'Good neighbor' State Farm team holds open house

Ramona Herrera and her team at State Farm Insurance held an open house for the community recently, greeting residents and customers, and answering questions, as well as treating them to a variety of refreshments.

Herrera said that she decided to hold the open house to stay in touch with the community and to meet new people who may not be familiar with their company. "A lot of people don't realize that we are so much more than a place to insure your car or home."

Herrera was referring to the array of services her firm offers, in addition to vehicle and home insurance policies. They also offer banking services, including checking and savings accounts, as well as several different credit cards with a variety of interest rates. "It is not well known in the community that we offer banking services," said Herrera. "We even have loan services for your auto or home and offer refinancing as well."

Ramona started her office in Shafter in 2001. "An opportunity came in 2002 when Joe Kirk retired. I decided to open the office because I have always loved small communities and like the atmosphere that they have."

Working with Herrera are Jessica Gonzalez, Araceli Herezia, Luis Urias and Elizabeth Vargas, and she says they make a great team that compliments one another very well. Elizabeth is bank-certified and can help with all banking needs. Gonzalez and Herezia, in addition to being bank-certified, are licensed agents that can help with car, home and life insurance, as well as financial services such as home equity loans, business loans and auto loans.

Herrera is also very active in the community of Shafter. She is a member of the Shafter Rotary Club, as well as the Shafter Chamber of Commerce. Ramona also is a member of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Herrera said that the team had to go through an extensive training program to become certified and also had to pass a state board test to receive their licenses. They also specialize in giving you that personal touch that you likely won't find by calling an 800 number when you have an insurance need.

They have very flexible schedule to accommodate their customers. They even have a chalk board with a big "Welcome" on it with your name on it when you arrive for an appointment in the office. "We try to give our customers great personal service that they might not be able to get with some other agencies who are found online or on the phone," said Herrera.