About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) has been providing health care products and services for nearly 80 years. Based in the Philadelphia area, IBX is one of the leading health insurance providers in the country serving 10 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
Challenge
IBX wanted to upgrade their 40-seat boardroom and executive conference room at their Philadelphia office with a high-quality signal distribution system. They demanded nothing less than 100 percent functionality in their new, cutting-edge boardroom and executive conference room. It was imperative to have an easy-to-use system that handles all of their needs at the touch of a button – from audio and video to lighting.
Solution
Designed and installed by systems integrator IMS Technology Services of Garnet Valley, PA, the rooms feature full digital technology and seamless control systems all managed by Kramer ProScale™ digital scaler/switchers. Video sources are routed using seven VP-729 ProScale digital scaler/switchers, three VS-66HDCP HDMI switchers, and two Kramer HDMI distribution amplifiers. Nine PT-571 and PT-572+ DGKat twisted pair transmitter/receivers convert HDMI signals over a single twisted pair signal using Kramer cables. This setup enables clear signals for up to 200 feet. Video sources include Blu-Ray DVD players, cable TV set-top boxes and recording devices.
Feedback
“Kramer was the most reliable solution for this project,” said Bob Lobascio, Vice President of Sales at IMS Technology Services. “A board of directors holds IBX to exacting standards and any system had to work flawlessly.”
“The Kramer system makes the technology seamless. All we have to do is turn the system on and it works every time,” said David Hering, Manager of Audio/Video Systems at Independence Blue Cross.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
