PERIODICAL
PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645
Spring 2016
Easter Egg Meringue Cookies
3 large egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3 tablespoons mini semisweet chocolate chips
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 300°.
2. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar 1
tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form after each addition. Sift cocoa over egg white mixture and fold
it in. Then fold in the chips.
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop batter by level tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes or until crisp.
4. Place pan to cool on a wire rack. Repeat procedure with remaining batter, reusing parchment paper. Store
cookies in an airtight container.
Makes 4 dozen cookies
See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com
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Germania Direct Repair Program Update ; Pg. 3 • Germania Director Candidates; Pg. 6
A Message
from the President
District Directors
Seeking
Election During April Local Chapter Meetings
At Christmas we experienced something rather unusual, even for Texas, the nation’s
most storm-prone state — nine deadly wintertime tornadoes. But now that the
days are getting longer and warm weather will arrive soon, Texans will likely
encounter more severe weather with destructive hail and high winds. We hope
you’re fortunate enough to avoid a loss from springtime storms, but if you are not,
we want to reassure you that you can count on us.
District 13
Last year, Texas led the nation in insured property losses due to catastrophic
weather, with estimated losses of $3.2 billion. Statistics show these catastrophic
weather events are becoming increasingly common. Even though Texas hasn’t
experienced a strong hurricane since Ike in 2008, we can’t expect our luck to last
much longer. Repeated incidents of catastrophic weather increase the costs of
providing insurance to you, our policyholders. But this is why we exist, to pay your
insured losses. You can be assured that our Association is financially strong to meet
our obligations to our policyholders.
Bryant has served on the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1998 and
is active on its subsidiary boards and committees. In 2010, he was recognized by the National
Association of Mutual Insurance Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification
program.
Spring offers our Farm Mutual members the opportunity to meet at the April
Local Chapter meetings. Watch for your invitation and save the date on your
calendar. As a Farm Mutual member, you have a voice in the governance of our
Association through your participation at Local Chapter meetings. This year,
members in Districts 1, 9, 13 and 19 will vote on their respective District Director
to serve on the Germania Farm Mutual Board. Also, all Germania Farm Mutual
policyholders who attend their Local Chapter meeting will vote on a Director for
District 21, which encompasses the entire state. We encourage you to attend your
Local Chapter meeting and make your voice heard and your vote count.
Michael L. Bayless (Lumberton)
Also, please be sure to review our article on Germania’s improved Direct Repair
Program as part of our auto claims process. This program offers advantages to
policyholders by leveraging Germania’s partnership with auto body repair shops
to provide fast priority service, limited lifetime warranty on repairs and efficient
customer service.
Michael was elected to the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association in April 2013 and is active on its
subsidiary boards and committees. In 2015, he was recognized by the National Association of Mutual Insurance
Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification program.
I wish each of you a safe, mild spring with an abundance of sunny skies. Thank
you for continuing to place your trust in Germania.
Dathan C. Voelter (Austin)
Paul Ehlert, President
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
James Bryant Holub (Wichita Falls)
Following graduation from high school, Bryant Holub continued his education at Midwestern
State University in Wichita Falls. He has been involved in the insurance industry since 1979 and has
served as an agency partner since 1981 at Holub Insurance Agency/Local Chapter 85.
He has been active in his community, having served as a director for the University Kiwanis Club in Wichita Falls.
District 19
A graduate of Silsbee High School, Michael Bayless continued his education at Lamar University in
Beaumont. He began his insurance career in Beaumont in 1981. He became a producer for Bayless
Insurance/Local Chapter 386 in 1983. During his insurance career he has worked as a marketing
manager with a life insurance company and marketing director for a Brokerage General Agency. In
2002, he became the agent for Local Chapter 386 and owner of Bayless Insurance.
Active in his community, Michael has served as a school board trustee for the Lumberton
Independent School District and vice president of the LISD Education Foundation.
District 21 (Statewide) Local Chapters in all districts will vote in the election for District 21 Statewide position.
Dathan Voelter most recently served as vice president, chief securities, ethics and compliance
counsel and assistant secretary of Freescale Semiconductor. Dathan joined Freescale in 2005 after
practicing corporate and securities law at the firm of Vinson & Elkins in Austin. He is a Certified
Public Accountant and started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand as an auditor.
Dathan received his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and a bachelor’s of business administration
in International Business from the University of Texas. He also studied European Integration and
International Economics at Bayerische Julius-Maximilians Universität Würzburg in Germany as a
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.
507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com
Spring 2016 • Volume 42, Issue 1
2 | Germania Today
Paul Ehlert
Gary Weiss
Blake Lovelace
Derrell Krebs
Laura Popp James Pharaon
Lisa Trow
Julia Rosenfeld
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Director of Corporate Communications
Senior Creative Designer
Corporate Communications Specialist
Contributing Writer
Germania Today (USPS 086230)
Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual
Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address
changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645,
Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at
Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.
Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in
yearly premium.
Dathan enjoys volunteering for organizations that serve the Austin community and Texas. He currently serves on the
Executive Committee of the Texas Business Hall of Fame and as an officer on the Board of the Freescale Foundation,
which he helped start in 2013 to invest in STEM education opportunities for children. He also has served as chairman
and president of the Texas Lyceum and on the board of the American Lung Association Central Texas Chapter.
He is a member of Local Chapter 412 and was appointed to the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
in 2015 as a Statewide Director. He also serves as a member of the Audit Committee.
Spring 2016
| 7
Our Members Make the Difference!
Local Chapter
Meetings
Set
District Directors Seeking Election During April Local
Chapter
Meetings
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association will hold elections for four non-statewide District Director positions and one
statewide District Director position during Local Chapter meetings in April 2016. Upon election, each director will serve on the
board for a term of three years and may seek re-election.
District 1
Donald Scott Phillips (Denison)
Following graduation from high school, Scott Phillips continued his education at Richland College
in Dallas, also taking several courses from the American College and Life Underwriters Training
Council. In 1992, he began working as a partner with Fredda Gibbs Lemons in the Phillips Insurance
Agency/Local Chapter 161, purchasing the multiline independent insurance agency in 2006.
Prior to working in the insurance industry, he worked in the food service industry in sales and
management for 15 years.
Scott is a member of the Texoma Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and served as
president of the association from 1998-1999. His civic involvement includes being a member of the
Denison Area Chamber of Commerce, working with the Downtown Denison Main Street Association, Denison Animal
Welfare Group, and the city of Denison on several projects and improvements.
Scott was elected to the Germania Farm Mutual Board of Directors in April 2013 and is active on its subsidiary boards
and committees.
District 9
David C. Cunningham (Waco)
Following graduation from Mart High School, David Cunningham continued his education at Texas
State Technical College. He worked as a mechanical specialist/team leader for Alcoa Fastening
Systems in Waco from 1998-2005 and began his insurance career with Germania in 2005. David
is president of Local Chapter 31 and director of Spross Insurance Agency, Inc. He also owns and
operates Cunningham Cattle Company in Crawford, which he started in 2003.
David has been married for 16 years to Ramona Spross Cunningham, who is also an active agent
for Local Chapter 31. They have two children, Colt (age 10) and Chloe (age 6). They are members of
Canaan Baptist Church in Crawford, where David has served as trustee. He is active in his community
Little League as a coach and as a sponsor of Future Farmers of America and Little League events.
Donald W. Spiess (Brenham)
Following graduation from high school, Donald Spiess continued his education at Blinn College and at Sam Houston
State University. After four decades in the insurance industry, Donald sold his agency but continues
to remain active in Spiess Insurance Agency/Local Chapter 14 as an agent.
Donald has served on the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1983 and
is active on its subsidiary boards and committees. In 2010, he was recognized by the National
Association of Mutual Insurance Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification
program.
He currently serves as a director for Brenham National Bank. Donald and his wife, Gwen, are
members of Brenham’s First United Methodist Church, where he has served on various church committees. Past
community involvement includes being a member of the Washington County Heart Association, chairman of the local
drive for March of Dimes and director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
6 | Germania Today
Members of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association will be gathering across
the state in April to attend their Local Chapter membership meetings. Last year
more than 18,000 Germania Farm Mutual members demonstrated their pride in
the mutual insurance model through their participation.
Your annual meeting is an opportunity to socialize with other Germania members and policyholders, voice your suggestions
and opinions and vote on Local Chapter Officials and District Directors (within set election cycles). This year all members
attending in all districts will have the opportunity to vote on a Statewide District Director. Bios for all the director candidates
are located on pages 6 and 7 of this publication.
Local Chapter membership meetings play an essential part in reinforcing our member-owned farm mutual insurance concept
— setting Germania Farm Mutual apart from most other insurers in Texas.
Look for your personal invitation and details in the mail. Thank you for making a difference!
Germania Initiates
Direct Repair Program
Improvements
Germania Claims has rolled out a faster, smarter and more
efficient Direct Repair Program designed to improve service
to policyholders filing an auto claim.
“The auto team has spent a great deal of time working to
improve Germania’s DRP to provide a better experience
for our policyholders and our adjusters,” said Greg Jensen,
Germania’s casualty auto field director. “The upgrade will
eliminate steps and totally streamline the claims process.”
A Direct Repair Program is a partnership Germania has with
certain auto body shops that provides benefits such as priority
service, limited lifetime warranty on quality of workmanship
and exceptional customer service. Though the insured is not
required to use a DRP auto body shop to repair his or her
vehicle following an accident, there are several advantages.
Under the initiative, which will continue throughout 2016,
Claims rewrote the DRP policy agreement to include
estimating guidelines, accountabilities and efficiencies. The
team used policy in force data to develop new territories and
strengthen existing ones. It also established a Multi-Shop
Owner presence and self-management approach. Jensen and
unit managers Tom Corbitt and Ryan Tunnell have been
training staff on the improved, streamlined process so they
can explain the benefits to an insured when an auto claim has
been submitted.
The cycle from drive in to drive out is typically much faster
using a DRP since the policyholder doesn’t have to wait
for an adjuster to assess the damage to his or her vehicle.
Communication between Germania and the auto body shop
is often better. Germania guarantees the repair work, and staff
monitors the quality of the repairs and can assist the insured
with any concerns that arise during the repair process.
“All this makes for a much better experience for the
policyholder,” Jensen said. There are often risks involved when
the insured opts to choose a body shop outside of the DRP —
as well as needless delays and added costs.
“The end result is the policyholder is left with a poor customer
experience and could be out cash for repairs that Germania
didn’t approve,” Jensen said. “A drive-in DRP really is the best
option.”
Spring 2016
| 3
RAPID RESPONSE REASSURES TORNADO VICTIMS
Count on Us!
All policyholders know that they can count on Germania
when they file a claim, but did you also know that you can
contact us as your claim progresses?
• Count on us to be there for you when you have a claim. If
a hail or wind storm occurs and you’re not sure if you have
roof damage, contact us or your Germania agent to request a
damage inspection.
Germania’s rapid response to the north Dallas area hit by deadly
tornadoes helped ease the pain of loss for our policyholders.
Germania was one of the first insurance carriers on the scene
following the nine devastating tornadoes that struck four counties
north of Dallas on Dec. 26, 2015. Germania deployed its Mobile
Catastrophe Response Unit to Rowlett on Sunday, Dec. 27,
following the devastating Saturday tornadoes.
Seven Germania staff members from the Home Office, including
Claims Property Unit managers, began working from our
location in the debris-strewn Tom Thumb grocery store parking
lot the following Monday.
The unit is a rolling office — equipped with everything staff needs
to manage in a disaster area. “It can go anywhere anytime for
anything,” said Shawn Fuller, who became director of property
field operations just three weeks before the storms hit.
Fuller said he was pleased by the team’s rapid response, especially
given the timing of the holiday tornadoes. As it turns out, there
was a lot to do.
The EF 4 tornado that touched down in Rowlett the day
after Christmas cut a swath about half a mile wide and 3 1/2
miles long. It damaged about 35 businesses and 1,110 homes,
destroying about 150. Sadly, the storm claimed 13 lives.
The team reached out to local Germania agents to let them know
where the Response Unit was set up and coordinated with the
adjusters. Germania’s team also called policyholders, leaving
voicemails to notify them where they could find the Germania
Mobile Catastrophe Response Unit.
Germania processed 150 claims from the four major counties
hit by storms, with losses totaling $13 million. The insurance
industry in Texas was hit with $1.2 billion in losses.
These are the statistics. But Germania’s priority was the needs of
our individual policyholders, many of whom were traumatized.
Policyholders began to show up at the Mobile Catastrophe
Response Unit immediately, “literally some of them with only
the shirts on their backs,” Fuller said.
In addition to Claims staff, Quality Assurance Analysts
Howard Tomlinson and Jeffrey Gillum, Casualty Claims
Rep Carol Quinn and Marketing Representatives Wade
Frederick and Janet Gould assisted. Most of the team
worked 12-hour shifts. Fuller supported them from the
Home Office, running daily reports. Germania was able to
pay out total losses within 72 hours. By Wednesday staff
was just tying up loose ends. The mobile unit left Rowlett
on Jan. 6.
One policyholder stopped by the Mobile Catastrophe
Response Unit two times a day for four days, Fuller said,
“just to be reassured that everything would be OK.”
Reassurance is just as much a part of the mission as processing
claims and writing checks, he said.
“Our first priority is putting their minds at ease that we’re
going to be there when they need us, and that goes hand in
hand with our motto — ‘The Insurance Texans Trust.’ ”
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? Your Germania agent really wants to know. Whether you’ve had a little change, like getting a new phone number or e-mail address, or a huge, lifechanging one, like welcoming a newborn or fretting over a new teen driver, your Germania agent is interested in hearing about it. In addition to keeping your policy information updated,
your Germania agent will be sure your coverage is appropriate for your needs.
4 | Germania Today
• Count on us to conduct a thorough investigation. Please
allow us to inspect both the interior and exterior of your
residence, even if you don’t think you have interior damage.
Your adjuster may find damage you didn’t know you had.
• Count on us to answer your questions as you go through the
claims process. Insurance forms can seem confusing. Call us
or your Germania agent if you have any questions.
• Count on us as you’re doing repairs. After a storm, roofers
and contractors are actively seeking your business. Be wary
of door-to-door solicitors and check with the Better Business
Bureau in your area before selecting a roofer or contractor.
You can also call us or your Germania agent to see if we have
had any experience with a particular roofer or contractor.
• Count on us if you find more damage. Sometimes, you or
your roofer may find additional damage after you have been
paid for your claim and deposited the claim check. You can
call us or your agent if you find additional damage.
• Count on us to care about your satisfaction. If you ever have
a problem with your claim or a complaint about how it was
handled, let us know, even if your claim has already been
closed.
In all phases of your claim, before, during and after, you can
count on Germania!
Spring 2016
| 5
RAPID RESPONSE REASSURES TORNADO VICTIMS
Count on Us!
All policyholders know that they can count on Germania
when they file a claim, but did you also know that you can
contact us as your claim progresses?
• Count on us to be there for you when you have a claim. If
a hail or wind storm occurs and you’re not sure if you have
roof damage, contact us or your Germania agent to request a
damage inspection.
Germania’s rapid response to the north Dallas area hit by deadly
tornadoes helped ease the pain of loss for our policyholders.
Germania was one of the first insurance carriers on the scene
following the nine devastating tornadoes that struck four counties
north of Dallas on Dec. 26, 2015. Germania deployed its Mobile
Catastrophe Response Unit to Rowlett on Sunday, Dec. 27,
following the devastating Saturday tornadoes.
Seven Germania staff members from the Home Office, including
Claims Property Unit managers, began working from our
location in the debris-strewn Tom Thumb grocery store parking
lot the following Monday.
The unit is a rolling office — equipped with everything staff needs
to manage in a disaster area. “It can go anywhere anytime for
anything,” said Shawn Fuller, who became director of property
field operations just three weeks before the storms hit.
Fuller said he was pleased by the team’s rapid response, especially
given the timing of the holiday tornadoes. As it turns out, there
was a lot to do.
The EF 4 tornado that touched down in Rowlett the day
after Christmas cut a swath about half a mile wide and 3 1/2
miles long. It damaged about 35 businesses and 1,110 homes,
destroying about 150. Sadly, the storm claimed 13 lives.
The team reached out to local Germania agents to let them know
where the Response Unit was set up and coordinated with the
adjusters. Germania’s team also called policyholders, leaving
voicemails to notify them where they could find the Germania
Mobile Catastrophe Response Unit.
Germania processed 150 claims from the four major counties
hit by storms, with losses totaling $13 million. The insurance
industry in Texas was hit with $1.2 billion in losses.
These are the statistics. But Germania’s priority was the needs of
our individual policyholders, many of whom were traumatized.
Policyholders began to show up at the Mobile Catastrophe
Response Unit immediately, “literally some of them with only
the shirts on their backs,” Fuller said.
In addition to Claims staff, Quality Assurance Analysts
Howard Tomlinson and Jeffrey Gillum, Casualty Claims
Rep Carol Quinn and Marketing Representatives Wade
Frederick and Janet Gould assisted. Most of the team
worked 12-hour shifts. Fuller supported them from the
Home Office, running daily reports. Germania was able to
pay out total losses within 72 hours. By Wednesday staff
was just tying up loose ends. The mobile unit left Rowlett
on Jan. 6.
One policyholder stopped by the Mobile Catastrophe
Response Unit two times a day for four days, Fuller said,
“just to be reassured that everything would be OK.”
Reassurance is just as much a part of the mission as processing
claims and writing checks, he said.
“Our first priority is putting their minds at ease that we’re
going to be there when they need us, and that goes hand in
hand with our motto — ‘The Insurance Texans Trust.’ ”
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? Your Germania agent really wants to know. Whether you’ve had a little change, like getting a new phone number or e-mail address, or a huge, lifechanging one, like welcoming a newborn or fretting over a new teen driver, your Germania agent is interested in hearing about it. In addition to keeping your policy information updated,
your Germania agent will be sure your coverage is appropriate for your needs.
4 | Germania Today
• Count on us to conduct a thorough investigation. Please
allow us to inspect both the interior and exterior of your
residence, even if you don’t think you have interior damage.
Your adjuster may find damage you didn’t know you had.
• Count on us to answer your questions as you go through the
claims process. Insurance forms can seem confusing. Call us
or your Germania agent if you have any questions.
• Count on us as you’re doing repairs. After a storm, roofers
and contractors are actively seeking your business. Be wary
of door-to-door solicitors and check with the Better Business
Bureau in your area before selecting a roofer or contractor.
You can also call us or your Germania agent to see if we have
had any experience with a particular roofer or contractor.
• Count on us if you find more damage. Sometimes, you or
your roofer may find additional damage after you have been
paid for your claim and deposited the claim check. You can
call us or your agent if you find additional damage.
• Count on us to care about your satisfaction. If you ever have
a problem with your claim or a complaint about how it was
handled, let us know, even if your claim has already been
closed.
In all phases of your claim, before, during and after, you can
count on Germania!
Spring 2016
| 5
Our Members Make the Difference!
Local Chapter
Meetings
Set
District Directors Seeking Election During April Local
Chapter
Meetings
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association will hold elections for four non-statewide District Director positions and one
statewide District Director position during Local Chapter meetings in April 2016. Upon election, each director will serve on the
board for a term of three years and may seek re-election.
District 1
Donald Scott Phillips (Denison)
Following graduation from high school, Scott Phillips continued his education at Richland College
in Dallas, also taking several courses from the American College and Life Underwriters Training
Council. In 1992, he began working as a partner with Fredda Gibbs Lemons in the Phillips Insurance
Agency/Local Chapter 161, purchasing the multiline independent insurance agency in 2006.
Prior to working in the insurance industry, he worked in the food service industry in sales and
management for 15 years.
Scott is a member of the Texoma Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and served as
president of the association from 1998-1999. His civic involvement includes being a member of the
Denison Area Chamber of Commerce, working with the Downtown Denison Main Street Association, Denison Animal
Welfare Group, and the city of Denison on several projects and improvements.
Scott was elected to the Germania Farm Mutual Board of Directors in April 2013 and is active on its subsidiary boards
and committees.
District 9
David C. Cunningham (Waco)
Following graduation from Mart High School, David Cunningham continued his education at Texas
State Technical College. He worked as a mechanical specialist/team leader for Alcoa Fastening
Systems in Waco from 1998-2005 and began his insurance career with Germania in 2005. David
is president of Local Chapter 31 and director of Spross Insurance Agency, Inc. He also owns and
operates Cunningham Cattle Company in Crawford, which he started in 2003.
David has been married for 16 years to Ramona Spross Cunningham, who is also an active agent
for Local Chapter 31. They have two children, Colt (age 10) and Chloe (age 6). They are members of
Canaan Baptist Church in Crawford, where David has served as trustee. He is active in his community
Little League as a coach and as a sponsor of Future Farmers of America and Little League events.
Donald W. Spiess (Brenham)
Following graduation from high school, Donald Spiess continued his education at Blinn College and at Sam Houston
State University. After four decades in the insurance industry, Donald sold his agency but continues
to remain active in Spiess Insurance Agency/Local Chapter 14 as an agent.
Donald has served on the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1983 and
is active on its subsidiary boards and committees. In 2010, he was recognized by the National
Association of Mutual Insurance Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification
program.
He currently serves as a director for Brenham National Bank. Donald and his wife, Gwen, are
members of Brenham’s First United Methodist Church, where he has served on various church committees. Past
community involvement includes being a member of the Washington County Heart Association, chairman of the local
drive for March of Dimes and director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
6 | Germania Today
Members of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association will be gathering across
the state in April to attend their Local Chapter membership meetings. Last year
more than 18,000 Germania Farm Mutual members demonstrated their pride in
the mutual insurance model through their participation.
Your annual meeting is an opportunity to socialize with other Germania members and policyholders, voice your suggestions
and opinions and vote on Local Chapter Officials and District Directors (within set election cycles). This year all members
attending in all districts will have the opportunity to vote on a Statewide District Director. Bios for all the director candidates
are located on pages 6 and 7 of this publication.
Local Chapter membership meetings play an essential part in reinforcing our member-owned farm mutual insurance concept
— setting Germania Farm Mutual apart from most other insurers in Texas.
Look for your personal invitation and details in the mail. Thank you for making a difference!
Germania Initiates
Direct Repair Program
Improvements
Germania Claims has rolled out a faster, smarter and more
efficient Direct Repair Program designed to improve service
to policyholders filing an auto claim.
“The auto team has spent a great deal of time working to
improve Germania’s DRP to provide a better experience
for our policyholders and our adjusters,” said Greg Jensen,
Germania’s casualty auto field director. “The upgrade will
eliminate steps and totally streamline the claims process.”
A Direct Repair Program is a partnership Germania has with
certain auto body shops that provides benefits such as priority
service, limited lifetime warranty on quality of workmanship
and exceptional customer service. Though the insured is not
required to use a DRP auto body shop to repair his or her
vehicle following an accident, there are several advantages.
Under the initiative, which will continue throughout 2016,
Claims rewrote the DRP policy agreement to include
estimating guidelines, accountabilities and efficiencies. The
team used policy in force data to develop new territories and
strengthen existing ones. It also established a Multi-Shop
Owner presence and self-management approach. Jensen and
unit managers Tom Corbitt and Ryan Tunnell have been
training staff on the improved, streamlined process so they
can explain the benefits to an insured when an auto claim has
been submitted.
The cycle from drive in to drive out is typically much faster
using a DRP since the policyholder doesn’t have to wait
for an adjuster to assess the damage to his or her vehicle.
Communication between Germania and the auto body shop
is often better. Germania guarantees the repair work, and staff
monitors the quality of the repairs and can assist the insured
with any concerns that arise during the repair process.
“All this makes for a much better experience for the
policyholder,” Jensen said. There are often risks involved when
the insured opts to choose a body shop outside of the DRP —
as well as needless delays and added costs.
“The end result is the policyholder is left with a poor customer
experience and could be out cash for repairs that Germania
didn’t approve,” Jensen said. “A drive-in DRP really is the best
option.”
Spring 2016
| 3
A Message
from the President
District Directors
Seeking
Election During April Local Chapter Meetings
At Christmas we experienced something rather unusual, even for Texas, the nation’s
most storm-prone state — nine deadly wintertime tornadoes. But now that the
days are getting longer and warm weather will arrive soon, Texans will likely
encounter more severe weather with destructive hail and high winds. We hope
you’re fortunate enough to avoid a loss from springtime storms, but if you are not,
we want to reassure you that you can count on us.
District 13
Last year, Texas led the nation in insured property losses due to catastrophic
weather, with estimated losses of $3.2 billion. Statistics show these catastrophic
weather events are becoming increasingly common. Even though Texas hasn’t
experienced a strong hurricane since Ike in 2008, we can’t expect our luck to last
much longer. Repeated incidents of catastrophic weather increase the costs of
providing insurance to you, our policyholders. But this is why we exist, to pay your
insured losses. You can be assured that our Association is financially strong to meet
our obligations to our policyholders.
Bryant has served on the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association since 1998 and
is active on its subsidiary boards and committees. In 2010, he was recognized by the National
Association of Mutual Insurance Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification
program.
Spring offers our Farm Mutual members the opportunity to meet at the April
Local Chapter meetings. Watch for your invitation and save the date on your
calendar. As a Farm Mutual member, you have a voice in the governance of our
Association through your participation at Local Chapter meetings. This year,
members in Districts 1, 9, 13 and 19 will vote on their respective District Director
to serve on the Germania Farm Mutual Board. Also, all Germania Farm Mutual
policyholders who attend their Local Chapter meeting will vote on a Director for
District 21, which encompasses the entire state. We encourage you to attend your
Local Chapter meeting and make your voice heard and your vote count.
Michael L. Bayless (Lumberton)
Also, please be sure to review our article on Germania’s improved Direct Repair
Program as part of our auto claims process. This program offers advantages to
policyholders by leveraging Germania’s partnership with auto body repair shops
to provide fast priority service, limited lifetime warranty on repairs and efficient
customer service.
Michael was elected to the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association in April 2013 and is active on its
subsidiary boards and committees. In 2015, he was recognized by the National Association of Mutual Insurance
Companies for completing the Farm Mutual Director Certification program.
I wish each of you a safe, mild spring with an abundance of sunny skies. Thank
you for continuing to place your trust in Germania.
Dathan C. Voelter (Austin)
Paul Ehlert, President
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
James Bryant Holub (Wichita Falls)
Following graduation from high school, Bryant Holub continued his education at Midwestern
State University in Wichita Falls. He has been involved in the insurance industry since 1979 and has
served as an agency partner since 1981 at Holub Insurance Agency/Local Chapter 85.
He has been active in his community, having served as a director for the University Kiwanis Club in Wichita Falls.
District 19
A graduate of Silsbee High School, Michael Bayless continued his education at Lamar University in
Beaumont. He began his insurance career in Beaumont in 1981. He became a producer for Bayless
Insurance/Local Chapter 386 in 1983. During his insurance career he has worked as a marketing
manager with a life insurance company and marketing director for a Brokerage General Agency. In
2002, he became the agent for Local Chapter 386 and owner of Bayless Insurance.
Active in his community, Michael has served as a school board trustee for the Lumberton
Independent School District and vice president of the LISD Education Foundation.
District 21 (Statewide) Local Chapters in all districts will vote in the election for District 21 Statewide position.
Dathan Voelter most recently served as vice president, chief securities, ethics and compliance
counsel and assistant secretary of Freescale Semiconductor. Dathan joined Freescale in 2005 after
practicing corporate and securities law at the firm of Vinson & Elkins in Austin. He is a Certified
Public Accountant and started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand as an auditor.
Dathan received his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and a bachelor’s of business administration
in International Business from the University of Texas. He also studied European Integration and
International Economics at Bayerische Julius-Maximilians Universität Würzburg in Germany as a
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.
507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com
Spring 2016 • Volume 42, Issue 1
2 | Germania Today
Paul Ehlert
Gary Weiss
Blake Lovelace
Derrell Krebs
Laura Popp James Pharaon
Lisa Trow
Julia Rosenfeld
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Director of Corporate Communications
Senior Creative Designer
Corporate Communications Specialist
Contributing Writer
Germania Today (USPS 086230)
Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual
Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address
changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645,
Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at
Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.
Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in
yearly premium.
Dathan enjoys volunteering for organizations that serve the Austin community and Texas. He currently serves on the
Executive Committee of the Texas Business Hall of Fame and as an officer on the Board of the Freescale Foundation,
which he helped start in 2013 to invest in STEM education opportunities for children. He also has served as chairman
and president of the Texas Lyceum and on the board of the American Lung Association Central Texas Chapter.
He is a member of Local Chapter 412 and was appointed to the Board of Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association
in 2015 as a Statewide Director. He also serves as a member of the Audit Committee.
Spring 2016
| 7
PERIODICAL
PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645
Spring 2016
Easter Egg Meringue Cookies
3 large egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3 tablespoons mini semisweet chocolate chips
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 300°.
2. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar 1
tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form after each addition. Sift cocoa over egg white mixture and fold
it in. Then fold in the chips.
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop batter by level tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes or until crisp.
4. Place pan to cool on a wire rack. Repeat procedure with remaining batter, reusing parchment paper. Store
cookies in an airtight container.
Makes 4 dozen cookies
See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com
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Germania Direct Repair Program Update ; Pg. 3 • Germania Director Candidates; Pg. 6