News
Mountain State Insurance Agency & OCCWV Donate to Habitat for Humanity in a BIG Way!
January 24, 2012
Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County received a BIG gift from Office & Commercial Cleaning and Mountain State Insurance Agency this week. The two companies teamed up to donate 2 Point Of Sale systems to the stores.
The ReStore resells donated building materials and home items to raise money for the construction of Habitat houses in Kanawha and Putnam Counties. New, used and surplus materials are donated to the ReStore by individuals, contractors, businesses, retailers and manufacturers.
The ReStore is also an environmental initiative. An estimated 5,429 tons of materials that would have been sent to the landfill were able to find new homes, literally! Most waste produced by the ReStore is recycled and the ReStore partners with other local businesses and non-profits to conduct fun and innovative ways to reuse and recycle materials.
The ReStore is a way for people on tight budgets to repair and maintain their property. People from all walks of life shop at the ReStore and enjoy treasure hunting and finding great deals! One of the things that ReStore shoppers love (besides our low prices) is that you never know what you'll find at the ReStore. Because we receive donations on a daily basis, our inventory changes rapidly.
Please take the time to stop by Habitat for Humanity and don't forget to DONATE or buy a few items to help support this foundation!!
Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County
301 Piedmont Rd.
Charleston, WV 25301
Drug Testing
December 9, 2011
West Virginia law prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to submit to a drug test unless the employer has reasonable good faith suspicion of an employee’s drug use or that the employee’s job involves public safety or the safety of others. Pre-employment testing does not, however, generally constitute an invasion of privacy.
Learn More About:
- West Virginia Durg-And Alcohol-Free Workplace at http://www.state.wv.us/admin/personnel/emprel/policies/drugfree.pdf
- Statutes on the West Virginia Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Act at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/Code.cfm?chap=21&art=1D
- State Law impacting miners http://www.msha.gov/focuson/dasummit/afterresources/resourcesfortheminingindustry/state%20law%20chart%20ky-va-wv.pdf
Mountain State Insurance Agency Earns Certified Benefits and Wellness Advisor Designation
December 6, 2011
Sherry Thomas, Benefits Account Executive/Customer Service Representative for Mountain State Insurance Agency in Charleston, WV, recently earned the prestigious Certified Benefits and Wellness Advisor designation, conferred by the Institute of Benefits and Wellness Advisors. The Asheville, NC-based organization trains insurance professionals on how to implement risk management principals in the employee benefit field.
"Companies are often unaware how they can change the landscape of their benefits program and reduce their costs once they understand and manage their health risks," stated Thomas. "With the training I received from the Institute, I now possess the knowledge to help employers see their employee benefits differently and potentially save money for our clients while creating a more productive workforce."
Preston Diamond, managing partner of the Institute of Benefits and Wellness Advisors, says most agents gather the employee data, obtain quotes and then present a variety of quotes to employers. They may shift costs to employees, increase deductibles, or modify plans to try and limit cost increases. "Unless the insurance agent has the necessary training to understand risk, the root problems may go undetected and cause business owners to pay higher premiums than required," says Diamond.
Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Institute of Benefits and Wellness Advisors trains and certifies professional insurance agents to help businesses better manage their people insurance costs. Agents must commit to continuing education and recertification every three years. For more information about the Institute of Benefits and Wellness Advisors, go to www.cbwadvisors.com.
Mountain State Insurance invites YOU to participate in our 2nd Annual MSIA Food Drive!
November 29, 2011
Mountain State Insurance invites YOU to participate in our 2nd Annual MSIA Food Drive, to benefit the Manna Meal Soup Kitchen. This is the second year that employees will participate in collecting and contributing canned goods to this worthy and local cause. We invite YOU to join our efforts, either by collecting canned goods in your office or by making a monetary contribution. No time to shop? Let us shop for you! We are happy to be your personal canned food holiday shoppers while “insuring” each contribution dollar receives maximum benefit.
Since 1978, Manna Meal Soup Kitchen has fed over 1.25 million people. They serve two meals a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to the hungry in Charleston.
Breakfast is offered at 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. to an average of 125 people. The usual meal includes fresh fruit, bread, eggs, meat, sweets, milk and hot tea. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to an average crowd of 225 individuals. Meals are balanced and plentiful.
Manna Meal’s policy is to serve anyone who is hungry with no questions asked. They seek to provide a safe haven for their guests, who include women, men, teenagers, families, and seniors. Manna Meal is solely dependent on contributions from the community of Charleston. They are not a governmental program and rely on the financial generosity of individuals, religious communities, corporations and businesses.
If you have any questions about participating in this outreach opportunity, please contact our office at 304.720.2000 or by email, kpack@mountainstateinsurance.com. You can also visit the Manna Meal website at http://www.mannameal.com.
Congratulations John C. Allen Jr.
November 22, 2011
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to congratulate John C. Allen Jr. on his remarkable and comprehensive book Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Homes of Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Read the full article at www.wvliving.com.
CareHaven of Pleasants presented with a “No Lost Time Workers Compensation Accident Award” by Mountain State Insurance
November 10, 2011
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to congratulate the 72 employees of CareHaven of Pleasants, who were presented a “No Lost Time Workers Compensation Accident Award” in recognition for their outstanding achievement of an accident-free record for one year. CareHaven of Pleasants, owned and operated by Stonerise Healthcare, is a 68-bed, skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Belmont, WV. The employees at CareHaven of Pleasants take great pride in their work. Their commitment and dedication to safety is to be commended.
Mountain State Insurance Agency Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study
September 1, 2011
Mr. Johnson is the President of Mountain State Insurance Agency, Inc. He is a 1985 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Finance and Business Law concentrating in insurance. Ross and his wife Dee have two sons, Taylor and Will. Taylor is a recent graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Accounting, and Will is pursuing his degree at Ohio University.
Ross has taken an active role in both the Tip Off Club and QB Club of Charleston. Mr. Johnson has also been the sponsor for the Mad Maniac of the game for the last two years. The Mad Maniac awards $100 and a Big Green Membership to the wildest student at each home basketball game.
Favorite Athlete: Leslie Thomas Cross Country/Track
"Leslie exemplifies what being a student athlete is all about. Leslie is a local girl from Charleston that has gone to Marshall and makes all of us proud. Not only is Leslie an honor student, but also as an excellent runner. I remember when Leslie was considering schools to continue her education and telling her that she should look at Marshall."
Favorite Marshall Moment
"There are so many great memories I have of Marshall Athletics. However, by far my favorite Marshall memory has to be sitting in the stands of the Civic Center this spring, watching my son Taylor walking across the stage at graduation. Taylor graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting."
Why do you give to the Big Green?
"I feel as though it is my responsibility to help these athletes succeed and receive a college degree, allowing them to succeed after they graduate."
The Big Green would like to thank Ross and the entire Johnson family for all they do for the Herd!
Mountain State Insurance Agency Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study
August 26, 2011
Charleston, WV – Mountain State Insurance Agency has retained its status as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America “Best Practices” Study Group.
Each year since 1993, IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.
Last year, which marked the start of a new three-year study cycle, more than 1,200 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 224 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-40 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.
The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.
The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance. The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.
Mountain State Insurance Agency was founded in 1917 and offers insurance products from a number of different companies.
Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagents.com.
Mountain State Insurance is proud to announce our newest team member!
August 25, 2011
Sherry Thomas joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in July as our Account Executive for the Benefits Department. Sherry specializes in Medical, Dental and Vision Care Plans, Health Care and Dependent Care Reimbursement Plans, HRA Plans, HSA and High Deductible Plans, COBRA, HIPAA, Stop Loss and Preferred Provider Network/Organizations.
Call our office and put Sherry to work for you!
Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC takes FIRST PLACE finish in this year’s Corporate Cup Division I competition
July 28, 2011
Mountain State Insurance would like to commend our client, Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC for their exceptional FIRST PLACE finish in this year’s Corporate Cup Division I competition - the best part being their motto, "When you play us, it’s ACCRUAL world". They competed against 12 other teams and clinched the victory with a 2nd place finish in the last event, Tug of War. Not surprising, Suttle & Stalnaker excelled in many events, placing near or at the top of the standings in softball, bowling, billiards, tennis, table tennis, swimming, 5K run, 5K walk, 100M, and tug of war. Suttle & Stalnaker finished the competition with 265 points. A close 2nd place went to Smith Cochran & Hicks and Precision Pump and Valve Service who teamed together, tallying 249 points. A tie for 3rd place was shared by Dixon Hughes Goodwin and Commercial Insurance, who each earned 219 points.
This is only Suttle & Stalnaker’s second entry in this annual Charleston event - and twice they have come away victors!!
Teams do not rely on athletic prowess alone to make a difference during the event. The YMCA gives "spirit points" to Corporate Cup participants who donate blood, canned food and items for VFW care packages.
Michael Riley Named Acting Insurance Commissioner
June 23, 2011
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like send their warmest congratulations to Michael Riley, a member of the staff of the state Insurance Commission who played a key role in the privatization of workers' compensation in West Virginia who has been named acting state insurance commissioner.
The office of acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced Tuesday Michael Riley will take over for longtime state Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline who will retire June 30.
Riley first joined the Insurance Commission in 2001 and worked his way up the ladder to ultimately become Assistant Commissioner of Regulation. He was project manager of the workers' comp privatization efforts a few years ago.
Thank You!
March 25, 2011
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to send a big THANK YOU out to everyone who came by the MSIA booth at the 2011 Contractors Expo. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with each of you. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
The EXPO is the Region's largest show of its kind with over 300 exhibitors and nearly 6,000 attendees from all over the United States. For more information, visit the EXPO's website at www.wvexpo.com.
Expo 2011: West Virginia Construction & Design Exposition
February 28, 2011
TIME
Wednesday - Thursday
March 23 at 8:00pm - March 24 at 2:00pm
LOCATION
Charleston Civic Center
200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
Mountain State Insurance Agency, Inc.
MORE INFO
The EXPO is the Region's largest show of its kind with over 300 exhibitors and nearly 6,000 attendees from all over the United States.
We invite you to share in the excitement of EXPO and don't forget to stop by our booth just inside the main coliseum. For more information, please visit the EXPO's website at www.wvexpo.com.
MSIA Expands Their Knowledge of Workers Compensation Issues and Solutions
February 10, 2011
Congratulations to our newest Professional Worker’s Compensation Account Manager (PWCAM) designation recipients!
Annette Dearth, Megan Joseph, Katharine Pack and David Webb had the opportunity to earn this designation offered by The WorkComp Advisory Group. The program was designed to provide the technical knowledge and implementation strategies necessary to successfully manage Work Comp accounts and improve client retention.
Successful completion of this designation will allow MSIA Account Managers to provide clients continued and improved assistance in the following areas:
- Creating the Premium Audit Package in order to eliminate overcharges
- Managing the critical Valuation Date and how to reduce reserves or close open claims
- How to create and leverage ModMaster Reports and verify the accuracy of the Experience Modification Factor
- Preventing injuries and managing them after they occur
Please join Mountain State Insurance Agency in congratulating the accomplishments of our Professional Worker’s Compensation Account Managers!
Sun Energy Services received the 2010 Gold Safety Award
February 7, 2011
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sun Energy Services on receiving the 2010 Gold (1st Place) Safety Award presented by the AESC. This is the second year in a row that Tracy Weekley, John McCallister and their team have won this award. Congratulations, keep up that great work!!!
Did you know?
February 1, 2011
An estimated 50% of all businesses pay excessively for Workers' Comp due to management oversights. Overcharges often result from errors on the premium audit; incorrect experience modification factors or mismanaged employee injuries; and inadequate hiring and employee management practices. Our Certified Work Comp Advisors are skilled in analyzing Workers' Comp accounts, identifying errors and overcharges, and developing strategies for helping employers reduce Workers' Comp costs permanently.
Employment Practice Liability Insurance
January 18, 2011
With almost 75% of all litigation against corporations involving employment issues, it is clear that there is a needed focus on Employment Practice Liability Insurance. Studies have shown that an employer is more likely to have an EPL claim than a GL or Property loss. While concise statistics are difficult to establish, it is understood that the average EPL claim now settles for approximately ...
First Annual Canned Food Drive Deemed a Success!
January 11, 2011
On December 20, 2010, Mountain State Insurance Agency delivered 265 pounds of food and a $700 donation to Manna Meal located at 1105 Quarrier Street in Charleston. Volunteers from the Soup Kitchen graciously helped MSIA employees unload and bring in all donated items. After thirty years, Manna Meal’s purpose remains the same—to serve anyone who is hungry, no questions asked.
We are excited to announce that our goal next year will be to collect more than 350 lbs of non-perishable foods! If you would like additional information regarding this local cause, please visit their website at: www.mannameal.com
Mountain State Insurance Agency's First Ever Canned Food Drive
December 6, 2010
Mountain State Insurance Agency is holding our first ever Canned Food Drive! Please support our efforts to help feed local women, men, teenagers, families and seniors by bringing in your canned/non-perishable food items now through December 18th. The food collected will be donated to Manna Meal, located at 1105 Quarrier Street in Charleston. Since 1978, Manna Meal Soup Kitchen has fed over 1.25 million people. They serve 2 meals a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. If you would like additional information regarding this local cause, please visit their website at: www.mannameal.com
Make Owner/Officer Election a Top Priority
November 18, 2010
Many insured’s fail to advise their private carriers in the event of a change in officers and owners. This oversight contributes to the excessive premium owed when the annual audit comes due. West Virginia State Code Chapter 23 mandates that all owners and officers be INCLUDED for coverage unless a written notice has been provided to their private carrier and forwarded to the insuring company. The “Owner/Officer Election Information” link provides valuable and detailed examples of the impact the owner/officer election has to the policy.
Owner/Officer Election Information (PDF) »
Mountain State Insurance Agency Chosen for "Best Practices" Study
September 30, 2010
Once every three years, the nation's largest agent association asks its insurance company partners, state association affiliates and other industry organizations to nominate independent agencies they believe to be among the most efficient and high performing agencies in the industry for each ...
Ross Johnson feature agent in Brickstreet publication:
September 23, 2010
As a son and grandson of coal miners and the first of his family to attend college, Johnson understands the importance of ...
Questions and Answers About Health Reform
September 23, 2010
Under the new health care reform law called the Patient Protection and Affordable Act (PPACA), health plans in existence on March 23, 2010 may be eligible for "grandfathered" status.
Hayden Kee Receives Second Place in the 2010 West Virginia State Raccoon Hunt
August 17, 2010
The Mountain State Insurance Agency team would like to congratulate Hayden Kee, the son of Pat Kee, on receiving second place in the 2010 West Virginia State Raccoon Hunt.
Hayden is 10 years old and has been hunting with his pup Sis, officially named K & B Tracking Candy, for the past year. They are a great pair and look forwarding to competing together for years to come.
Congratulations Hayden!
Happy 10 Year Anniversary!
June 30, 2010
Mountain State Insurance Agency would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Ross Johnson for a decade of amazing leadership.
It was 10 years ago today that Mr. Johnson purchased the controlling interest of MSIA and became the President of the Agency.
From all the employees at Mountain State Insurance we would like to say:
“Congratulations and Thank You.
We all look forward to many more
years of your guidance.”
Mountain State Insurance Sponsors Local Race Car Driver
April 17, 2010
Mountain State Insurance is a race car sponsor for Tim Belt of C.L. Belt Construction, Inc. Tim's car was raced at the I-77 Raceway Park on Saturday night, 04/17/2010. Check out how Tim did!
Traveling on Mutual's Path of Expansion
April 12, 2010
For the past two weeks Mountain State Insurance Agency's Megan Joseph has been hitting the road spreading the good news regarding the West Virginia Mutual's expansion into Ohio & Kentucky. To date Megan has had the privilege of meeting the physicians and office managers in Ashland, Pikeville and Gallipolis. It is with great excitement that our Medical Malpractice Insurance team continues to pound the pavement to let the physicians in the surrounding states know that there is a new carrier and agency in town. MSIA looks forward to building new relationships in these states that will last for years to come.
MSIA to showcase at the 2010 MGMA Annual 'Spring Meeting'!
March 26, 2010
At 7:30am this morning, the annual Medical Group Management Association 'Spring Meeting' kicks off! This conference is put on twice a year for the benefit of the State's leading health management professionals. In addition, MGMA’s annual event is an excellent opportunity for the area's key businesses to platform their products and services that are crucial to a medical practice's success. Mountain State Insurance Agency will be among the elite exhibitors this year. The 2010 MGMA Annual Spring Meeting is located at the Charleston Marriott Hotel in downtown Charleston, WV. Megan Joseph and Randy Neville invite you to visit their booth and learn more about the exceptional services MSIA provides.
For more information visit www.wvmgma.com
Mountain State Insurance to exhibit at the 31st Annual West Virginia Construction & Design Exposition at the Charleston Civic Center
March 24, 2010
Today marks the beginning of the 31st Annual West Virginia Construction & Design Exposition at the Charleston Civic Center. The show will run from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24th and from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25th. There will be an After Hours Reception on Wednesday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. that you won't want to miss. The EXPO is the Region's largest show of its kind with over 300 exhibitors and nearly 6,000 attendees from all over the United States.
We invite you to share in the excitement of EXPO and don't forget to stop by our booth just inside the main coliseum. For more information, please visit the EXPO's website at www.wvexpo.com.
WC Advisors speak up on behalf of client, and speech pathologist group sees over $30,000 in returned premiums
March 4, 2010
Are you classified properly? If you have a workers' compensation policy, this is something you should ask yourself. Misclassifications can be costly as one of our clients discovered. Our experienced team identified the misclassification, took the necessary steps to correct it, and returned over $30,000 in premium to the insured.
Mountain State Insurance hosts OSHA certification class
March 1, 2010
MSIA is committed to their clients and to improving their safety programs. Because of this commitment, MSIA hosted its second annual OSHA 30 Hour Construction Training class. The training course is a comprehensive safety program designed for safety directors, foremen, and field supervisors or anyone involved in the construction industry. The training consisted of four full days of instruction and upon completion of the course each participant will receive their OSHA 30 Hour Certification.
Last year we had 22 participants and this year we had an even greater turnout with 30 participants representing 10 different employers. This training would not have been successful without the partnership between MSIA, their clients, and BrickStreet Insurance. We would like to especially thank Allan Williams and Mike Dragovich, Safety & Loss Representatives with BrickStreet Insurance, for their instruction of this class.
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Testimonial
"Trimble Engineers & Constructors, Inc. has been with Mountain State Insurance since the agency began serving the construction industry. They have provided property and casualty insurance, bonding and now Workers' Compensation coverage.
Mountain State Insurance provides the support necessary for claims management, prevention, and a variety of useful tools necessary for a fast growing construction company. We trust Mountain State and highly value our relationship them."
~ Daniel B. Flesher P.E., President, Trimble Engineers & Constructors, Inc.
