Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
Protection Team News Summer Showers and Flood Insurance
A TIMELY REMINDER
As summer showers return, some areas have already experienced severe flooding. This is an early warning to secure your Flood Insurance policy now before the peak of hurricane season arrives. Don’t wait — call our office today. While you’re arranging your flood policy, ensure you have a hurricane plan in place and your emergency supplies are ready. A common question we receive is when insurance premiums will start to decrease. While we don’t control the rates, there is a small glimmer of hope as a few insurance companies have recently asked for modest reductions. However, this hope could vanish if a single hurricane hits the Florida coast this year. As we’ve recently celebrated the Fourth of July, it’s a good time to reflect on our nation’s patriotic history. This holiday commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Melanie and I recently had the chance to spend a few days in Boston and took a hop-on/hop-off tour of the city’s rich history. It was incredible to see buildings from so far back and imagine what the early settlers must have seen and experienced. The history of our country must never be forgotten.
VOL 15, ISSUE 19
The Rain Is Ramping Up Page 1
Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue Page 2 Financial Security With Business Interruption Insurance Page 2 Amazing Ladybug Facts Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
Darren visiting Fenway Park in Boston
Wacky July Holidays Page 5
As many of you know, I am a huge sports fan. During our visit to Boston, we were fortunate to attend a Boston Red Sox baseball game against the New York Yankees at the historic Fenway Park. Even as a Tampa Bay Rays fan, it was an amazing experience to see the Green Monster and explore the famous ballpark nestled right in the middle of a neighborhood. Speaking of sports, our Tampa Bay Rays haven’t had the season that was hoped for, with long losing streaks affecting their playoff chances. The good news is that football season is getting closer, both college and professional, and I’m starting to get very excited. Here’s to hoping the Bucs can make another deep run! Until next month,
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Page 5
May Referrals and Puzzle Winner! Page 6
–Darren
| 1
Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE COVERS THE UNEXPECTED For business owners, here’s a terrifying scenario: Imagine closing up shop for the night, only to return the following day and find your business burned to the ground. What now? Beyond the immediate property damage, how do you recover lost revenue and cover other expenses until you can implement your plan B? THE ROLE OF BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE Business interruption insurance helps compensate business owners for lost revenue, rent or lease payments, taxes, employee wages, loan payments, or relocation costs if a fire or other damage temporarily forces you to close your business. WHAT DOES BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE COVER? Lost Revenue Business interruption insurance primarily covers lost revenue. When a business has no option but to close its doors because of a covered disaster such as fire, storm, or vandalism, the insurance helps to replace the income the business would have earned during the closure period. This is crucial for maintaining cash flow and ensuring the business can meet its financial obligations.
Grill and Chill Host a Summer Barbecue for Everyone Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light- colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills. Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco- friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
Vermost Insurance Now has a relationship with Chuck Chucri, who offers financial planning and investment
Did You Know ...
advisory services!
2 |
1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
CALL FOR DETAILS OR TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY (727) 748-2886 Chuck Chucri, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI Financial Advisor The Prudential Insurance Company of America Prudential.com/advisor/chuck-chucri Our financial advisors and financial planners offer financial planning and/or investment advice through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS). A financial advisor or financial planner offers securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco and offers insurance products as an agent of issuing insurance companies. (800) 778-2255 Vermost Insurance is an independent organization and is not an affiliate of Prudential Financial. Rent or Lease Payments Even if a business cannot operate from its usual premises, the owner still needs to cover ongoing rent or lease payments. Business interruption insurance covers these payments and prevents the business from falling behind on critical expenses and risking eviction or lease termination. Employee Wages Business interruption insurance covers employee wages and ensures that staff can continue to be paid during the closure. This helps retain employees and maintain morale, which is vital for a swift recovery once operations resume. Taxes and Loan Payments Even if a business isn’t generating income, its owners must continue to meet tax obligations and loan payments. Business interruption insurance can cover these expenses and prevent debt accumulation and financial penalties that could hinder recovery efforts. Relocation Costs If the business needs to move to a temporary location while repairs are made, business interruption insurance can cover the relocation costs. This includes moving expenses and the cost of renting or leasing a temporary space, allowing the business to continue operating while its primary location is restored. For more information on how business interruption insurance can benefit your business, give us a call today! We offer free competitive quotes from multiple carriers to ensure your business is protected.
GARDEN GUARDIANS Surprising Facts About Ladybugs
Rather than a backyard pest, ladybugs are a backyard best . These spotted creatures are adored worldwide for their innate cuteness and vibrant color and their role as a natural form of pest control. However, ladybugs are more fascinating than you may realize, so prepare to admire them even more. DON’T BUG ME Despite their popularity, ladybugs are also misunderstood. For one thing, ladybugs aren’t bugs — they are beetles! Unlike bugs, beetles are omnivores that enjoy munching on plants and insects. Ladybugs’ favorite food is the aphid, a tiny insect that wreaks havoc on crops and gardens. This makes them one of the few creatures helpful enough that people intentionally introduce them to their gardens. Their pest-control properties have long given them the reputation as miracle workers — so much so that their namesake is likely the Virgin Mary, sometimes depicted in paintings as wearing a red cloak. COLORFUL CRITTERS While many think of ladybugs as small red critters with black spots, they are more varied than you might realize. There are 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide and more than 450 in North America alone! Interestingly, in addition to red, ladybugs also come in yellow, brown, orange, and even pink, with some sporting zebra-like stripes instead of spots. MIGHTY MATRIARCH Their colorful exoskeletons — formed from a protein similar to the one that forms our fingernails — are for more than just show. While they are harmless to humans, their appearance dissuades potential predators. When found in nature, vibrant colors indicate that an animal may be toxic and foul-tasting. Ladybugs can release a nauseatingly foul-smelling chemical to repel predators if a threat gets too close. Beloved by all for their colorful exteriors, ladybugs’ handy habit of preying on pests makes them a welcome addition to the garden and a vital part of a healthy backyard ecosystem. These spectacular beetles are a fixture the world over, and the more you learn about them, the more they will amaze you!
1007626-00005-00
| 3
Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com
newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2023. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2023 REFERRAL WINNER! 2024 REFERRAL PROGRAM
monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winner of our 2023 referral program is Paul Burns. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2024 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Paul Burns is our 2023 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice. • EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Special Operations Memorial Foundation
• A $50 GIFT CARD
4 |
1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886 1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
4
Wacky July Holidays
• July 1 - National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day • July 3 - National Chocolate Wafer Day • July 4 - National Barbecued Spare Ribs Day • July 5 - National Workaholics Day • July 6 - National Fried Chicken Day • July 7 - National Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day
• July 17 - National Yellow Pig Day • July 18 - National Sour Candy Day • July 20 - National Lollipop Day • July 21 - National Junk Food Day • July 22 - National Mango Day • July 23 - National Vanilla Ice Cream Day • July 24 - National Drive-Thru Day • July 25 - National Hot Fudge Sundae Day • July 26 - National Coffee Milkshake Day • July 27 - National Creme Brulée Day • July 28 - National Milk Chocolate Day • July 29 - National Lasagna Day • July 30 - National Climb a Mountain Day • July 31 - National Raspberry Cake Day
• July 8 - National Freezer Pop Day • July 9 - Cow Appreciation Day • July 11 - National Blueberry Muffin Day • July 12 - Eat Your Jello Day • July 13 - National Beans N’ Franks Day • July 14 - National Mac N Cheese Day • July 15 - National Gummy Worm Day • July 16 - National Personal Chef Day
Bursting with fresh strawberries and layered with fluffy biscuits and creamy whipped topping, this recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. SCRUMPTIOUS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
SUDOKU
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until blended. 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before serving. 6. Whip heavy cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. 7. Arrange strawberries on top of cake and spread whipped cream over top before serving.
SOLUTION ON PG. 6
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
| 5
Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991 www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 www.vermost.com (727) 748-2886
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
You Make Us Happy
We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here’s a list of some of our lines of protection:
People who referred clients to us in May: • Jack Parco
• Elizabeth Bowman • Robert Poole • Lesley Brown • Sara Housh • Amanda Loeffler • Matthew Unzicker • Carl Stratton • Dan Mondelo • Frank Capuano • William Bryant
› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builder’s risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Disability
› Flood › General liability › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public
• Robert Chanin • Darla Sinnard • Christine Taylor • Noray Sarkisian
• Michael Singleton • Christopher Moses • Frederick & Barbara Lumb • Donald Richey • Connor Schaffer - Final Notice Towing & Recovery Corp
June Puzzle Winner: Marla Hicks
› Umbrella › Workers’
May Referral Winner: Connor Schaffer (Final Notice Towing & Recovery Corp)
compensation
... and more!
6 |
1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
DONATE BLOOD
Donors Receive
Vermost Insurance Agency Monday, August 26 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
eGift CARD $20
...and more!
All donors receive*: - $20 eGift Card - Oneblood Beach Bag
– PLUS –
- Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. __________ Fact: Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.
– PLUS –
Appointments are encouraged, please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 71418
*One offer per donor, per donation. No cash value. Not-transferable. Gifts may vary. For more information please visit oneblood.org/details. ID REQUIRED
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator