Category: Public

As a Farmers Alliance customer, we want you to be proud of the company you trust for your insurance protection. One way that we work to earn your trust is by supporting the communities where we live and work. Farmers Alliance is headquartered in McPherson, Kansas, a community of about 14,000 situated right in the center of the country. This community is where our company was started more than 135 years ago, and is a big part of who we have become. Here are just a few ways that Farmers Alliance works to “give back” to our hometown:

• Support the local Food Bank, especially during our fall food drive• Participate in the McPherson Relay for Life supporting cancer research

• Support the McPherson County United Way by volunteering, employee pledges and company contributions

• Provide leadership and support to numerous civic and youth organizations, including Optimist Club, Kiwanis, and various sports

 

And the list goes on! Thank you for being a part of our “FAMI-ly”!

You’ve seen them, the videos and commercials warning about the dangers of texting and driving. But do you REALLY pay attention?
The danger is actually from any type of DISTRACTED DRIVING, and the danger is very, very real. While teen drivers are more susceptible to this due to their lack of experience, ALL drivers are at risk. Here are some things you can do to keep from getting distracted while driving. Simple, but can save lives!
• Do not text or use cell phones. If you need to use your cell phone, stop in a safe parking area.
• Avoid arguments or distracting conversations with passengers.
• Leave a little early to allow yourself time to stop to eat.
• Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up and give them books, toys or games to occupy their time.
• Properly secure pets in a pet carrier BEFORE moving your vehicle.
• Adjust vehicle controls, such as mirrors, heat or air conditioning, before you begin your trip. Take advantage of normal stops to adjust controls, or ask your passenger to adjust controls.
• Review maps and plan your route before you begin driving. If you need to look at a map stop in a safe parking area.
• Do not talk with occupants of other vehicles.
• Do not wear headphones to listen to music.
BOTTOM LINE: Stay focused, pay attention, expect the unexpected.

Keith Birkhead, Chairman of the Board for the Farmers Alliance Companies, was recently honored by the Kansas Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies (KAPCIC) for his service to the industry and the state. Annually, KAPCIC recognizes one individual who has been a long-standing, positive influence on the Kansas insurance industry. For 2018, the award was presented to Keith Birkhead.

Keith serves a Chairman of the Board for Farmers Alliance, having retired as President and CEO in 2015, with more than 38 years of service. During that time, Keith represented the Kansas insurance industry on numerous national boards, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the Alliance of American Insurers (now known as PCI), and the American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. In late 2017, at the request of the Farmers Alliance Board of Directors, Keith returned to “active duty” as interim President & CEO during the company’s search for new leadership. He continued in that role until late August 2018.

According to Jack Rader, President of KAPCIC, “We want to recognize Keith for his decades of service to the insurance industry in Kansas. In addition to his past accomplishments, Keith’s recent actions were instrumental in maintaining the stability of the company during a time of significant change. This has benefitted policyholders and employees, and ensured a strong, stable future for Farmers Alliance and the entire market in Kansas.”

Birkhead is pictured with, left to right, Brian Schmidt (Farmers Alliance Property Claims Manager), Andy Edwardson (Farmers Alliance Chief Information Officer), Curtis Holle (Bremen Farmers Mutual Insurance Company President, and KAPCIC Board Member), Ryan Hicks (Farmers Alliance Vice President for Human Resources), Chris Brown (Upland Mutual Insurance Company President and KAPCIC Board Member), Rick Wilborn (Kansas State Senator and former KAPCIC Board Member), Sandy Baldwin (Farmers Alliance Casualty Claims Manager), Tonya Schafer (Farmers Alliance Vice President for Compliance & Product Development), Sue Howard (Farmers Alliance Corporate Secretary), Randy Lutgen (Farmers Alliance Vice President for Underwriting), Keith Birkhead, and Jack Rader (Farmers Alliance Chief Marketing Officer and KAPCIC President).

Farmers Alliance Welcomes New President Brian Lopata

August 15th, 2018, was a very special day for Farmers Alliance. As we marked our 130^th year of protecting our policyholders, our 12th President, Brian Lopata, was welcomed to the FAMI-ly. Brian will begin his duties as President & CEO on August 27^th, but this special celebration allowed he and his family (Betsy, Andrew and Gavin) to meet the FAMI-ly at Farmers Alliance.

The day of celebration began with a delicious breakfast provided by Chris Cakes of Wichita, Kansas. The pleasant aroma of freshly cooked pancakes, bacon and sausage filled the halls of Farmers Alliance as employees gathered for breakfast.

Even though, Chris Cakes is known for their flapjack flipping, they are extremely talented in pancake art as well.

The celebration also included a fun evening as well. Various food trucks began pulling into the north parking lot around 4 pm to set up shop. The food trucks (Big Chill Ice Cream, BS Sandwich Press, Hot-2-Trot Gourmet Hotdogs, Lo Lo’s Crepes, Smokin’ Diner and Urban Skillet) offered a variety of main dishes and desserts, allowing guests to have several choices.

A large tent provided a place for employees, retirees and their families to meet Brian and his family, and to escape the heat and enjoy their meals in the shade. Battle Zone DJ’s laid down some classic tracks for the night’s entertainment, along with announcing the winners of a raffle for some gift cards.

It was the perfect evening; full of food, fun, laughter, and conversation.

Welcome to the FAMI-ly, Brian, Betsy, Andrew, and Gavin Lopata!

 

 

 

Brian D. Lopata has been named President and Chief Executive Officer for the Farmers Alliance Companies, effective August 27, 2018. The announcement was made by L. Keith Birkhead, Chairman of the Board.

According to Birkhead, “Brian brings extensive experience in the insurance industry to this position, combined with a clear vision for the future of Farmers Alliance. Most of all, he is committed to the family-oriented culture, and is enthusiastic about developing the strong relationships with our employees, agent partners and policyholders.”
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Lopata will have day-to-day responsibility for all functional areas of the companies, working directly with members of the Executive Management Team.

A native of upstate New York, Lopata has held leadership positions in Underwriting, Marketing, and Customer Relations for two mutual insurance companies during his 27-year career. Since 2004, he was with Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President for Profit Center Operations and Customer Relations. His responsibilities have included day-to-day company operations, as well as strategic planning.

Lopata received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the State University of New York at Oswego. He also holds the Associate in Underwriting and Associate in Insurance Services designations.

He and his wife, Betsy, have two adult sons. Brian and Betsy will relocate to McPherson in the near future.

There are billions of Bluetooth devices on the market today. In fact, it is almost harder to find a device that doesn’t have Bluetooth. Over the last several years devices with Bluetooth show up in the following:

• Phones
• Cars
• Computers
• TVs
• Headsets
• Gaming consoles
• Tablets

 

Due to implementation of millions of Bluetooth devices in use, malicious security violations are now common events these days and expected to increase in the future.

 

The increased usage of Bluetooth devices makes security concerns even more alarming. Like any other wireless communication system Bluetooth transmission can be deliberately jammed or intercepted. False or modified information could be sent to the users by the attacker.

 

Some important common vulnerabilities are listed below:

 

• Blue jacking: Blue jacking is the process of sending unsolicited messages to Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• BlueSnarfing: is the illegal theft of information from Bluetooth enabled devices.
• BlueBugging: is an attack in which the attacker exploits Bluetooth enabled in a device to get unauthorized access of the system and manipulate the target device to compromise its security.

 

Depending on your specific device, you’ll have different Bluetooth options and settings available, but the same general advice applies to all. If your Bluetooth device is not paired with another Bluetooth device at any time, turn its Bluetooth capability off to avoid an unknown device from trying to connect to it.  Even if you are paired with a device, you should still turn off Bluetooth discovery (so other devices can’t see your phone) as well as auto pairing (which can allow a device you’re not familiar with to connect to your phone without your approval).

 

Policyholders who suspect they are victims of fraud should contact Farmers Alliance at 620-241-2200 to find out how they can work with a fraud specialist to help manage and protect their identity.

Morgan Estep is a Customer Service Representative. She began her career at Farmers Alliance on January 2, 2018.

“My whole life has consisted of being on the back of a horse. From a young age I would ride around with my dad at his roping’s. My dad was actually the one who got me started in rodeo. He was in the rodeo scene when he was younger. He competed in bull riding, saddle bronc and team roping. He actually participated in rodeo while serving in Germany. Now he decided to pass on his passion to me. I got my first horse when I was about seven years old. When I hit the age of ten I started competing in junior rodeos, amateur rodeos and 4-H. After my first competition I was hooked!

Rodeo has taught me a lot growing up and I have made so many friends through it. Growing up I participated in the Harvey County 4-H horse project and qualified to compete in barrel racing, pole bending and the flag race for 8 years at the Kansas State Fair. I was also involved in the Heartland Youth Rodeo Association out of Kingman, Kansas and competed there all through middle school and high school and qualified for finals every year. In college I was a member of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo team and traveled all over Kansas and Oklahoma to compete against other schools.

Now that I am out of college I travel around the area to different barrel racing jackpots and bought my membership to be a part of the Central Plains Rodeo Association and will be traveling to rodeos around Kansas to qualify for finals in October. My next rodeo will actually be held in McPherson, Kansas on June 22nd-23rd!

Right now I compete on two horses. My younger horse I bought when I graduated from high school and have been training him on the barrel pattern. He is the bay pictured and his name is Cash. My other horse I am competing on is Tee J and he is the sorrel pictured. I had Tee J when I was in high school and decided to start getting him back in shape for the summer. Which I am glad I did because he has been getting me second place at all the jackpots I have ran at so far.

I am looking forward to competing with my boyfriend who steer wrestles in the same association and traveling with my dad and horses this summer.”

Good luck Morgan during your rodeo season!

The Farmers Alliance Employee Wellness Committee hosted the National Walk at Lunch Day, with 57 employees signing up for the walk — including field staff from Iowa and Kansas City! Participants enjoyed a great lunch and fellowship, as well as a drawing for t-shirts.

“Let’s make everyday a walk day!”

 

For more information on National Walk at Lunch Day, visit: https://www.bcbsks.com/AboutUs/Community/Walk-at-lunch/

myFAMI, our online portal for policyholders has new options! Through myFAMI, customers can now choose to Go Paperless! — accessing policy documents electronically, and stopping the mailing of paper documents. While it won’t be the choice of all customers, we know that many of our customers have asked for this capability, and will be glad to see it is now available.

 

As a reminder, there are 3 primary functions within myFAMI — myBilling, myClaims and myDocuments. Go Paperless! is the latest addition. The attached overview flyer highlights each of these areas, as well as providing a step-by-step guide for getting started. We’ve also provided some very short video tutorials for myFAMI.

All policy types (other than bonds and some specific commercial lines policies) can be accessed through myFAMI, and all a customer needs to get started is the policy number and bill account number (find these on a recent invoice or the policy Declarations). As they establish their myFAMI account, the system is designed to verify identity and ownership through specific procedures, so all policy access is secure.

 

 

The 130th annual Policyholder Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at the company’s home office in McPherson, Kansas. Attended primarily by the company’s Board of Directors, executive management team and several policyholders (others represented by proxy), the group heard from Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer L. Keith Birkhead. A Treasurer’s Report was provided by W. Paul Taliaferro, Chief Financial Officer.

Birkhead and Taliaferro reported that in spite of an average year for storm losses, the company experienced very good results in all areas during 2017, and continues to be positioned for steady, profitable growth in its target markets — farm and ranch insurance in the eight-state marketing territory. Policyholder Surplus and Admitted Assets reached new high levels, and the Combined Ratio, a key indicator of profitability, was reported at a healthy 99.08. The company continues to carry an A- (Excellent, Stable) rating from the A.M. Best Company, another strong indicator of financial strength.

During the meeting, two new Directors were elected to the Board, I. John Cholnoky and Donald W. Schwegman, and two current Directors were re-elected for new terms, Eric J. Larson and Brett A. Reber. They join continuing Directors Robert M. Alexander, Vincent Amanor-Boadu, R. J. Breidenthal, Jr., Marilyn Pauly, and Mr. Birkhead. Also during the meeting, three retiring directors were recognized for their service to the Farmers Alliance Board of Directors. Each was recognized with a Board resolution acknowledging their contributions to the organization, and thanking them for their dedication:
Sheila Frahm — 16 years of service. Resolution presented by Marilyn Pauly.
Joseph W. Jeter — 12 years of service. Resolution presented by Eric Larson.
Joe F. Jenkins, II — 47 years of service. Resolution presented by R. J. Breidenthal, Jr. Mr. Jenkins’ service ranks second in all-time year of service to the Farmers Alliance Board of Directors.

Birkhead concluded the meeting thanking all directors and employees, and noting that the successes we are now experiencing are because of the hard work and dedication of the Directors and staff throughout our long history.

L to R: Keith Birkhead, Joe Jenkins, Jay Breidenthal

L to R: Eric Larson, Joe Jeter, Keith Birkhead

L to R: Marilyn Pauly, Sheila Frahm, Keith Birkhead