Insurance wishes you a safe and happy Holiday Season.

 

Newest CISR Representatives

Our newest CISR Service Team Members!

 

Teresa Bishop has earned her CISR in commercial business while Kelley Jo Brooks is in the personal lines.  Congratulations ladies! 

 

NCCI Files “Law Only” 6.3% Loss Cost Change

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has filed a law only change in loss cost that will produce an overall increase of 6.3% effective November 1, 2011. The filing was made on August 1, 2011 and must be reviewed by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) and then approved by the Commissioner before it goes into effect.

The filing reflects the impact of changes made to the Tennessee medical fee schedule effective August 26, 2009 and updates to the fee schedule effective in 2010 and 2011. These loss costs, which are proposed to be effective November 1, 2011, reflect an increase of 6.3 percent from the loss costs that became effective March 1, 2011. The increase will apply to new and renewal policies only. Because these loss costs also underlie the residual market rates, this change will impact both voluntary loss costs and assigned risk rates.

The change in loss cost applied to each classification with each classification belonging to one of five industry groups.

The changes by industry groups are:

Industry Group	Average Change
Manufacturing	+6.2%
Contracting	+6.4%
Office & Clerical	+5.6%
Goods & Services	+6.9%
Miscellaneous	+6.1%
Overall Change	+6.3%

The proposed rates and loss cost are set to be effective November 1, 2011 for new and renewal business only. If the filing is approved by the Commissioner, any and all new business written prior to November 1, 2011 will use the current rates and/or loss cost. Any and all policies that are currently in effect and renew on or after November 1, 2011 will use the new loss cost or rates. Loss cost and the company loss cost multiplier are used in the voluntary market and NCCI loss costs multiplied by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan (TWCIP) multiplier are used to produce the rates used in the TWCIP.

As stated the filing must be reviewed by the WCAC and approved by the Commissioner before the rates/loss cost can be used by the companies. The proposed loss cost, rates, footnotes, and miscellaneous values can be found in the Members Only section of our website at http://www.insurors.org/NavigationMenu/Content/PDF8/ProposedLossCostRates811.pdf

Roof Replacement: An Expense or Investment

Hailstorms and winds of all kinds (i.e. – straight-line, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) are major causes of loss throughout the United States. Significant events result in millions – and sometimes billions – of dollars in damages to roofs, siding, outdoor and roof mounted equipment, etc. Here’s what you need to know…

The Institute for Building and Housing Safety (IBHS) has done extensive research and testing related to damage as a result of wind and hail. The findings have indicated that there are considerable differences in damage levels to different types of roof coverings.

For example, their lab tests and field observations indicate that most commercial roof coverings are not typically damaged by hail less than 1.25 inches in diameter, however, 3-tab asphalt shingles may be damaged by hail as small as 1 inch, even smaller. Aging and weathering can accelerate the deterioration of non-impact/wind rated roof coverings and make them become brittle, increasing their vulnerability to cracking, lifting, and leakage and shattering from wind & hail.

Professional owners and property managers who view roof maintenance as an investment (vs. expense) may be able to save in the long run by lowering the extent of damage when wind and hail events occur. Maintaining your roof may result in reducing business interruption, maintaining high tenant retention and reducing distraction from other priorities related to running the business, (not managing claims and unplanned repairs).

This practice is also likely to be viewed as a very positive attribute by insurance companies.

Early Voting Information – Municipal Election Details:

Location for early voting is the Hamblen County Courthouse, 511 W. 2nd North Street, Morristown, TN – Room #101
Early Voting Dates:  Wednesday, April 13 – Thursday, April 28
Voting Hours:  Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am – 12 noon.
***Polls closed in Observance of Good Friday (April 22nd)

Strate Insurance Group kicked off their 2011 Wellness Program!

2011 is now well underway and with the New Year, there are new Wellness goals and a new Wellness program.  Strate Insurance Group is on their 2nd year for their Wellness Program called “ELEVEN – 4 – ‘11″!  On January 27th, we had our 1st healthy “Kick-Off” activity relating to the topic of Stress Management.  It included some stretching and breathing techniques.  We then enjoyed eating a healthy lunch together in our lunchroom.

The LHRMA Continues to Hold Meetings at Strate Insurance Group for the 2nd year

On January 19th, 2011, the Lakeway Human Resources Management Association (LHRMA) had it’s first meeting of 2011 in our main conference room.   The first meeting was an organizational discussion in which the new 2011 officers were chosen.  President,  Kim Ramsey; Vice President, Carolyn Clark; Secretary, Nancy Holder & Treasurer, Annette Kenney.

2010 Staff Christmas Photo

U.S. Congressman Phil Roe and Strate Insurance Group’s V.P. of Employee Benefits, Tom Porter – Nov. 12, 2010

During his recent visit to Morristown (November 12th), U.S. Congressman, Phil Roe and Tom Porter discussed the impact of health care legislation on our economic conditions.

Bob Metelka Receives CIC Designation

The designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) has been conferred upon Robert M. Metelka of Strate Insurance Group, Inc. following his successful completion of a rigorous insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.

The announcement was made by Dr. William T. Hold, President of the Society of CIC, who conferred the designation on Mr. Metelka in an official ceremony conducted recently in Nashville.

The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors is a national non-profit organization dedicated to professional insurance education.  Its continuing education program is conducted in all states and Puerto Rico.  The Society of CIC is a key member of the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research; a leading source of instructive insurance literature and the nation’s preeminent continuing insurance education organization.

Mr. Metelka and other individuals who hold the CIC designation have demonstrated their professional competence through a combination of experience, formal training, and a series of comprehensive written examination focusing on all major fields of insurance, insurance management, and agency operations.

Tom Strate, President of Strate Insurance Group, said, “We are very proud to have Bob as a member of our team.  His commitment to professionalism and continuing education is in harmony with our business model of Risk Management and Continuous Improvement”

Bob received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, Public Relations, along with a minor in Business Administration from The University of Tennessee in May2004. Bob resides in Strawberry Plains, TN with his wife, Sally, and daughter, Aubrey.  The family attends St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Strate Insurance Group is a Trusted Choice insurance agency offering Insurance, Risk Management and Employee Benefit services since 1978.

Strate Insurance Group Celebrated – Team Building Event (September 9, 2010)

Strate Insurance Group had a Team Building Event the evening of Thursday, September 9th here at the office (and back parking lot!).  Everyone participated in a 17-week Team Study and ended the study with a night of activities, games & a great deal of fun.  Most importantly, we learned that each one of us is a valued team member.  Below are some of the highlights of our event.

StrateInsurance Group Celebrated!  Second 10 Weeks of their “TEN-4-10″ Wellness Goal Program (July 1, 2010)

On July 1st we celebrated the completion of the 2nd 10 weeks of our “TEN-4-10” Wellness Goals promotion. We had a good time at this “Healthy” event – “Ways to Fit Exercise into our Busy Daily Lives”. Wendy Saunders, Personal Trainer/Exercise Physiologist, demonstrated some excellent Fitness & Exercise tips for us that we can do at home & at work.  We ended with a refreshing “HEALTHY” dessert.  It truly was a nice event.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Briefings at Strate Insurance Group

Tom Porter, CEBS, VP of Employee Benefits for Strate Insurance Group is offering a series of briefings on how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will affect employers.  Tom has closely analyzed the legislation and summarized the pertinent issues in terms of small and large employers.  The first briefing is being held on May 21st for large employers with a session for small employers to follow on May 28th.  Meeting attendees will receive updates via e-mail as the regulations evolve.

If you as an employer are interested, give us a call at 423-587-2204.

March 27, 2010 - Our One-Year Anniversary in our New Office

Well it’s hard to believe, but it was one year ago today that we moved into our new office space. It has been a wonderful adjustment to be here.  We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their business and loyalty to us.  We know that you could choose to do business somewhere else, but you chose US!  Without your business we would not have been able to move into this new space, so we toast you on this special anniversary day!!!

The joys of moving!

Tom at his old office 3-27-09

 

 

 

 

 

LHRMA Continues to Hold Meetings at Strate Insurance Group

LHRMA Attendees – Dr. Margaret O’Donnell

 

Sandy Dyke (LHRMA) & Dr. Margaret O’Donnell (Guest Speaker)

Halfway point with “Ten-4-10″ Program (Wellness Program)

Friday, March 12th was our halfway point on our “TEN – 4 – 10” personal wellness goal plan program.   Many of us have assessed where we are, how we’ve been doing, and what remains to be done on our personal health goals.   We are committed to making 2010 a HEALTHY year.

2010 Wellness Program at Strate Insurance Group!

On Friday, 2/5/10, Strate Insurance Group kicked off their Wellness Program – “TEN – 4 – 10”!  We invited all our employees to make an individual commitment to a personal health improvement plan.   What does “TEN – 4 – 10” mean?  It means making a promise to yourself to do something different in this new HEALTHY year – 2010.

LHRMA Held Meeting at Strate Insurance Group

On Wednesday, January 20th, the Lakeway Human Resources Management Association (LHRMA) held their first monthly meeting of 2010 in our conference room. Dr. William Conklin presented an overview of Wellness Programs in the workplace. The 2010 LHRMA Officers include Brian Black/President, Sandy Dyke/Vice President, Nancy Holder/ Secretary and Kim Randall/Treasurer.

 

Strate Insurance Press Releases

(Click to Download .doc)

• NANCY HOLDER EARNS CERTIFICATION AS A SENIOR PROFESSIONAL IN HUMAN RESOURCES
• STRATE INSURANCE GROUP ANNOUNCES HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTING SERVICES
• DEBRA ROBINSON EARNS CERTIFICATION AS A CERTIFIED WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROFESSIONAL

Holidays - Strate Insurance Group, Inc.

• New Years Day: 12/31/2009 Close Early at 3:30 pm – 1/1/2010 –Friday (Closed)
• Good Friday: 4/2/2010 Friday (Closed)
• Memorial Day: 5/31/2010 Monday (Closed)
• Independence Day Holiday: 7/5/2010 Friday (Closed)
• Labor Day: 9/6/2010 Monday (Closed)
• Thanksgiving: 11/25/2010 Thursday (Closed)
• Day After Thanksgiving: 11/26/2010 Friday (Closed)
• Christmas Eve Holiday: 12/23/2010 Thursday (Closed at 1:00 pm)
• Christmas Day Holiday: 12/24/2010 Friday (Closed)
• New Years Day Holiday: 12/31/2010 Friday (Closed)

Strate Insurance Events

Strate Insurance Group, Inc. moved!
We have moved to a new location on March 30, 2009.    The Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of our new office on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Photos from our Open House (May 18, 2009) and Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Event (May 19, 2009)

A Group Photo in front of Strate Insurance Group’s new sign