Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Client of the Month for December

Hurds F​amily Farm

If you’re looking for some ‘agritainment’, look no further than Hurds Family Farm. What is ‘agritainment’, you might wonder? It’s the many agricultural outdoor activities that farmers create for kids and their families to enjoy while spending time on a farm. Hurds Family Farm provides a vast array of traditional and unique agritainment activities each season including hayrides, corn mazes, a cow train, a bouncy pillow, petting and feeding animals, paddle boats, hiking, a picnic pavilion, a kids corral play area, and much, much more. Additional fun throughout the year has also included gem mining fossils and precious stones, picking your own salad garden by the bag, bonfires, and a skydiving visit from Santa!

At Hurds Family Farm, you can pick your own local fruits and vegetables in early spring, pick your own apples in September, enjoy pumpkin picking in October, and cut down your own Christmas tree in December. You can also enjoy already harvested local produce, precut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and holiday decorations, if you prefer. Keep in mind that groups of all sizes are always welcome at Hurds Family Farm!
Located in Ulster County, about 1 hour and 30 minutes north of the “Big Apple”, Hurds Family Farm has become one of the most popular talk-about -able farm. Their 20 year commitment to providing an abundance of quality products and the best fall farm experience for all of their loyal customers from New York City and local Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Counties, makes them a key part of the Hudson Valley Apple Trail. Be sure to visit www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com​ to see all they have to offer.

Hurds Family Farm has been a client of producer, Jeff Smith, since 2000 and Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers since 2010.  Having taken over the business 6 years ago, Charles Hurd states he inherited Jeff Smith and his wide range of farm insurance knowledge.  According to Charles, "Jeff always gives a clear and simple explanation of coverages as they relate to the farm business and if he says the farm owners policy will cover something, it does!  Jeff takes the time to meet with me at any time and at any place on the farm.  He is flexible so I don't need to be, especially during the busiest times of the season."

'Twas Risky Night Before Christmas...an Insurance Holiday Tale

'Twas the night before Christmas (12:01 a.m. 12/25) and all through the house (single family, joisted masonry, e.c.3, terr. 44, pc5), not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (thorough pride of ownership and excellent maintenance).

The (flame-retardant) stockings were hung by the (contractor-installed) chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (in spite of deadbolt locks and central station alarm system).

The children (ages 4, 8, 14, & 16) were all nestled snug in their beds (check MVR on 16-year-old) while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads (check for drug use).

Ma in her kerchief (scheduled heirloom) and I in my cap (no slave to fashion) had just settled down for a long winter's nap. (Check employment, is insured sleeping all day?)

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter (check into condition of premises, housekeeping, etc.), I jumped out of bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, threw back the curtains and tore open the sash (intentional destructive act, no coverage; also, appears insured only wearing a cap in front of uncovered window).

When what to my wondrous eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. (check if sleigh is rated business use and corporate owned.) With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. (Notify life underwriting, order medical on 600-year-old driver).

More rapid than eagles (check MVR for speeding violations) his coursers they came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name (possible aggressive driver).

Now Dasher (turbo equipped?), now Dancer (classic?), now Prancer (check occupation), now Vixen (definitely check occupation), on Comet (possible muscle deer), on Cupid (check credit score), on Donner (4×4) and Blitzen (possible drinking problem?).

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall (check for structural damage; also look into height exposures), now dash away, dash away, dash away all (old man climbing walls either in great shape or overly medicated).

So up to the housetop his coursers they flew, with a sleigh full of toys and Saint Nicholas, too. (Check for possible retail delivery classification of autos). And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. (Check for shingle damage; also classification of operations-roofing is a prohibited class).

As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney he came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur (scheduled items) from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. (Part-time job as firefighter?)

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. (Check to see if insured has safety committee; check lifting training). His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry, his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry (order updated medical report, possible drinking and/or drug abuse).

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth (ineligible for nonsmoker discount) and the smoke encircled his head like a wreath (check batteries in smoke detectors to make sure operational).

He was chubby and plump a right jolly elf (overweight for height) and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a nod of his head soon gave me reason I had nothing to dread (Stranger enters past alarm and insured not worried? Sounds suspicious.)

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stocking, then turned with a jerk (review workplace for ergonomic compliance).

And laying his finger aside of his nose (obscene gesture?), and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. (Check operations, chimney sweeps are prohibited classification, look into GL PD deductible.)

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle (not likely with fat man and sleigh full of toys. Check GVW for proper classification, light/service/local seems unlikely).

And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" (Check hours of operation; 24-hour service operations prohibited. Also check into seasonal nature of business.)

Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Client of the Month for October

SlipIt

 

In 1939, an average American guy saw the need for a lubricant to “unstick” his windows, drawers, and doors in his Queens, NY apartment complex.  That person, known as Uncle John, formulated the first batch of what would later be known as SlipIt, right on his own kitchen stove. He didn’t know it at the time, but John had just developed one of the first modern, effective, nontoxic lubricants in America. With this product, a new small business in America was born. Because of its general lubricating properties, the number of uses for SlipIt grew rapidly, and in 1940, Otis Elevator started using SlipIt’s sliding compound.  They remain a steady customer to this day. 

 

Since then, SlipIt has added many more loyal customers in the trucking, overhead door, and woodworking industries, as well as a variety of other service businesses. Customers include Otis Elevator, UPS, Norcold, San Diego Transit, US Space Alliance Warehouse and local companies like Usheco.

In 1999, Alan Vandebogart, was looking to help develop and grow a manufacturing business.  With a long history of devoted users but a need for additional growth, SlipIt was the perfect match.  Alan joined the team, and

has since gone on to become the current president of Slipit Industries, as well as a partial owner of the company. 

Alan states that because manufacturing businesses are being asked more and more to name their distributors as “additional insured’s”, SlipIt has increasingly been asked for such coverage. Ryan & Ryan professionals like Kim Whelan handle these needs adeptly. SlipIt is then able to add these additional insured’s and provide evidence of this coverage to their distributors quickly. It’s reassuring to have an insurance agency like Ryan and Ryan that is responsive to the changing needs of business.

Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Inc. Client of the Month for September.....

Brad’s Barns & Gazebos

Whether you are in the market for additional storage to house your lawn mower, snowplow, bikes or extra vehicles, or are interested in a two story multiple bay garage, the first place to look is B​rad’s Barns & Gazebos. ​Providing Amish built quality with the highest attention to detail , B​rad’s Barns & Gazebos maintains a great reputation throughout the United States for their craftsmanship and design, their structural integrity, and their superior materials. If the barn or gazebo you are looking for is not available on their 3-acre lot or in their extensive stock, Brad’s Barns & Gazebos​can have it custom built for you. Horse barns, cabanas, chicken coops and cabins are available to view on their website @ bradsbarns.com, as well as sheds,
gargages , gazebos and hot tubs . ​I​f financing is an issue, Brad’s Barns & Gazebos​ also has a new rent to own program; monthly payments and loan terms are available up to 60 months.
Owner, Joe Charmello, is also excited to announce a new line
Brad’s Barns & Gazebos ​will be offering soon; ​children’s playsets! T​hese new playsets are intended for a family’s backyard or for commercial​s​ettings such as parks, schools, businesses, or municipalities. Joe is thrilled to be taking on this new venture.
A large part of Joe’s business is dealing with outside vendors, building departments, and municipalities. In order to do this, he relies heavily on Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Inc. to handle all of his insurance needs. Joe has known Bob since high school and has been a customer of Bob’s throughout his insurance career. Kim Whelan always handles his immediate need for Certificates of Insurance in a prompt and efficient manner. Kim

and Bob also meet with him several times a year to review his insurance and make any necessary suggestions necessary
regarding his coverages . “​N​o other insurance agency provides customer service like Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Inc. I know my business and Bob knows his business. That is what I need.” – Joe Charmello 

Inland Marine Insurance

So what, exactly, is 

inland marine insurance?

It provides coverages to businesses for property that is mobile in nature or requires unique valuation that they own or have in their care. Many types of property are covered, including those related to construction, transportation, fine art and communications.

As a business owner, it could be you've never heard of inland marine insurance, or maybe you've dismissed it because of the name. "My business doesn't own any marine craft or transport goods over water." You figure, "Why would I want to learn about Inland Marine Insurance?" 

Well, you might want to think again. Inland marine insurance was first created to cover the transport of goods over water,1 but the definition of the term has expanded to refer to the coverage of goods in transit on land, as well as to the property of others that is at your premises or being transported to or from your premises. 

In fact, depending on the type of small business you own, Inland Marine Coverage could be key to protecting business property. Does your business transport property of any kind? Do you have buildings under construction? 

Consider everything you and your employees put in some vehicle or another during the day to keep your business going. That can range from tools and construction equipment to computer data to building plans and beyond. 

Your property insurance policy might not be enough to protect the items you need to do business. Many property policies limit coverage to within a certain number of feet from a designated business address. That doesn't help you if your equipment is damaged at a job site 10 miles away from your office. 

If you have property that's moved from place to place on a regular basis, inland marine coverage is crucial.

Inland Marine Coverage offers affordable protection for the tools, equipment, merchandise, and other goods and items you transport for your business no matter where they go or are located. All of these things are covered while they're in transit, sitting in a company vehicle or at a job site. Your personal auto policy may not fully cover these items. 

And keep in mind that Inland Marine Insurance isn't necessary only for contractors. Valuable papers, portable computers and the data contained on them, signs, items to be shipped - all can be covered by an Allstate Inland Marine policy. It can even cover loss or damage to property belonging to others while the property is in your possession. If you clean, service, or repair the property of others, even while that property is on your premises, Inland Marine Coverage can help save the day - or at the very least a great deal of headaches and hassle.

Ryan & Ryan's Spotlight is on......

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  13 June 2014

Contact:  Kevin Godbey, Brickyard Ventures

Ph:   845-750-0138            e:  godbey.kevin@gmail.com

Kingston Happenings website:  http://www.kingstonhappenings.org/

On Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/KingstonHappeningsofKingstonNY

KINGSTON HAPPENINGS WEBSITE, NEWSLETTER AND

 SOCIAL MEDIA INTEGRATED IN POWERFUL RE-DESIGN

Kingston, NY -- In today's fractured digital and print media world, a 'hyper-local' focus is needed more than ever to keep a community informed and connected.   For example:

·       How many times have Kingston residents learned about great events, only too late to participate? invest here.

·       How does one keep up with all of the unique and interesting stores, restaurants, services, and other businesses that have recently opened in the city?

·       Wouldn't it be enlightening to know more about active local neighbors, and why they find Kingston to be such a great place to live and do business?

The highly-popular Kingston Happenings media model has been re-designed, re-launched and re-energized thanks to the involvement of many people in the local community, and for thousands of readers every week is rapidly becoming the 'go to' source for information about local events and businesses.  Not only does Kingston Happenings connect our own community, but serves as a vital reference for tourists, weekenders and people looking to invest here.

Kingston Happenings is promoted by the City of Kingston as a comprehensive online source for local event and business information.  Kingston Happenings is advertised in various online and traditional media formats including the City of Kingston 2014 Visitors Guide, city tourist maps, official city website, e-newsletter and more.

Kingston Happenings delivers information in the most effective way possible as a digital-first media channel comprising a website, newsletter, and social media strategy. It is also designed so that businesses can market to the local community and tourists at the fraction of the cost of other media outlets.  By keeping the content 'fresh'

with events in the Kingston area, users check out the site frequently to see what to do locally.  The weekly newsletter-blast and daily social media postings are frequent reminders that drives traffic back to the website.

KingstonHappenings.org is the backbone of this media system as it integrates the following functions:

·        A comprehensive events calendar that allows any business, school, not-for-profit or religious organization to list events from bake sales to happy hours for at no charge

·        A business directory designed for growth to include shopping guides, dining guides, professional services, and more

·       Weekly feature articles about businesses, involved neighbors and community events

Kingston Happenings will reach peak effectiveness with the support of our community.  Here are some things that you can do to make sure Kingston Happenings remains a viable community asset and continues to improve.

·       Click on KingstonHappenings.Org to see all the features, weekly articles and profiles

·       “Like” Kingston Happenings on Facebook and “Follow” on Twitter

·       Subscribe to the weekly newsletter from anywhere on the website

·       Send feedback here:  http://www.kingstonhappenings.org/contact-us/

Also:  businesses can show their support by becoming a sponsor and receiving the benefits of marketing to people who are already interested in shopping, dining, sightseeing and more in the Kingston area whether they are local residents, day trippers, weekenders and tourists.  Sponsorship packages, tailored to any business or organization's budget are link-able here (http://www.kingstonhappenings.org/sponsor/).

Kingston Happenings is a project of Brickyard Ventures whose mission is to fund and develop business and community development projects in the Kingston, NY area. Brickyard Ventures' principal, Kevin Godbey, is a retired senior business analyst for IBM and has extensive experience in the field of Information Technology development in various roles.

For additional information click on:

Kingston Happenings website:  http://www.kingstonhappenings.org/

Kingston Happenings Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KingstonHappeningsofKingstonNY

Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Inc. ~ Client of the Month

The Hudson Valley provides many extraordinary opportunities for local and non native artists. Among these opportunities is Women’s Studio Workshop, located on Binnewater Road in Rosendale, New York. The m​ission of WSW is to operate and maintain an artists’ workspace that encourages the voice and vision of individual women artists, provides professional opportunities for artists at various stages of their careers, and promotes programs designed to stimulate public involvement, awareness, and support for the visual arts.

In 1974, four amazing women, Ann Kalmbach, Tatana Kellner, Anita Wetzel, and Barbara Leoff Burge founded Women’s Studio Workshop.​They were committed to developing an alternative space for artists to create art and share their skills with others. Back then, in a two story, single-family house, etching was conducted in the living room, papermaking in the attic and screen-printing in the basement. Public programming provided a regular workshop series and special programs that featured the works of women artists. In 1983, WSW moved to a historic building which formerly housed the Rosendale Cement Company Store and Post Office in the town of Rosendale. The new BAC (Binnewater Arts Center) was a significant advancement for WSW as it allowed both exhibitions and studio programs to be housed under one roof. The BAC also made it possible for WSW to offer Artist-in-Residence grants, a well developed Summer Art Institute, and provide opportunities for young women artists through an internship program. These visual art programs allowed WSW to become the leading women’s art facility in the country; a standing they proudly continue to identify with today.

40 years later, the same four women who founded WSW remain actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the studio. Joined by a new generation of vivacious staff, WSW continues to enhance its programing so that they may provide the richest experiences for artists across the country and, progressively from around the world.

When asked why Women’s Studio Workshop has been a customer of Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers for the last 5 years, Ann Kalmbach states “It’s really all about customer service. Most insurance agents simply say, “Show me your current policy and I'll see if I can do better.” Bob actually came out to the studio, looked at the buildings and asked about usage and growth. He then built a policy that covered our needs at a much better price than our old policy. He has also made annual adjustments based on changes. He’s not your average insurance broker.

Currently, we are working with Kim. We constantly need Certificates of Insurance for every organization, group, or government agency that we are working with. She gets them out to me pretty much the same day I ask for them, which is a tremendous help.

There is still time left this summer to take advantage of Upcoming Events & Opportunities that the WSW has planned. Visit their website @
w w w . w s w o r k s h o p . o r g ​t​o take a look at their
 ‘A r t i s t O p p o r t u n i t y C a l e n d a r’, Summer Art Institute, Summer Ceramic Classes and August Art Festival.