ISU Advertising Team Wins Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Marketing Plan Contest; Students, Mass Communications Department Awarded Cash

(Release courtesy of Idaho State University; Photos credited to Bethany Baker, ISU Photographer)

POCATELLO – Six Idaho State University advertising students were awarded $500 each for winning the Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho Student Marketing Plan Contest.

The ISU Department of Mass Communication also was awarded $1,000 from the Farm Bureau for the students’ efforts.

The winning students were Katie Burke, Meagan Milder, Amanda Shepard, Kristin Foster, Rodrick Rumble and Ryan Bray. They comprised one of two teams competing in the contest from the ISU mass communications Advertising Campaigns class, a capstone course for advertising majors. Guest instructor Richard A. Smith, owner of RAS Productions in Pocatello, taught the course. The contest was open to ISU students in various disciplines, and included a team from the College of Business.

Farm Bureau Insurance Executive Vice President and CEO, Phil Joslin, presented checks to the students and the mass communications department at a ceremony on Thursday in the ISU Liberal Arts Building.

“Last winter, Idaho State University graduate students carried out marketing research for and made strategic business recommendations to Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho,” said Mike Myers, Farm Bureau Insurance director of corporate marketing. “The company was so impressed with the research and recommendations that it invited ISU students to use this material to create a marketing plan for the company.”

The contest offered students the opportunity to use their ingenuity and creativity to develop a comprehensive and practical marketing plan. The marketing plan’s objective was to attract new customers to Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho. The plans were required to give consideration to all advertising mediums including TV, radio, outdoor, print, direct mail, mobile, social and Web.

“The Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho became the students’ ‘client,’” said Smith. “The student teams approached the task as any real agency would, with research, strategic and tactical analysis, followed by media planning, creative, and an eventual presentation to a three-member team of Farm Bureau executives.”

Smith said both of his class’s teams performed well.

“We were all thoroughly impressed with their professionalism, friendliness, and creativity,” Myers said. “Both teams had sterling ideas and solid rationales. It was difficult to pick a winning team. We were impressed, but not surprised by, the level of professionalism demonstrated by the students.”

ISU officials praised Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance of Idaho for sponsoring the contest.

"Our students benefited mightily by competing in this contest. It is a rare opportunity for them to work on a 'real-world' campaign, and then have it reviewed by professionals in their field," said Timothy Frazier, ISU mass communication director. "We appreciate the opportunities and feedback Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance provided the students, and we appreciate the generous donation of cash to the winning students and our department."

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Phil Joslin (CEO, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company), Timothy Frazier (Director, ISU Department of Mass Communcation), Martine Beachboard (Associate Professor, ISU Department of Mass Communication), and Richard Smith (guest instructor, ISU Department of Mass Communication) with the ISU Department of Mass Communication's $1,000 check.

Phil Joslin (CEO, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho) presents Kristin Foster with her $500 check.

Phil Joslin (CEO, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho) presents Amanda Shepard with her $500 check.

Phil Joslin (CEO, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho) presents Ryan Bray with his $500 check.

Phil Joslin (CEO of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho) presents Kathleen Burke with her $500 check.

Phil Joslin (CEO, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho) and Timothy Frazier (Director, ISU Department of Mass Communication) with the ISU Department of Mass Communication's $1,000 check.

Phil Joslin (Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho CEO) and Kandi Turley-Ames (Dean, College of Arts and Letters) with the ISU Department of Mass Communication's $1,000 check.

Idaho Flood Safety Awareness Week

PROTECT POSSESSIONS FROM FLOOD

Free app helps consumers create a home inventory before disaster strikes.

BOISE ID (March 14, 2012) - Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter has declared March 14-18, 2012, to be Idaho Flood Safety Awareness Week. The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers to protect their homes with flood insurance and to complete a home inventory of their possessions.

"Idaho is vulnerable to flooding every spring," says Department Director Bill Deal. "Most homeowners' policies do not cover flood. Idahoans should create a detailed inventory of their personal possessions and review coverage with their agents to be sure the policy they have is adequate."

A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Insurance Companies (NAIC) revealed 59 percent of consumers have not made an inventory of their possessions. Of those individuals with a home inventory, 48 percent do not have receipts; 27 percent do not have photos of their property; and 28 percent do not have a back-up copy of the inventory outside the home.

The NAIC myHOME Scr.APP.book application makes it easier for consumers to document their valuables, update their inventories and store the information for easy access after a disaster. The app is free and available both for iPhone and Android smart phone users.

The myHOME Scr.APP.book app lets users capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers of personal possessions and stores the information electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes information by room and creates a back-up file for email sharing. To download the free app, go to the iTunes or Android Market app stores and search "NAIC."

If you have questions or are confused about how and why to complete a home inventory, contact the Department by visiting www.doi.idaho.gov or calling 334-4250 in the Boise area, 800-721-3272 toll-free statewide. You can also visit http://www.insureuonline.org for more home insurance tips.

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If you have any questions about your current coverage, please give your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent a call. He or she will help you answer any questions you might have.

Medicare's 2012 Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7

MEDICARE'S 2012 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 7

BOISE, ID (November 28, 2011) - The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) office of the Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that December 7 is the last day for Medicare open enrollment.

"Senior citizens have a small window of opportunity left to review their plans," says Department Director Bill Deal. "Any changes to existing plans need to be made by next Wednesday."

Idahoans who have questions about open enrollments are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-247-4422, or Medicare at 800-633-4227. Due to expected high call volume, people who choose to call Medicare may have the best results by calling in the evening or on weekends.

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If you have any questions, please contact SHIBA, Medicare, or your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent today.

Safely Preparing this year's Thanksgiving Feast

We are only one day away from Thanksgiving, and a marathon of cooking.  Do you know the safest methods for preparing, cooking, and storing that turkey and dressing?  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been busy putting together some great tips and guidelines to help you make the best out of your Thanksgiving feast!

Preparation

• When preparing foods, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching any raw food product (turkey, eggs, etc.).
• Be sure to use different cutting boards when cutting raw meat and cutting cooked food or preparing salads.
• Never thaw a turkey on a counter.
• Fridge: Thaw a turkey 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey.
• Cold Water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound.  Make sure water is not able to leak through packaging on to turkey.  Change the water every 30 minutes.  Cook the turkey immediately after thawing, do not refreeze.
• Do not stuff the turkey in advance.  For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended.  If you choose to stuff your turkey, mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities.  Fill the cavities loosely.  Cook the turkey immediately.  Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F.

Cooking

• Set your oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer.
• Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
• Basting the turkey is not necessary.  Bacteria can grow on basting tools if they are allowed to sit at room temperature between bastings.
• For quality, let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.  The turkey will carve more easily.
• Remove all stuffing from the turkey cavities.

Storing Leftovers

• Remove all meat from the turkey carcass within two hours of the turkey's removal from the oven.
• Discard any turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than two hours.
• Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers, in the refrigerator, for no longer than four days.
• You may freeze leftovers within two hours, and use them within 2 to 6 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftovers

• Cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated.
• In the oven:
• Set the oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Add broth or water to keep turkey moist while reheating.
• In the Microwave:
• Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.  Allow standing time.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Never taste leftover food that looks or smells strange.  When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, please read the USDA's entire "Let's Talk Turkey" pamplet.

BE SAFE. BE SURE. Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BE SAFE. BE SURE.

Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BOISE, ID (November 16, 2011) - Before you hit the road this winter, make sure your auto and auto insurance are ready for the journey.  The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds motorists that planning ahead can help avoid mishaps that could ruin a vacation.

"Whether you are traveling near or far, you will likely be packing some valuable items such as skis, a laptop or a video camera - none of which are covered by an auto insurance policy," says Department Director Bill Deal, "These items must be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy to be reimbursed if they are stolen."

Top 5 Auto Insurance Tips

• Confirm your auto insurance is active and premiums are up-to-date.  Have a current copy of your insurance card in the vehicle.
• Select liability limits that are appropriate for your financial circumstances.  If you are found to be at fault in an accident and purchased insufficient limits, your personal assets are at risk for the remaining financial obligation.
• If renting a vehicle for the trip, check your auto policy to see if it includes coverage for this added exposure.  Verify potential coverage limitation with your agent, and make sure you are not duplicating benefits from your existing policies.
• Verify your homeowners or renters insurance covers the theft of personal items from a vehicle, especially if you are planning to carry expensive items in it.
• Check to see if your policy includes roadside assistance.  You can be covered for towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts and more.

If you are unclear about your auto insurance coverage or would like to learn how to lower auto insurance costs, talk to your insurance agent, contact the Department of Insurance, http://www.doi.idaho.gov/, or visit http://www.insureuonline.org/.

Visit the Department's website to read a Consumer Alert with more tips on auto rental insurance and winter travel.

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Your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent would be happy to do a free policy review with you, to prepare for the holiday season and travel.  Please give your agent a call anytime you would like to schedule a review.

Grangeville 6th Grader wins Farm Bureau Insurance's Veterans Day Essay Contest

"What My Sister's Military Service Means to Me" was the subject of Grangeville 6th grader Hailey Russell's entry in the Farm Bureau Insurance Veterans Day Essay Contest.  Hailey was awarded a $500 U.S. Savings Bond for her essay, in which she says, "My sister's service means that others are free to go overseas.  It means families are able to safely welcome their new babies.  It means I am safer here in Idaho."

Congratulations Hailey!

The winning essay is featured in it's entirety below:

What My Sister's Military Service Means to Me

by Hailey Russell

My sister, Elizabeth Russell VanHorn, 29, is an Army nurse.  She has been in the Army for 6 years and is a captain.  She is an obstetric nurse which means she delivers babies and helps the new mothers.

Elizabeth made sacrifices to move away from her family.  She was stationed in Texas at Fort sam where she took care of soldiers who were burned in Afghantistan and Iraq.  She was able to make the soldiers who serve our country feel better by taking care of their needs and talking to them.  She helped them recover and cared about them.  My sister said it was an honor to take care of our American soldiers who were wounded during duty!

Even though my sister is not fighting a war in another country, she is still serving our country by what she does for soldiers and their families in the United States.

My sister has a baby, my niece, Madison, who is 1 years old.  She takes care of Madison and lives away from her husband who has a job in Vermont.  Elizabeth is now stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.  She helps deliver hundres of babies every month for military families.  The moms stay home to take care of their families while their husbands are overseas.  Elizabeth takes care of them and helps welcome their new babies even when tthey are not with their own families.  Elizabeth has even delivered babies on her own when the doctor could not get there in time.

I am proud of my sister because she is good at her job and even when she could work anywhere she is helping our country.  If she didn't do this job, who else would do it?  She is a piece of an important puzzle.

Being a nurse isn't easy, especially in the Army.  Besides being a mom and being away from her family in Vermont and Idaho, Elizabeth has to pass physical fitness tests and take a lot of extra courses so she can keep up on her job and know everything she is supposed to know.

My sister is an everyday hero because she does things to help keep everything in line in America.  She even knows how to shoot a gun and carry a backpack a long ways.  She could be sent to another country to serve if she had to but I hope she doesn't have to do that.  Not just because I would worry about her, but because I think the job she does here is important.

My sister's service means that others are free to go overseas.  It means families are able to safely welcome their new babies.  It means I am safer here in Idaho.

Be Wary of Websites Imitating Government Agencies

Be Wary of Websites Imitating Government Agencies

BOISE ID (October 14, 2011) - The Idaho Department of Insurance urges consumers to be careful when using the Internet to gather information about health care reform. Sites that request personal information from users should be approached with extreme caution.

Department Director Bill Deal says, "Use common sense when surfing the Internet. Sites may have an official-looking appearance, but may in fact be misleading or even fraudulent. Be proactive and do your research before divulging personal information."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently raised a red flag about a new website - http://preexistingconditioninsuranceplan.com. This website is not maintained by any government programs, and consumers are urged not to submit any personal information requested by this website on the assumption that it is a government website.

To learn about the Pre-Exisiting Condition Insurance Plan made available through the Affordable Care Act, consumers are encouraged to visit www.pcip.gov or call 866-717-5826.

The Department of Insurance also has information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on its website, www.doi.idaho.gov.

Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho encourages Idahoans to be vigilant whenever using the Internet.