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Janice Gray used funds from the Good Neighbor Community Fund to support the National Civil Rights Museum in her community of Memphis, Tennessee.

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, is highlighting her support as part of its Black Voices library of content. In a video Janice shares her views on the importance of the museum and expresses the State Farm commitment to making a difference.

Earlier this year, State Farm empowered agents to address the greatest needs in their community through the Good Neighbor Community Fund.

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, is highlighting her support as part of its Black Voices library of content. In a video Janice shares her views on the importance of the museum and expresses the State Farm commitment to making a difference.

Earlier this year, State Farm empowered agents to address the greatest needs in their community through the Good Neighbor Community Fund.

Arson dogs are trained to work with a human handler and find evidence at fire scenes. The dogs are searching for accelerants such as gas, oil or fuel used to start fires. State Farm is the only company in North America that provides funding for the training of arson dog teams.

The State Farm Arson Dog Program is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Since its beginning in 1993, the program has placed more than 425 dogs in 46 states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.

Arson is one of the most difficult crimes to solve, as the evidence literally burns up. Insurance fraud causes billions of dollars in damage each year. In fact, many police and fire departments are seeing an increase in suspicious fires because of business closures, financial challenges and social disruption.

"Fire investigators should have every tool possible to combat this deadly crime," said Heather Paul, State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “These dogs help fire investigators to do their job. Arson dog teams can quickly locate evidence of accelerants such as gasoline or fuel used to start a fire.”

Meeting and training with a new best friend

All of the dogs are Labrador retrievers and come from animal rescues or disability assistance programs. The dogs are trained months before they meet their human handler and must work for every meal. When the dog smells fuel, they sit down and point with their nose. Their “reward” is a handful of dog food and praise. They can locate accelerants quickly, even if it is buried under debris.

Canine handlers are police detectives or fire investigators. The training class is four weeks long and the handlers know it will be intense. Over the four weeks, the handler and dog will repeat training drills multiple times a day. Food reward dogs only eat from the hand of their handler so these training drills will be repeated multiple times a day for the life until the dog retires.

Following a month of classes and drills, the arson dog teams are tested and certified by the Maine State Police. Once certified, the teams travel back to their communities to begin investigating fires. The dogs live in the home of their handler and they retire in the home of their handler. For the men and women training in the program, working with a dog is a career highlight.

Congratulations to the newly certified teams in Class No. 52!

1. Fire Chief Billy Dillon & K-9 Piper - Howe Springs Fire Rescue (Florence, SC)
2. Special Agent Michael Kuban & K-9 Phantom - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
3. Special Agent Kenny Arnold & K-9 Gunny - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
4. Special Agent Jeff Pride and K-9 PJ - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
5. Captain Stephanie Schofield & K-9 Jennifer - Rawlins Fire Department (Rawlins, WY)
6. Fire Inspector John Neeb & K-9 Mika - West Fargo Fire Department (West Fargo, ND)
7. Fire Investigator Thomas Cantola & K-9 Maya - Girard Fire Department (Girard, OH)
8. Fire Investigator Brian Acors & K-9 Erny - Richmond Fire Department (Richmond, VA)
9. Arson Investigator Darren Jurado & K-9 Brownie - Compton Fire Department (Compton, CA)
10. Fire Investigator Lee Maness & K-9 Vinny - Cobb County Fire and EMS (Marietta, GA)
11. Detective Michael Douglas K-9 Ruthie - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tampa, FL)
12. Detective Cody McIntyre & K-9 Rico - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tallahassee, FL)
13. Firefighter Brent Autry & K-9 Tony - Milan Fire Department (Milan, TN)
14. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Kanavy & K-9 Mikey - Scott County Fire Department (Georgetown, KY)

Arson Dog Calendar

Each of this year's class of K-9 crime-fighters is featured on one of the calendar pages below. Click to download.

In the News:

• West Fargo Pioneer: Fire corner: Welcoming Mika to the team (09/30/20)

More than 35,300 insurance claims were filed with State Farm in the week following the Laura’s landfall. Residents across Louisiana and Texas continue reporting damage to their homes and vehicles as impacted areas become more accessible. State Farm catastrophe response drone teams are assessing damage for customers across Lake Charles and other impacted areas.

Please continue to monitor local information. When it is safe to do so, make (or have a contractor make) temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home or property. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps, plywood or other repair supplies. Take photos/videos of damage for claim documentation.

To get the claims process started, you can file your claim online, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (800-732-5246) or contact your State Farm agent.

We're continuing to gear up claims resources in response to #HurricaneLaura. We're balancing health and safety with our commitment to customers, we’re working virtually and in person, practicing social distancing with protective equipment.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas.

Face-to-Face protocols, adjustments and staffing during COVID-19

• First and foremost, we are committed to the health and safety of our customers, the communities where we live and work, and our claim employees.
• Our claim operations remain open and available to service your claims. We are monitoring this changing health issue and continually evaluating our response.
• Virtual claim inspection options are available in most states if legally permitted.
• Claims can always be submitted and managed by calling or emailing your State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims.
• Continuous innovation and adaptation have positioned State Farm as the insurance industry leader. The pandemic is a rapidly changing situation and the decisions we are making balance health concerns with our obligation to continue to serve you.

More tips and resources:

• Avoid driving if possible. If you have to travel, turn around if the road is flooded or blocked by debris.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Anything touching the power line can carry a charge. Report the downed line and avoid the area.
• Simple Insights: Hurricane disaster cleanup after the storm

In the News:

• KADN-15: State Farm Using Drones to Assess Damage (9/4/20)
• The Times-Picayune: State Farm insurance claims hit 24,800 for Louisiana homeowners after Hurricane Laura (9/1/20)
• CBS-42: Like good neighbors, Alabamians are there (8/27/20)
• WVTM-13: Hurricane Laura relief staging in Birmingham area (8/27/20)
• The Weather Channel: CAT 2 Laura Moving Inland (8/27/20)
• Houston Chronicle: Season's first hurricane gives Texans a taste of how COVID has shaped insurance claims (8/4/20)
• AccuWeather: Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season (6/1/20)

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Tennessee customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through driving behaviors.

Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

Our hearts go out to all those impacted – especially family and friends of those who lost their lives. Safety is paramount as residents assess damage and begin the recovery process.

Start the claim process as soon as possible.

Take steps to prevent further damage as soon as it is safe to do so. There are four ways to start the claim process:

1. Online at www.statefarm.com/claims
2. Use the State Farm Mobile App
3. Call 1-800-SFCLAIM
4. Contact your State Farm Agent

Hundreds of customers have already filed claims. Our local agents and call center claim specialists are already assisting customers with their most immediate needs, like additional living expenses (ALE). The State Farm Claims Catastrophe Response Team is being deployed to the most heavily impacted areas to assist in the recovery. This additional personnel includes three drone teams.

Customers with damage should:

• Inspect your property. Document damage with pictures to share with your claims specialist.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Take pictures and save receipts for materials purchased.
• Exercise caution when selecting a contractor. Storm recovery can be emotionally and physically draining. Don’t make a quick, emotional decision without recommendations. Obtain detailed written estimates and multiple bids.

Additional insurance considerations and storm recovery tips:

Tree removal can be very expensive right now because resources are spread thin. As a reminder, insurance only pays to remove trees impacting your home, building, fences or other structures. Coverage limits may apply to debris removal coverage.

Be wary of those who might try to capitalize on the storm.

• Ask for recommendations
• Beware of door-to-door solicited repairs
• Get multiple written estimates
• Always have a written, detailed estimate
• Don’t pay up front. Always inspect the completed work before payment.
• If making repairs, consider upgraded roofing materials (upgrades could result in insurance premium discounts).

If you have experienced a power outage:

• Never use candles for emergency lighting, use flashlights.
• Disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes”. This can damage computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
• Check to see if your homeowners policy covers damages resulting from outages. Subject to the deductible, your policy may cover spoiled food and other damages.
• Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

The effective date for new and renewal business is Sept. 30. The previous rate change in Tennessee was effective in April 2019. Combined, the two auto rate decreases will save Tennessee customers $68.5 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Tennessee” said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

The effective date for new and renewal business is April 8. The previous rate changes in Tennessee were a decrease of 2 percent in November 2018 and 3 percent in July 2018. Combined, the three auto rate decreases will save Tennessee customers $87.2 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Tennessee” said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

“The company’s current financial strength is allowing us to pass along a rate reduction to our Tennessee customers," said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “We continually evaluate how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease in Tennessee.”

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The effective date for new and renewal business is July 16, 2018 . Tennessee customers with questions can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation.

In addition to this rate reduction, State Farm agents are able to review with new and existing customers the many opportunities for additional discounts that may apply to an individual’s unique circumstances. A rate decrease combined with discounts offers an exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

Meet Pam Sandlin, San’s soon-to-be older and wiser friend. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Pam smiled. “Was I nervous? Yes.    But I couldn’t wait to meet her.”

Little did Pam or San know, their after school introduction would be the start of an incredible story…

…one that began after each decided to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Flashback to 2009:

“The organization did a great job matching us,” said Pam. “Early in the relationship, we discovered we had lots in common. We’re both taller than average, love basketball, we’re close to our grandmothers, and love our families.” 

Pam learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through her employer, State Farm.

“I was an empty nester looking for a meaningful way to give back to my community. When State Farm shared the opportunity to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), it was perfect. I love children and thought, ‘this is my chance to be a Big Sister!’”

During their first encounter at San’s elementary school, the pair instantly clicked. Soon, they were meeting every week to laugh, joke, share stories and dreams. “I always looked forward to seeing Pam because I knew we’d have a great time,” said San. “We’d go to the movies, eat at restaurants, watch basketball games – and we even went whitewater rafting! She makes life a happy adventure.”

A Friendship in Full Bloom

San says Pam saw her strengths and encouraged her to be the best person she could be. “My favorite memory is a special camping trip we took together. The theme of the weekend was, Face your Fears. I have a fear of heights. But Pam made sure I didn’t miss out on the fun. With her encouragement, I finished an obstacle course, climbed mountains, walked a tight rope and even zip-lined! Pam is my rock.”

But the Big Sister encouragement didn’t stop there.

“In addition to our fun, I often talked to San about her future,” said Pam. “Wherever we’d go, we’d strike up conversations about the careers of people we came in contact with. I reminded her how important a high school diploma is - and we talked about college a lot.”

A New Journey

As the years passed, Pam watched San grow from an introverted fourth-grader into a confident, strong young woman. Elementary school came and went, then junior high, then the final years of high school arrived.

“Pam toured colleges with my mother and me,” said San. “My favorite journey was our three-day trip to Louisiana State University. It was the longest amount of time we’d spent together and we grew even closer.” 

In May of 2017, San graduated high school. Pam was there to celebrate her success. “Oh my goodness, I’m so proud of her,” said Pam. “She’s such a mature young lady and a leader among her peers. She told me about times when things got tough in school, yet she was the source of comfort for other students. They considered her honest and trustworthy.”

In the fall of 2017 San began her freshman year at Volunteer State Community College, with plans to pursue a career in psychology. “I always wanted to help people the way Pam has helped me,” San explained. “In sixth grade I received high marks on a career test and since then have always wanted to be a doctor, nurse or psychologist.”

While Pam and San’s formal mentoring ended when San graduated high school, their relationship has not stopped. “I’ve enjoyed watching her grow, excel and flourish,” said Pam. "She’s really a strong young woman and I want to continue helping her in any way I can. I’m so grateful to have Pam in my life. She’s encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do and has always been there for me.”

More than friends…

“After almost a decade of friendship, we’re sisters at heart,” smiled San. “We plan to remain in each other’s lives forever,” said Pam.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, or to become a volunteer, click here.

State Farm has once again joined with the United States Fire Administration for National Arson Awareness Week to raise awareness about reducing the risk of arson fires.

It’s impossible to prevent all arson crimes, but creating an environment that reduces the risk of damage and injury is important. Homeowners, business owners, and community leaders can help reduce the risk of arson through security measures and public education.

External and Internal Safety

• Illuminate building exteriors and entrances – arsonists fear light.
• Clear things like shrubbery that block the view of the home or building.
• Clean up – remove anything that could fuel a fire for an arsonist.
• Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
• Keep doors and windows locked when the building is unattended.
• Establish an arson watch program in your local neighborhood and community.

State Farm Arson Dog Program

Since 1993, State Farm has funded the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams, commonly called arson dogs. The State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 380 arson dogs in communities across North America. 

An arson dog team can quickly search a fire scene for evidence of arson. This saves time and money for tax payers and increases the likelihood that the arsonist will be caught and prosecuted. As of May 2017, there are 96 active and certified teams trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program in North America. This includes 12 new teams certified in April 2017. 

Hover over the interactive image below for details on these newest investigative teams:​

• Fire Chief Ricky Flowers & K9 Cato - Darlington County Fire District (Hartsville, SC)
• Fire Marshal Pat Weaver & K9 Izzy - Picayune Fire Department (Picayune, MS)
• Fire Investigator John Wauchek & K9 Mikey - Rutherford County Fire Rescue (Murfreesboro, TN)
• Arson Investigator Shane Arndt & K9 Mazy - Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (Springfield, IL)
• Fire Investigator Scott Wilson & K9 Bandel - DC Fire and EMS (Washington, D.C.)
• Deputy Jerry Riggins & K9 Marvel - Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Department (Chatham, VA)
• Fire Investigator Dan Roberts & K9 Gibson - Council Bluffs Fire Department (Council Bluffs, IA)
• Arson Investigator Ryan Press & K9 Jenna - San Antonio Fire Department (San Antonio, TX)
• Lieutenant Brandon Ferrell & K9 Pearl - Conroe Fire Department (Conroe, TX)
• Firefighter Shane Weltikol & K9 Webbster - Mandan Fire Department (Mandan, ND)
• Patrolman Brian Gilmore & K9 Elou - Upper Chichester Township Police Department (Boothwyn, PA)
• Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Pasley & K9 Izzo - Columbia Fire Department (Columbia, MO)

Three Church Fires in One Evening

A church should be a safe and peaceful place. The theme for 2017 National Arson Awareness is “Preventing Arson Fires in Houses of Worship”. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that from 2007 – 2011, the average for structure fires at religious properties (church, mosque, synagogue, temple or chapel) was 1,600 fires and $105 million in direct property damage. Recent analysis by the Pew Research Center indicates that 51% of these fires were determined to be arson.

December 2, 2014, will go down in history as one of the most devastating for Felton, Delaware. It was around 2:00 a.m. when firefighters from the Felton and Frederica Volunteer Fire Companies were called to a fire at the Healing Hands Christian Church. Firefighters were already battling the blaze when they received word that a second church, Manship Chapel, was on fire four miles away. Within hours, a third fire was reported at the nearby Law Mennonite Church. For the members of the three churches, the fires left them heartbroken and scared.

Arson was suspected in all three church fires, but it would take more than suspicion to bring the criminal(s) to justice. Arson is a very difficult crime to solve because the evidence burns up. For fire investigators, having every tool available is critical when arson is suspected. Deputy Fire Marshal John Galaska with the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office had the powerful nose of his partner, K9 Tanya, to help with the investigation. As an accelerant detection, or “arson dog” team, their job is to help find evidence that a fire was intentionally started.

Deputy Marshal Galaska and K9 Tanya worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to collect evidence. Their hard work led to the arrest of two local men. Both men confessed to breaking into the churches following a night of heavy drinking. They pled guilty to second degree arson, third degree burglary, and second degree conspiracy. For Galaska and K9 Tanya, it was another investigation resulting in an arsonist behind bars. It also allowed the community and the congregations to begin healing.

The students were competing in the 25th annual, regional Invention Convention. There was excited chatter from the creative and bright students. Their goal was to invent items to “make life easier” or a new game.

They proudly described their 341 inventions for the judges. Each was hoping to win a ribbon or trophy. Or best of all, advance to the National Invention Convention in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Tracey Huddleston is the woman behind this annual competition. She is an elementary education professor at MTSU. The program is her public service project for the university. It all began back in 1993 as a tribute to her mother, Tru Radcliff. Mrs. Radcliff was a long-time 5th grade teacher.

Long before STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) became popular, both women understood the importance of creativity and problem-solving skills.

In the first year, only 56 students and 42 inventions competed. Since then, thousands of students have benefited from the experience during the past 25 years, 20 of which have been supported by State Farm™.

"Participating in the Invention Convention provides a meaningful opportunity for students. They must apply many academic and practical skills," says Dr. Huddleston. "In addition to creating and designing, they must communicate and present clearly to the judges in order to win an award."

The anticipation of hearing the judges' final decisions builds as the morning wears on. Each year, guest speakers help ease the wait for the students, their teachers and parents.

Three singers and songwriters spoke this year (the competition took place in February 2017). In past years, astronauts, athletes, historians, inventors, and scientists have spoken to the crowds.

“The students who participate in the annual Invention Convention are truly an inspiration," Huddleston says. "Their excitement and passion for thinking and learning is a joy to watch – they are our future!”

Jasmine Gray, "Jaz", had such a childhood. She was born with a rare facial defect called Arteriovenous Malformation. She spent many days and nights in hospitals as a child in Memphis, Tennessee. She has had nearly 40 surgeries in her young life. She wanted to do something to help kids in similar circumstances.

In 2006, when Jaz was only 17, she created Jaz’s Jammies. The non-profit organization is an extension of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Since that time, the organization has collected more than 5,000 pairs of new pajamas to give to children in need.

"Something as simple as a pair of pajamas can brighten a child’s day. That one brightened day can lead to a brightened week, and that brightened week can lead to a hopeful future,” Jasmine says.

Her group began by donating pajamas to hospitals in Memphis and Little Rock, Arkansas. Now 27, Jaz is a documentary film producer living in Los Angeles. She’s expanded the effort to help children in Nashville and Los Angeles, and expanded its mission. The organization now gives pajamas to some of the more than 1,000,000 children who are homeless on any given night.

Even with Jaz in LA, the organization's roots remain strong. Her mom, State Farm agent Janice Gray, and dad, Eddie, have become the voice for Jaz' Jammies in her hometown.

"It is so heart-warming to see the smiles on the faces of children when they receive their new pajamas,” says Janice.

Janice’s sorority sisters are among those supporting the ongoing “jammie drives". Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Phi Lambda Omega Chapter donated $1000 to Jaz's Jammies Incorporated. In addition to donating, they delivered new pajamas to sick children at St. Jude and Le Bonheur Children's Hospitals.

Learn how you can help by visiting jazsjammies.org.

Mouse over the Here to Help and Pet Evacuation images for interactive links and more info.

The special highlights Usher and State Farm's efforts to revive music and arts education in Chattanooga and surrounding communities by benefitting The Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund, named for Usher's late grandmother. The fund's first initiative is to give grants and other support to schools and local community nonprofits to introduce music and art back into many of those schools and after-school programs where there is real need. In addition, the special features a performance by Usher held at his childhood middle school, Dalewood. Members of the community were surprised with access to the concert after donating art supplies to support the initiative.

Neighborhood Sessions featuring Usher marks the fourth special in the Neighborhood Sessions series, which gives the biggest names in music a chance to thank the neighbors who helped make them who they are today, and who continue to help life go right for members of their communities every day. The special is slated to premiere on TNT Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

The concert at the center of Usher's Neighborhood Sessions special features some of his biggest hits performed on a specially constructed stage on the football field at Dalewood Middle School, where Usher attended school. Throughout the special, Usher addresses the importance of music and arts education for childhood development and introduces viewers to various people in Chattanooga who are impacting the community by donating their time and talent. He also introduces some of the neighbors who do their part to help others and bring positive change to the community, proving that Good Neighbors Help Life Go Right™.

Launched by State Farm with the assistance of NYC-based advertising agency Translation, Neighborhood Sessions is a series that gives artists the opportunity to express their gratitude and give back to the communities that made them great. Each Neighborhood Session is designed to be as distinctive as the community it represents, leveraging local State Farm agents to identify and support vital local causes.

In teaming up with State Farm, Turner Ignite's Content Partnerships team developed a rich campaign that spans linear, digital and social platforms, as well as many of the Turner networks. To extend the series objective, Turner collaborated with State Farm to create custom videos that provide an additional look at Usher's return to Chattanooga, visiting the places that were meaningful to him as a young child, and his championing of arts programs in the community that helped shape him. This content will run in isolated commercial pods through Turner Native Plus in primetime programming across TNT, as well as Turner's Adult Swim, TBS, truTV and Turner Sports. On social media, additional content will be distributed to a targeted audience from TNT social handles through Turner's social optimization capability, Launchpad.

The Neighborhood Sessions series of specials began in February 2015 with megastar Jennifer Lopez performing in her hometown of the Bronx. It was followed in October by a special featuring music superstar Toby Keith, whose concert was taped in his hometown of Moore, Okla. This past September, Neighborhood Sessions featured Dave Matthews Band onstage in their hometown of Charlottesville, Va. for a special 25th anniversary concert.

Usher Bio

Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher's career since he was first discovered twenty years ago on Star Search. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Assn. of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards, including eight Grammys, and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Billboard also named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his career-propelling 2004 album Confessions being ranked as the top solo album of the decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 #1 hits (all as a lead artist) and 18 Hot 100 Top 10 singles.

This year is proving to be a big one for Usher not only in music but also in film and his philanthropic endeavors. Musically, Usher released his much-anticipated eighth studio album, entitled Hard II Love, which has already spawned his 15th #1 single with the song "No Limit." In film, Usher garnered critical acclaimed for his role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in Hands of Stone, the biopic of boxer Roberto Duran in which he co-starred opposite Robert DeNiro and Edgar Ramirez.

In the past few years, Usher completed his world tour entitled "The UR Experience." In addition, he completed two seasons as a coach on NBC's Emmy®-winning hit The Voice, where he proved his top-notch coaching ability by becoming the champion of season six.

Realizing that with success comes responsibility, Usher has also proven to be a major philanthropic force. Founded in 1999, his New Look Foundation empowers youth from impoverished communities to become leaders. In recognition of his accomplishments, Usher has been honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trumpet Foundation, Do Something, the NAACP and as the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar. Usher's business ventures include a best-selling line of fragrances and a partnership with RBMG (Raymond Braun Media Group).

About The Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund

The first education initiative supports art and music in Chattanooga and Hamilton County's elementary schools by providing for a three-year period (i) a full-time art teacher, supplies, and community programs at Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy, (ii) part-time teaching artists residencies for a limited engagement in up to 30 other elementary schools, (iii) after school programs in local recreational centers and (iv) a matching grant to the high school student led arts council. Partnering with Usher is Hamilton County Department of Education, together with the principal and team at Calvin Donaldson, as well as local nonprofits such as ArtsBuild, and Jazzanooga who created these programs with the local community. In addition, ReGenerate, a student lead organization and Dalewood, Usher’s middle school, were each awarded a three year grant to support their work in the arts. Cause Entertainment Agency, Entertain Impact, advised Usher on this initiative's creation and implementation, working closely with Usher team member Julie Sanders. The grants are being administered by The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

What do you do when you are feeling blessed by the career you chose? Seven State Farm agents in Nashville, Tennessee, chose to give back to the community where they live and work. They created their own 501©(3) non-profit called “Nashville Community Partners”.

“Our purpose is to promote and solicit donations to support the exceptional work of people and organizations which impact our community in profound ways,” says group leader Valinda Burks. “As independent business owners, we recognize the importance and the power of involvement.”

One of their most rewarding events is the annual Santa Store. During a two-hour party each December, they provide toys and other gifts to children ages 0-12 from 100 families.

The group publicizes the Santa Store via television spots asking for nominations of worthy recipients.

Darnell Clay explains, “As agents, we hear of families that are in need. The Santa Store is our way to try to help them and others that are dear to them.”

“Parents and children watch Christmas movies, have treats, take photos with Santa, and select free gifts in the Santa Store,” says participating agent Terry W. Jones.

According to agent Dejuan Buford, “The best part of the day for me is I get to play Santa. It’s such an awesome feeling to see the kids’ faces when they get to see Santa and take a picture. It makes me feel good and takes me back to my own childhood. Some of the parents are really happy to see Santa too!”

“This non-profit group has made a positive impact in the Nashville community since 2010. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward into the new year,” said Darian Horne, the newest member of the group.

Current members of the group are State Farm agents Valinda Burks, Dejuan Buford, Darnell Clay, Darian Horne, Terry W. Jones, Leonard E. Jordan, and Bryson McCarley.

When arson dog Bailey started going rogue, the first thought that went through Travis Kincaid’s mind was one of panic.

Kincaid, a Fire Captain and investigator in Knoxville, Tenn., had arrived at the scene of a house fire in East Knoxville with Bailey, a yellow Labrador retriever and trained arson dog.

Their initial investigation through the burned out living room had been promising. But now, with media cameras trained on her, Bailey wasn’t acting normally. Her head was turned away from Kincaid. She was straining at the leash and disobeying commands - her attention was focused somewhere else.

And as she finally broke free of the leash, she took off running, disappearing behind the house.

Kincaid did the only thing he could do.

He took off after her.

The Arson Dog Program

Bailey joined the State Farm Arson Dog program after training to be a service dog. Like many of the Labrador retrievers in the program, Bailey proved too food motivated and active for service dog duty. But those same traits made her an outstanding candidate to become an arson dog, joining a program with a long pedigree.

”Over the past two decades, this program has trained more than 325 teams for placement with law enforcement across the U.S. and Canada,” said Heather Paul, the State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “We even put these teams in places where we don’t write insurance policies because they’re so beneficial for the community. Investigating arson is expensive for law enforcement and taxpayers, but where it may take humans weeks or even months to find evidence, an arson dog can find a fire accelerant in a matter of minutes.”

Kincaid and Bailey met at school - arson dog school. Bailey had already completed several months of training before she met Travis for the first time at the four-week long training academy in Maine. Now it was Travis who needed to learn to work with Bailey and trust her nose.

It may not have seemed like the training had been very successful when Bailey took off running. But when Kincaid rounded the corner after her, he saw Bailey sitting in knee-length grass, waiting for him next to a smoldering Molotov cocktail - an improvised explosive device often used in arson.

”I had been ready to fuss at her,” Kincaid said. “Instead, I ended up giving her a reward.”

But Bailey wasn’t done.

Going Beyond The Call Of Duty

When Bailey began to strain against the leash again, Kincaid listened to his partner. Even though Bailey had never been trained in tracking, she was itching to move.

Figuring that Bailey had already been right once, Kincaid followed as Bailey led him through one empty lot after another, across a road and through a parking lot. Bailey stopped occasionally as though she had found an accelerant and waited for her food reward. It made for slow going.

Their journey ended at a loud, crowded building - a converted bar and nightclub, packed with people. Too many people, in fact. And whoever had burned down that house was inside.

The investigation team immediately swung into action. A Knoxville police sergeant entered the club, looking for potential suspects. The fire marshal shut down the club due to overcrowding and ordered the building emptied.

And as the crowd dispersed, Bailey was there, waiting and sniffing their shoes until she sat down next to one man, identifying him as her “person of interest.””He began to start saying things like ‘that dog is so stupid, I don’t have any drugs on me,’ “Kincaid said. “And when I told him that Bailey wasn’t a drug dog, he’s an arson dog, the color just drained from his face and he asked for his lawyer.”

The suspect, a gang member, was convicted of arson and manufacturing an explosive device, and he is currently in prison.

More Than A Partner

As part of the arson dog program, Bailey is assigned to her handler for life. She’s become part of the family, especially for Landon, Kincaid’s 8-year-old son. Landon is a special needs child, and Bailey has bonded with him perhaps even more closely than she has with his father.

”She’s very protective of him,” Kincaid said. “She wakes us up to go check on him and won’t let us get back to sleep until we tell her it’s okay.”

”Bailey has given herself two jobs,” Paul added. “Serving the people of Knoxville and protecting Travis’ family.”

With a resume like that, it’s not surprising that Bailey is up for the Hero Dog Award from the American Humane Association. And she’s got a good chance at capturing the title.

”What makes Bailey so remarkable is her will to serve and do good deeds,” Paul said. “Like many dogs in our program, she wants to take that extra initiative and work as hard as she can because she loves her handler.”

Paul paused for a second.

”And she loves food.”