Good Hands Community

I am Margaret Klinsport, an Allstate employee responsible for managing supplier diversity at the company and am excited to participate in this Community.  The purpose of this blog is to share general information about supplier diversity and specifically how to do business with Allstate. 

At Allstate, we truly value diversity.  We aim for diversity in our consumers, employees and our suppliers more about Allstate diversity.  That is why Allstate has had a supplier diversity program for seven years.  We have proudly increased dollars spent with diverse suppliers from $150 million in 2003 to $214 million in 2009. 

So if you are a diverse supplier and looking to do business with Allstate or if you just have information to share, please follow this monthly blog and leave comments.  Plus, follow Allstate Supplier Diversity on twitter: @AllstateSuplDiv.  I will tweet about events sponsored by the minority and women’s business councils where Allstate will be exhibiting.

As hurricane season is upon us, it’s best to make sure that you have everything in order so that you’re prepared for anything that happens. Follow these quick tips to make sure you’re ready for anything:

1)      Review Your Insurance Policies: Is your coverage up to date? Do you have coverage for additional living expenses? What about comprehensive car coverage? Asking yourself the right questions now can help you avoid the unexpected later. For details on what questions should be on your checklist, read: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - Step 1 - Review Your Insurance Policies

2)      Do a Home Inventory: There are several different ways to take inventory of the property that you own- videotaping, taking pictures, or using various types of inventory software online. Taking an inventory now can ensure that you don’t forget anything, and will make filing a claim much easier. For tips on how to properly take inventory of your property, check out: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - Step 2 - Do a Home Inventory

3)      Protect Your Property: Whether it be installing head and foot bolts on doors for extra protection or ensuring that your windows are properly reinforced, protecting your property before a hurricane could save you from the hassle of costly repairs afterward. For more recommendations on protecting your property, read: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - Step 3 – Protect Your Property

4)      Stock Emergency Supplies: Sure, you might have perishable foods and a first aid kit, but what about pillows and blankets? Pre-moistened towlettes? Books or playing cards? Make sure you stock up on all the supplies you’ll need. For details, read: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - Step 4 - Stock Emergency Supplies

5)      Plan Your Evacuation: Getting out of your home can be the most hectic part of a hurricane. You’ll need to ensure that you know the best evacuation routes, have all your important documents, and have emergency contacts ready. For details on what else you’ll need in evacuating your home, read: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist - Step 5 - Plan Your Evacuation

Be safe this hurricane season!


Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/au_tiger01/110282480/ | CC BY 2.0

Doing good in one’s community is often birthed out of a genuine desire to see one’s companions reach their full potential. It requires a great deal of selflessness, humility, and ingenuity. In this entry, we honor those who’ve gone the extra mile to make the world around them a better place to live in.


Thomas Walters’ story is one of refreshing sincerity and generosity. Not one to be satisfied solely with merely having a successful career (he owns three flourishing insurance agencies in Wake Forest, North Carolina); Thomas goes above and beyond to help his community as well. Whether it be his efforts in tutoring children, directing fundraisers, or developing new programs, Thomas has contributed a great deal through his work with the Triangle YMCA within his community. Read about the different things Thomas does in his community here .

Jesse Owens’ life was marked by victory over daunting obstacles. Seventy-four years after his triumphant wins at the 1936 Berlin Games, his legacy lives on in the form of his daughters, Marlene, Gloria and Beverly. Just as Jesse sought to be an ambassador of goodwill and justice, his children have also found ways to inspire those around them through the construction and dedication of the Jesse Owens Park in their hometown of Chicago. Read the full story of the Owens sisters here.

After losing a close friend in a drag racing crash, Chris Longman was fed up. The incident was yet another racing-related death out of several that had recently taken place at Herricks High School in Long Island. Instead of reacting solely out of anger, however, Chris responded by setting out to raise local awareness in what was soon to become the best student-led driving campaign in the country. Read about the school’s efforts promoting safe driving here.

Kalyn Risker knows a thing or two about fighting back. A victim of domestic violence at a young age, Kalyn regained her confidence and went on to have a successful career. It didn’t stop there, however, as she has since made it part of her life’s work to counsel other domestic violence victims and help them rediscover the potential they possess, as well. Read more about Kalyn’s domestic abuse work here.


Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooohoooh/1350774613/   | CC BY 2.0