tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454796777109898602024-03-13T17:12:14.278-04:001st Guard Truck InsuranceAll the latest news and events at 1st Guard.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-13874630581566311062015-09-17T10:40:00.000-04:002015-09-17T10:40:16.035-04:00First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed “A” Rating by A.M. Best for 11th consecutive year.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />
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First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed “A” Rating by A.M. Best<o:p></o:p></div>
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Venice, Florida (September 17, 2015) - <span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Specialty truck insurer First
Guard Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Company (Oldwick, NJ)
has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable
rating outlook. The A (Excellent) rating of First Guard reflect its solid risk-adjusted
capitalization and balance sheet liquidity as well as history of excellent
underwriting and operating profitability. First Guard’s expertise in the truck
physical damage and non-trucking liability market for leased owner-operators
coupled with prudent underwriting standards, immediate attention to operational
issues and a conservative operating strategy continues to play a strong role in
long-term profitability and stability. The outlook for the issuer credit rating
(ICR) is positive due to expectations that strong underwriting results will
continue for the near term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">First Guard Insurance Company entered the direct writing market
focusing solely on underwriting truck physical damage insurance in 2003 after
being a reinsurer for many years. . In 2010, First Guard added non-trucking
liability insurance to their portfolio of underwriting expertise. As a direct writer, First Guard does not use
agents to place business but rather goes direct to the trucker. “</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">It's more than a re-affirmation of our A rating. It's a
reaffirmation of our low cost structure, direct writing business model and
technology,” stated </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Edmund B. Campbell II, CEO of First Guard
Insurance Company.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> “More and more insurance
consumers are asking, why do I need an insurance agent?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">While First Guard is limited to a specific niche within commercial
automobile insurance, their dedication and focus on this niche have generated
positive results over the years. This year’s A (Excellent) rating marks First
Guard’s eleventh (11<sup>th</sup>) consecutive year for maintaining this
rating. For the latest ratings, visit </span><a href="http://www.ambest.com/"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">www.ambest.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Media
Contact:<br />
Courtney Wilson<br />
</span><a href="mailto:Courtney@1stguard.com"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Courtney@1stguard.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
800-995-4827<o:p></o:p></span></div>
1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-57900855973212975352015-01-05T09:09:00.001-05:002015-01-05T09:09:19.690-05:00Colorado Makes Twenty-Nine for Truck Insurer First Guard Insurance Company <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Venice,
Florida (January 5, 2015) –<span> </span>Specialty truck insurer, First Guard
Insurance Company, announced today they recently added the rocky mountain state
of Colorado to their portfolio. Adding Colorado brings their state count to
twenty-nine (29), of which most are concentrated east of the Mississippi.
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“The
ability to write physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance in Colorado
helps carve out more potential growth in the Western part of the United States,
commented Courtney Wilson, President of First Guard Insurance Company.<span>
</span>“We’ve saturated east of the Mississippi and we are strategically
targeting states in the west to gain more traction within the leased owner
operator community.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">First
Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best, provides physical damage and
nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators.<span>
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1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-50116956472733601702014-07-23T13:45:00.000-04:002014-07-23T13:50:03.862-04:00First Guard Insurance Company Names New President, Courtney Wilson<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">July 23, 2014 – Venice, FL – First Guard Insurance Company, a
direct writer of physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance for leased
owner operators, announced today that Courtney M. Wilson has been named
President effective July 1, 2014. Prior to her promotion, Wilson was President
of 1<sup>st</sup> Guard Corporation, the agency affiliate of First Guard
Insurance Company. Ms. Wilson succeeds Donna Fortuna who was elected President
in 2007. Donna Fortuna remains with the company and as a member of the board of
directors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">“Courtney has developed her skills in the truck insurance
business through many facets of our business, from marketing and communications
to underwriting and administration – which makes her extremely well-rounded,”
said Edmund B. Campbell III, CEO of First Guard Insurance Company. “She is a
strong leader and understands the marketplace well. Beyond that, she is a
progressive thinker and visionary,” added Campbell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Wilson joined the organization in 2005 as the Director of
Marketing and Corporate Communications. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-4355093045482084092013-12-12T11:29:00.000-05:002013-12-12T11:29:22.620-05:00First Guard Insurance Company Adds Two More States to Their Portfolio
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Venice, Florida (December 12, 2013)
–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specialty truck insurer First Guard
Insurance Company announced today they received approval to write truck
physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance in the states of Virginia
and Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adding these two states
to First Guard’s portfolio brings their state count to twenty-eight (28), of
which most are concentrated east of the Mississippi. First Guard is actively
writing truck insurance for individual owner operators and motor carriers that
reside in these two states.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“A few years ago we added South
Dakota to broaden our reach westward and now, adding Washington even further
increases our potential to write business in the West,” comment<st1:personname w:st="on">ed</st1:personname> Ed Campbell, Chairman of First Guard Insurance
Company. “The addition of Virginia completes the puzzle of being able to write
truck insurance in almost all of the states east of the Mississippi,” added
Campbell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">First Guard Insurance Company, rated
“A” by AM Best, is the only specialty truck insurer in the country that does
not market through independent insurance agents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-48416713954101442472013-09-19T12:37:00.002-04:002013-09-19T12:37:45.970-04:00First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed "A" Rating by AM Best for 9th Consecutive Year
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Venice, Florida (September 19, 2013) –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance
Company announced today that A.M. Best Company (Oldwick, NJ) has affirmed its
financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">The “A” (Excellent) rating of First
Guard reflect its solid risk-adjusted capitalization and balance sheet
liquidity as well as history of excellent underwriting and operating
profitability. First Guard’s expertise in the trucking physical damage and
non-trucking liability market for leased owner-operators coupled with prudent
underwriting standards, immediate attention to operational issues and a conservative
operating strategy continues to play a strong role in long-term profitability and
stability. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">In 1997, First Guard Insurance Company
initially wrote business as a reinsurer but by 2003, it entered the direct
writing market focusing solely on underwriting truck physical damage insurance.
Recently in 2010, First Guard added non-trucking liability insurance to their
portfolio of underwriting expertise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Having our A rating affirmed by AM Best
further validates our direct writing approach to the truck insurance business,”
stated Edmund B. Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “As
we see it, First Guard's ability to gain profitable market share faces few
hurdles as long as our fellow truck underwriters remain beholdened to their
expensive and increasingly irrelevant agent forces. No one's wising up, so the
future looks very bright for us,” added Campbell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Since 2004, First Guard Insurance
Company has maintained the rating of A (Excellent). For the latest ratings,
visit </span><a href="http://www.ambest.com/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.ambest.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-31125212432437563872012-11-30T12:24:00.000-05:002012-11-30T12:24:16.055-05:00The Courtney Wilson Show on 1st Guard Radio Reaches 125,000 ListensEarlier this year, a few 1st Guard employees were tossing around the idea of starting our own radio show streamed over the Internet (<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/1stguard" target="_blank">blogtalkradio</a>) that would be geared specifically for the American Trucker. Marketing Director of 1st Guard, Courtney Wilson, was chosen to be the host of the show - which was cleverly named, <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/" target="_blank">The Courtney Wilson Show</a>. Within weeks, the show was up and running.<br />
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Courtney and her producer Mallory Jones have worked hard to bring a variety of trucking industry guests on the show. While the shows main premise is to educate, inform and discuss hot topics within the trucking industry, they like to mix it up every so often with some entertaining guests as well. Former Midnight Cowboy Bill Mack has been a guest on the show along with A&E's Shipping Wars Mark Springer, Pork Chop of Ice Road Truckers, Travel Channel's Truckstop USA, upcoming country music artist Emily Minor and one of Nashville's hottest songpluggers Chris Keaton. The list of great guests goes on and on. To listen to The Courtney Wilson Show<br />
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Whether you are interested in learning more about CSA 2010 or perhaps Truckers Against Trafficking, Women In Trucking,or St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund, The Courtney Wilson Show on blog talk radio's 1st Guard channel will cover it all. <br />
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With over <strong>125,000 listens in 9 months</strong> (Wow!), Courtney is quickly becoming one of the most listened to radio shows by those within the trucking industry. The radio show is streamed over the Internet every Thursday at 2pm Eastern. If you miss a show, don't fret. Each show is archived on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/1stguard" target="_blank">blogtalk radio </a>for 12 months. Or, you can download a specific show as a podcast on iTunes. <br />
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As the year is quickly coming to an end, Courtney is not winding down - in fact, she is hightailing it into the new year!1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-64921238054172563272012-11-21T16:52:00.000-05:002012-11-21T16:52:28.078-05:00The Courtney Wilson Radio Show Adopts a Family with Trucking SantasIn July 2012, <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/" target="_blank">The Courtney Wilson Show on1st Guard Radio</a> (on blog talk radio) interviewed <a href="http://www.truckingsantas.org/" target="_blank">Trucking Santas</a>. While we celebrated Christmas in July; we truly are approaching the holiday season right now. In fact, Black Friday is only 2 days away.<br />
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The gift of giving is within us, and Courtney Wilson, host of The Courtney Wilson Show, took it upon herself to adopt a needy family listed on the <a href="http://www.truckingsantas.org/" target="_blank">Truckings Santas</a> website. Compelled by their organization, Courtney contacted founder, Heather Pontruff, to get in on the gift of giving. "I always donate to the less fortunate during the holiday season, and this year I chose a family from Trucking Santas," commented Wilson. "I was so moved by this organization's huge heart of giving that I had to be a part of it as well," she added.<br />
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<a href="http://www.truckingsantas.org/" target="_blank">Trucking Santas</a> in not a non-profit organization, rather a group of people willing to pay it forward and giving back to the less fortunate. <br />
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The satisfaction of knowing I personally made someones Christmas extra special is enough to warm my heart and do it all over again," added Ms. Wilson.<br />
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There's still time to sign up to donate. Individuals or corporate sponsors, any and all are welcome.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-34178299642064214742012-10-04T16:53:00.000-04:002012-10-04T16:53:18.327-04:00Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness in October with 1st GuardThe changing colors of the leaves mark the beginning of fall and the fun festivities of harvest and Halloween. Add a splash of pink to the mix and what comes to mind? Breast Cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and pink is the color associated with this cause. In recognition of breast cancer awareness, 1st Guard is using their Internet radio show, <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/" target="_blank">The Courtney Wilson Show</a>, to promote awareness amongst the trucking industry. <br />
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Host Courtney Wilson will interview Jerad Wittwer, owner of <a href="http://www.pdidiesel.com/" target="_blank">Peformance Diesel Inc.</a> (PDI Inc.) and master-mind behind the Breast Cancer Awareness "Truck" Fundraiser on October 4th. PDI Inc. will be raffling off a "hot pink" 2001 rebuilt Peterbilt 379 worth $80,000 at the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. All proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. <br />
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To finish out the month with a bang, Courtney will circle back to breast cancer awareness and speak with co-founder Mary Beth Gibson of <a href="http://www.beyondboobs.org/" target="_blank">Beyond Boobs</a>. This organization has a special Peterbilt show truck called Ma'am O'Gram that travels the country as a working truck while at the same time spreading awareness and prevention about breast cancer. You could call her [Ma'am O'Gram]a traveling billboard.<br />
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Breast cancer is most commonly associated with women; however, men can get breast cancer too. Predominantly a male-oriented industry, trucking is a great marketing outlet to utilize in order to get the message across to all types of people.<br />
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To learn more about The Courtney Wilson Show, <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/" target="_blank">please click here</a>.<br />
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1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-6387779850243671102012-09-25T12:33:00.003-04:002012-09-25T12:34:38.912-04:00First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed "A" Rating by A.M. Best for 8th Consecutive Year<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company
announced today that A.M. Best Company (Oldwick, NJ) has affirmed its financial
strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since 2004, First Guard Insurance Company has
maintained the rating of A (Excellent). For the latest ratings, visit </span><a href="http://www.ambest.com/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.ambest.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />The “A” (Excellent) rating of First
Guard reflect its solid risk-adjusted capitalization and balance sheet
liquidity as well as history of excellent underwriting and operating
profitability. First Guard’s expertise in the trucking physical damage market
for leased owner-operators coupled with prudent underwriting standards,
immediate attention to operational issues and a conservative operating strategy
continues to play a strong role in long-term profitability and stability. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />A reduction in claim activity and
loss experience for the latter part of 2011 resulted in sound underwriting
profits and this trend has continued into 2012. Solid underwriting capability
in conjunction with a conservative operating strategy reassure A.M. Best
analysts that First Guard Insurance Company will continue to produce favorable
operating results.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />“First Guard Insurance Company has stayed true
to an underwriting discipline that speaks to our consistently profitable
results,” stated Chairman Ed Campbell III. “Surplus has grown by a factor of
over ten since the company's founding. While we hope the economic environment
improves, we feel well positioned for profit and growth regardless the state of
the economy."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">About First Guard
Insurance Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">First Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best, provides
physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance to leased owner
operators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First Guard is the only
specialty truck insurer in the country that does not market through independent
insurance agents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First Guard Insurance
Company is an affiliate of 1<sup>st</sup> Guard Corporation, based out of
Venice, Florida. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-54790553216770409882012-08-10T13:50:00.001-04:002012-08-10T13:50:22.961-04:00The Great American Trucking Show Countdown BeginsWell folks, it's that time of year again. It's hot and steamy across most of America, the dog days of summer as they say. But beyond wrapping up summer, this is also the time of year when the hottest truck show in America takes place - The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. Mark your calendars for August 23rd - 25th. If you can make it to Dallas one of these days, you won't be disappointed!<br />
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1st Guard will be exhibiting at the show, as always. Please make a point to stop by Booth # 15132 to say hello to the fabulous 1st Guard Ladies - aka "The Dallas Divas." They are ready to talk truck insurance and answer any questions you may have regarding truck insurance. You may even be able to sweet talk your way into having Courtney Wilson, host of The Courtney Wilson Show, autograph a special edition 1st Guard Radio t-shirt!<br />
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You don't want to miss another great show. We look forward to seeing you there!<br />
<a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/">www.1stguardradio.com</a> OR <a href="http://www.1stguard.com/">www.1stguard.com</a><br />1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-74835352536986353912012-07-12T16:43:00.001-04:002012-07-12T16:43:44.076-04:00Independence Day Reflection on The Courtney Wilson ShowThe Fourth of July is a time of family fun and barbecues and time for oh's and ah's when watching fireworks. But beyond the festivities, the Fourth of July is when we recognize and celebrate the birthday of The United States of America and furthermore, remember all those who have fought to protect our country.<br />
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1st Guard is proud of the American Trucker and 100% geared toward the American Trucker. In celebration of America's 236th birthday and in honor of all our heroes, Courtney Wilson -<a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/"> radio host of The Courtney Wilson Show on 1st Guard Radio </a>- interviewed owner operator and true patriot, Martin Walsh. Martin had an extraordinary story to tell regarding his involvement in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX-AO9he-ZI">World Trade Center Steel Convoy</a> a few years ago. The story is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, but makes us all feel proud to be an American. Martin tells the story so well, almost like you were there yourself.<br />
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You don't want to miss this captivating half-hour reflection told straight from the heart of Martin Walsh. The show took place July 5th, 2012. <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/">Listen now!</a>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-72837731626676111542012-05-10T15:57:00.000-04:002012-05-10T15:57:36.556-04:00Songplugger Chris Keaton on The Courtney Wilson Show - Listen!Venice, FL - May 10, 2012 - Did you miss The Courtney Wilson Show today? Don't fret - you can listen to the show archived on <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/">1st Guard's </a>website. Or, you can download the podcasts from<a href="http://www.itunes.com/"> iTunes</a>.<br />
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Today's show stepped out of the realm of trucking and into the world of the music industry. The interview unveiled a niche of the music industry that many people are unaware of -- songplugging. Enjoy listening to the engaging interview with Nashville-based songplugger Chris Keaton of <a href="http://www.chriskeaton.com/">Chris Keaton Productions</a>. You'll also be one of the first to listen to a new song entitled<b> Taylorsville Angel</b> just released on the radio by new artist Joseph Scott.<br />
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Host Courtney Wilson takes you through a journey never before chartered by the truck insurance industry! <a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/">Listen now!</a>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-49857653327522311792012-05-02T09:46:00.001-04:002012-05-02T09:46:14.419-04:00Truckload Carriers Association on The Courtney Wilson Show<div style="text-align: left;">
Join Courtney Wilson, host of 1st Guard's own radio show - <a href="http://www.1stguard.com/RADIO/default.aspx">The Courtney Wilson Show</a> - this Thursday, May 3rd at 2pm Eastern. The special guest this week is the President of the <a href="http://www.truckload.org/">Truckload Carriers Association</a> (TCA), Chris Burruss. Chris has an extensive career in the trucking industry, particularly heading up state trucking associations for Missouri and Tennessee. Chris has been President of the TCA for 8 years and counting. We're excited to discuss hot button trucking issues with Chris and listen to what he has to say about the state of the trucking industry. You don't want to miss this show!</div>
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In order to listen to the show LIVE, go to<a href="http://www.1stguard.com/radio"> www.1stguard.com/radio</a>. 1st Guard Radio is the only radio show geared for the American Trucker. Relevant trucker news, interviews with top executives and management at renowned motor carriers, the latest technology for truckers, insurance tips and much more are featured on the show. If you cannot listen LIVE, you can listen ANYTIME as each show is archived on our website for 12 months. 1st Guard Radio is an Internet-based radio show streamed live over the Internet every Thursday at 2pm Eastern.</div>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-7786001221229588572012-04-10T16:50:00.000-04:002012-04-10T16:50:11.658-04:001st Guard Truck Insurance Releases Version 2.0 of TRUCKER1 iPhone® AppVenice, Florida - April 10, 2012 - 1st Guard Corporation is proud to announce today that Apple has approved version 2.0 of the TRUCKER1 iPhone app. It is accessible to download now from the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trucker1/id323243468?mt=8">Apple App store</a>.<br />
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"The need to improve and enhance TRUCKER1 ultimately came from ideas given to us by truckers", stated 1st Guard's® Chief Information Officer, Dan Ribar. "Many of the changes seen in this new version started out as conversations we had with our customers at trade shows."<br />
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The main goals of enhancing TRUCKER1 were to provide faster access to detailed data in a more efficient manner. Quite technical but very practical in today's world of virtual e-commerce. Some features were removed in version 2.0 of TRUCKER1that were not needed while those that were critical were enhanced to met the truckers needs. Here's what we did:<br />
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<ul><li><strong>Eliminated our speedometers</strong>. Too many out there.</li>
<li><strong>Eliminated the Find a Friend feature</strong>. This is available on the iPhone so we eliminated our version.</li>
<li><strong>Email alerts is now integrated with contacts</strong>.This idea came from a trucker!</li>
<li><strong>Added Agent Connect</strong>. This feature is on the front screen and will automatically connect your phone number to an agent at 1st Guard. This keeps you from having to find the number.</li>
<li><strong>Added Trucker Referral</strong>. 1st Guard believes in word of mouth. This new feature gives you the opportunity to refer one of your trucker friends to 1st Guard for a quote.</li>
<li><strong>Added 1st Guard News</strong>. Stay current with the latest news and happening from 1st Guard on the web.</li>
<li><strong>Added Customer Pictures</strong>. Store a picture of yourself and your truck. If you are insured with 1st Guard these pictures show up in your account.</li>
<li><strong>Added My Status</strong>. This new function gives you an executive view of your performance with 1st Guard regarding your truck insurance.</li>
</ul>TRUCKER1 is a <u>free iPhone app</u> for anyone - but it is particularly useful for truckers and 1st Guard customers. No matter where you are or what time of day it is, TRUCKER1 provides essential detailed information about the trucker's insurance. "TRUCKER1 is a virtual ID card in the palm of your hand," concluded Ribar.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-31583954128851321082012-02-27T08:53:00.001-05:002012-02-27T08:54:21.526-05:00First Guard Insurance Company Announces Winners of 2011 Fleet Safety AwardsTruck insurer First Guard Insurance Company (rated A by AM Best) announced today the winners of their 2011 fleet safety awards. Four trucking companies were selected for the awards. Low claims experience over the past year in addition to superior commitment to safety were criteria used to select the winners. Each winner has owner-operator fleets.<br />
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The winners of the 2011 fleet safety awards are listed below.<br />
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• Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (Cincinnati, OH)<br />
• Beelman Truck Co (East St. Louis, IL)<br />
• M C Tank Transport Inc (West Chester, OH)<br />
• Northwest Logistics Heavy Haul (Oklahoma City, OK)<br />
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"First Guard is unapologetically selective when it comes to the trucking companies we underwrite. In any given year, we turn down more deals than we pursue. We regard this year's award winners as the finest and safest trucking companies in the business."1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-33452225187888775162012-02-27T08:51:00.000-05:002012-02-27T08:51:49.212-05:001st Guard Truck Insurance Starts Own Internet Radio Show for Truckers<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Htodijd1Byw/T0uJoHkARCI/AAAAAAAAAEs/yMs1boeNP3c/s1600/Courtney+Wilson+Show.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Htodijd1Byw/T0uJoHkARCI/AAAAAAAAAEs/yMs1boeNP3c/s320/Courtney+Wilson+Show.JPG" width="239px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dedicated to serving the leased owner operator community with fast, reliable and competitive truck insurance 1<sup>st</sup> Guard® has gone a step further by creating their own informative radio show on 1stGuardRadio, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Courtney Wilson Show</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relevant trucker news, interviews with top executives and management at renowned motor carriers, the latest technology for truckers and insurance tips are some of the topics of discussion. Broadcast live from the 1<sup>st</sup> Guard Truck Insurance studios in Venice, Florida Thursday afternoons at 2pm Eastern featuring host Courtney Wilson <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">with her gruff trucker. </span>The ONLY radio show on the Internet broadcast by a truck insurance company geared for the American Trucker. Tune in every Thursday afternoon at 2pm Eastern starting March 1<sup>st</sup>, 2012 by going to </span><a href="http://www.1stguardradio.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.1stguardradio.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-6783502002287090192012-02-10T08:34:00.002-05:002012-02-10T08:36:12.486-05:00Interview with CIO Dan Ribar on The Extreme Truckers ShowThe Extreme Truckers Show, <a href="http://www.extremetruckers.us/">http://www.extremetruckers.us/</a>, is a LIVE Internet talk radio show that air EVERY Thursday night at 10:30 pm Eastern. Host Rich Miller interviews those directly involved with serving truckers and the trucking industry.<br />
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1st Guard's CIO Dan Ribar was the product spotlight of last night's show (February 9th). Listen to the interview <a href="http://www.extremetruckers.us/">here</a> and learn about all the ways 1st Guard incorporates technology to help SAVE truckers the most money on their insurance.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-58822173643457210562011-10-21T16:12:00.000-04:002011-10-21T16:12:59.179-04:00First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed “A” Rating by A.M. BestVenice, Florida (October 21, 2011) – Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Company (Oldwick, NJ) has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. Since 2004, First Guard Insurance Company has maintained the rating of A (Excellent). For the latest ratings, visit <a href="http://www.ambest.com/">http://www.ambest.com/</a>.<br />
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The “A” (Excellent) rating of First Guard reflect its solid capitalization, balance sheet liquidity, history of excellent underwriting and operating profitability. First Guard’s expertise in the trucking physical damage market for leased owner operators coupled with prudent underwriting standards and conservative operating strategy continue to play a strong role in their long-term profitability and stability. <br />
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While the first half of 2011 proved challenging in regards to higher than expected claims losses due to storm/weather related activity the rigid underwriting and pricing discipline at First Guard continues to produce favorable results in comparison to competition.<br />
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“We are very pleased that AM Best has once again affirmed our "A" rating,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “The significant investments that First Guard continues to make in underwriting, marketing and automation processes are clearly paying dividends. Notwithstanding the challenging economy our surplus stands at an all time high.”1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-28451619827198661272011-08-29T10:50:00.000-04:002011-08-29T10:50:04.267-04:00The Great American Trucking Show 2011The verdict is back. The Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, TX was this past week (Aug. 25-27th) and the 1st Guard team had a great show! The foot traffic was steady all three days with Saturday being the highlight. We saw a ton of our customers who are very satisfied with our services and spoke with hundreds of potential customers that hopefully will call for physical damage and nontrucking liability quotes on their trucks. <br />
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As an aside, we had fun handing out 1st Guard bumper stickers - Diesel is a hit with all ages, especially little kids. The pictures don't lie!<br />
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Lastly, we'd like to congratulate Dan Ribar, 1st Guard truck show roady and CIO, for participating in the BIG RIG 5K run on Friday. We're glad you had a great run and ran for a great cause. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJfFPy60YoQ/Tlumxc3W6-I/AAAAAAAAAEo/jay8SUz1iXo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJfFPy60YoQ/Tlumxc3W6-I/AAAAAAAAAEo/jay8SUz1iXo/s320/photo.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-65201587362439813422011-08-12T10:17:00.000-04:002011-08-12T10:17:48.225-04:00Copy Cats - Are They Flattering?<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Recently, we fumbled through the trucking publication Movin' Out and discovered an advertisement that struck very close to home. If it wasn't for the picture of Flo, we would have been convinced the advertisement was ours. Subsequently, the chairman of 1st Guard, Ed Campbell, sent a friendly email to Progressive's Trucking Division Marketing Executive Bill Kampf. Here's what he had to say.....</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Bill,</span><br />
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I'll say I was a bit chagrined but also flattered when I stumbled across your recent ad in Moving Out.<br />
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Glad we're still the inspiration for the largest truck insurer in the country. Still, I would have thought a company with Progressive's marketing reputation and resources could have come up with something original as opposed to lifting from our 18 month old campaign theme.<br />
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If you insist on learning the business from 1st Guard we'll eventually have to start charging.<br />
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Ed<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3HJNyi7i_t8/TkU1G7_QaJI/AAAAAAAAAEk/csRD_S7yFpw/s1600/CopyCat-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3HJNyi7i_t8/TkU1G7_QaJI/AAAAAAAAAEk/csRD_S7yFpw/s320/CopyCat-01.png" width="320px" /></a></div>Left image is 1st Guard'scampaign. The right image is Progressive's so-called original campaign. Sure looks a lot like ours, doesn't it? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-69655223976377024532011-07-28T08:29:00.000-04:002011-07-28T08:29:13.904-04:00Truck Insurer 1st Guard Broadens Communication with Customers via Auto-DialerVenice, Florida – July 28, 2011 – Truck insurer 1st Guard recently expanded their communication platform by implementing an auto-dialer, a technology-based program that automatically calls customers with a pre-determined announcement. The auto-dialer enables 1st Guard to increase communication with their customers in an efficient and cost-effective manner.<br />
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The purpose behind the auto-dialer is to reach out to as many customers as possible within a short period of time. In fact, the auto-dialer can place up to 20 calls in a few seconds without bogging down the operating systems. The messaging behind the auto-dialer could vary from customer accounting information to weather-related alerts. In the instance of customer accounting messages the customer has the option to press a prompt to be transferred to a 1st Guard customer service agent for assistance.<br />
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Beyond bridging the communication between insurance company and customer, the auto-dialer alleviates the time it would normally take an agent to contact customers about simple account-related information such as non-pay cancel notices or invalid credit card expirations. Thus, increasing the productivity of the agents to focus on sales or service related issues. 1st Guard also uses the auto-dialer to wish their customers a “Happy Birthday.” <br />
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1st Guard’s Chief Information Officer, Dan Ribar, believes the auto-dialer is another example of using technology to reduce risk. “Any chance we get to communicate better with our customers we jump on it,” added Ribar. <br />
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Every effort is taken to streamline the truck insurance process at 1st Guard for their customers and the auto-dialer is no exception. “The auto-dialer is a prime example of how technology can be used to increase communication with the customer base without using an extreme amount of manpower,” concluded Courtney Wilson, marketing director for 1st Guard.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-29123502947245536332011-07-13T11:41:00.000-04:002011-07-13T11:41:56.037-04:00Fuelcard+ Giveaway Is On A RollIn April we launched the Fuelcard+ Giveaway, a referral program tied to monthly $500 fuel card drawing and truck charity donations. Since then we've given away $1500 in fuel cards to three lucky owner operators and donated over $3,000 to <a href="http://www.truckerfund.com/">St. Christopher Fund</a>. With your help we are hopeful that we can donate much more to SCF over next few months. The Fuelcard+ referral program will run through the end of the year.<br />
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To get entered into the fuel card drawing, follow these steps:<br />
1) Current 1st Guard insureds must refer an owner operator to us for a truck insurance quote<br />
2) Make sure your friend mentions your name when they call for a quote and the fuelcard+ referral program<br />
3) You and your friend that called for a quote will get entered into the fuel card drawing & $25 will be donated to a trucker charity (SCF) in each of your names<br />
4) The more times you refer an owner operator to 1st Guard the more times you will be entered into the fuel card drawing in addition to more $25 donations to a trucker charity.<br />
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It's that simple! Spread the word to all your owner operator friends now. Click <a href="http://www.1stguard.com/2011Referral.aspx">here</a> to learn more!1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-70747660036918362572011-05-10T12:12:00.000-04:002011-05-10T12:12:58.798-04:00Not All Physical Damage Policies Include TowingWhen an owner operator calls 1st Guard for a physical damage quote, this question is often asked: <br />
Does your policy <u>include</u> towing? Well of course, why wouldn't it? But as we sit back and digest this question further it makes pefect sense why owner operators ask this question. Simply put, most physical damage policies available to the market <u>do not</u> provide adequate towing coverage. In fact the question at hand is further prompted because the owner operator likely got burned by a previous physical damage carrier that stuck the tow bill on them.<br />
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We will make it very clear: 1st Guard's physical damage policy <strong>does include</strong> towing and storage to the nearest repair facility. Additionally, our policy does not have a sublimit or cap to the amount of towing expense. Less the deductible, we'll pay the rest. <br />
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On the contrary, it is important to point out that many physical damage policies available to owner operators have a CAP or LIMIT to what they will pay towards towing expenses. Typically it is $5,000 to $7,000 or a % of the value of the vehicle. We've seen tow bills upwards of $20,000 - so if an owner operator had a physical damage policy that had a $5,000 cap on towing they would be stuck with a $15,000 tow bill - which could most definitely put them out of business!<br />
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It is our advice to review your physical damage policy when you get a chance to see what the towing coverage and/or limitations are. I don't know about you but I'd rather pay a little extra each month on my physical damage policy knowing that I had FULL coverage when I needed it.<br />
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After you check your policy, make sure to give us a call for a quote. Call 800-995-4827 or visit <a href="http://www.1stguard.com/">http://www.1stguard.com/</a>. <br />
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You need to protect yourself and your truck. That's what it's all about.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-61009284808073604932011-05-03T09:13:00.000-04:002011-05-03T09:13:04.259-04:00Truck Insurer 1st Guard® Makes Donation to Trucker Charity <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IChFYd4gH_s/Tb_-QtXjy8I/AAAAAAAAAEg/2dQMtklygKY/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IChFYd4gH_s/Tb_-QtXjy8I/AAAAAAAAAEg/2dQMtklygKY/s400/IMG_0380.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Guard's Donation Check to St. Christopher Fund</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Venice, Florida – May 3rd, 2011 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leading truck insurer for leased owner operators, announced today they will present Knoxville, TN-based trucker charity, St. Christopher Trucker Development and Relief Fund, with a $2400 donation check. The money generated for this donation comes from 1st Guard’s customer Fuel Card+ referral program. Every time a trucker is referred to 1st Guard via a referral card they are entered into a monthly fuel card drawing and $25 (twenty-five dollars) is automatically donated to trucker charity for their call.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“We are thrilled to make this donation to such a wonderful charity in the trucking community,” stated 1st Guard’s Director of Marketing, Courtney Wilson. “We chose the St. Christopher Fund because they help truckers in financial hardship to get on their feet,” added Wilson. “This donation is a way for us to potentially help some of our own customers.”</div><br />
1st Guard plans to donate monthly through the end of December 2011 to a trucker charity in conjunction with their customer referral program. “We’re happy with our first monthly donation amount considering we just kicked off the program the end of March,” remarked Chairman, Ed Campbell. “The word is spreading quickly within the owner operator grapevine and we hope each month we’re able to give back even more to a trucker charity,” concluded Campbell.1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645479677710989860.post-89056013674180071122011-04-18T10:36:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:36:49.659-04:00First $500 Fuel Card Giveaway Drawing Set for May 2ndThe Fuel Card+ Giveaway referral program, which was launched at the Mid America Truck Show, is getting a lot of buzz amongst the owner operator community. We've given a lot of new truck insurance quotes to owner operators who spoke to us at the truck show plus our existing customers have been spreading the word like wildfire. We are very pleased with the response and now we are looking forward to the first $500 fuel card drawing on May 2nd. <br />
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Remember, with each new quote that is tied to the "referral card" a $25 donation will be made to St. Christopher Fund (<a href="http://www.truckersfund.com/">http://www.truckersfund.com/</a>) in the truckers name and they will get entered into the monthly fuel card drawing. It's really a win-win for everyone.<br />
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Great rates on truck insurance = Donation to a great charity = A chance to win a $500 fuel card. <br />
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For more information please view our website <a href="http://www.1stguard.com/2011Referral.aspx">http://www.1stguard.com/2011Referral.aspx</a>1st Guard Corporationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16869595552184787524noreply@blogger.com2