Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - April 2016

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

April 2016 Volume XXIII • Number III

Serving MVCA Since 1994

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Becoming A Better

NEW MEET V T h e RE N U E ! I N G S p a ne s e r v e a os Pa t rk

Negotiator

at April 15, 2016 MVCA luncheon Join MVCA for our next luncheon meeting of the year

Friday April 15, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Ernie Long

Ernest A. Long Alternative Dispute Resolution at our NEW MEETING VENUE!

The Reserve at Spanos Park 6301 W 8 Mile Rd, Stockton, CA 95219

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

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VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

Frontier Adjusters

Frontier Adjusters

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Staci Moreno

Sherry Wenograd

(209) 603-5006

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Centralcalclaims@aol.com

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smoreno@frontieradjusters.com

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Marvin Wenograd, Bob Bishop, John Tucker, Katie Howard, Jackie Mezeul and Philip Mullen.

MVCA Rep to the Claims Conference of Northern California DeeDee Hintze & Katie Howard

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

Mid-Valley Claims

Association April 2016

Volume XXIII • Number III

MVCA

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

Upcoming Events Friday, April 15, 2016 Luncheon Meeting Becoming A Better Negotiator

Ernie Long

Ernest A. Long Alternative Dispute Resolution

Friday, May 20, 2016 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, June 17, 2016 Luncheon Meeting

July, 2016

There will be NO 2016 MVCA Golf Tournament

www.MidValleyClaims.org

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Join Us at Our NEW Venue!

Happy April!

As we move forward, our Board has approved a venue change! I’m excited to announce our monthly luncheons beginning April 15th, will now be held at: The Reserve at Spanos Park 6301 W 8 Mile Road Stockton, CA 95219 (209) 477-4653 Spanos Park is conveniently located off I-5 and 8 Mile Road. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

With that said, I hope everyone will be able to attend this month’s exciting presentation on “Becoming a Better Negotiator”, as we welcome Ernie Long, with Alternative Dispute Resolutions. Mr. Long is currently a full time Mediator in Sacramento, CA. handling all types of civil disputes. Including personal injury, business and partnership disputes, breach of contract, construction defect, elder abuse, employment, farming and ranching claims, HOA disputes, insurance and bad faith, probate, products liability, professional E & O, property damage and subrogation, real estate non-disclosure cases, and governmental entity claims. Mr. Long has handled over 2000 cases, as a neutral.?? Before opening his dispute resolution firm, Mr. Long practiced as a Civil Trial Attorney for 23 years. For more information please visit www.ernestalongadr.com.

As July 2016 is fast approaching, it has been determined that this year Mid-Valley Claims Association will not be hosting our Annual Golf Tournament. It was discussed in length, and with the unfulfilled request for volunteers, it was deemed best to cancel the tournament. I apologize to all you avid golfers out there. We are currently looking at alternative events. If you have any suggestions feel free to let me know.

Congratulations Jerry!

Jerry Tuel, a long standing member of MVCA and Past President, has retired. We want to wish him the very best in his future endeavors and hope to see him and his wife Tammy, whenever they can join us at our new venue.

Hope to see you all April 15th!

Sincerely,

Staci Moreno

2015-’16 Mid-Valley Claims Association President Claims Adjuster Frontier Adjusters (209) 603-5006 • midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regs Recertification at March MVCA

By Lynna Harrison

Prompt attention and response to claims as they arise, and throughout the process, was the primary take-away element to effectively adhering to the mandated California Department of Insurance "Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act" regulations at the March 18, 2016 MVCA Recertification luncheon meeting.

Christine Reed, Esquire, of Low Ball and Lynch was the guest presenter for this annual event. She spoke to a large crowd of members, guests and adjusters. She gave an instructive seminar that earned attendees their annual required re-certification of the regs.

Ms Reed said be sure to make insureds aware of the timeline. In the event claim processing fails to meet the mandated timeline, it is far better not to try to extend the time. “I'd rather you violate Fair Claims than extend statue of limitations,” which could potentially open greater risk.

Attendees were given a very comprehensive thirty page handout with all the information needed to adhere to the regulations.

The monthly "Pot of Gold' prizes were won by: Amaya Fine with The Restoration Cleanup Co. $15. and Michael Moniz with V-Force Staffing, $35.

Please join the MVCA at their new venue Spanos Park Golf Course, 6301 West 8 Mile Rd, Stockton,95219 on April 15, 2016. The Speaker will be Ernie Long , Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Christine Reed, partner with Low Ball & Lynch, conducted the 2016 recertification of the Dept of Insurance “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act.

Long time Mid-Valley Claims Association member and claimsman, Jerry Tuel, of JF Tuel Adjusting Services, pictured far right with his ever-lovely wife, Tami, is retiring from his Independent Adjusting business of more than 20 years.

Here’s hoping he and Tami continue to find time to come say hello at MVCA meeting.s

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5 NEW MEET T h e VRE N U E ! I N G S p a ne s e r v e a os Pa t rk

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

Becoming A Better

Negotiator

at April 15, 2016 MVCA luncheon

Join the Mid-Valley Claims Association for our next luncheon meeting, Friday, April 15, 2016, as we move to our new meeting venue, The Reserve at Spanos Park. This meeting will feature a look at Alternative Dispute Resolution with expert mediator Ernie Long, of Ernest A. Long ADR. Ernie Long is a full time Mediator in Sacramento, handling all types of civil disputes, including personal injury, business and partnership disputes, breach of contract, construction defect, elder abuse, employment, farming and ranching claims, HOA disputes, insurance and bad faith, probate, products liability, professional E & O, property damage and subrogation, real estate non-disclosure cases, and governmental entity claims. He has handled over 2000 cases as a neutral. His CV and rate sheet are available on his website, www. ernestalongadr.com.

Before opening his dispute resolution practice in 2007, he was self-employed as a civil trial attorney for 23 years. He is a

current member and past President of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and is rated A-V Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. He received his BA degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1980, and his JD from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1983.

He is frequently asked to lecture to various Bar and CLE groups on topics including decision making, negotiation and settlement.

Please purchase your lunch online now, at www.MidValleyClaims.org so we have an accurate count, or contact MVCA President Staci Moreno to make reservations for payment by check or cash at the door: 209-603-5006.

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Join MVCA for our next luncheon meeting of the year

Friday April 15, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Ernest A. Long

Alternative Dispute Resolution at our NEW MEETING VENUE!

The Reserve at Spanos Park 6301 W 8 Mile Rd, Stockton

11:30 a.m. check-in Noon - 1:00 p.m. luncheon Choice of Luncheon Entree Served

Just $22 for paid 2016 Members

Join or Renew Now! $28 for Non-Members or No Reservations

Purchase your monthly lunch, and pay your annual membership dues online, directly, at: www.MidValleyClaims.org Or, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make your reservations now with 2015-’16 MVCA President Staci Moreno: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

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AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com 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. - Jason Kettlehut/Jackie Mezeul 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

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 - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com HUGON CONSTRUCTION 4601 Spyres Way Suite 1 (209)491-2620 Modesto, CA 95454 Raquel.hugonconst@yahoo.com • (209)581-0149 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION 241 Frank West Cir. www.MSConstruction.com • (209) 982-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 info@msconstruction.com

Thank You To ALL our Advertising Sponsors Deadline for submissions is April 22, 2016 call 209-229-8240 • info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

CONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

COMPLERE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. - Gene Wilkins, P.E. Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards 4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 wilkins@complere.com • (209) 545-8165 Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

SIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING, INC. P. O. Box 1563 www.SierraEnviro.com • (209) 366-3684 Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax (866-612-8294

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Throughout California, (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nevada, Arizona, Oregon & N. Dakota inquiry@fcafire.com

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 SPECIALIST

FRSTeam by CUSTOM COMMERCIAL - Jim Nicholas 910 Striker Avenue, Suite E (800) 80-SMOKE • (916) 920-0482 Sacramento, CA 95834 Fax (916) 920-0483

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 241 Frank West Cir. 1-800-944-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com

ADMINISTRATOR Office Administrator: Must have excellent phone skills, prefer experience with Xactimate, word & excel programs. Attention to detail a must. Great pay & benefits. Please call Tonja @ 916-773-2740.

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com.

Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Five (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is April 22, 2016 call 209-229-8240 or fax FAX# 209-229-8328 info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Thank you to all our paid advertising sponsors! Your sponsorship support makes production of this publication and the association web site possible. for ad info, please call Lynna Harrison at 925-785-7021, or go to: www.Association NewsNetwork.com

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 email articles for consideration to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com 925.708.5569

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

© 1994-2016, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2016

Former Los Angeles agent admits to embezzling from clients

Pocketed clients’ insurance premiums for personal use, leaving clients without coverage LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Julie Diane Shinar, 44, of Long Beach was convicted of theft by embezzlement and sentenced on February 26 in Long Beach Superior.

Shinar was ordered to serve three years formal probation and pay $29,158 in restitution to her victims.

Shinar received cash payments from clients and instead of remitting the payments to the insurance carrier, used the funds for her own benefit between November 2011 and February 2013.

Similar to a Ponzi scheme, Shinar used

payments from some clients to cover the policy premiums for whose cash she embezzled. Clients who paid by check never received a policy and most clients were unaware of Shinar’s action. The embezzlement was discovered during a routine insurance company audit of Shinar’s trust account.

“Shinar violated her fiduciary responsibility as a trusted insurance broker to scam consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Shinar’s theft left policyholders exposed to significant

financial risk, leaving them liable and without coverage.”

During the course of the insurance carrier’s investigation, Shinar admitted to keeping the policyholders’ premiums for her personal use. The insurance company terminated Shinar and notified the department of the misappropriation of funds, which prompted this investigation.

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Mid-Valley Claims A s s o c i at i o n Invite Your 2016 Membership Application Associate

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Member/Contact Name(s):_________________________________________________ Company Affiliation:_____________________________________________________ Mailing Address:_________________________________________________________ City/St/Zip_____________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________ Fax #__________________________________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________ Current Position:_________________________________________________________ Where to Mail Newsletter(s): Address________________________________________________________________ City/St/Zip_____________________________________________________________

Play an Active Role in the Community

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Claims Association News Network publication

3 Continuing Education and Industry Training 3 Claims Community involvement and

Industry Networking

Individual Annual Membership Dues Just: $25.00/person

Corporate Annual Membership Dues

unlimited company members for firms of five or more: $100.00 Memberships are based on calendar year.

Please complete one application per person.

Please include your E-mail address so that we can keep you apprised with upcoming meeting & special event notice reminders and information.

Make checks payable to Mid-Valley Claims Association Mail application and check to:

Mid-Valley Claims Association Membership

c/o Deena Lucero, MVCA Treasurer PO Box 7634 • Stockton CA 95267

Total Amount Enclosed:

$ ________

Memberships are accepted from Insurance Company Claims Adjusters, Independent Adjusters, Insurance Defense Attorneys.

Associates members include industry service providers. After the application has been received, All memberships are pending, subject to Board approval.