25 Years Serving Clients – History

Greg moved to Elmira in 1985 with the encouragement of his Father and Mother in Law, Larry & Elizabeth Ryan, bringing his wife Kelly and newly born daughter Katie to start the Stewart Agency, an Insurance and Financial Services office located at 1421 College Ave Elmira. Starting from scratch the agency grew by adding one client at a time and in 1987 the office was moved to 1423 College Ave Elmira to accommodate the addition of its first employee. Growth continued and in 1996 the Agency was moved to 2205 College Ave in Elmira Heights. In 1998 the Stewart Agency acquired the Mills Agency and in 1999 a new location was opened in Bath NY and the Ryan Agency was acquired. In March 2007 an office in Addison was opened and the Rounds Agency was acquired. The Stewart Agency and Greg’s success can be attributed to its 4000+ clients who have believed in them, dedicated staff of Trina of (20 years), Jackie of (14 Years), Erin of(5 years), Cindy of (1 Year), Marianne and Katie (who are part of the staff and Greg’s Daughters) and the loving support of his wife Kelly. Greg says; that Chemung County has been a great place to have a business and raise a family of 5 kids.

Customer Appreciation Nascar Event

The Nationwide Nascar car was revving, people smiling for a picture with the Dale Earnhardt Jr. cut out, and best of all the smell of cooking hot dogs filled the parking lot. We had a blast at the Stewart Agency’s 25th year of Business Client Appreciation Nascar Party. The weather was beautiful with a quick, but relieving, mist of rain. People were streaming into the party throughout the afternoon. Some events included a drawing for a brand new ipod touch- Congratulations to Christine Wolfe!- and a simulator ride in racing car on the track. I must add here that I came in first place driving the simulator race car after admittedly scrapping a few walls and other cars.

There were balloons for kids and a bean bag toss game with prizes. Of course plenty of giveaways and the free picture with Dale was a favorite. The entire Agency had a blast hanging out with everyone and letting them know we appreciate their business. All in all we had a great day! How can you not with free hotdogs and great people?

Good Reads

As of recent it seems I have more time than money. So, I’ve picked up a few of those books that I’ve had lying on my nightstand just waiting to be delved into past the first chapter. Great short read I am on right now is Yes! “How Noes Prepare You for the Yeses that Shape Your Future.” by John Fuhrman. Acclaimed by Annette Sykora, Past Chair, National Auto Dealers Association, is a great book to jump in and out of; making it convenient to tuck in my purse toting it along with me.
Another book, on a complete different avenue, that I recently conquered was Greatest Feuds in History: Ten of the Liveliest Disputes Ever by Contributor Colin Evans. Just under 250 pages I enjoyed this book because I was able to read each of the ten individual “feuds” in any order and at any rate- it was without a doubt a good fun book.
Read anything good lately? Throw a comment on here and feel free to share any books worth the time to read or maybe a warning on the bad ones that should just keep their covers closed
Marianne Stewart

Winter Olympic Blues and Golds

Underway in Vancouver, Canada the greatest athletes in the world are showcasing their talents while embracing the unpredictable winter elements. Any medal achieved, especially Gold, comes with its costs. All athletes have been training for at least the last 4years setting their life toward the highest sporting award possible. The intensity of the sporting challenges leaves many Olympians on the ice or snow and in the tragic event death for Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
Whether an Olympian finishes last with black and blue colors or first with Gold, the mere fact that they have earned the title of an Olympian, the best of the best, is an amazing feat. Check out the medal Standings

Winter Games: Medal Count

Texting + Driving= Lethal Weapon

Ok, So by now most everyone is aware that texting while driving is a dangerous thing to do. And if you aren’t aware then take note- DWT can be as lethal as DWI! Even the President is taking this matter seriously by creating regulations for government employees concerning the use of their phones while driving.

More than 82% of American owns a cell phone so you can place your bets that every 8 out of 10 cars you pass the drivers have a cell on them. Using your cell while driving can be distracting and not only lethal to you but to others on the road. Check out this video on the gov. website. There are also a few articles on the up and coming legislation on cell phone use while driving.  Safe Travels!

Congratulations to Brad Punchard!- Winner of the LCD Flat Screen TV!

My hand’s in a green hat trying to grab one of the slips of paper. I pull out one from the very bottom and give it to Greg. He reads “And the winner of the Flat Screen Television is…….. Brad Punchard!” The best part is when we called Brad to tell him of his good fortune and that he will be watching the big game on the big screen.

Thank you to everyone who participated and just to let you know we have prizes yet to give away! Refer us 3 friends’ email addresses, and you automatically get an exclusive Stewart Agency mug with a Dunkin Donuts Gift Card! And for all of those who are following this blog; mention that you’ve been following and you’ll get a free gift next time you stop in to see us!

Speaking of gifts and goodies Valentines Day is just around the corner. Yes, another holiday. So that’s why February flies by so fast; Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Valentines Day, President’s Day weekend, Black History month, Ground Hog Day; did I forget any? All of that and the fact that we have 2 less days in the month allow February to just slip by (and with this bitter cold weather we’re having that’s just fine with me.)

Well whatever holiday you maybe celebrating during this month I hope that you are having fun. Come stop by our offices in Elmira, Bath or Addison if you’d like any help with your insurance needs, or if you’d just like to say hi!

Solution to the Mid Winter Boredom Blues!

The holidays have past but winter remains for a few more months. Luckily, this part of upstate New York offers a wide variety of activities. If its sports you enjoy Elmira’s First Arena has Jackal hockey games almost every weekend. Pair the night of action with a one of the sports bars right down the road. Or plan a family afternoon ice skating on the rink during the open skating hours- Elmira or Corning.

If you prefer something a little more relaxed a walk down Corning’s Gaffer district is a great was to spend the afternoon. Take in the Corning Museum of Glass and a movie at the very affordable newly renovated Palace Theatre. Don’t forget a slice of heaven at Aniello’s Pizzeria!  

If it’s one of those cold nights where getting the car out of the driveway is just out of the question flip the tv on- it’s American Idol season; and what could be better than a package or Oreo’s and bad vocal talent?

Don’t forget about all the events the local libraries and community clubs offer. Rent free movies and book at the library or if you really enjoy getting involved and want to take advantage of the activities happening around town visit this event site that has our community’s calendar of events. It’s also a great to get an insurance checkup by calling your local insurance professional.

 Well I hope I’ve helped cure the mid winter conundrum of feeling like there’s nothing to do. Any ideas of places or events I left out that you would suggest? Bon Voyage and Bon Appetite!

New Year New Changes

Ready or not the new decade has paraded into our busy lives. For some the New Year may bring about anxious feelings of the inevitable ticking clock of time but on a more exciting note it delivers the unfailing gift of new beginnings.

“What’s your New Years resolution?” We hear it everywhere now but at the end of the month it’ll be just another holiday phrase stored away. So now is the best time to get a jump start on doing that something new!

Some of the most common resolutions this decade are quite similar to those of past years; to lose weight, travel, fall in love, and quit smoking; just to name a few. But how about some of these: saving money, catching up with the internet age, and going green? (Signs of the times for sure) Everyone is looking for new ways to cut back on expenses and unnecessary resources.

Here at Stewart Agency we’re starting off the New Year by helping you a in a few ways with your resolutions. We are offering policy reviews, free savings analyses, and free giveaways. All which can be found at our virtual insurance office or by giving us a ring.

As for me, my New Years resolutions includes yoga and mastering my new latte coffee machine.

Happy New Years everyone! Good luck with all your New Years resolutions!

P.S. This is the final month of our contest to win the flat screen TV. It’s sitting here, in our Elmira office, just teasing me! So, sign up on our website! The drawing is at the end of the month-hurry!

- Marianne Stewart

Staffs Favorite Holiday Songs

Check out these favorite Staff Picks. Let us know your too

Have Yourself a Merry Christmas Marianne
The Christmas Waltz Erin
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Jenn
Mary Did You Know Greg

Winter Driving Tips!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s time to start prepping ourselves, and our vehicles, for the snowy Winter months!

Here are some things that you can do to make sure that you stay safe on the roads this Winter:

 - Get a tune-up!  Make sure that your car  is in good shape and running well. 

- Get Snow Tires added to your car! 

 - Make sure that your cell phone is always charged and easily accessible, in case of an emergency.

 - Supplies!  Keep a blanket, a basic tool kit and an extra change of clothes in the car, just in case!

 - After a storm, make sure that you remove ALL of the snow from your car.  Not only could it obstruct your view, but it could also be a hazard to other drivers!  Ever get hit with a chunk of snow that flew off of someone else car?  Not pleasant!

 - SLOW DOWN!  I know it’s obvious, but sometimes a helpful reminder is necessary…

 - Now here’s one that we can help with!  Make sure that your insurance is up to date and that you’re adequately covered.  We’d love the opportunity to provide you with a free New York Auto Insurance Quote! 

 The Stewart Agency is here to help.  Contact us today!