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Risk Managers Play Critical Role in Protecting Production

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

Recent news reports indicate that ransomware attacks are becoming more prolific and all industries are vulnerable. An article by Jeffrey Tilley, Vice President and Manager, Cyber Hazards, and Jens Alkemper, Vice President and Research Area Director, FM Global, point out the specific risks to manufacturing and production. Tilley and Alkemper maintain that effective prevention of cyber risks cannot remain the sole responsibility of technology professionals. Risk management professionals, along with business leaders and senior management, need to work in conjunction with IT in a coordinated effort against cyberattacks. They outline several steps risk managers bring to the team to help enhance prevention and mitigate losses in the event of an attack: Break down technology silos for a holistic approach. Close …

Preserve Mental Wellbeing with these Online Schooling Resources

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News, Personal Lines

By Michael Diller, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Director, Employee Assistance Program, WellSpan Due to the pandemic, many teachers are conducting classes remotely, and many families are navigating virtual learning. Parents, caregivers, and teachers are working together to support each other and their students. During this uncertain school year, how do we recognized the signs that a young person is struggling with their mental health? What resources are available to help overcome these new challenges? Two websites with resources that can help alleviate some of the online school day stress and assist with the mental wellbeing of students learning virtually are Mental Health America (MHA) of Lancaster County and the Department of Education and Liberal Arts at Ashford University. Both websites …

Combine and Tractor Fires – A Burning Problem

Denise GillinAgribusiness, Risk Management

Excerpted from John Shutske, UW CALS / Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison Combine and tractor fires cause over $20 million in property losses each year and millions more because of lost time and downed crops during the busy harvest season. They also cause 40 to 50 serious injuries each year and occasionally death. Prevention begins with a focus on keeping machinery clean and eliminating sources of heat that could lead to a fire. Cleanliness and maintenance: Begin every harvest season with a clean machine. Use a pressure washer to remove caked-on grease, oil, and crop residue, paying particular attention to the engine and engine compartment. Use compressed air to frequently blow off any dry chaff, leaves, and other material on the …

Cyberattack – Not “if” but “when”

Denise GillinInsurance, News, Risk Management

By Brian Owen, CPCU, Executive Vice President, Client Services and Ommie Rivera, Chief Information Officer Paying ransoms in ransomware attacks has always been controversial, but now it may be considered illegal by the US Department of Treasury according to SiliconANGLE.com. The argument is that at times, paying ransom to obtain core business files is worth it. However, conversely, does paying ransom encourage future attacks? Every situation is different and insurance policies are not created equally so there isn’t a one size fits all answer to a cyber breach. While coverage is important, partnering with experienced professionals you trust can be more important. Look for experts with established best practices to help your company weather the lifecycle of an incident. Murray represents …

Pumpkin Farming – From Field to Front Porch

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

By Liz Froment for Westfield Insurance Heading out to the local pumpkin patch and picking out a few choice pumpkins for Halloween is a tried-and-true fall activity. But did you know that pumpkin farmers work hard all summer to ensure you’ve got the perfect jack-o-lantern to scare those trick-or-treaters? If you’ve ever been curious how to grow pumpkins, keep reading.  

Coping with pandemic anxiety

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News

By Michael Diller, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Director, Employee Assistance Program, WellSpan The ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic is taking a toll on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Americans. The National Institute for Health Care Management reports symptoms of anxiety have tripled from 8.1% to 25.5% from 2019 to 2020, and depression symptoms have almost quadrupled from 6.5% to 24.3% in that same time period. In late June, 2020, 75% of 18-to-24 year old respondents reported having at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom. Strategies of building resilience and engaging in self-care is of utmost importance to cope with the rise in anxiety and depression, particularly experienced during the last six to seven months. The big question …

October 18 – 24 is National Teen Driver Safety Week

Denise GillinNews, Personal Lines, Risk Management

Sponsored by the US Department of Transportation October 18 – 24, 2020 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. This week – and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers. Facts about Teen Driver Fatalities: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence. In 2017, there were 2,247 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, …

YWCA Lancaster is on a mission – Women of Achievement

Denise GillinNews

Murray is delighted to be a supporter of the YWCA Lancaster’s Women of Achievement Luncheon. The YWCA is on a mission: It is time that we come together and celebrate the accomplishments and positive impact the women of Lancaster are making in our community. Too often, those who shine among us go unrecognized. With your help, YWCA Lancaster intends to pay tribute to four deserving women of Lancaster County at the Women of Achievement Luncheon. These extraordinary women selflessly give of their time and energy to make our community a better place. This event recognizes and honors women who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and excellence in their personal and professional endeavors while supporting, embodying, and complementing YWCA Lancaster’s mission of …

Get Smart About Credit

Denise GillinHome and Auto Insurance, Insurance, News

October 15th is Get Smart About Credit Day as well as International Credit Union Day. A good credit score is important for your financial health. The Balance lists the following as six benefits to having a good credit score: • Low interest rates on credit cards and loans • Better car insurance rates • Approval for higher limits • Easier approval for renting • Obtain certain contracts (like cell phone or utilities) with no security deposit • Better negotiating power Understanding your credit score is an important place to start. The following are tips for you and your family to help understand what affects your credit score. Help your children and grandchildren understand the importance of sound financial management. Learning …

October is ESOP Awareness Month

Denise GillinNews

By Amy G. Mitchell, CIC, CISR, Vice President, Commercial Solutions and Chair of the Murray ESOP Awareness Committee October is Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Awareness Month. As an ESOP, Murray is taking this opportunity to highlight our core value of Take Ownership. It’s our company. We’re accountable for our own outcomes. We champion safety – safeguard our health – protect our clients – serve our community. Whatever it is, we own it! The benefits of Murray being an ESOP Agency impact our service, our approach, and the benefits we can share with our teammates and our clients: Empowered Employees: Employee-owners have the autonomy and flexibility to take action to meet clients’ needs, streamlining our processes and increasing customer satisfaction. Preservation …