Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - August 2017

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

August 2017 Volume XXIV • Number VII

Serving MVCA Since 1994

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Marijuana & Insurance:

An Emerging Risk

Secure your spot now for the next Mid-Valley Claims Association luncheon meeting

Friday, August 18, 2017 Special guest speaker

Beth Ossino

Claims Manager, Golden Bear Insuarnce will address the emerging risk of Marijuana and Insurance at

Dave Wong's Restaurant 2828 W. March Lane Stockton, CA - see page 5

Join Mid-V alley Claim s Associatio n for 2017 Now! www.MidV alleyClai

Perkins & Turner on Large Loss Fire Investigations at July MVCA

ms.org

It was a full house at Dave Wong’s for the July 28, 2017 MVCA luncheon meeting - see page 4

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017

2

2017 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Frontier Adjusters

Golden Bear Insurance

Wingard Construction

Frontier Adjusters

Sherry Wenograd

Mary Parker

(209) 478-1422

(209) 870-2990

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

mary@goldenbear.com

Katie Howard (925) 689-9322

khoward@wingardconstruction.com

Staci Moreno (209) 603-5006

smoreno@frontieradjusters.com

2017 BOARD MEMBERS Bryan Harrison

Tom Shefchick, PE

Association News Network

Shefchick Assocates

John Tucker

York Risk Services Group

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

MVCA CCNC REP: Katie Howard

Around The Network

By Bryan Harrison

Association News Network Publisher

The industry was shaken with news of the sudden death of Cathrin Nevin, a long time adjuster and board member for the Sacramento Claims Association.

Killed in a motorcycle accident in the wee-hours of Sunday, August 6th, funeral services were Cathrin Nevin held Friday, August 11th. For more, go to: www.SacramentoClaims.org In happier news, the East Bay Claims Association, on the heals of the success of their 16th annual Golf Tournament in July, decided to forego the normal August luncheon and, instead, held a special Thursday evening Paint Night event August 10, 2017. More than 30 turned out for the 6-9pm event, and walked away with their own original piece of artwork. We will feature some photos from the night soon, at: www.EastBayClaims.org.

The Sacramento Claims Association hosted their annual SCA Family Night at the River Cats Baseball game at Raley Field July 28th. A strong showing of 50+ turned out to see Panda and the River Cats get shut down by the Round Rock Express, our of Texas.

The evening included a nice BBQ dinner, and a great fireworks display after the game. Sacramento Claims has a board meeting in August, and encourages all members to attend the Claims Conference of N. California Sept 13-15, 2017. For more on the SCA, go to: www.SacramentoClaims.org.

Mid-Valley Claims Association had a tremendous turnout to hear Mr. Don Perkins, founder of Fire Cause Analysis (and specialty wine vintner), as their featured luncheon guest speaker July 28, 2017. Don, along with attorney Ken Turner, shared a wealth of experience in dealing with large loss fire claims. Another special guest speaker is slate

for the August 18 luncheon. Beth Ossino, Claims Manager for Golden Bear Insuarnce, and past MVCA President, will address an emerging risk in Marijuana & Insurance! Register to attend now, at: www.MidValleyClaims.org.

On behalf of everyone here at Association News Network, I want to extend our deepest condolences to everyone who knew Cat Nevin, but especially to her two daughters, Cara and Halee. The world has lost one of our best examples of what it is to be human. Cathrin gave her all to every cause in which she believed, and left the world around her a better place having touched it. She will be missed through all our days. May her passing serve to remind us all to embrace those important to us at every opportunity, and to live this life to the fullest.

Bryan

S u p p o r t Yo u r L o c a l C l a i m s A s s o c i a t i o n s www.EastBayClaims.org

www.MidValleyClaims.org

www.SacramentoClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017 Luncheon meetings are at Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane., Stockton, except where indicated. www.MidValleyClaims.org

MVCA Upcoming Events

3

Another Great Topic and Speaker for Aug 18 MVCA August 2017 Message from 2017 MVCA President Sherry Wenograd

Friday, August 18, 2017

Luncheon Meeting Beth Ossino Claims Manager, Golden Bear Insurance Marijuana & Insurance: Emerging Risk - see page 5

September 13-15, 2017

24th Annual Claims Conference of Northern California register now at: www.ClaimsConference.org

Friday, October 20 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, November 17 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, December 15 Holiday Luncheon Meeting

Dear Mid-Valley Members: We are so grateful to Don Perkins of Fire Cause Analysis and Attorney Ken Turner for their incredibly interesting presentation on Large Loss Fire Investigations at our last meeting. Everyone agrees that we had a truly enjoyable luncheon and stimulating discussion. Thank you both again!

This month, our luncheon will be on Friday August 18th.

Our guest speaker will be our very own Beth Ossino, Claims Manager of Golden Bear Insurance Company.

Beth’s topic will be “Marijuana and Insurance: An Emerging Risk”. I guess you could say we are having a “PotLuck” luncheon!!! (Just kidding!) Please get to Dave Wong’s by 11:30 for a meet and greet. Once again, anyone who R.S.V.P.s to Staci Moreno by August 12th will receive a special raffle ticket for a special prize!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on August 18th.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sherry L. Wenograd 2017 Mid-Valley Claims Association President

Sherry L. Wenograd MVCA President FRONTIER ADJUSTERS (800) 262-4067 (800) 262-4979 (fax)

wenograd@frontieradjusters.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017

4

Perkins Sheds Light on Large Loss Fire Investigations at July MVCA

By Bryan Harrison

Dealing with large fire losses can be tricky business. Adhering to established standards and proper business practices requires expertise and knowledge, the kind that largely comes through experience. Having adequate resources for the task to manage a sizable project also plays a factor affecting the ability to investigate substantial losses.

These were just some of the take-aways from the July 28, 2017 luncheon meeting of the Mid-Valley Claims Association. Special guest speaker, Don Perkins, founder of Fire Cause Analysis and 28 year fire fighter, captivated the crowd filling the room at Dave Wong’s in Stockton. He spoke on the organization and management of major commercial fire claims.

Perkins, who has dealt with some very large losses. From his firefighter career backyard area of San Jose to numerous exotic places he’s worked around the globe, Don has delved into some extreme circumstances and situations over his investigative career.

Determining the origin and cause of any size fire scene can be a challenge, he stated, especially when the evidence and the scene, in general, are not preserved long enough for investigators to come in and sift through remains.

He shared numerous slides detailing the meticulous process required to not only go through all the material necessary to discover potential evidence, but to track location within the site of where things are found. Great care must be taken in following the proper steps needed to adequately preserve found evidence for later use. He explained that the potential for large court cases is very often likely, making adherence to guidelines even more crucial.

Perkins, who is also an award winning private label wine maker, which he discussed very briefly, was assisted in this presentation by attorney Ken Turner.

Turner, a Litigation Attorney out of Sacramento, has also experienced a good deal of these types of large loss cases.

Utilizing the powerpoint slideshow, Turner spelled out considerations to take into account, proper protocol, goals and some effective tactics to employ to litigate a strong case.

“My job as the lawyer is to identify all parties involved,” Turner began.

Areas he covered included: confirming that evidence is being properly preserved, and noting all potentially adverse parties so that everyone may be identified for later notice.

The duo were very well received. MVCA President, Sherry Wenograd, thanked them both exuberantly, clearly delighted with the quality of the presentations, and appreciative that these noted professionals came to share their knowledge.

Some of the folks from Golden Bear Insurance, including Beth Ossino and Mary Parker (middle two)

Liza Wisecarver, of Brightleaf Textile Restoration, and Mike Ligouri, of Wingard Construction at the July meeting

Don Perkins addresses the July MVCA crowd

Katie Howard spoke briefly about the upcoming Claims Conference of N. California, being held Sept 13-15 in Sacramento. ClaimsConference. org for more

Attorney Ken Turner spoke from the legal perspective, as well

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017

5

Marijuana & Insurance:

An Emerging Risk Golden Bear Claims Manager, Beth Ossino, to Address The Emerging Risk of Marijuana & Insurance at Aug 18 MVCA Luncheon

The Mid-Valley Claims Association is very pleased to present as our August 18, 2017 luncheon speaker, Ms. Beth Ossino, Claims Manager for Golden Bear Insurance.

Beth Ossino is Assistant Vice President, Claims Manager, at Golden Bear Insurance Company, where she is responsible for managing the Claims Department overseeing large exposure property damage claims, catastrophic injury/fatality claims, and intellectual property claims.

Prior to joining Golden Bear, Beth was a claims consultant at Delta Adjusting Company, where she handled a variety of first and third-party claims for Golden Bear Insurance Company, Golden Bear Management Corporation and M. J. Hall and Company, Inc. She also served as a claims representative for Truck Insurance Exchange. She began her insurance career as a multiline adjuster with Farmers Insurance.

Beth also served as president of the Mid Valley Claims Association, and is affiliated with the Northern California Fraud Investigators and the International Association of Special Investigation Units. She is on the Board of Directors for the Haven of Peace, a local homeless shelter for women and their children, and the Edison High School Alumni Association.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Francisco State University and an associate degree in claims from the Insurance Institute of America.

Invite your associates, clients and experts to come along, and make your reservations now for what is sure to be an enlightening presentation. Go to: www.MidValleyClaims.org to secure your spot, or contact MVCA Treasurer, Staci Moreno, at: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com.

Secure your spot now for the next Mid-Valley Claims Association luncheon meeting

Friday, August 18, 2017 Special guest speaker

Beth Ossino

Claims Manager, Golden Bear Insuarnce

at

Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane, Stockton

11:30 a.m. check-in Noon - 1:00 p.m. luncheon

Just $22 for all paid 2017 Members $28 for Non-Members/guests or Those with No Reservations Join or Renew your MVCA Membership Now! www.MidValleyClaims.org Dave Wong’s must have a head count and it is important that everyone RSVP to midvalleyclaims@gmail.com or you can call Staci Moreno at (209) 603-5006.

Please make your reservations now with 2017 MVCA Treasurer Staci Moreno: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com License # 877420

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017

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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, President/Publisher

For Advertising opportunities and info, contact: Lynna Harrison, Customer Service Manager

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com 925.708.5569 925.785.7021 © 1994-2017, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2017

7

In Memoriam

Cathrin Nevin

February 7, 1978 - August 6, 2017 It is with tremendous sadness we must report that the claims industry has lost one of our dearest and most valued members. Cathrin Nevin (39), a beautiful spirit that brought life to every room into which she stepped, was killed suddenly early Sunday morning, August 6, 2017 in a tragic motorcycle accident. Riding as a passenger on the bike with her friend, Bobby Potts, both perished at the scene shortly after 2:00 a.m.

A Property Claims Adjuster for VeriClaim, Inc., Cathrin considered herself a career claims person, expressing recently her dream/goal of one day becoming a General Large Loss Adjuster. She saw her job as a means to help others in need, and sought to better the world around her at every turn.

She gave of herself selflessly, including years of extended service on the Sacramento Claims Association Board of Directors, three of which she served as Secretary. She dedicated a good deal of energy in an ongoing role as the "Giving Committee" Chair, bringing worthy charitable organizations to the attention of the SCA, and overseeing those relationships, assisting the association in fulfilling their charitable mandate.

First and foremost, Cathrin was the loving mother of two daughters. She is survived by Cara (22) and Haylee (17). Funeral services for Ms. Nevin were held Friday, August 11, 2017. A GoFundMe drive, set up by Jeff Cassetta, friend to Cathrin and husband of Cat's BFF, Danell Cassetta, on behalf of her daughters, reached it's target almost immediately. Her girls are, no doubt, in need of emotional support at this time, as well. Danell Cassetta continues to make herself available for more on what might be needed. She may be reached at: dcassetta@ rmc.com.

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Cathrin recently opened a new and exciting chapter in her life.

Newly single after the end of a long-term relationship, she was clearly finding herself in a whole new way. Excited about her new home in Olivehurst, and all her endeavors, she had recently discovered her artistic talent as a painter. The outpouring of the initial shock at the tragic news, and heartfelt love for this beloved woman has lit up social media. Cathrin was well known and deeply loved and appreciated by a broad spectrum of people in her life. Her memory will live on through all our days. more at: SacramentoClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

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Marijuana & Insurance: An Emerging Risk

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Beth Ossino, Golden Bear Insurance Claims Manager, to address August 18, 2017 MVCA

Join Mid-Valley Claims Association for 2017 Now! www.MidValleyClaims.org

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