East Bay Claims Association News Network - January 2018

Since 1993 with East Bay!

January 2018 Volume XXVI Number I

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Celebrating our 25th year of publishing with East Bay

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at January 10, 2018 EBCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to present our annual Fair Claims Regs Recertification Wednesday, January 10, 2018, as we welcome Ms. Christine Reed, of Low, Ball & Lynch, as our presenter.

Annual recertification of the “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act regulations is manatory for all insurance personnel. Start your year off right with this luncheon seminar that fullfuills that need.

- see page 5

- see page 7

Heartwarming EBCA Focus on Charitable Beneficiaries at December Holiday Luncheon

page 6 - Complete photo gallery online, at:

www.EastBayClaims.org

- see page 6

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

3

EBCA 2017 - 2018 Schedule of Upcoming Events

Association Luncheon gatherings are held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA

• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018 JANUARY 2018

VOLUME XXVI . NUMBER I

EBCA Mission Statement:

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

Christine Reed - Low Ball & Lynch Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act Annual Recertification - see pg 5

• THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

3rd Annual EBCA Kick-Off Party!

Lazy Dog Restaurant, Concord • 6-9pm - see page 7

• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Dr. James Mason - ARCCA Vehicle Infotainment Systems The cutting Edge Source of Vehicle and Occupant Data

• WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 BINGO!

• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 Vinh Pham - Envirocheck

• WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

Seth Harrison - Actionable Insights June - TBD July - 17th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament August 28-30 - 25th Annual CCNC @ Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe September - - Paint Nite!

October - tbd November 7th- 3rd Annual EBCA Charitable Bowling Tournament Holiday Luncheon Party

Orange County | San Diego | Los Angeles | SF / Bay Area

Michelle Basto, Marketing/Sales Associate 2186 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA. 95131

Cell 408-921-9490 | Office 408-452-9700 | Fax 408-638-0945 To schedule jobs via email - sjfieldservices@patriotlab.com

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

Starting a New Chapter

January, 2018 - Inaugural President’s Message

By Jennifer Pinney, 2018 EBCA President

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing holiday season.

I would first and foremost like to start off by saying I am so honored and humbled that I have been asked to take over this amazing job from the wonderful Gemma.

I have some mighty big shoes to fill, and look forward to doing my best.

2018 EBCA President Jennifer Pinney

I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization, that prides themselves in giving back to our community. That is one thing we will be focusing on doing more of in the years to come. We will also be focusing on including some carrier charities to be a part of as well.

Thank you to all that came out for our holiday charity luncheon in December. I know it gives us all such joy to be able to give back to our three deserving charities at the end of the year.

Unfortunately Oakland Children’s Hospital was not able to attend, but we were able to send them a check.

Our membership drive for 2018 is going strong.

Please remember that our association depends on our members to be a success, so please make sure to renew/ join now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lynna Harrison at: lynna@associationnewsnetwork. com or 925-785-7021. Please also remember, for anyone who brings an adjuster as a guest, will attend the luncheon at no cost.

Our next luncheon is January 10th. We are pleased to feature Ms. Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, who will conduct our annual Fair

Claims Settlement Practices Act recertification.

We look forward to seeing all of you at our 3rd Annual New Year’s kick off party on Thursday, January 11th from 6pm-9pm at Lazy Dog in Concord. You can also visit the event page at: www.EastBayClaims.org to secure your spot and or sponsor.

The CCNC (Claims Conference of N. Calif.) board and committees are ecstatic to announce that we will be having our 2018 25th anniversary conference at Squaw Valley Resort in North Lake Tahoe, August 28-30. Stay tuned for more information and details.

Again, thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds being your EBCA President.

Kind Regards,

Jennifer Pinney Jennifer Pinney Bosco Company Direct: 408-642-8310 Office: 408-437-0337 jennifer.pinney@schaperco.com

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa 3 Childrens’ Hospital Oakland 3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties 3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at January EBCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar

Christine Reed with Low Ball & Lynch

The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to present our annual Fair Claims Regs Recertification Wednesday, January 10, 2018, as we welcome Ms. Christine Reed, of Low, Ball & Lynch, as our presenter.

Christine Balbo Reed joined Low Ball & Lynch in 2003.

She practices in the areas of employment, personal injury, premises liability, construction defect defense. Ms. Reed specializes in the representation of developers and general contractors, and employers in employment law, litigation and wage disputes. She is admitted to practice in the State of California, before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and in the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of the Federal Courts.

Ms. Reed handles all aspects of litigation, including jury trials in state and federal court and numerous court trials.

Her practice also includes appellate work, with the most recent decision published in 2015 in conjunction with Guy Stilson, Valdez v. Santa Lucia Preserve Co. CA6 (H040685) (unpublished), reversing a denied motion to compel arbitra-

East Bay Claims Association

2018 Membership is Now Open!

EBCA Needs You! JOIN NOW!

The East Bay Claims Association depends on membership dues as a main source of sustainability. As a thank you to your dedication to this organization, EBCA is offering an “early-bird” membership discount, for both individual and corporate memberships.

As a member of the EBCA, you are encouraged to get involved! Beyond attending the regular luncheon meetings and other events the organization produces throughout the year, help is needed on committees and, ultimately, on the board of directors.

You can play a part in helping to shape a positive future for EBCA. For more information and ways in which you can possibly contribute, speak with one of your EBCA officers or board members today! You can have a say!

Go to www.EastBayClaims.org

tion in employment class action matter. Published decisions include Trend Homes Inc. v. Azperren 131 Cal.App.4th 950 regarding judicial reference in 2005, and again in conjunction with Guy Stilson in 2010, in Sacramento Suncreek Apartment , LLC, et al. v.Cambridge Advantaged Properties II L.P., et al. 187 Cal. App. 4th 1, regarding proper service of out of state parties for California jurisdiction.

She was born in Torrance, California and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She admitted to bar 1995 after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991 with a degree in Legal Studies and from Monterey College of Law in 1995, where she earned the David Sabih Scholarship Award.

Ms. Reed is a member of the California Bar Association, Monterey County Bar Association, and Monterey County Women Lawyers Association and is the Vice President of Insurance Professionals of Monterey Peninsula. Ms. Reed resides in Carmel with her husband and two children. She enjoys swimming, officiating age group swim meets for Pacific Swimming, yoga, skiing, hiking, cooking, and traveling.

Plan now to attend the FIRST EBCA Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Wednesday

January 10, 2018 as we welcome returning guest presenter

Christine Reed Low Ball & Lynch at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 11:15am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to registered 2018 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE (suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund)

$35 for current paid 2018 Associate Members $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

Purchase your lunch online, at:

www.EastBayClaims.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door,

please make reservations now with 2018 EBCA Secretary, Hailey Ayres: (925) 689-9322 or eastbayclaims@gmail.com

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

Heartwarming EBCA Focus on Charitable Beneficiaries at December Holiday Luncheon Jennifer Pinney takes the reins as 2018 EBCA Officers are Elected

By Bryan Harrison

The East Bay Claims Association celebrated the season with a special focus on the non-profit group's charitable beneficiaries at the December 10, 2017 luncheon meeting. On-hand were representatives of two significant organizations to the group: Bay Area Crisis Nursery and Shelter, Inc. EBCA 2017 President, Gemma Houser, presented EBCA 2017 President, Gemma Houser, presenting Sister Ann Weltz, Director of the Sister Ann with a $1,000 EBCA donation check Aydee Ferguson with an EBCA donation check Crisis Nursery, spoke in gratitude, acknowledging an understanding of how difficult it is this Holiday season to continue to donate to the usual charitable organizations, in light of the fires, on top of the recent hurricane devastation. "We value and appreciate all your organization has done for us, and continues to do," she said. continued page 8

President Gemma Houser and President-Elect Jennifer Pinney

Congratulations to Amy Betz, winner of the 50/50 Raffle drawing

Bryan Harrison conducted the nominations and election process

2018 newly elected Officers (l-r): John Ehlert, Treasurer; VP Amaya Fine; Pres. Jennifer Pinney; and Secretary Hailey Ayres

Toys donated by EBCA and the membership to the Bay Area Crisis Nursery

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

EBCA Holiday Luncheon continued from page 6

Aydee Sandoval Ferguson, Director of Development at Shelter, Inc., shared with the crowd the extent of the problem they address. As the demand for their services has grown, she explained, their reach has grown, as well. Shelter, Inc.'s new moniker, changing from SHELTER Inc. Of Contra Costa County allows them to broaden their overall scope of service. She, too, expressed her organization's appreciation to EBCA. 2017 EBCA President, Gemma Houser, presented both organizations with sizable donation checks, and the EBCA membership contributed a generous stock of toys for the Crisis Nursery.

Other EBCA Business of the day included the nomination and election of the 2018 slate of officers. Yours truly had the honor of

presenting the proposed slate of officers which, following the calling for nominations from the floor (none), and closing of nominations, the membership voted by acclaimation to accept the officer-candidates as presented.

Your 2018 EBCA Officers are: President, Jennifer Pinney, Bosco Construction; Vice-President, Amaya Fine, of The Restoration Clean-Up Company; Secretary, Hailey Ayres, of Wingard Construction; and John Ehlert, of JR Structural, staying on as Treasurer.

The 50/50 Raffle was won by Amy Betz, of ARCCA Engineers.

The festive social atmosphere was infectious and ongoing.

www.pwsei.com

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones releases report addressing fire insurance availability issues Nearly half of California counties have housing rated at high or very high fire risk SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today released a report on the growing problem of homeowners’ fire insurance availability and affordability in many areas throughout the state. The report recommends needed changes in law-the legislature should enact to effectively address the growing problem, which is likely to get worse as a result of last year’s devastating fires.

Over the past two decades, wildfires have caused significant insured damage in what is called the wildland-urban interface where an estimated 3.6 million California homes are located and more than one million are identified as being at high or very high fire risk.

"Californians are facing more severe, more unpredictable and more frequent wildfires," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Add to the equation, increasing development in areas more vulnerable to fire and you can see why wildfires are now an everyday threat to life and property for Californians."

The devastating risk and cost of wildfires was brought home in late 2017 when wildfires, driven by high winds, destroyed and damaged more than 21,000 homes in the North Bay and tragically killed 44 people. The nightmare continued into December, as a stubborn high-pressure ridge, record temperatures and Santa Ana winds fueled deadly fires from San Diego and Los Angeles to Ventura and Santa Barbara, again destroying thousands of homes and structures and killing two people, including Cal Fire equipment engineer Cory Iverson. The Thomas Fire, which is near full containment, is going down in history as the state's largest wildfire, charring more than 280,000 acres in December.

The California Department of Insurance is seeing an increasing number of complaints, feedback and other evidence from policyholders, consumer groups, public officials, and other stakeholders that homeowners' insurance coverage in the wildland-urban interface is increasingly difficult to obtain and, if available, is unaffordable for many. The inability to obtain affordable homeowners' insurance coverage creates great risk to the financial security of individual homeowners and the economy.

"Insurers are increasingly using computer models to assess the risk of fires for individual homes and deciding that homes in some areas face too high a risk," said Jones. "In the wake of last year's wildfires, we may see more areas of the state where insurers decline to write. The Legislature has given insurers broad latitude to decide whether and where to write fire insurance, therefore we are recommending new laws to improve fire insurance availability."

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones directed the department to undertake its own in-depth analysis of the scope of the availability and affordability issue and develop proposed solutions to mitigate or solve these problems.

This analysis includes an extensive review of consumer complaints and feedback from stakeholders, and also included an in-depth analysis of the two major wildfire-risk models.

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Jackie Mezeul 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com CHAD SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith 1820 Galindo St. Suite 230 www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94524 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Kevin Morgan 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Lodi: (209) 368-2464

CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATION

ERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510) 775-1959 Newark, CA 94560 andrew.titley@ers-us.com

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

PATRIOT ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SERVICES, INC. - Michelle Basto 2186 Paragon Drive mbasto@patriotlab.com • Office (408) 452-9700 San Jose, CA 95131 www.PatriotLab.com • Cell (408) 921-9490

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel Salomon P.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325) Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.com BULL’S EYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz P. O. Box 73114 www.BullsEyeLeak.com • (916) 760-8944 Davis, CA 95614 office@bullseyeleak.com • Fax (916) 760-8970

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTS

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000 FRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas 3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000 Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: nlagorio@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com SERVICEMASTER OF NAPA COUNTY, VALLEJO & BENICIA - Eric Larson/Lynn Fuller P. O. Box 6867 smnvb@interx.net • (800) 648-1608 Napa, CA 94581 Fax (707) 257-1608 SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes 14498 Wicks Blvd servicemastereastbay@comcast.net • (510) 351-0581 San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704 SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY Santa Clara & Sonoma www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

I-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408 Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

Thank you to all our paid listing subscribers, and all our publication advertising sponsors. Literally couldn’t do it without you!

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

January 19, 2017

lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

Ask Your

EBCA Board Members We asked your EBCA Board:

“New Year’s Resolutions? Making Them? Care to Share?”

We asked your East Bay Claims Association Board of Directors “Are you making New Year’s Resolutions? If so, what can you share?”

2018 President, Jennifer Pinney - Bosco Company My resolution is to get myself and my children more into giving back to our community.

Past President Gemma Houser - Paul Davis Restoration I want to actually start a diet and workout routine.

Treasurer John Ehlert - JR Structural I am resolving to spend more time traveling… especially weekend road trips around California.

Secretary Hailey Ayers - Wingard Construction My favorite holiday tradition is getting together with my extended family for Chinese Food Dinner on Christmas Eve. We’ve been getting together same place, same time every year since I was a kid - for as long as I can remember.

Board Member, Eric Gacutan - Alliance Environmental Group My 2018 New Year’s Resolution would be to be a better version of myself not only personally but professionally.

Board Member, Amaya Fine - The Restoration Cleanup Company My New Years’ Resolution is to have a healthier lifestyle. I’d like to get back to a regular gym routine and make healthy eating choices for me and my girls.

Board Member, Liza Wisecarver - Brightleaf Textile Restoration As we close 2017, I keep trying to put my finger on a New Years resolution, and I keep thinking I can’t seem to really figure one thing I’d like to be better with... so I have come to re-

alize that although 2017 is just about over, I loved the whole year, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

That being said, I still have a resolution, and it’s a fresh outlook! I am taking on a fresh outlook for 2018!! I am starting this year with a fresh love for work, a jump started love for the gym, and I certainly can’t wait to wrestle my third grader over nightly homework... I learned so many wonderful thing about life, work and love this past year, I plan to take it all and make 2018 a great one too!

Cheers to the new year, and my teenage driver!!

Board Member/Membership Chair, Lynna Harrison - Association News Network My New Year’s Resolution is to remember not to be so quick to judge other people. I try to put myself in their shoes and treat them the way I want to be treated. What goes around comes around. Life is too short not to see the beauty in each day. Wishing you all peace love and happiness.

Board Member, Bryan Harrison - Association News Network Happy to see another new year, I am working to keep a better eye on the bigger picture, as this one unfolds. Peaks and valleys, sprints and stumbles, and breaking through walls can often feel overwhelming. Staying present, but with an eye on a direction, can help make the growth process, and the highs and lows that come with it, seem smoother and more manageable. “throw a stone and watch the ripples flow...” sang David Gray. Changes and growth come from small ripples/ steps. So, being in the moment with a focus on where those steps are leading might make for a good resolution.

The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or EBCA. Both the publisher and the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Services Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2017, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

11

East Bay Claims Association News Network • January 2018

Around The Network Changing with the Times

By Bryan Harrison

Association News Network Publisher

When you get right down to it, this industry, like so many in our world these days, is changing at a rapid pace. Demands on job production are stiffer than we’ve known for generations.

Communications, while much more immediate than ever, often get lost in the clatter of so much going on all the time. And, physically getting places in Northern California is more challenging than ever.

With the new year must come some thought for shifting with the tide. The good news for your local claims associations is that change is doable, and there are people making the effort to see these changes through to new beginnings, with innovative ideas that can lead to ways of holding a collective industry together.

It’s not just the claims industry. Organizations of all types are finding it more and more difficult to continue with “business as usual”. Between schedules always being maxed out, everyone dealing with traffic congestion, and many opting to communicate online as much as possible, direct face-to-face conversation has suffered.

I caught a bit of a show on PBS the other day about a French Chef who had opened a new cafe here in the United States. He told of his inspiration being a similar neighborhood gathering place he had known back in his French neighborhood.

Taking the viewer to the scene of his inspiration, he interviewed the chef of that neighborhood establishment in France. Much of what they discussed had to do with the value of community coming together. The old-school French proprietor explained how people come to his cafe regularly partly because of his food, but also because being amongst others from the neighborhood allows them to make new acquaintances, build relationships, and generally connect with others.

He also explained to his younger apprentice (of sorts) that many chefs got it wrong in the 1980s and ‘90s, thinking they were “artists” to be admired and appreciated for the work they do and creations they make. “Instead,” he began, “we should consider ourselves craftsmen,” he stated flatly. As craftsmen (crafts-persons), we aim to serve and provide that which the customer seeks, without pretense or adulation. That shift in consciousness draws people in.

Whether any of that applies directly to the claims industry might be debatable. So, come to the next series of meetings and debate it with a colleague.

Prioritizing your regular involvement in your local claims association, and/or any club or organization that suits you, can bring great rewards in personal growth, relationships, and feeling connected.

More good news: Your local claims associations have made a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate this past year. Kudos to everyone who participated on any level for helping to make this a better world.

“Real People - Real Places”. That’s what I’m saying.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Office/Admin Manager for Small Business Units East Bay seeks a leader to help manage fast-growth moving & storage company. Are you someone who would thrive in an independent environment where you would be responsible for generating new business, making current customers huge fans, and managing the behind-the-scenes business operations? Basically, are you ready to run a small business?

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