Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - June 2014

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

Mid Valley Claims Association

June 2014

Volume XXI • Number VI

Since 1994 with the MVCA

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Join us to “Kick-off” a good time

MVCA Golf Tournament Friday, July 11, 2014

at The Reserve At Spanos Park

Vehicle Theft Claims Plan Now for 2014 CCNC Opening Day

"Hitting A Home Run - Covering All The Bases" August 18-20, 2014

Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento www.ClaimsConference.org

Plan Now To Attend:

The 21st Annual Claims Conference of Northern California August 18-20, 2014 Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento MVCA is a proud “Sponsoring Association”

Investigations at June MVCA Friday

June 20,2 014 Tom Lepper

Thomas Lepper Assocaites Forensic Consulting at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton - see page 5

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

Mid-Valley Claims

Luncheon meetings are held the THIRD FRIDAY of each month at Papapavlo’s in Stockton, except where indicated.

Association June 2014

Volume XXI • Number VI

Updates at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

June 21, 2014 - Luncheon Meeting “Vehicle Theft Investigation”

2 -- 2014 MVCA Officers & Board of Directors 2014 Upcoming MVCA Events 3 - President’s Message 4Burned!”

- FireCEProofing Your Claim - Don’t Get course at May 16 MVCA 6 -MVCAAN Services Directory - Open Registration for 2014 CCNC 7 Assn News Net Job Connection 8 2014 MVCA Golf Tournament

Tom Lepper

Thomas Lepper Associates - see page 5

July 11, 2014 - MVCA Golf Tournament August 18-20, 2014 - 21st Annual CCNC www.ClaimsConference.org

September 19, 2014 John Letcher-Tree Arborist

October 17, 2014 - tba November 21, 2014 - tba December 19, 2014 Christmas Luncheon - NO SPEAKER

Register NOW to Attend!

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

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MVCA Golf Tournament Just Around The Corner - July 11 “COLLISION” The Word for June 20th MVCA June 2014 Message from MVCA President Deena Lucero

Happy June All! We had a terrific meeting last month. I would like to thank the fabulous Ulises Castellon, with Fire Cause Analysis, for the exciting presentation on, “Fireproofing Your Claim….Don’t Get Burned”. As always, Ulises reviewed actual case studies and kept the group in the “hot seat” during the entire presentation.

For the month of June, we have asked Tom Lepper, with Thomas Lepper Associates Forensic Consulting, to speak our association about “Vehicle Theft Investigation”.

Hope you can join us Friday, June 20, 2014 All Members, please mark your calendar for the following date(s): July 11th – MVCA Annual Golf Tournament!!!

August 18-20th – CCNC at the Hyatt Regency (Downtown Sacramento) September 19th - MVCA Luncheon - John Letcher - Tree Arborist.

Our current MVCA golf committee has been working very hard to make this year’s Annual Golf Tournament the best ever! I would like to thank two individuals (in particular) that I have been relying heavy on for the planning of this tournament.

Please join me in thanking the fabulous Katie Howard, with Sierra Environmental Consulting, and Danielle Dynes, with Sams and Associates, for their extra time and devotion to our tournament this yearJ “President’s prize” - All members who email, or fax, me the word “COLLISION” prior to the JUNE luncheon will have the opportunity to win the “President’s prize.”

You must be at the meeting in order to be included in the drawing.

Your MVCA President,

Deena Lucero

2013 Mid-Valley Claims Association President Frontier Adjusters • (209) 478-1422 • cell (209) 603-5006 midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

“Fire Proofing Your Claim - Don’t Get Burned” at May MVCA

By Lynna Harrison, Association News Network, Inc.

The May 16th Luncheon Meeting for the Mid-Valley Claims Association was a huge success. Ulises Castellon, CPCU, of Fire Cause Analysis kept the attention of the large crowd with his great sense of humor and educated experience in discussing his topic for the day: “Fire proofing your claim - don’t get burned”.

“We must focus on how can we improve!” he stated. Ulises offered-up some practical tips to help claims people with firerelated claims. He said that it’s most important to know your As he is prone to do, Ulises Castellon, CPCU, captivated the experts and legal counsel, then put your team together. When crowd with his enlightening and amusing presentation “Fire- MVCA President, Deena Lucero, and Vice President, Staci Moreno at the May headed for litigation: pick an attorney familiar with fire claims; Proofing Your Claim - Dont’ Get Burned” at the May luncheon luncheon meeting. and always do scene reconstruction in order to find origin and meeting of the Mid-Valley Claims Association. cause. He also suggested using: Data Collection; 911 tapes (remember they can be deleted in 14 days); Fire Department Observations; and Google Earth.

Ulises gave an in-depth observation of a huge “BAS” (bad A** Fire) of a large high rack storage warehouse. There were two reported fires within minutes of each other. The property owner claimed someone broke in and vandalized his office and set fire with Horse Linament. Fire Cause Analysis proved the fire The Pot of Gold drawings were won by the Golden was started with gasoline and hay bundles that were Bear “Golden Girls” at the May 2014 MVCA luncheon moved in between fires. continued page 7 Ulises always manages to draw a crowd of good folks! meeting.

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

Vehicle Theft Claims Investigations at June 20th MVCA J

oin the Mid-Valley Claims Association in welcoming Tom Lepper, of Thomas Lepper Associates Forensic Consulting at the next luncheon meeting Friday, June 20, 2014. Mr. Lepper will discuss Vehicle Theft Investigations.

In addition to their automotive expertise, Mr. Lepper’s firm offers a state-of-the-art Crash Data Retrieval System or CDR. With this system, they are reportedly able to obtain vital information that occurred prior to and after an impact on many popular models.

Mr. Lepper has offered testimony in over 100 matters in the State of California and elsewhere since 1996. He has appeared in deposition, arbitration & mediation, and trial, in civil and criminal court, for both plaintiff and defense, on the behalf of insurance companies, engineering firms, transit authorities, and individuals.

Below is a very brief listing of the appearances Mr. Lepper has made in the last few years.

Please purchase your lunch here now so we have an accurate count, or contact MVCA Treasurer Deena Lucero to make reservations for payment by check or cash at the door: 209-603-5006.

5

Join the MVCA

This Friday

June 20,2 014 Tom Lepper

Thomas Lepper Assocaites Forensic Consulting at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton

Purchase your monthly lunch, and pay your annual membership dues online, directly, at MidValleyClaims.org Choice of Luncheon Entree Served

Just $22 for paid 2014 Members $28 for Non-Members or No Reservations Or, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make your reservations now with 2014 MVCA Pres./Tres. Deena Lucero: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

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A HUGE Thanks To ALL Our Paid Ad & Listing Sponsors You make this publication possible!

Deadline for all submissions for the July 2014 issue

is Friday, June 27, 2014

Attendees & Sponsors - Sign-Up for 21st annual CCNC - “Hitting A Home Run - covering all the bases” Opening Day for the 21st Annual Claims Conference of Northern California: “Hitting A Home Run - covering all the bases” is fast approaching! This Summer Classic will be held August 18-20, 2014, including a FREE Opening Day afternoon session Monday, August 18th. The total of three day series will take place starting at 4pm Monday, then all day Tuesday and well into Wednesday this year, back at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento.

“Hitting A Home Run - covering all the bases” is an apropos theme, both in honor of the Baseball “Summer Classic”, and in making the most

of a mid-week conference experience, offering a chance to get out of the Northern California Summer heat for a time.

A three-tiered, Continuing Education-accredited (pending) program has been established for a series to be remembered. Class schedules and attendee registration are available on the web site at this time: www.

ClaimsConference.org.

While the Tradeshow is sold out for the season, some prime sponsorship opportunties remain available. Strategy is always an important element to the game. Make sure you’re at the top of your game. Swing away! Steal a base to get into scoring position. Catch your hotel reservations, too!

Why bunt when you can hit a home run, covering all the bases?! CCNC 2014 - Aug 18-20, 2014. Be there!

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2014

AssociationNewsNetwork.com

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Next Deadline for submissions is June 27, 2014 call 209-229-8240 or fax FAX# 209-229-8328 info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

May MVCA - Don’t Get Burned! continued from page 4 They reconstructed the scene, and used before and after pictures. On the 911 tape, the owner said he used fire extinguisher, which they found standing upright. Initially, the Fire Captain saw the second fire burning on his way back to the station. The office was vandalized, papers all over on the desk, with broken glass from the window on top of papers on desk.

Carrier denied the claim. Insured sued for bad faith. They were able to prove the owner was lying. Ulises said “juries don’t like liars”. He also had motive. They did not pay attorney fees and dismissed the case.

Thorough investigation can often uncover the truth on the scene.

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA 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 MVCA. We 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. We reserve 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.MidValleyClaims.org

Please submit articles for consideration by email, to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

For Advertising opportunities and information, contact: Lynna Harrison, New Accounts Manager Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021

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June 2014

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Volume XXI • Number VI

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