Guaranty Association Benefits Company

On-The-Job Training that works! -

Veterans Day was last week and I thought the service and sacrifice of our military past and present as I am many of you were too . I'm sure you agree, we owe them a lot and we should recognize them daily, not just on the day of the Veteran.

There is much we can credit a strong army. As I thought about it, I remembered something that you may not be aware of. The Commission of the National Consultative defense actually developed a systematic approach on the job training method called Job Training Instruction (JIT) during World War II. Millions of workers have left their jobs for military service and the military needed to train as effectively as possible. American industry was also an urgent need training since replacements were hired and trained to quickly manufacture of supplies for the army and our country. The JIT model has four easy steps:

1. Prepare the trainee. Start by building a rapport with the person and put them at ease. Explain what the job is and why it is important.
2. Presenting the equipment. Provide a general explanation of the task and demonstrate each step. Emphasize key points and review the process.
3. Run. Have the student explain the steps for you and allow them to do the work as you watch them. Answer all questions and make sure that the student understands why something is done. Work with the student to correct mistakes and be sure and share positive reinforcement.
4. Monitoring. Whether the trainees on their own but monitor their work so that all issues can be resolved and fixed. Encourage other issues and to progressively reduce the monitoring that students master the task. Ask for feedback from intern to help improve future training.

We use this method of training today as the foundation of our company's training process and call the four-step training process. It is an important part of our overall business success. I would like to hear about your training process in your company and any ideas you have about effective training methods. Also, as I mentioned at the beginning, remember to always keep our military and their families in your thoughts.

Electronics: Trade-In Before You Give Up -

At the holidays approach, there is a good chance that some sort of electronic gadget made its way on your wish list, maybe even more than one? Each year, the electronics of all shapes and sizes are among the most popular holiday gifts. The excitement was short-lived, however, as manufacturers continue to run larger models and best turning this year's "must have" in a "must sell."

If you're like me, the idea to post something for sale does not receive your lords a jump. In fact, sometimes it seems hardly worth the hassle. This is why a large number of these obsolete electronics end up sitting in the closet or junk drawer until they are practically given to the next garage sale. Surely there is a better way to get something for your first generation iPad, right? Well as a matter of fact, it might just be.

Many retailers offer exchange programs in which minimize the burden of the collection in these older electronics. Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Amazon are just a few examples. In addition, there are also other non-retail companies like Gazelle and NextWorth, who will pay for your electronics.

With these programs, you will get more value for your article if it is newer, is in good shape, and if it is accompanied by accessories and the original packaging. This is really no different than selling anywhere else. Take a look at Amazon condition criteria to get an idea of ​​what is taken into consideration when evaluating your article.

Although similarities exist, all programs are created equal. For example, there are two main types of programs: redemptions and exchanges. buyback programs typically involve initial fees, but you guarantee a certain amount of money for your later article (as long as the conditions of the agreement are kept). Moreover, there are no costs associated with trading programs, but there is also no guarantee prices or acceptance. In addition, some programs offer you payment in the form of store credit while others will pay in cash.

With all this in mind, as you detach the arc and peeling the paper that the iPhone 5 this year, think ahead and make sure to save the box! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Which gadgets are on your wish list this year? Do you have an experience with a redemption or a recovery program for electronics? Post a comment and let us know.

Keep the Home Fires Burning safe -

For many of us, a crackling fire in the fireplace is an indispensable part of the season. Who does not enjoy the warmth and joy that emanates from the fireplace on a cold winter evening?

Unfortunately, fireplaces also contribute to unnecessary injuries, loss of life and damage to property each year. The Fire Administration US considers heating fires account for 36 percent of all rural house fires every year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the main factor contributing to home heating fires is failure to clean chimneys for solid fuel heating appliances such as wood stoves and fireplaces. A highly combustible carbonaceous residue known as creosote name that accumulates in chimneys can be ignited by the hot gases ascending the chimney, resulting in a chimney fire that can spread to the surrounding structure.

Other domestic fires associated with use of fireplaces and wood stoves are due to improper disposal of ashes, the use of flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire, poor separation of fuel the fireplace opening, and failure to place a metal screen around the fireplace opening while the fire is burning

Follow these tips to make sure your fireplace or wood stove is operated safely: ..

• you have the chimney inspected and cleaned at least annually by a qualified contractor

• Burn only seasoned hardwood. The soft wood with a higher moisture content produces more creosote.

• Do not restrict fire air supply by closing the glass doors of a fireplace. This can lead to incomplete combustion and higher levels of creosote.

• Never use gasoline to start or accelerate a fire.

• Keep combustibles such as newspapers, cloth decorations and artificial flowers at least three feet from the fireplace opening.

• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Allow ashes to cool completely before cleaning the chimney. Place ashes in a metal container with a tight lid and store outside, at least 10 feet from the house. Never dispose of ashes straight into a dustbin.

• Install a wire mesh screen over the fireplace to prevent sparks from landing on the roof. regularly remove leaves, pine needles and other combustible debris from the surface of the roof and gutters.

A fireplace or wood stove can be a wonderful source of comfort and warmth in his house as long as they are used safely and responsibly. Do you have additional security tips you want to share?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance and the owner of the small business -

Employment Practices Liability Insurance. If you own a business, you have probably heard of this coverage, or perhaps you know as EPLI. But what is and why your business need?

More than half of all applications for employment practices liability are filed against small businesses. EPLI provides them protection against these claims by employees - claims which are generally excluded from most general liability policies. Discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment are examples.

So please you need this coverage? Well ... maybe! Consider first the change in today's workplace has several challenges. A diverse workforce can bring on issues relating to discrimination based on race or gender. And most of us have felt the "squeeze." Economic unemployment is high and those seeking jobs can feel that the employer's hiring practices are discriminatory. Factor in that the United States has won the dubious title of the "litigious society," and you can understand why business owners are faced with a major exhibition in employment claims.

So the workplace is an environment for potential prosecution. And anything that might make one of those for your small business? While 75% of these trials prove unfounded, the business owner must still defend themselves. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint takes on average more than a year to resolve and a majority of these claims eventually to be between $ 20 000 $ 40 000, causing major financial difficulties of a small business at a time time and money. And while 75% of all EPL claims are baseless, legal fees can still be more than $ 25,000. . In a word, the employee claims can severely damage the reputation of a company, and means of financial subsistence

look what a EPLI policy generally covers:

1. Wrongful dismissal, discharge or termination.
2. harassment, including sexual harassment.
3. discrimination, including that based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or disability.
4. Retaliation (which could result from employee making the claim of a job or an employer that makes the work of the employee so uncomfortable that the employee feels forced to leave) .
5. failure to employ or promote individuals, libel or slander (written or spoken falsehoods individuals), humiliation, defamation, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment

Some policies also include coverage for third -. coverage for customers, suppliers or customers of a business owner. So if your employee is harassing a client and the client sues you, with EPLI policy you have some coverage to handle the request.

What is not covered by an EPLI police?

1. criminal acts
2. bodily injury and property damage
3. of accidents at work, social security, unemployment, disability or retirement benefits
4. contractual liability - if a business owner does not comply with a contracted agreement
5. Acts that the insured had prior knowledge, notice, or under any prior litigation

now you may be wondering, "Do I qualify for EPLI coverage?" Every company is different, but in general, the insurance companies want to know that:

• You are in a good financial situation. This is relative, but most require the company to have been in continuous operation without bankruptcy filings for at least three years.
• All job applicants must complete and sign an application form.
• You keep, use, and communicate to employees that there is an employment manual, either in a manual or website. The material in the manual needs to properly advise employees of their rights to work free of harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
• There was, and there will be in the future, dismissals or higher planned reductions a certain percentage of your employees in total.

Even in the best case, despite the moral and ethical you are, the risks are still very real, regardless of company size. Not only a policy EPLI provide financial protection for damages and defense costs, service complaints provided by a EPLI carrier are generally specialized and representatives are skilled in handling the complex nature of the charges and allegations related employment.

Talk to your insurance agent to see if EPLI is a good choice to cover for you.

covers liability insurance employment practices described here are in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your independent insurance agent.

Play It Safe in the playground: Parental supervision required -

The warmer weather is on its way and that means more time spent practicing in the open activities air. The pool, ball field and playground are all fun to be during the summer, but they also offer many opportunities for injury, especially for children.

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention reports that emergency rooms treat more than 0,000 children each year for playground-related injuries. About 45 percent of the injuries are serious, including fractures, concussion, internal injuries and amputations. Between 190 and 00, 147 injuries were fatal.

Many of these injuries and deaths were probably partly the result of physical impairments such as poorly designed equipment, poor maintenance, or lack of protection against the surfacing falls but poor supervision probably played a role as well. It seems clear that children are less likely to be injured if they are closely monitored by a parent or guardian. This assertion is supported by the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing study that examined unintentional injury death among children in five states of 2010. The study found that the negligence was a contributing factor in 0 percent cases and was directly responsible for 40 percent.

For example, falls from height account for a significant percentage of serious injuries. They often occur when children engage in risky behavior such as climbing on the outside of platform barriers and spiral slides or when young people try to use the equipment that is beyond their age level. The answer to these problems? Active monitoring of the playground by responsible adults.

Childhood would not be as fun without playgrounds. They offer wonderful opportunities for children to develop strength, coordination, social skills and self-confidence. Parents, teachers and care takers can help children to safely enjoy these benefits by watching, listening and providing advice. What steps do you take when you're at the playground to ensure the safety of your children?

Breaking your bad communication habits -

It is strange how one can find the habit of irritating another person without realizing that sometimes you do exactly the same thing irritates you. My husband and I recently shared some of these habits with each other. I shared it abuses the word "right". This is very inconvenient for me, because it seems that every other word is "right." He shared with me that after almost every sentence I say, "you know what I mean?" Sometimes I'm not even finish my thought, but instead of saying, "you know?" Now, whenever we talk and he said "right" or I say "you know" we laugh just.

So, that irritant communication habits do you have? While it is easy to say "No!" I have compiled some tips that might help you refine your communication skills and make you aware of a habit communication others may find less effective!

• Expand your vocabulary - try to be aware of what you say and avoid excessive use of words or phrases. When you learn a new word, look in the dictionary to get both the pronunciation and meaning (s). In addition, there are many sites that offer a "word of the day" like this: http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/
• Avoid interrupting - interrupt the conversation is a bad habit that can lead to miscommunication, broken relationships, and missed opportunities. Some people interrupt because they do not want to forget their idea, they are excited about an idea, or they want to finish the sentence of another person implies that they are in agreement. You can not plan your interruption to cause harm, but unfortunately it may appear to others as a lack of respect, impatience or poor listening skills. In an effort to avoid interrupting, trying to take notes or to wait at least two seconds after the other person finishes talking before you start talking
• Check your tone of voice -. Some people tend to make their voices heard when they get excited, excited, or nervous. . However, increasing your voice that you might be causing the other person to become upset, defensive, or uncomfortable
• Use "I" messages - rather than saying things like, " you really messed up here," begin the statements "I" and make yourself and your feelings. "I feel frustrated when this happens," is less adversarial, the sparks less defensive, and help the other person understand your point of view, rather than feeling attacked
• Look for compromise -. remember the purpose of effective communication skills should be mutual understanding and to find a solution that pleases both parties, not "win" the argument or "being right."

We all communication errors that we can work. Have you found yours?

Take control of your insurance costs! -

There are many factors that are used to determine the cost of your auto insurance and homeowners. A source of frustration for many is the belief that you have no control over these costs. While some factors that affect your insurance rates are not in your direct control, like the weather, others are. Here are some things within your control, you can do to reduce the cost of insurance.

Increase your deductible. Some companies can make significant savings on your premium if you're willing to take a higher deductible.

• Homeowners policies franchises . Some carriers offer separate deductibles for wind and hail, earthquake, and emergency water covers that are higher than the standard font franchise. These higher deductibles can lead to reductions that result in significant savings on your premium. Increasing your deductible every danger the policy is another option to consider.

• Auto policy franchises . If you carry comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, you may be able to reduce your premium by increasing your deductible comprehensive and collision. You can also talk with your agent about full coverage against liability coverage and is good for your insurance needs.

deductible loans can vary widely by the company so be sure to check with your agent for available options. A word of warning ... increasing your deductible will save money on your premium, but it will also make you responsible for paying more to a covered loss. Something to consider when weighing your options.

eliminate billing costs. billing costs can be substantial, but are easily overlooked. When reviewing your insurance costs, be sure to consider these costs in your analysis. Having a separate bill for each policy when you have multiple policies may result in significant costs. Many companies allow you to place all of your policies on a billing statement. In addition, companies often will waive the fee if you are willing to pay your premium by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Using EFT is not only a gain of cost but also save time that the company will process your payments for you. This will also ensure that your payments are made on time and you are not assessed the costs of expensive delays. There are often great flexibility with EFT payment plans when it comes to frequency. Common choices are monthly, quarterly and half.

multi-policy discounts. It is usually much easier and cheaper to put all your policies with a carrier. Most carriers offer discounts for bundling blankets.

For extra savings option, see Central tip sheet "How to save on insurance," or view the savings options available to policyholders Central for their cars and homes.

Take control of your insurance premium! Contact your agent and learn what discounts may be available for you.