Sounds of the Heart Receives Grant from Oswald Crow and MAX Insurance to Upgrade Heart Defibrillators

(June 9, 2017) – People suffering heart attacks in Lexington have a better chance of survival thanks to the network of external heart defibrillators put in place by “Sounds of the Heart.”  Now the organization wants to make one’s chances even better.

Betty Weddle, founder of Sounds of the Heart and an employee of Oswald Crow Agency, has undertaken an effort to upgrade some of the 22 AED’s already in place.  “They’re making better ones now with new features for use on children, plus better instructions,” she said.  “We’d like to get three new ones this year to replace some of the ones in our schools and public places.”

To assist the program, MutualAid eXchange (“MAX”) Insurance is making a new contribution in addition to one it made last year.  “We are thrilled to continue our assistance to this very worthwhile program,” said David Wine, President and CEO of MAX Insurance.  MAX is a fair, faithful and socially responsible provider of home, auto, business and related insurance.  The company’s Mutual Aid Ministries program offers Community Grants to its network of independent agencies to support worthwhile programs.

For more about Oswald Crow Agency, contact Betty Weddle, 113 W. Main Street, Richmond, MO  64085.  816-776-5600.  B.weddle@oswaldcrow.com.

More about MAX Insurance:  Address:  4400 College Boulevard, Suite 250, Overland Park, KS  66211.  Phone:  877-971-6300.  Website:  www.MAXInsurance.com or www.MutualAidMinistries.com.  Email:  bmusgrave@maxinsurance.com.

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Village Insurance in Liberty Wins Top Honors

A Liberty, IN insurance agency has earned the highest award from insurance carrier MutualAid eXchange (“MAX”).

Village Insurance Agency has been designated a Premier Agency for its commitment to MAX’s fair, faithful and socially responsible values and business practices.

“MAX was built on faith, strong values and service to others,” said David Wine, President and CEO of MAX.  “Village Insurance Agency is a great example of the kind of trusted, community minded agency we want to associate with.  We’re proud to call them a partner.”

Sean Hall represents Village Insurance in Liberty, while Corey Sparks represents the agency in Fayette County.  “We both believe you have to treat people fairly, communicate truthfully and respectfully. We respect the fact that MAX truly cares about people.  Their rates and products are competitive and they are dedicated to taking care of their clients.”

Village Insurance is active in the community. They support local charities and have been active in 4-H for many years.

To earn the award from MAX, the agency met several criteria including:

  • Commitment to the MAX values of:
    • Treating others as you would like to be treated
    • Faith in a higher power, and
    • Doing good in the world.
  • Support for MAX’s Mutual Aid Ministries program that provides emergency grants to communities, families and individuals facing unexpected challenges.
  • Ambitious sales and retention targets.

Village Insurance is located at 11 E. Union Street, Liberty, IN  47353.  Sean:  765-458-5845.  Corey:  765-265-7030.  Email:  sean@myvillageinsurance.com.

MAX is headquartered at 4400 College Boulevard, Suite 250, Overland Park, KS 66211.  Website:  www.MAXInsurance.com.

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Photo:  Corey Sparks and Sean Hall of Village Insurance accepting award from Angela Worley, Regional Sales Manager at MAX.

MAX Mindfulness: Find it in your Heart

by Dave Wine, President & CEO

Did you know that your heart’s energy is at least 5,000 times stronger than your brain’s?   Some studies show it may even be much stronger than that!   We hear a lot about the power of our minds but our hearts are even stronger.   It is no coincidence that we talk about the heart when it comes to love, the most powerful emotion we can have.  And the opposite comment to indicate cruelty,  “they are heartless”.

Why do I share this when I’m writing about mindfulness?  Because we have to use our mind to focus and pay attention, but if we are not involving our heart in the process, it is not going to be that helpful for us.  The goal of mindfulness is not just to watch our minds at work – it’s to help us get to a ‘better place’ through watching our minds and becoming more aware and seeking positive and peace-giving energy – that comes from the heart.   For example, if I take a ‘time out’ and close my eyes and take a few deep breaths before I get in the car to drive, it can help me remember I am now driving and to pay attention.   But if that same thought doesn’t touch the heart, I will likely get upset at the first driver that does something that is wrong like cutting me off in traffic, missing a turn signal, etc.  Mindfulness really gets powerful when we can connect our brain’s energy (thoughts) to our heart’s energy (feelings).  So if I can get in my car, direct my thoughts to “I’m driving now…” and also direct those thoughts to my heart, “I care about others and I want to drive with that care in my heart”, my ability to drive relaxed, safe, and at peace just went up several-fold.

So the greatest gift of mindfulness is when we allow our thoughts to slow down and intercept the energy of the heart.  Because the heart is where our positive emotions and energy reside.  It is no accident that the heart and Valentine’s Day love and appreciation are connected.  This is really the secret of prayer, meditation and worship.  When our thoughts focus and we allow the energy of our hearts to come into place, we become gifts to others and to our world.  It is not just mindfulness – it is mindfulness to help us get in touch with our hearts – that positive, hopeful, loving part of our self, others, and life.  And that is wholeness.  And, of course, that is MAX!

Dave WineDavid Wine

David is the President and CEO of the MAX enterprise, having served in that capacity since its formation in 2001.   He has forty plus years of  leadership experience in the business and faith-based worlds, being an ordained minister, having been elected to the highest position in his denomination,  and receiving numerous awards and recognition for his leadership in the insurance industry. He currently serves on numerous boards in the church and insurance sectors.  His hobbies include hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing as well as being an avid reader.  David and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, a son, and four grandchildren.