TCAN HONORS FAIR & YEAGER INSURANCE AGENCY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS

NATICK, MA – At its 4th Annual Founders Society Dinner on May 3, 2015, The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) recognized Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency for exceptional contributions to the arts in MetroWest. Each year, TCAN recognizes individuals and organizations making significant contributions to expand local access to high quality arts programs. Each of the honorees donated time, expertise, and funding that have helped position TCAN as a premier arts institution in MetroWest. Held at Natick’s The Verve – Crowne Plaza Hotel, TCAN welcomed its most committed supporters to honor the following contributors:

FOUNDERS AWARD RECOGNITION – FAIR & YEAGER INSURANCE CO. INC.

Fair & Yeager is a family-owned and run company located in Natick Center. Now in its 117th year as a local institution, Fair & Yeager is known for its service and dedication to the community.


In 2012, Arthur B. Fair III accepted TCAN’s invitation to join its Board of Directors and is an active member of the Finance Committee. In recent years, Mr. Fair has provided important leadership to the Town of Natick, its businesses and cultural organizations as Natick Center has evolved to become a regional cultural destination. Mr. Fair was among the first to recognize the important role that TCAN and other cultural assets play in attracting visitors and newcomers to Natick Center. In addition, Mr. Fair participated in the development of a strategic plan for Natick Center Cultural District. For several years, Fair & Yeager Insurance Co. has generously sponsored TCAN’s programming for children and families, and was among the first to support TCAN’s current Capital Campaign.

ABOUT TCAN

The Center for Arts in Natick was founded in 1997 and serves the MetroWest region by increasing opportunities to experience, participate in, and learn about the arts. Its initial success in a rented storefront became the foundation for a multi-year $2.5M capital campaign to restore Natick's historic Central Firehouse building, originally constructed in 1875, as a dedicated performance space and gallery. The firehouse provides a home for over 200 concert events annually, year-round children's theater and dance education programs, visual arts exhibits and receptions, and a thriving community theater organization. TCAN has since grown to become a leading nonprofit arts organization in MetroWest, with strong support from patrons and contributing members throughout the region. 

TCAN is an authorized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Payment Card Industry is Shifting Liability to Merchants

Businesses large and small that accept credit cards in the United States are facing a harsh reality when it comes to fraud liability. In October 2015, most all major credit card companies will shift liability for data breaches and fraudulent purchasing onto businesses that have failed to adopt upgraded card security technology. What does that mean to businesses and their consumers?
For some time, there has been technology considered more secure than the old magnetic stripe on credit cards. Though used in other countries for several years, U.S. merchants have been slow to adopt the better EMV global standard. The technology places a “chip” right on the card for use with verification software.
What is EVM? It’s an acronym for Europay, MasterCard and Visa. Members of this standard-setting group also include American Express, Discover, Japan Credit Bureau (JCB) and China Union Pay. Their objectives include making the secure use of credit and debit cards seamless around the globe.
If credit card companies were expected to absorb the cost of fraudulent data breaches just because retailers refused to adopt better security technology, it wouldn’t be long before the card issuers were unfairly or, possibly impaired. In a world that relies on “plastic” to buy a cup of coffee or pay a college tuition, an impaired credit company could spell disaster for consumers. That’s another reason why credit card companies are looking for universal technology upgrades.
The card companies have taken the only step that seems reasonable, which is to shift the liability for data breaches back on retailers who do not adopt sensible and available security technology. Should a data breach occur, the consequences for non-compliant businesses who choose to forgo the liability protection of the card issuers could mean the end of their enterprises.
Each credit card company has different milestones in implementing their expectations for conversion to EMV, but the date most commonly agreed upon is October 2015. Some card issuers are staggering their roll out to exempt fuel dispensers (gas stations) until 2016 or 2017.
There are incentives to make the switch. According to Smart Card Alliance, if a merchant has at least 95 percent of all its transactions originate with EMV-enabled cards, MasterCard, for example, will extend 100 percent liability coverage.
Retailers have been scrambling for coverage and/or increased limits of coverage given the potential for exposure. Given that data breaches seem to appear every day in the headlines, getting cyber coverage seems all the more prudent. From the perspective of the insurance industry, the shift of liability changes pricing, underwriting and availability for this rapidly emerging liability product.
As case law, insurance policies and security technology respond to this evolving world of global business transactions, thieves are staying a step ahead. It is unlikely that any technology will remain bullet-proof which means retailers and security specialists will have to continually invest in upgrades as a cost of doing business – a cost ultimately borne by consumers.
For risk averse retailers. taking a wait-and-see posture is not really an option. Making the move now to the EMV global standard is the responsible move.

New Law Regarding Use of Headlights

The Legislature has passed a new law that would require drivers to turn on their headlights whenever they turn on their windshield wipers. The new law, M.G.L. c. 85, § 15 takes effect on April 7, 2015. Below is the wording of the new section of the law: 

A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground. 

As a result, the list of surchargeable incidents has been amended by adding two new requirements effective April 7, 2015.
  1. Motorists are now required to turn on headlights and tail lights whenever the windshield wipers are on.
  2. Motorists are also required to turn on headlights and tail lights when visibility is reduced so that persons or vehicles are not visible at 500 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions. 
The requirement to turn on headlights and taillights 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise has not changed.

Small Business Saturday 2014!

Small Business Saturday Massachusetts 2014Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to help businesses with their most pressing need — getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before. This year, the big day is Nov 29.

Please join Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency in supporting Small Business Saturday 2014, on November 29th. Show your support for our local businesses - THINK BIG & SHOP SMALL!


SPECIAL OFFER - GET $10 BACK WHEN YOU SPEND $10 OR MORE 

Register your eligible American Express® Card and get a $10 statement credit when you make a purchase of $10 or more at a qualifying small business location on Nov 29. Registration is limited. See Offer Terms for full details.


Business Leader of the Year Award

Arthur B. Fair, III is being honored as a finalist for the Business Leader of the Year Award. The winner is to be announced live at the 119th Annual Meeting and Gala Reception for the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce on November 12, 2014. The Gala is to be held at The Sheraton Framingham.


4th Annual LIVE Telethon

Fair and Yeager Insurance was a gold sponsor for the Annual Telethon to support the Natick Service Council, Mike Fair presented the check at the 4th annual LIVE telethon held on October 29, 2014.

The Natick Service Council telethon broke previous records, raising more than $46,000. The telethon has raised about $178,000 in total over the last 4 years, according to the council.

Spooktacular 2014

Natick Center Associates in conjunction with the Natick Recreation Department held the "2014 Spooktacular" event on Saturday, October 25th on the Natick Common. There were two separate children's parades winding their way through downtown seeking candy and treats.

Below is a picture from the event of Artie Fair, III, President of Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency.


20th Annual Coats for Kids

Fair & Yeager Insurance Agency will be collecting again for the Coats for Kids winter coat drive, which runs October 13th – January 10th. This year marks the 20th anniversary for this great cause.


Each fall, Anton’s Cleaners collects, cleans and distributes nearly than 60,000 winter coats for kids, babies, and adults. More than 250 schools, over 300 companies, clubs and organizations and thousands of individuals donate new and good quality coats and over 90 social service agencies make sure the coats get to those in need free of charge. We are now entering our 20th year making sure “anyone who needs a warm coat will have one.

To learn more about Coats for Kids, please click here.