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From all of us at Rhodes and Williams, have a safe and happy summer.

What is a Tornado?

To put it bluntly, a Tornado is a funnel of rapidly rotating air that makes contact with the earth. The main reason Tornadoes are so severe is that they often occur with little warning. Weather networks can generally predict the probability of a Tornado occurring, but its difficult to predict exactly when, where and how severe it will be. Once a Tornado touches down it will follow a completely random path and has the potential to cause major damages to your property and personal belongings. The chart below illustrates the 6 different Tornado classes and there severability.

Tornado Season

Tornados usually occur as early as April and as late as October, and most frequently during the summer months. Generally most occurrences are reported in Southern Ontario but the reality is that a Tornado can occur anywhere at any time under the right conditions.

Tornado Preparation

The most severe Tornados are not overly common in Ontario; however, it's still very important that we prepare ourselves. The video below will teach you how to understand weather bulletins, prepare an emergency survival kit and what to do if there's a Tornado in your area.

To view pictures from this exciting event please visit our Facebook page.

The brokers at Rhodes & Williams are always happy when they have an opportunity to interact with the community they help insure .

"Our presence at the 2012 Boat Show was one of the most successful events we have ever had.  Our newly revamped booth looked better than ever and the visitors to our exhibit were steady throughout the show.  Thank you to the many consumers who approached us with quotation requests - we look forward to doing business with you." exclaims Personal Lines Manager, Chris Armstrong.

Sandra Cook from Orleans was the lucky winner of the draw for the iPad 2 , offered as a prize for all those who requested a quote when visiting the Rhodes & Williams' booth .  To see pictures from this event make sure to visit our Facebook page.  New posts and draws are posted on a regular basis. 

February 22, 2012 - Rhodes and Williams will be exhibiting at the 2012 Ottawa Boat & Sportsmen's Show being held this Thursday, February 23rd through to Sunday February 26, 2012.  This is the first year the show will be held at the new CE Centre near the Ottawa Airport. 

Whether you are looking to buy your first boat or you are an experienced Skipper, be sure to stop at booth 123.   One of Rhodes & Williams' friendly and informative brokers will be happy to speak with you to make sure that your passion is protected, allowing you to enjoy the open waters this summer.   

Rhodes & Williams will be offering ballots to all those who stop by booth 123 to request a quote for their home, auto or boat insurance.  You will have a chance to win an Apple iPad 2. 

Rhodes & Williams will commit a dollar to Kaiden's Care Kits for every 'like' of this news posting on Facebook to a maximum of $500.00.  Rhodes & Williams' COO, Cory Young would like to extend this challenge to other brokerages, insurance companies, individuals and corporations to match this offer or make any donation they wish to. 

Rhodes & Williams will be accepting donations, payable to the KIN Club of Russell. Please send to Rhodes & Williams at 1050 Morrison Drive, Ottawa, ON, K2H 8K7.

The 30 finalist ideas are now in the hands of a panel of impartial judges who will rank the final 30 ideas in order from 1 to 30 and then split them into groups based on the amount of funding they require.  At least one idea from all 3 prize categories will receive funding, with an additional $150 000 reserved for an idea that is Broker Supported.  The Aviva Community Fund will then continue to award prizes until 1 million dollars worth of funding has been donated.

Winners will be announced by January 25, 2012.

"We would like to congratulate the finalists and everyone that entered the competition for participating." said Debra Ambrose, Senior Vice President of National Sales and Marketing at Aviva Canada. "We'd also like to thank our broker partners for their support in working with many of the submissions to help create positive change in their communities."

On August 3 of this year, Chief Operating Officer of Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers was asked to participate in an "Insurance 2.0: Embracing the Digital Age" symposium.  The intent was for a group of young brokers engaged in social media to discuss the importance and appropriate uses of social media in the context of being an insurance broker.

"It was great to get together with other brokers in my industry that understand that twitter is about more than what you had for breakfast," Says Rhodes & Williams Chief Operating Officer, Cory Young.  "We get so much out of interacting with our clients, friends and colleagues through these channels of communication. If our clients are comfortable using them, don't we owe it to them to participate?"

The discussion was a free flowing discussion about all that is social media in insurance. The conversation revolved around all the topics you would expect, being; facebook, twitter, blogs, youtube, etc.... as well as some relatively newer platforms such as google+ and foursquare.

"We are in the business of helping people.  We work for our clients.  Social media is just another platform to help .... as well as interact with some really great, interesting people," says Young.  "It is really not that complicated - share, interact, listen and help!"

CLICK ABOVE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

This is the 3^rd year for the Aviva Community Fund Challenge, which was developed to put into effect ideas for positive change within a local community and across Canada.  Action oriented ideas are being submitted from all across Canada in a variety of categories such as health & fitness and environment & culture.   The winners will be announced on January 25, 2012 where the $1 million dollar Aviva Community Fund will finance at least one finalist from each category (small - up to $50K, medium -$50K - $100K and large $100K - $150K). Once the general competition closes, the special Broker competition provides a second chance for non-winning ideas of all sizes to win funding.

The semi-final round will include the top 90 ideas from rounds 1, 2 and 3 and voting will begin on December 5^th. The top 30 from the next round will then be judged by a panel on their potential impact on the community,  likelihood of success, longevity & sustainability, originality and the quality of the submission to determine the final winners. 

Cystic Fibrosis is one of Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers two charities of choice, so it was a pleasure to help out by sponsoring a $10 000.00 hole-in-one, entering two foursomes, providing staff to volunteer and recruiting sponsors and donations.

The evening's guest speaker Helen Meinzinger spoke about "Kaiden's Care Kit's" which she and her husband created when their son, Kaiden was diagnosed with CF two years ago.

A total of over $19 000.00 was raised at this years' tournament and reception, which will  provide continued CF research and the assembly and distribution of Kaiden's Care Kits to local families with newborns diagnosed with CF.

Tournament Chairs Cindy Robertson and Doug Anthony of Russell, Ontario, were overcome with the final results, "We can't thank you enough; the golfers for the continued support you show to help this cause; our very generous sponsors; and all of the volunteers who help make this happen."

The tournament is named in honour of Marsha Morton, a Canadian Cystic Fibrosis poster child and daughter of Ken & Karen Morton, members of the Kin Club of Orleans & District. Marsha succumbed to CF at the age of 12 in 1988. To date, the tournament has raised $88 000.00 for Cystic Fibrosis.

For more pictures of Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers at the event, please visit our Facebook page.

September 28, 2011 - Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers are proud to be working directly with the KIN Club of Russell on the 2011 Aviva Community Fund Challenge.  The goal of this union is to promote awareness for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and have Kaiden's Care Kits donated to every family in Canada who has a child born with CF for one full year.  

The first year of any babies' life is busy but even more so for the parents of one with CF, as they require additional nutrition, physiotherapy treatments to loosen mucus and lots of visits to the doctor and hospital.  For the first year of Kaiden's life not only did the Ames family manage all this but they were also busy thinking of how to help other parents who might unexpectedly find themselves having a baby with CF.   

Kaiden's Care Kits are comprised of handy and helpful items along with reference material to help families of newborns diagnosed with CF. Kaiden's Care Kits are an extension of compassion, understanding, information and support that can be given to a family when they need this kind of help most of all.

Rhodes & Williams sponsorship of Kaiden's Care Kits and its participation in the 2011 Aviva Community Challenge is part of our continued commitment to make an active contribution to the community we service.  Please take a moment to VOTE for the Rhodes & Williams sponsored charity and please pass this page on to all your friends and family so they may VOTE as well.  

With your help, Rhodes & Williams participation in the 2011 Aviva Community Challenge will be able to make Kaiden's Mom and Dad's dream of delivering a little extra help to every new CF family across Canada a reality.  Rhodes & William's participation and promotion of KIN Canada and CF Canada is one more way your insurance broker is there for you when needed them most.

- Russel Kin Club Commits to Kaiden

Personal Insurance Manager, Chris Armstrong appeared on Ottawa's #1 morning news show, /A\Channel.  On the show which aired this past Tuesday, Kurt Stoodley asked about the insurance app to help clients and others when they need us most.  The free iPhone and Android app http://mypocketinsurancebroker.com was launched approximately 1 month ago by Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers.

"There is an app for that," proclaimed host Kurt Stoodley as the application was demonstrated by Chris.  The application was developed as a communication and claims tool kit for Rhodes clients but can also be used by any consumer with insurance related needs.

To view Chris Armstrong and mypocketinsurancebroker's appearance on /A\Channel morning please visit the Rhodes & Williams Insurance Broker Facebook page.

Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers is one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in Eastern Ontario. With offices in both Ottawa and Toronto, our insurance brokers have provided superior customer service and the right insurance coverage solutions since 1935. We provide expert, specialized advice and service in both Commercial insurance and personal insurance.

Founded in 1882, the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies provides property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers.  Chubb's global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia.

It is a hot topic in the news as well as in insurance circles.  Do you understand how your current coverage protects from some of the expenses associated with a data breach?  Are you aware of coverages that you could purchase to protect yourself?

In this video, Insurance Journal talks with a broker out of London, England (CFC Underwriters, one of Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers' underwriting partners) about this hot topic.  It is a relatively new risk which many clients, and even some brokers may not think of.  Make sure you are doing business with a technology insurance broker who understands your risks.

For more information on insurance for Technology firms, please go to www.techcover.com

Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers is one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in Eastern Ontario. With offices in both Ottawa and Toronto, our insurance brokers have provided superior customer service and the right insurance coverage solutions since 1935. We specialize in custom-designed commercial insurance for a wide variety of industries including High-Tech Insurance (TECHCOVER®), Construction, Retirement and Senior-Living, Not-for-Profit, Packaged Insurance Policy Solutions, and Specialty Solutions.

Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers have chosen Cystic Fibrosis as one of it's two charities, so it is a pleasure for us to be a co-title sponsor of this event with the Kin Club of Orleans.

"Last year this event raised $17,400, and we hope to raise even more this year for Cystic Fibrosis Canada," says Cory Young, Chief Operating Officer with Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers.  "Golfers can even play for FREE if they collect more than $200 in donations!"

For details on registering to participate in the golf tournament, please see the event poster below, or contact Cindy Robertson.

If you are willing to donate or help sponsor the tournament, please contact Cory Young at Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers.

The tournament is named in honour of Marsha Morton, a Canadian Cystic Fibrosis poster child and daughter of Ken & Karen Morton, members of the Kin Club of Orleans & District. Marsha succumbed to CF at the age of 12 in 1988.

Check out our news feed to read about last year's event.

The use of mobile devices has skyrocketed in the past few years with the speed that few technologies, if any, have enjoyed.

Enter the Mobile Age!

Most people have a mobile phone and when they get in to an accident, it's the perfect device to have available…

Exactly why Rhodes & Williams Insurance brokers has created the app which they refer to as, "My Pocket Insurance Broker". "There may be others out there that I have not seen, but to my knowledge, this is the first iPhone and android app available from an independent insurance broker in Canada, that provides clients with this service," says Young.

Built in to this application for Android and iPhones, is information that you will need to get in touch with your Rhodes & Williams insurance broker, as well as crucial  information that you will find helpful at the time of an accident  .... when you need us most!  It even has the built in ability to access the device camera and store and send photos so you can capture what has happened. Although designed to benefit our clients, it could prove helpful to anyone.  Submitting the information will not be of use for non-Rhodes & Williams clients, however the app could still prove helpful for recording events at the time of an accident and keeping track of policy information in a handy spot.

So next time you go out, put your Rhodes & Williams Insurance broker in your pocket, and take us with you!

Visit mypocketinsurancebroker.com for more details and to get your app.

The festivities starting at 5:00 pm were attended by employees from all of the Rhodes & Williams Group of Companies accompanied by their family, friends and even pets.   The evening held something fun for everyone such as pick-up games of lacrosse or badminton, a dash through the sprinkler or enjoying the large selection traditional picnic goodies.  For those looking for more of an adventure, a thrilling ride down the Cliff Hanger 22' inflatable slide was called for. 

To view photos from the 2011 Company Picnic please visit the Rhodes & Williams Ltd. Facebook page.

In partnership with one of our Insurance Providers, Gore Mutual Insurance Company, we have developed a secure system for our clients to access their policies and other information we think may benefit them and their business.

"It is like an online filing cabinet for your insurance documents, as well as important advice and access to the professional Rhodes & Williams Insurance Broker you have put your trust in," says Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers Chief Operating Officer, Cory Young.

We understand that owning a business is a full time job; we want to make managing your insurance as easy and accessible as possible… while at the same time, benefitting the environment.  We are dedicated to providing the best insurance solutions that meet your individual needs. We have the knowledge and commitment to protect you and your business.

For more information, Please view our Quick Connect page.

"The risks are out there, no question," says Mark Pusiak, Senior Account Executive, Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers, Ottawa Office, "A Mortgage Broker can be sued by a lending institution, investors or mortgagees.  Basically a claim can allege the mortgage broker committed a wrongful act in the execution of his duties.  A claim will have to do with the rendering of the services provided and resulting from a single fault, error, omission or negligent act in rendering the services."

So it really isn't even necessarily about self-protection from making mistakes - it is about protection from perception.

Read the full article on propertywire.ca

"Most CFO's understand enough about insurance to know that an effective method of protecting their companies from large unanticipated liabilities is by transferring that risk to an insurance company" say Mr. Pusiak.  "For that reason , this article focuses on the "second phase" of the risk management process - Deciding what type of D&O policy works best for your orgnaization?"

Read,  "Directors and Officers Insurance - Which Policy is Right for Your Bussiness" in the Resources section of our website.

Congratulations to Lee Hunter, the winner in our recent Senators Ticket Giveaway! 

Mr. Hunter has won:  

Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs  

Saturday, April 2/11 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa

100 Level Seats with Parking

Total package value - $350.00

The photo of Mr. Hunter includes his Personal Account Manager at Rhodes & Williams, Christine Acton (left) and the Personal Lines Manager, Chris Armstrong (right).

The presentation outlined some of the ways Rhodes & Williams is using social media to reach out to clients, prospects and the community in which it serves.

"We have had some succes in reaching out in these forums to offer a helping hand to our clients and prospective clients," says Cory.  "It is really just a different method of communicating.  If our clients are there, we owe it to them, to be there as well."

To see some of our participaton in these forum visit the following:

• Facebook: www.insurancethatfits.ca
• Blog:  www.passionforprotection.ca
• Twitter: www.perfectfitinsurance.ca
• Linkedin: www.perfectfitcoverage.ca
• Youtube: www.whos-got-your-back.ca