Our first guest today is Brian Ferguson who serves Pilot Company as chief merchant. He is responsible for overseeing retail merchandising, food and beverage, brand, marketing, and driving inside sales. Brian develops merchandising and marketing strategies that will resonate strongly with guests and customers. Today he will discuss Labor Day weekend that signals the end of summer vacation. Kids are heading back to school and many families are looking to squeeze in one last, memorable, road trip. Despite rising costs, road travel has reached record levels during recent summer holidays. But, with some careful planning and a sense of adventure, our guest says a long weekend getaway can be less stressful and more enjoyable here with some insider tips and cost-saving advice for last minute travelers. For more information and how to join the Pilot Flying J Rewards program go to www.PilotFlyingJ.com/Rewards
Our second guest is Daniel Paden the vice president of evidence analysis for the investigative division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). He works closely with PETA’s undercover investigators to document the conditions and treatment of animals in slaughterhouses, on factory farms, in circuses, in laboratories, and in the pet trade industry. Daniel will discuss the PETA investigation recently that led to the rescue of 4,000 beagles bred for experiments and he will also share the inspiring story of a dog named Samson, an 8-year-old beagle, Samson was used as a breeding machine. Samson had no home, no family, no bed, no toys—nothing that a dog values. Envigo workers didn’t even bother to move him when they washed out his cage with a high-pressure hose, leaving him soaking wet. But, thanks to a PETA investigator who worked undercover at the facility, Samson became the first dog to be released from that prison-like existence, and quickly started enjoying many other “firsts”—his first comfortable bed, his first walk on grass, his first time playing with a toy, and his first moments of peace and quiet with a family that loves him. When he was released, Samson needed urgent care for an ear infection and over a dozen diseased teeth. He still sometimes wakes up barking from vivid dreams, but he’s healing physically and emotionally while he finally enjoys being a dog. survival that shines a spotlight on Laboratory practices. For more information please visit: www.PETA.org
Dr. Ian Giammanco, is the Senior Director for Standards & Data Analytics and a Lead Research Meteorologist at the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina. Our topic today is easy, low-cost ways homeowners can prepare for hurricane season this year. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, the peak of the season is upon us. A combination of wind and wind-driven rain from a hurricane can cause major damage to a home. Much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm, when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors or openings in the roof. He will also explain why it’s important for homeowners to be prepared in advance to help reduce property damage. Dr. Ian Giammanco Ian holds a B.S. in Atmospheric Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and an M.S. and PhD from Texas Tech University in Atmospheric Science and Wind Science and Engineering, respectively. He has nearly two decades of meteorological field research experience and currently serves as the principal investigator and field coordinator for the IBHS Characteristics of Hailstorms annual field research campaign.
Michael Richmond-Crum, Director of Personal Lines & Counsel at APICA, will discuss the importance of reviewing and updating your insurance coverage to keep pace with high inflation and rising building costs. He will also provide tips on what homeowners should talk to their insurer about to ensure they have the right amount and right types of insurance coverage. Mike is an expert in property, fraud, and natural catastrophe related insurance issues. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from American University, as well as a J.D. from Willamette University. For more information go to www.disastersafety.org