AGIA's Playground

AGIA Insurance Services Making a Difference in Our Community!

 AGIA Campaign Committee at Balloon Pop

AGIA Insurance Services completed another goal breaking United Way campaign in the month of October.  Pat Card-Vazquez and a very energetic United Way campaign committee led the way. AGIA Insurance Services reached $95,961 in corporate, employee and special event donations with 86% employee participation!

The Halloween themed campaign - "Giving is a Boo-tiful Thing" - kicked off with an all staff company meeting spearheaded by John Wigle, AGIA's President & CEO and United Ways 2009-2010 Community Campaign Chair.   The week long campaign had daily activities that brought community awareness, built team spirit and involved tons of fun.  The activities included a silent auction, tri-tip BBQ and bake sale, a balloon pop (pictured above) and a company-wide pizza lunch and raffle.

Over the past ten years, AGIA Insurance Services employee and corporate contributions have reached nearly $750,000 during the annual charitable giving campaign, making them one of our top supporters year after year.

In addition to supporting our community financially, AGIA Insurance Services employees have continued to take part in volunteer work this year.  In July, the company sent a team of volunteers to "Lunch Bunch," the volunteer portion of Fun in the Sun, and the company also participated in United Way's Day of Caring in September, the largest volunteer event each year in the tri-county area.

 

Sixth Annual Gingerbread House Contest

CALIFORNIA OFFICE

 

FIRST PLACE went to Information Systems for "All this and Retirement too!"

 
 

 

SECOND PLACE went to CSS for "Winter Getaway"

 

THIRD PLACE went to Marketing for "EA Plus saves Christmas"

 

 

Community Service in Minnesota

The AGIA Minnesota office (employees and some family) spent a day in early March working at a local Habitat for Humanity site. The site is the first Habitat location in Plymouth, MN. It is a 4-plex (serving 4 families)! Unique to this site is the location near a wetland, which required extensive excavation and sol correction along with the goal to have the least impact on the natural areas surrounding the site. One method to preserve the wetland is the on-site storm-water management with a raingarden, to reduce and treat run-off water. One of the four units is fully ADA compliant- allowing Habitat to partner with a family with special needs in regards to the physical and architectural layouts of the home. All projects for the day were inside- thankfully, as the outside temperature in the morning was -6F (yes BELOW Zero) and warmed up to a balmy 12F about the time we left in the afternoon!

Wellness Spotlight- Kim, Billing Manager

How do you define Health and Wellness?

• Improving fitness
• Improving knowledge
• Defying aging!
• Minimizing stress
• Being around friends that enjoy similar activities

• Making good lifestyle choices

What type of exercise do you do?

Lots.... I decided a long time ago never to "diet", so I am in perpetual exercise motion. I usually exercise in some way every day. My favorites right now are cycling and swimming. I compete in both events because it gives me a goal to challenge myself with. When I am not training, I walk with my dogs.

What are your top 3 artists on your play list?

I usually skip to a song I like and if it fits my cadence, I go with it!

What is your favorite healthy snack or meal?

Before workout: oatmeal, peanut butter and banana toast

During workout: original chocolate Power Bar

There are some clear favorites after a long ride or swim: Rudy's combo chicken burrito; no sour cream and double chicken

Dessert: Dove chocolate, Ice blended mocha

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

I keep a balanced schedule of athletic, stress reducing, volunteer and lifelong learning activities that are just for   me.

What do you think about the Wellness Works website?

It's great! I think it gives people another topic to talk about that is other than work that still binds them in a common cause and contributes to better relationships.

What do you think AGIA could do to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle?

AGIA could continue to promote the wellness initiative with things like promoting healthy snacks in the vending machines, covered bicycle racks, corporate pool passes, volunteer opportunities and a variety of learning opportunities.

New Employee Spotlight- Kalon, Treasury Accounting Specialist

If you could write a book what would the title be?

If I could write a book, the title would most likely be "Around the World", or something to that effect. I would base it mostly on travel stories from exotic countries.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about surfing, being active, and staying close to family and friends.

If money was not object, what would you do with your life?

If money was not object, I would consider traveling around the world, visit and surf every continent. I would probably write a book about it.....

What was your college major? 

I continue to take classes focusing on International Business.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include: Traveling, Surfing, Dancing, Reading, Exercising, and being a good friend.

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading the book, "Science of Surf Forecasting" by Nathan Todd Cool

If you could spend one day doing what you wanted, what would you do?

I would spend it relaxing on a tropical island with nothing to worry about except for coconuts and sunscreen!

If someone gave you $1000 what would you do with it?

Invest it!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to own a business that facilitates a spontaneous lifestyle involving a necessity for travel.

What would you attempt to do if you knew that you could not fail?

I would enter a big wave competition in the legendary island of Teahupoo, Tahiti.

What is your favorite AGIA value and why?

My favorite AGIA Values are Innovation and Contribution, and I am torn between the two. I feel that an individual can make the most out of his daily existence in a company by contributing, and making a process more efficient. It would be the greatest reward for me to achieve a worth while innovation that made peoples lives easier enabling them to work smarter.