Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 11:25 AM
This past month, Carrara Companies helped Nationwide Insurance sponsor the 3rd Annual Golf United Classic hosted by the Butler County United Way. Carrara’s contribution of the sold out event, which took place at the South Trace at Fairfield Green Golf Course on August 13, helped raise $3,500 for the United Way.
As part of the outing, each sponsor represented a college. Carrara partnered with Ashland University, who graciously donated uniforms and their official mascot Tuffy. As part of the fun, a cornhole toss helped raise a portion of the donation, with a chance for the golfers to win a small prize.
The families at Carrara Companies would like to thank Nationwide for the opportunity to help sponsor the event, and Ashland University for their donation, all to support the United Way. A special thinks to our own Jan-Michael Gintz who toughed out the 100 degree heat, and donned the Tuffy outfit.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Mar 04, 2010 @ 03:01 PM
On Thursday, March 11, 2010, Carrara Companies will hold two CE courses at Motorists on the topics of disaster recovery and dehumidification/drying. Both courses will be held in the Plaza Dining Room.
Disaster Recovery: This class explores loss prevention. How can agents or brokers help themselves and their insureds by minimizing risk? Briefly looks into developing a disaster plan. (3 CE credits, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.)
Dehumidification / Drying: This subject discusses the importance of dehumidification. Why is it necessary? Reviews water damage and how it affects the home or business. (3 CE credits, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
While these courses are geared toward agents, associates are welcome to attend with supervisor approval. To register, please contact Deborah Kenney in Training and Development.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Mar 04, 2010 @ 02:32 PM
The Grange Academy has partnered with Carrara Companies to offer CE classes on Fire Damage Recovery and Water Damage Recovery. Each class is 3 hours in duration with a free continental breakfast and catered lunch being provided. These classes are being offered as a full-day session. Due to our partnering with Carrara we can offer these CE classes at a reduced rate. The cost for the one day session is: $25 for agents and $18.75 for Senior Partners.
These classes will be delivered by the Carrara Companies which was founded in 1996, providing commercial and residential cleaning and restoration services throughout Ohio. Each of the classes will offer valuable information on damage and recovery to property and electronic hardware/data following water and/or fire damage. This will help you provide improved service to your clients when a loss does occur.
For more information, feel free to download the flyer here.
To register, visit: http://www.grangeagent.com/
Posted by Jim Dunphy on Thu, Jan 21, 2010 @ 01:59 PM
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Carrara Companies recently joined in the effort in assisting a local family in their time of need.
The McClellan family of Akron had recently fallen on tough times, including having taking custody of 3 grandchildren ages 1, 2, and 3 who completed a family of 8 when joined by mom & dad and their 3 teenage children already living at home. Life was crazy enough when in late October the family had a basement fire in their home.
As if having to live outside their home and provide for the needs of six children were not enough during the clean-up and repair process, smoke damaged contents in the home included Christmas presents that had been stowed away early for safekeeping by Santa’s elves.
In light of this situation, Carrara Companies’ owners Justin and Julie Sucato decided to help. Plans were put into motion to help with toys, clothes, and food for the McClellan Family. Next, the date was set for a surprise visit at the McClellan residence from Santa’s Helpers along with Santa Claus (proudly portrayed by 28 year Santa Veteran – Nationwide Insurance Agent, Rick Zivsak) following the move back into their home two weeks before Christmas.
On the evening of Dec. 17, the McClellan Family State Farm Insurance Agent, Jennifer Kaiser, joined Carrara Companies Vice President, Julie Sucato with her daughters, Olivia and Ava, help make the McClellan Family Holiday a little brighter by delivering food and toys just in time for the holiday! The smiles and joy shared by all was truly an example of what the holiday season is all about!
Posted by Eric Schlaubach on Tue, Jan 12, 2010 @ 09:09 AM
How do you find a carpet cleaning company? Is your decision based on price, quality, reputation, or word of mouth? All are great things to consider when selecting a carpet cleaning company to enter your home or business.
Like anything, research is necessary to determine the best fit for you. Personally, I live by the motto, you get what you pay for, and with that in mind I will pay a little extra to make sure I get the best service. The phrase, getting it done the first time, seems to be leaving many companies' business practices.
Steamatic by Carrara Companies offers a unique process when it comes to carpet cleaning. Our patented process has a proven track record of getting your carpets cleaned, without the use of harsh chemicals. When cleaning, the hotter the water, the better the result. When you wash your dishes, you automatically know to use hot water, as it cleans easily and kills germs and bacteria. Carpet is the same - the hotter the water the better the clean, because every 15 degrees increase in water temperature doubles the cleaning power.
Most carpet cleaning companies use a system wherein water leaves the truck and travels through hoses to the carpet cleaning wand. Once the water leaves the machine, the temperature may be 212 degrees, but by the time it travels to the wand the temperature has significantly decreased. The Steamatic difference is our re-circulating system for the hot water. This means the hot water flows to the wand, and then is sent back to the truck to be reheated. When the steam touches the carpet, it is the same temperature as when it left the truck - 212 degrees.
With our patented system, Steamatic is a GREEN cleaning company for the simple fact less chemical is needed. When selecting a carpet cleaning company make sure you feel comfortable about them sticking by their word, and performing at the level you expect.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 @ 01:24 PM
While the most wonderful time of year has arrived, it has still been a rough year for the economy and peoples' spirits. In hopes of bringing back some of the excitement for the holidays, Carrara's sales team of Ed Duke, Eric Schlaubach, and Jim Dunphy will be out spreading the holiday cheer.
"We have had such a great year, we wanted to give back during this joyous season, and let others know there are still reasons to celebrate," says Ed Duke Sales Director for Northeast Ohio. "People tend to get so wrapped up in what's going on, it's important to remember to laugh, be in good spirits, and just have fun."
This season, the trio will be visiting a lot of local businesses and agencies with goodies in the sack, and smile on their faces. "I look forward in doing this every holiday. I just cannot imagine not doing it,"says Eric Schlaubach, Sales Director of Central Ohio.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 @ 10:28 AM
It is a fabulous time of year for many, and a favorite holiday for others. The time of year when we are supposed to dress up in our favorite scary costume or be behind a mask.
Carrara Companies will do it's part in spreading the Halloween spirit this year as well. Some of you may have been paid a visit in years past, and this year be on the lookout for The Three Musketeers. Eric Schlaubach, Jim Dunphy, and Ed Duke will be visiting customers around the Northeast Ohio and Columbus areas.
Last year Eric and Jim, dressed as Batman & Two-Face, visited around thirty businesses and this year plan to visit even more. "Taking advantage of the holidays and bringing joy into our customers' normal work day is fulfilling. I think this year we may swing by a hospital and spend some time with the kids," says Eric.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Sep 23, 2009 @ 08:04 AM
On Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Carrara Companies hosted a Disaster Planning & Disaster Recovery Seminar, located and sponsored, by Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens located in Akron, Ohio. The common goal was to learn and develop an existing disaster plan for their organization, with the key importance focusing on limiting downtime, and maximizing the protection of valuable holdings and archival materials. Attendees included the Robinson Memorial Hospital, Cleveland Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, Toledo Library, Kent State University, Akron University, Akron Museum of Art, and Stan Hywet Hall.
Joe Goetz, a large loss specialist from Brouwer Bros. Steamatic in Chicago, was a guest presenter and walked everyone through a case study, in which a museum withstood severe flooding. Topics discussed were actual real life examples of recovery, and things never planned before a disaster strikes. Joe took everyone from the beginning of the recovery, all the way to the reopening of the museum.
"It was a great day of open discussion and information, that helped some of the area's key attractions and municipal services improve their disaster recovery plan," said Eric Schlaubach, Carrara Companies Sales Manager.
After the event, attendees were treated to a tour of the 64,000 square-foot manor house, originally built in 1915. For more information about Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, you can visit their website here.
For more information about disaster planning, or if you need help developing a disaster recovery plan, feel free to contact Eric Schlaubach, or any member of the Carrara team.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, May 20, 2009 @ 01:03 PM
While originally established to honor those individuals whom fell in service to their country, Memorial Day has become a family holiday where many enjoy road trips, swimming, barbeques, and boating. Whatever you and your family decide to do, here are some important things Carrara Companies wants you to remember this Memorial Day weekend.
Road Trips
- Click It or Ticket It: The national Click It or Ticket It campaign kicked off this past weekend, and will run until the end of the month. Over 950 law enforcement partners will be supporting the campaign with activities and enforcement hours. Ohio's seat belt law is a secondary law, which means a police officer cannot stop a driver for the sole purpose of enforcing the use of occupant restraints. This is not a pass to avoid wearing your safety belt, and you will be sited if pulled over or at a sobriety checkpoint. Children are required to be buckled in at all times - and that is a law in all states.
- Pre-flight Checks: Make sure your vehicle has recently had its routine maintenance, and double-check everything before you take off on the road. Proper tire pressure, working warning and headlights, topped off fluids, and emergency kit should be in great shape before you begin your trip.
- Are you sleepy?: If so, don't drive. Drowsy drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers, and getting a good night sleep before any road trip should be an automatic requirement. A caffeinated beverage or quick exercise break is not a viable substitute for a good night's sleep.
- Don't Drink & Drive: Simple and straight to the point. Whether out at a bar, barbeque, or at home, getting behind the wheel after a couple drinks is never a good idea. Call a cab, family member, or friend - who is sober - for the safe ride home.
Barbeque
- Maintain a healthy diet, and don't over indulge. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and potato salad might sound good, but mix in some fruit and fresh vegetables as well.
- Make sure you check the hoses and tubes for cracks on your gas grill to avoid any leaks, which could be ignited by an open flame.
- If using a charcoal grill, avoid using them in the home or confined space. Not only is it a fire hazard, but the carbon monoxide can build up to toxic levels.
Swimming & Boating
- Make sure you know the depth of the water you decide to swim, and make sure there is a lifeguard on duty in case of an emergency.
- Take sunscreen with a SPF rating of at least 15, and apply it to all parts of exposed skin 30 minutes prior to going out. Taking an extra pair of UV protected sunglasses is a good idea as well.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or beverages with electrolytes. Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they will cause you to dehydrate fast. There is very little danger however, to eating before jumping in the pool.
- When out boating, make sure you have lifejackets for everyone. File a boat plan, like a flight plan, with someone you trust in case something happens.
- Keep your eye on the weather and waves if out in open water. There are many instances of rouge waves and the weather changing without notice, turning your weekend boating trip into a nightmare.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Apr 22, 2009 @ 09:48 AM
Annually, April 22, is reserved for inspiring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Originally founded in 1970, the recognition of Earth Day has gained more acceptance as we learn more about how we can reduce our carbon footprint, and how we affect our planet's future.
A person's carbon footprint is the measure of how one's activities affect the environment and climate change. Here are some tips on helping to reduce your carbon footprint, increase your role on helping save the planet, and allows us to be green together.
- More and more portable devices have the ability to recharge themselves, but for those that do not, use rechargeable batteries. Recycle the non-rechargeable batteries when you replace them.
- Go paperless. Receive and pay your bills electronically. Not only will you reduce the use of paper, but the amount of fuel used in transporting them.
- When washing your clothes, use the warm/cool setting. By this simple switch, you can save 100,000 barrels of oil from being used.
- Instead of throwing away old computers and electronics, recycle them. Best Buy has a great program for helping you dispose of them. Click here for more information.
- Consider switching your electronics to more modern, eco friendly ones. Companies such as HP offer solutions for help reducing impact on the environment.
- If you travel a lot, use a permanent tag for your luggage instead of using the disposable paper ones.
- Instead of throwing away those old magazines, donate them to your local business and schools. Keeping them in circulation, keeps them out of the landfills. Just because it's out-of-date, doesn't mean the information is useless.
- Talk to your coworkers about carpooling, or if you are close enough, walk or bike to work. Lesser emissions keep the air cleaner, and the possible exercise will help you stay healthy.
- Contact your utility company and request a free energy audit. Not only could you help save energy, but you can also save a little money too.
- Homeowners may receive up to $1,500 in tax credits for home improvements on windows/doors, HVAC systems, water heaters, metal and asphalt roofs, and insulation, which are energy star compliant.
There are many more things you can do to help reduce your carbon footprint, and help stop global warming. For more information visit http://www.earthday.net/ and www.epa.gov/earthday/.