Banking on Community Relationships

A strong community is built on a foundation of lasting personal and professional relationships. A business that prides itself on strong relationships strengthens both its own position and the community it serves. Community banks, so aptly named, help local economies thrive. They put deposits back to work in their communities through loans to residents and businesses. For their size, community banks are prolific lenders, providing a substantial number of small business loans across the country. That translates into driving job creation, which not only bolsters the local economy but contributes to a higher quality of life for residents.

At Mission Valley Bank, people are their greatest asset. The bank prides itself on community involvement in charitable works that help individuals, along with economic development initiatives to attract and retain businesses within the region. Mission Valley Bank's senior vice president and chief business banking officer Marianne Cederlind serves as president of Carousel Ranch, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities heal through equestrian therapy by creating a unique, individualized program to meet each child's specific needs and goals. In addition to Cederlind's personal volunteer time, Mission Valley Bank provides valuable financial support to Carousel Ranch in the form of event sponsorships, which allows community members to see firsthand the difference their support and donations make. Mission Valley Bank Chief Executive Officer Tamara Gurney is another example of someone who donates time, talent and financial resources to a number of organizations. She serves on the board of directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, Valley Economic Alliance, Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, College of the Canyons Foundation, BizFed and the YMCA of the Santa Clarita Valley Advisory Board. On a broader platform, Gurney is president of the California Independent Bankers, an affiliate of the national organization Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA).

The Mission Valley Bank team is motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the community they serve. Their bankers benefit personally and professionally from community involvement by developing lasting relationships and a better understanding of the needs of the community. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley community.

Mission Valley Bank Valencia and Centre Pointe Business Banking Offices 775-4113

What if You are at Fault?

Did you know that if your dog bites someone at the park, you could end up with the medical bills? And if your child posts defamatory information online, you may owe for damages? Even if someone is accidentally injured while on your property, you may be the one liable. You can prepare for the unexpected and unintended by investing in personal liability umbrella coverage.

How Does it Work? Home and auto insurance typically include some liability coverage, and it can be added to renters insurance for a fee. You can also purchase a Personal Liability Umbrella Policy in addition to underlying policies if you want extra coverage - which can be smart. "We live in a very litigious society," says Michael Barry, vice president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute (III). "The liability insurance on your home or auto policy could be exhausted quickly if you were to be sued. Umbrella liability steps in to fill the coverage gap."

Is it Affordable? The III estimates that $1 million in personal liability insurance costs $150 to $300 per year. You could benefit by budgeting for the expense. "It's a wise move as part of an overall plan to protect your assets," Barry says.

What Does it Cover? Personal liability umbrella insurance may cover damages and legal fees if you're found at fault in certain situations. This coverage may include incidents that happen away from your home, involve "attractive nuisances" such as pools or trampolines, and that aren't typically covered by home and auto policies, such as defamation of character, libel and slander.

What Are its Limits? Personal liability umbrella insurance won't cover injury or property damage related to business. If you work out of your house, look into other options for protecting your home-based business.

* This article contains only a general description of coverages and is not a contract. Details of coverage or limits vary in some states. All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions, and conditions in the policy itself and in any endorsements.

Case by Case: Car Accident Settlements

The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus has won numerous verdicts and settlements for wrongly injured individuals. Listed below are just some of their representative motor vehicle accident cases.

$600,000 Settlement
The firm was able to secure a $600,000 settlement on behalf of an auto accident victim who sustained injuries after he had to swerve when a cow wandered onto the road. The cow was able to escape onto the road because a rancher failed to repair his broken fence.

$486,000 Settlement
The client was injured and sustained serious damage to her car after a driver pulled out of their driveway without looking, directly into the client's path. The insurance company originally offered $15,000 but through the law office's efforts, they were able to secure a settlement of $486,000.

$280,000 Settlement
A client was rear ended in an auto accident. The impact resulted in a serious neck injury. The at-fault driver's insurance vehemently contested various aspects of the collision and only offered $30,000. The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus were able to negotiate a much fairer settlement for their client: $280,000.

$140,000 Settlement
A client was rear ended in an auto accident. The underinsured binding arbitration offer was for $2,000 but The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus were able to negotiate a settlement for $140,000.
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus will deal with the insurance company, the paperwork and the negotiation headaches. Free, confidential case evaluations are available.

The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus 296-2992

Meet Valencia Country Club's Tony Hensel and Missy Skinner

Tony Hensel, the new general manager of Valencia Country Club, is excited to improve the product and the member/guest experience at VCC. Hensel has spent his professional career in the Arizona market since 1994. As a Class A PGA member, the father of two most recently managed two private country clubs: Ancala Country Club in Scottsdale and Arrowhead Country Club in Glendale. "The staff at Valencia is outstanding," says Hensel. "I look forward to teaching, coaching and motivating them to deliver excellence on a daily basis." He, his wife Mindy, and their kids Grace, 10 and Luke, 8, are already enjoying the Santa Clarita weather.

Missy Skinner has worked at Valencia Country Club for 15 years. Born and raised in the SCV, Membership Director Skinner has recently been awarded Santa Clarita's "40 Under 40" award, which acknowledges 40 influential young leaders under the age of 40 who live in Santa Clarita.

Valencia Country Club 799-1271