2009 Allstate Insurance Company 1

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1 Co-op Program Frequently Asked Questions Agent Photos in Co-op Build an Add Resizing Ads Creating/Obtaining Ads Ad Approvals Media Team/Sports Sponsorships Internet Leads Reimbursement Co-op Allowances Executive Advantage Miscellaneous Co-op Build an Ad Program What is the Co-op Build an Ad program? The Co-op Build an Ad program provides access to co-op print, radio, television and internet banner advertising. It gives you the flexibility to: Construct your own print ad online with a point and a click Build and customize an ad that will help create awareness of your agency in your target market Select from pre-approved headlines, copy and visual options for each message Select various ad sizes Include an optional postscript (P.S. line) Send your completed ad electronically to a local newspaper or other media outlet There s even more. You can even view/listen to and order television, radio spots and internet banners online. The process is convenient and easy to use! How do I get to the Build an Ad website? Exclusive Agents and Exclusive Financial Specialists can access the co-op Build an Ad site, by following these steps: Log in to the Agency Gateway/AG Click on the tab labeled Reference Click on the link labeled Marketing Select Co-op Build an Ad Program in the Featured link section The Co-op Build an Ad homepage will appear. (No login ID or password is required.) Independent Agents can access the co-op Build an Ad site by following these steps: Go to Enter your five digit agent number as your Login ID and enter brandmuscle as your password. The Co-op Build an Ad homepage will appear. When you log in for the first time, we recommend reviewing the online Pre-recorded Education Session to learn how to create an ad on the site. NOTE: For Exclusive Agents and Exclusive Financial Specialists, if you ever see a login page for the Co-op Build an Ad program or have difficulty accessing the site, contact the Support Center at (800) or simply back out and log in again from the Gateway 2009 Allstate Insurance Company 1

2 When I go to access the website, I receive a screen that requests my login ID, what s my ID (IA)? See above question. Do I need a password to access the website? Exclusive Agents and Exclusive Financial Specialists pass directly through from the Gateway without having to enter a login ID and password. If you are an EA or EFS and are prompted for a login ID and password, please do not try to log in. Contact the BrandMuscle Support Center at for assistance. Independent Agents must log in to the site with their 5-digit agent number. When you log in for the first time, brandmuscle is your temporary password. Click on the Admin Tab and select Change My Password from the Preference Manager menu option. Change your temporary password to a password that is more secure and you are likely to remember. Your password should be at least 8 characters. Agency Staff pass directly through from the Gateway website without having to enter a login ID and password. If you are prompted for a login ID and password, please do not try again. Agency staff can access the Build an Ad program providing the agent registers their agency staff on the AS400. It is not necessary for agency staff to access from the agent's computer. If you have further questions on this process, please direct your inquiries to Allstate AHD (Agent Support Center). NOTE: Home Office does not have control over support staff access Allstate Insurance Company 2

3 What is BrandMuscle s role? BrandMuscle is an approved Allstate vendor responsible for the maintenance of the Co-op Build an Ad site. Appropriate questions or concerns provided to the BrandMuscle Support Center regarding material availability, and other co-op issues are forwarded to the Home Office Integrated Marketing Communications team for review and input. When is it appropriate to call the Support Center? Contact the BrandMuscle Support Center with any questions regarding the Co-op Build an Ad site. Please note that BrandMuscle does not receive, process or reimburse for co-op claims. Questions regarding co-op claims should be directed to AAS at When should I call the Co-op Resource Center? Contact the Co-op Resource Center with questions regarding your co-op allowance funds/balance, co-op claims, reimbursement. What product messages are available on the Co-op Build an Ad website? The Co-op Build an Ad site provides you the ability to create ads for a variety of ad messages to meet your advertising needs, including: Protection, Financial and Logo Only materials 2009 Allstate Insurance Company 3

4 Agent Photos in Co-op Build an Ads How do I submit a photo for my co-op ad? The Co-op Build an Ad site allows you to create print ads that include your photo. You can upload your photo directly to the Co-op site by following these simple steps: Access the Co-op Build an Ad Program via the Gateway website Click on the My Agency Location icon on the Co-op Build an Ad Home Page Click on the Update My Location Information icon Click on the Edit link on the left hand side of your location information Scroll down to the bottom of your location information screen Click the Upload Agent Photo button Click the Browse button, within the Upload Agent Photo section, to locate your agent photo file on your computer Click the Submit. The screen will refresh with the message in the upper left hand corner that reads: Transaction Complete: Update successful. Once your agent photo is submitted, it will be reviewed to ensure that it meets the required specifications for advertising and ready for use in 5 business days. During this time your photo is cropped and converted to Black/White. If the image does not meet requirements, you will be notified via . Prior to forwarding your photo to BrandMuscle, please make sure that your photo meets the Photo Guidelines detailed below. These can also be found on the site. Photo Guidelines File Format: Digital photo saved as an.eps or.jpg file at 300 dpi resolution Photo Image Size: 5 x 7 What are the standards for a co-op agent photo? Photos for use on the Co-op program should follow the below specifications: File Format: Digital photo saved as an.eps or.jpg file at 300 dpi resolution Photo Image Size: 5 x 7 How do I know if my photo is on the website? The Co-op Build an Ad site allows you to create print ads that include your photo. You can check to see if your photo is already on file by following these simple steps: Click on the My Agency Location icon on the Build an Ad Home Page. Click on the Edit link on the left hand side of the your location information. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Upload Agent Photo button. If your photo is on file, it will be displayed on this page, with text next to it stating Approved Allstate Insurance Company 4

5 How do I create an ad with my photo? To build an ad with your photo, follow these steps: Go to the Search Creative Materials page Build your ad Click the Next button Select the locator that displays an agent photo option. If you do not have an approved agent photo posted to the Build an Ad site, you will only be able to build a non-agent photo version Click the Next button to launch your ad into the Composer Window Your completed ad will be displayed with your agent photo populated The agent photos on the new co-op Build an Ad are small, can I enlarge? The new templates on the Co-op system were changed to accommodate a slightly larger agent photo. Due to the modular nature of the system and the required information for each ad the photo cannot be enlarged beyond the template area in the ad Allstate Insurance Company 5

6 Resizing Ads Can I resize the ads found on the Co-op website? All ads available on the Co-op Build an Ad site are approved for co-op reimbursement and built to meet brand standards. Resizing or manipulating the final ad in any way could result in your ad being denied for co-op reimbursement. If you cannot find the ad size you are looking for or the Custom Ad Size search returns no results, complete the Special Request form and BrandMuscle will adjust the ad for you. Can I have the newspaper resize the ad I build on the website? All ads available on the Co-op Build an Ad site may NOT be altered by newspapers, media reps or other individuals. If an ad requires any adjustments ( e.g., size, photo additions), agents should complete the Special Request form on the BrandMuscle site. Only BrandMuscle is permitted to alter the ads on the website. Resizing or manipulating the final ad in any way could result in your ad being denied for co-op reimbursement. Can a local newspaper access the site and Build an Ad? Newspapers and media reps DO NOT have access to the Co-op Build an Ad site. Exclusive and Independent Agents must access the site, create their ad and forward it to the newspaper for insertion. Newspapers receive a link to the agent s ad via an . The newspaper rep clicks on the link and is routed to the Ad Pick Up Center where they can choose to download a high-resolution EPS, PDF or TIFF file. Who do I contact if the ad size I need to build is not on the website? In many cases, you can float a smaller ad in a larger space. If floating is not an option, follow these steps: Build the ad in the closest size available Complete the Special Request form and submit to BrandMuscle Due to the volume of calls, requests will no longer be processed via phone. How do I download an ad from the website? To download and print your ad for your records, follow these steps: Select the download option from the Delivery Options page. (Note: The Delivery Options page is presented after you have selected the Submit/Save button and saved your ad to your Archive.) Follow the download prompts, and then print your ad from the file saved to your PC desktop Allstate Insurance Company 6

7 The ad will be downloaded in low resolution and is not intended to be print quality. (Ads delivered to publication/printers are converted to high resolution for printing purposes.) The newspaper is having difficulty retrieving the ad from the website, what do I do? In most cases, a publication cannot retrieve an ad because the link within the Ad Pick Up Notification has broken into 2 lines. Make sure the publication has copied the full link and pasted it into their Internet Browser. If this does not allow the newspaper to retrieve the ad, please have the publication contact the Support Center at for further assistance. Are educational classes available for the website? Two options are available to help you learn the basics of the Co-op Build an Ad site. Pre-recorded Educational Session FAQs The Pre-recorded Educational Session provides you step-by-step instructions on how to build ads, save ads and electronically deliver to you publisher, view and order television/radio spots. You ll also learn how to update your agent information along with many other features of the site. How can an agent change their agency information on the website? Exclusive and Independent Agents can update their agent and agency location information by following these steps: Click on the My Agency Location icon from the Co-op Build an Ad homepage Click on the Edit link on the left hand side of the your location information. Edit the information for your agency location Submit the update Updated location information will be applied to the Co-op Build an Ad database, and will automatically appear in you future ad materials NOTE: Changes to your location information are not submitted to Home Office. Contact your regional HR to complete the appropriate paper work. Exclusive Financial Specialists/PFRs name and address may not be modified since it must match the individual s U-4 information, per NASD guidelines. PFRs may update their personal information at under View your status. U4 information will be updated on the Co-op Build an Ad program on a weekly basis. I m a PFR and want to use a different phone number than the one listed on the website, how do I change it? PFRs name and address may not be modified since it must match the individual s U-4 information, per NASD guidelines. PFRs may update their personal information at under View your status. U4 information will be updated on the Co-op Build an Ad program on a weekly basis Allstate Insurance Company 7

8 Creative/Obtaining Ads How do I play the TV and Radio ads listed on the website? To play the co-op TV and Radio ads, follow these steps: Right click on the View Spot link and select Save Target As Save the spot to your desktop, when prompted Minimize the Co-op Build an Ad window and play the spot by clicking on the icon now located on your desktop Simply maximize the Co-op Build an Ad window to return and order the spot Can I alter the agent tag in the new co-op TV and pre-recorded radio spots? Each television and radio ad contains a tag specifically written to meet legal approval, align with the message and fit with the timing of the spot. The tag contains both agent contact information and required legal disclaimers/company identifiers. Tags cannot be altered without permission of Integrated Marketing Communications. Contact Allison Woodin at Allison.Woodin@allstate.com with inquiries. Where can I view the list of current co-op ads? Available co-op ads are listed on the Build an Ad website within the Ad Gallery tab/section. What information can I include in my co-op ad? Agents may include their name, address, phone and P.S. line (optional) in a co-op ad. The amount of information allowed varies by ad size. The Co-op system will show you the number of lines/fields available for agent information based on the ad size you select. How do I access the Allstate Bank rate ads? Allstate Bank co-op rate ads are housed on the Bank intranet site. To access follow these steps: Log in to the Gateway Click reference tab Choose the Product link in the right hand menu Select Allstate Bank under financial service Select Allstate Bank Co-op Rate Ads under additional links The Allstate Bank Co-op Advertising page will appear 2009 Allstate Insurance Company 8

9 How can I get copies of Spanish language ads? Television and Radio New Spanish language television and radio ad are available on the Co-op Build an ad site. To access, follow these steps: Click on the TV, Radio and Internet Banners icon on the Build an Ad home page Select your State and Media Type Click submit Scroll down to search results Read, view or order the spot Print Spanish ads are available within the Print and Out of Home Advertising section of the Build an Ad site. Click on the icon from the Build an Ad home page. Are the national TV commercials available for co-op? Several of the new national TV spots are available in a co-op format. To view or order the spots, go to the Co-op Build an Ad website and click on the TV/Radio Spot icon. Can the co-op TV ads be run on cable? Co-op TV ads can be run on both cable and local network affiliates. Please note that each TV spot has an expiration cycle and cannot run past that date. To review the expiration cycles prior to ordering and running a spot in your local market, follow these steps: Click on the View & Order TV/Radio Click on the TV/Radio Usage Rights and Expiration Dates link located in the Quick Tips section of the Search Television and Radio Spots screen. The expiration date is listed in the description section. View or print the letter A copy of the expiration cycle letter is also sent with each television spot order. How do I order co-op television and radio ads? Television and radio ads can be viewed and ordered directly from the Co-op Build an Ad website by following these steps: Click on the TV, Radio and Internet Banner section Select State and Media Type Click submit Scroll down to search results Read, view or order the spot The broadcast expiration date will display in the description section Allstate Insurance Company 9

10 Ad approvals How do I post my PS line for approval? To submit a Post Script (PS) lines for approval, follow these steps: Build an Ad on the co-op site Select Custom PS Line on the Select Ad Content screen Edit the text with your desired PS Line Click Submit The PS line is automatically submitted to Home Office for approval. If the PS Line is denied you will receive an notification and explanation. NOTE: PS Line approvals typically take 10 business days. Not all size templates allow for PS Lines. Where do I send an ad for approval? Agent created advertising will no longer be accepted for reimbursement consideration. Approved advertising materials are available on the Build-an-Ad site. If advertising materials are not available for the topic you would like, please direct requests to the RMM. Can I create my own ad and send in for approval? Approved advertising materials are available on the Build-an-Ad site. If advertising materials are not available for the topic you would like, please direct requests to the RMM Allstate Insurance Company 10

11 Media What media is eligible for co-op reimbursement? The following media are eligible for co-op reimbursement: Television (cable and spot) Radio Print (space cost): newspaper, magazines, community bulletins, programs/guides, welcome wagon-print only, receipt, medical prescription bag, display materials,etc. Out of home (space rental costs must be from a professional sign company): billboards, bus shelters and benches, bus posters Internet (banner ads, local keyword searches) Direct mail distribution (ADVO/Val-Pak, Pre-Printed Allstate Materials: professional DM mail service) Trade shows (participation and program ad costs) Non-traditional medias (shopping cart, cinema, car wraps, restaurant, dry cleaner bags, Grocery Store Television) Team Sponsorships (Sponsorship Advertising Cost) Can I use a table display for co-op and receive reimbursement? A tabletop display placed in a hallway of an event, or in another venue is not eligible for co-op reimbursement. For a list of eligible co-op media, visit the Co-op Resource Center website, via the Gateway. Where do I find information on billboard advertising? Information regarding billboard advertising can be found on the Co-op Build An Ad website via the Gateway. Can I send out a newsletter from my office and receive co-op reimbursement? Newsletters/Direct Mail sent directly from an agent s office is not reimbursable. All advertising must include a performance affidavit to verify that the advertising actually ran. Can I place an ad on a medical prescription bag for co-op? Yes, if approved co-op print ads are used and a copy of the ad on the bag and the original invoice is submitted for reimbursement Allstate Insurance Company 11

12 Team/Sports Sponsorships What are the guidelines for getting reimbursed for sponsoring a local sports team? Jersey/hats, banners and event programs are reimbursable expenses when sponsoring a local sports team. As with other media, proof of performance is required. This includes the original paid media invoice and a tearsheet of the ad that appeared in the program. Please visit the Co-op Resource Center website via the Gateway for a complete list of what is required for reimbursement. What are the logo requirements on the team jerseys? Team jerseys and hats should follow Allstate logo standards. Allstate logos and guidelines can be obtained from the Corporate Identity website. ( Can I place a print ad in an athletic program or high school yearbook? Co-op print ads can be placed in athletic programs or high school yearbooks if approved co-op ads are used. As with other media, proof of performance is required. This includes the original paid media invoice detailing the advertising marketing plan (advertising included within the agreement), the season, sponsored year, and sponsored team, and a tearsheet of the ad that appeared in the program. Please visit the Co-op Resource Center website via the Gateway for a complete list of what is required for reimbursement Allstate Insurance Company 12

13 Internet How do I request an approved Allstate banner? The approved Allstate customizable banners on located on the Co-op Build An Ad website. To submit a website for co-op approval, follow these steps: Select the state you wish to advertise, Internet Banners and Ad Message from the Search Criteria. Consider banner size dimensions and local website content, and select the banner for your needs. Click the Order Internet Banner link beneath your desired Internet Banner. Complete the Internet Banner Pre-Approval Form. Be sure to include the Web Address (URL) and Type/Content of site you wish to advertise on under the Advertising Details section. Once completed, click the Next button at the bottom of the order form. Verify your details, scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Submit to submit your request for approval. Your approval request will be submitted to Co-op Resource Center for review. Once your request is approved, BrandMuscle will customize your banner ad and the final creative to your agency. Are lead sites eligible for co-op? Since Internet leads/sites are business development expenses and not considered advertising, they are not eligible for co-op. There are some lead sites that include a co-op advertising banner ad, these sites should be submitted for review and approval prior to any commitments, using the Co-op Internet Pre-Approval form, to make sure they meet the program criteria. However, co-op only reimburses for advertising, not leads. What are the requirements for co-op advertising on the Internet? To participate in co-op advertising on the Internet, follow these steps: Complete the Internet Advertising Co-op Prior Approval form before any advertising runs. Complete the entire form, to ensure quick turnaround, including the Allstate banner ad number (with agent name, address or phone), URL of website and page where the Allstate ad will appear. Submit to our co-op program administrator AAS. All websites are submitted to Home Office Marketing for review. Website approvals are sent via . Once the advertising runs, submit the following: Copy of the Allstate Internet banner ad Original paid media invoice detailing the contract period, total net cost of advertising, reflecting the number of impressions during the advertising period, and the website address A public rate card for search engines or general interest sites An approved Allstate banner ad must be used and linked back to your Allstate home page. Visit the Build An Ad website to obtain the approved Allstate banners Allstate Insurance Company 13

14 Leads Does co-op reimburse for Internet leads? Since Internet leads/sites are business development expenses and not considered advertising, they are not eligible for co-op. There are some lead sites that include a co-op advertising banner ad, these sites should be submitted for review and approval prior to any commitments, using the Co-op Internet Pre- Approval form, to make sure they meet the program criteria. However, co-op only reimburses for advertising, not leads. Why are leads and telemarketing leads not eligible for co-op? Lead programs, Choicepoint leads, Telemarketing/Telemarketing leads are considered business development expenses and not eligible for co-op. Agencies are responsible for funding their own business development expenses Allstate Insurance Company 14

15 Reimbursement How do I obtain co-op advertising claim reimbursement forms? From the Gateway site, follow these steps: Log in to the Gateway Click on the tab labeled Reference Click on the link labeled Marketing Select Co-op Resource Center in the Featured link section The Co-op Resource Center homepage will appear. (No login ID or password is required.) Single click on the tab labeled forms How do I get reimbursed for Co-op advertising? To receive reimbursement for Co-op advertising, submit the Co-op Advertising Reimbursement Claim Form, original paid media invoice and required proof of performance to: Co-op Resource Center C/o AAS PO Box 9135 Farmington, MI Required documentation must be submitted to AAS to receive reimbursement. To see the required proof of performance documentation by media, visit the Co-op Resource Center website via the Gateway and review the standards tab. When should I submit my co-op advertising claim? Co-op advertising claims should be submitted to the Co-op Resource Center within 90 days of the completion of advertising. How long does it take to get reimbursed? Co-op advertising reimbursements can be expected within 2 weeks of the receipt of your claim providing the required documentation is submitted Allstate Insurance Company 15

16 Co-op Allowances Did the Co-op Allowance structure change? The Co-op allowances will be based on and mirror the Resources for Growth scoring methodology and the Agency Performance Profile. Integrating Co-op and Resources for Growth could result in a different allowance than you have received in the past. The co-op allowance is set based on the agency s stand alone RFG score. For agencies that do not receive a stand alone RFG Score, co-op allowances are set at an agency owner level versus at a location level. Co-op Allowance structure that rewards agents based on four key performance factors: - Recognition Loss Ratio - Agency Size - Agency Growth - Performance Profile Integrated advertising materials that fit with the national brand footprint. This helps agencies leverage the national advertising messaging to establish a local presence in their marketplace. How are the Co-op Allowances determined? The Co-op Allowances for established agencies is outlined below: RFG Tiers RFG score Co-op Allowance Base < 0 $0 Standard $1,500 Bronze $2,500 Silver $4,000 Gold $6,500 Platinum $7,500 For start-up agencies, we will calculate the Co-op balance using the length of affiliation of the agent. The definition of start-up and established agencies follows that of the Resources for Growth program. Please see the R3001 Supplement for further details regarding the definition of an established agency. The Co-op Allowances for start-up agencies is outlined below: Length of Affiliation Co-op Allowance (Months) 0 12 $4, $3, $2, Allstate Insurance Company 16

17 Please note that start-up agency owners going into their 2 nd or 3 rd year will receive the better of the two allowances. For example, if a second year agency owner has an RFG score of 5.5, they would receive a Co-op allowance of $4,000 rather than $3,000. What is a start-up agency for Co-op purposes and will that impact my Co-op allowance? Per Agency Distribution, to be classified as a start-up agency you must be: An R3000 agency An R3001 agency with 36 months or less of affiliation A new R3001 agency that has purchased the economic interest in and/or has been assigned a combined total of 750 or fewer PP&C policies An R3001 agency that converted from R3000 status and has 36 months or less of affiliation (including months as an R3000 agent) An R3001 agency that converted from R3000 status and has 36 months or less of affiliation (including months as an R3000 agent) and that purchased the economic interest in and/or has been assigned a combined total of 750 or fewer PP&C policies Only start-up agencies are eligible to have their balances determined by their length of affiliation. If classified as an established agency, regardless of your length of affiliation, you will be awarded a Co-op balance based solely off your RFG score. Who does this new Co-op allowance structure apply to? The expanded Co-op program allowance is for all start-up and established EA s only. There is no change in the allowance structure for Exclusive Financial Specialists or Independent Agents. The Co-op program does not apply to New York Financial Specialists or R3000/DAL agents. As they are employees, versus independent contractors, they are not eligible for co-op reimbursement. Exclusive Financial Specialists There has been no change with the EFS Co-op program. Exclusive Financial Specialists are still tiered according to your award structure as seen below: - Base $2,000 - Honor Ring $2,250 - National Conference $2,500 - Chairman s Conference $3,000 - Inner Circle $3,250 New Exclusive Financial Specialists will receive an allowance of $2,500 per calendar year for your first two calendar years of appointment. - During this time, new EFS' can qualify for a higher allowance by achieving Chairman s Conference or Inner Circle. Independent Agents If an Independent Agent s Recognition Loss ratio is above 60, they will receive an allowance of $1,000, and if it is under 60 they will receive an allowance of $2,000. We will base the allowance of the better of the two ratios (12 month vs. the 36 month ratio) Allstate Insurance Company 17

18 Executive Advantage What is Executive Advantage? Executive Advantage is the centralization of many of the resources you use today to brand, grow, and manage your business into one Internet-based site, accessible via Agency Gateway, called the Executive Advantage Resource Center. Executive Advantage also allows EAs and EFSs to receive an allocation of funds based on your performance; funds you can use to purchase the resources available and accessible through the Resource Center. It s easy, flexible and there s no waiting for reimbursement: Consolidates the resources you currently use and provides access to new resources to brand, grow and manage your business Provides the opportunity to earn cash value, based in part on your ability to achieve balanced performance, preloaded onto a Citibank Agency Resource MasterCard Allows you to use your own funds, or those you earn from Allstate, on the Executive Advantage Web page and choose from programs like Target and Grow, Reach and Retain, advertising and staff education. What resources are being centralized on the Executive Advantage Resource Center? Currently, the following resources will be centralized to and accessible from the Executive Advantage Resource Center. Please note that these programs will no longer be co-op reimbursed but paid for by using your new Executive Advantage Resource card. Brand My Agency Let s Talk Money Business Builders Home Team Marketing Branded Retail Environment On-hold Messages Grow My Agency Internet Yellow Pages Sales Genie TaG Web Lead Source Telemarketing True Blue Cross-Sell Direct Mail Real Comp Manage My Agency Reach & Retain CHOICE American Management Association Seminars Franklin Covey Courses Education Producer \ Learning Institute How does it work? Many of the resources you currently have access to are being consolidated into one Web page a one-stop site for prospecting, telemarketing, cross-sell, lead generation, professional consulting, customer experience, education and supply management. You can purchase these resources either online through the vendor s Web site or by phone, and pay for them using your own funds, funds you may earn from Allstate, or a combination of both. How much money could I earn from Allstate? The amount of funds EAs can earn is based on their PIF count and RFG box score. The amount of funds EFSs can earn is based on their award level. That means the better you perform, the more money you could earn to spend on resources. Please visit the Co-op Resource Center website to review Executive Advantage FAQs for additional questions regarding the new program Certifications and Designations General Use Materials Business Cards Professional Consulting Service Ink Cartridges Headsets Office Supplies 2009 Allstate Insurance Company 18

19 Miscellaneous Who are the co-op vendors? There are two co-op vendors associated with the co-op program: Co-op Resource Center Administers the co-op program including advertising claim reimbursement, co-op allowances and advertising related inquiries. AAS can be reached at BrandMuscle, Inc. Administers the Build-an-Ad program, maintains the agent photo database and can answer related inquiries to the program. The Allstate BrandMuscle Support Center can be reached at How do I obtain co-op ads? Using the Build an Ad link on the Gateway site, an agent can build and submit their print ad directly to the printer or publication and can order television and radio tapes and send directly to the station. Do you have foreign language ads besides Hispanic and Chinese? Yes, there are currently Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Polish, and Korean Can I add my photo to financial ads? Financial co-op ads are reformatted to allow for agent photos. How do I obtain an Allstate logo? Allstate logos and standards can be attained from the Corporate Identity website ( How do I find out my co-op allowance or the balance on my account? To obtain an updated co-op allowance balance, contact the Co-op Resource Center Support Center at They can provide you with your original allowance and the remaining balance to date. Also, this information can be viewable on-line through the Gateway. How do I access the Co-op Resource Center website? Exclusive Agents and Exclusive Financial Specialists can access the Co-op Resource Center site, by following these steps: Log in to the Gateway Click on the tab labeled Reference Click on the link labeled Marketing Select Co-op Resource Center in the Featured link section The Co-op Resource Center homepage will appear. (No login ID or password is required.) Single click on the tab labeled forms Independent Agents can access the Co-op Resource Center site by following these steps: Go to Enter your five digit agent number as your Login ID and your password. The Co-op Resource Center homepage will appear Allstate Insurance Company 19