Business Beat: Todd Anderson Insurance Agency merges with Highstreet

Todd Anderson has had a retirement plan in the back of his mind the past couple of years and earlier this year he took the first step in making that happen. He has announced that the Todd Anderson Insurance Agency has joined Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services.

The merger, which took about six months to complete, was official this past May. Highstreet is a worldwide company and one of the top 25 insurance companies in the United States. The name of the local agency will remain the same for the time being.

According to Anderson, who has owned the agency the past 15 years, the merger provides more insurance providers to choose from, expanded policy and coverage options for customers, farms and businesses, and increased access to insurance professionals and expertise, along with more specialized and responsive client services.

"It was just good timing for me and I'm planning to continue to work here for the next three years," Anderson said. "The staff will remain the same with Stuart Scholz as VP (of) client development and Conor Wiese as the client specialist."

"Also the merger will also allow us to grow and adapt so we can continue offering stronger protection and betters solutions for our clients," he added. "We've always been strong in the area of crop/hail insurance but this will give use many more options for property/casualty insurance."

"As far as for present clients, please be assured that our team remains the same and we are still here to help you with the same dedication and personal service you've come to expect," Anderson said. "We look forward to continuing to work with you and assisting in finding coverage that best fits your needs."

The agency at 617 S. Lincoln Ave. can be reached at 402-363-0004. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cozy Cubs Childcare moves to new location

Cozy Cubs Childcare previously had been split between two different locations, one at 419 N. Grant Ave., and one in the basement of the First Lutheran Church on East 14th Street.

As of April, the daycare now enjoys just one location at 216 E. 16th St. This building was originally the location of the York High School alternative school site. Most recently, until this past November, there had also been a daycare operated by Epworth Village.

"One location is so much better than two," said owner Paige McKenzie. "I couldn't be in two locations at one time. My mom and aunt had purchased the building and I am currently leasing from them."

Her husband, Derek, and some other relatives helped with some remodeling to bring the building in compliance with some licensing requirements.

The previous owners had left quite a bit of daycare furnishings in the building and as such, McKenzie found herself with quite a bit of duplication in such items. To that end, she plans to hold a sale at the 419 N. Grant Ave. location this Saturday in conjunction with the citywide Sidewalk Sale.

"It will be a great deal for someone that maybe has an in-home daycare or for anyone that is looking for kid items," McKenzie said.

"It's been great and has gone fast," she added. "I've got a great group of staff members and I hope that parents see this as a sale place for their kiddos."

Cozy Cubs Childcare presently employs around 28 employees and has room for approximately 70 children from the ages of 6 weeks to age 13. Hours for the daycare are 6:40 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact Cozy Cubs Childcare at 402-419-4734.

York Chamber Balloon Days coming this weekend.

Balloon Days, one of York's favorite summer traditions, takes place Friday through Sunday with family fun, community events and activities for all ages.

Friday events includes a Beach Party at the Family Aquatic Center from 1 to 5 p.m. and a Dive-In Movie, also at the Family Aquatic Center, at 9 p.m.

The Saturday schedule includes Sidewalk Sales in downtown York, where you'll find great deals from local businesses throughout the downtown area. Then head for the Holthus Convention Center for Transportation Exploration. Kids and kids at heart can climb aboard and explore a variety of vehicles and equipment from around the community.

Sunday finds the Michelob 3-Person Scramble at the York Country Club, starting at 10 a.m. "Marking Nebraska" with Jeff Barnes will take place at 2 p.m. at the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum on the east side of the square.

Whether you're shopping downtown, making a splash at the water fight, exploring big trucks, or enjoying time with family and friends, there's something for everyone during Balloon Days.

What the Heck: What do you get when you put eight guys in a van, shoot seven hours up the road to the Rapid City, South Dakota, area and spend a couple of long days playing on some really neat golf courses?

You get some great restaurants, a little sunburn, a few rain showers, good shots, bad shots and a lot of stories to add to the golf trip library. That's what happened last week and I'll share some of those stories as soon as the statute of limitations run their course.

All in all, a great time with some good friends.