Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

August 2018

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXV â&#x20AC;¢ Number VIII

First-Ever

Serving MVCA Since 1994

MVCA Bowling Tournament! Friday, September 21, 2018

- see page 4

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

- see page 7

- see page 5

www.ClaimsConference.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2018

2018 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Frontier Adjusters

Association News Network

Sherry Wenograd

Bryan Harrison

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Brightleaf Textile Restoration

Frontier Adjusters

Liza Wisecarver

Staci Moreno

(209) 478-1422

(209) 229-8240

(925) 455-6000

(209) 603-5006

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

liza@blcleaners.com

smoreno@frontieradjusters.com

2018 BOARD MEMBERS Tom Shefchick, PE Shefchick Assocates

John Tucker

Marvin Wenograd

York Risk Services Group

Frontier Adjusters

MVCA CCNC REP: Liza Wisecarver

We are the First Responders “First Responder”! Specializing in Residential and Commercial Consulting for ASBESTOS | LEAD | MOLD | BACTERIA

Same Day…

3 INSPECTIONS 3 REPORTS 3 ON-SITE CLEARANCES

Call or email us today for fast, reliable service

916-235-3110 service@regasgroup.com

www.RegasGroup.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2018 Luncheon meetings are at Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane., Stockton, except where indicated. www.MidValleyClaims.org

MVCA

Upcoming Events Next up... August 28-30, 2018

25th Annual CCNC @ Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe

Friday, September 21, 2018

First-Ever MVCA Bowling Tournament! Pacific Avenue Bowl 5939 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 2:30-5:30 pm

Budgeting For Growth? The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends budgeting/spending 7 to 8 percent of your gross revenue for marketing and advertising if your business does less than $5 million a year in sales, and your net profit margin after all expenses is in the 10 percent to 12 percent range.

Help Build Your Brand & Visibility IN PRINT with the Mid-Valley Claims edition of the Association News Network AND ONLINE, at: MidValleyClaims.org Combine Print & Online Sponsorships & SAVE!

Email: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com or Call 209-229-8240

25 Years of CCNC!

By Bryan Harrison, Association News Network Publisher

25 years! Wow!

The passing of time when considering the CCNC is a similar sensation to the raising of children. The Claims Conference of Northern California has been ever-present over the past quarter century and, yet, seems like not that long ago when it was born. On the other hand, in looking back, it was like a lifetime or two ago for me, personally. A claims-man I had the pleasure of knowing back in the day by the name of Gene Riggs, now long departed, out of Napa, gathered together a small group of industry leaders in the early 1990s to develop what ultimately became the Claims Conference of Northern California. Following an initial attempt to work with the Combined Claims Conference (CCC) in Southern California as a joint venture or expansion of their successful annual event, Riggs and company quickly realized their best shot was to simply start a similar endeavor for the Northern California area. They used ideas from the CCC, but chose a distinctly different course in how the conference would be set up and run. Riggs, who was also an integral part of the California Association of Independent Adjusters, and a founding member of the Registered Professional Adjusters designation program, came together with Ms. Betty Neblett, who owned Rochat & Smith Appraisers, with her husband, Al, in Pleasant Hill. Betty, along with Gretchen Lord, of Travelers Insurance, independent adjuster Pete Vaughan and others, saw the value and need for such an event. Some initial discussions led to formation of an organization, and the first event was held in October 1994, at the Hilton Hotel in Concord. Ms. Neblett and Mr. Vaughan shared duties as “Co-Chairs” of that first event. Riggs had no wish to lead, as he was very involved in his other aforementioned organizations. The response from the industry at the time and the success of the conference proved that they clearly were on to something. The distinct path that initial group chose was to enlist, include and involve the various local claims associations in the planning and orchestration of each conference. At the time, there were about seven or eight organizations involved. Maybe more. Each local association was charged with designating two (2) voting members to the planning committee board each year. As the conference grew over the years, additional members from various organizations were allowed to participate, but only two from each group could vote on decision-making issues. That concept is still loosely held today. Over the many years, CCNC has faced some major obstacles and challenges. Being held in the Fall, there have been numerous times when catastrophic events occurred either during, or shortly before the two day event. The most memorable of those was 9-11, which occurred the morning of the first day of the CCNC in Sacramento. The conference carried on, but not really. Everyone was of course in shock, staring at TVs throughout. The San Bruno explosion/fire occurred during CCNC. Hurricane Katrina happened around the time of CCNC, as have numerous other disasters. My point is that, despite many incredible set-backs over many years, this conference has endured, which is a true testament to the character of people in this industry. CCNC is, and has long been, a treasure of the claims industry in Northern California. Here’s to everyone who’s ever been involved in making that happen, and to all those carrying the torch to keep it alive and thriving.

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2018

First-Ever

MVCA Bowling Tournament! Friday, September 21, 2018

Bowling Teams Forming! Fun • Food • Raffle 2:30pm - 5:30pm

Pacific Avenue Bowl 5939 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207

Teams forming now! Pull together four or even five of your favorite associates, clients, employees, cohorts, and form your own team for the first-ever Mid-Valley Claims Association Bowling Tournament!

Sponsor the first-ever Mid-Valley Claims Association Bowling Tournament!

Register to Bowl! Bowling Team (up to four players) $200 Two-some $120 Individual Bowlers (we’ll find a team for you) $ 65

Sign-Up/Register NOW at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Grand Sponsorship Food Sponsorship Trophies Sponsorship Soda Sponsorship

$800 $500 $300 $200

Residential & Commercial Reconstruction 24 hour emergency service

MARK SCOTT

construction, inc. Lic. #682814

Stockton t: 209-982-0502 Pleasant Hill - Main t: 925-944-0502 Fairfield t: 707-864-8880 msconstruction.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2018

CCNC Program Schedule August 28 - Tuesday

2pm – 5pm | Exhibitor Set Up 5pm – 6pm | Welcome cocktail hour @ Plaza Bar

August 29 - Wednesday

7:30am – 8:30am | BREAKFAST on the KT Deck and Exhibition Hall 8:30am – 9:30am | Keynote Speaker- Cory Candelario, Pacific Specialty Insurance 9:45am – 10:45am Workshops • Ale Fraud and Catastrophic Losses | 1CE & MCLE • Sorting Facts from Fiction: Combating Traumatic Brain Injury Claims | 1CE & MCLE credits 9:45am – 11:45am Workshops Commercial Building Code Enforcement and the Property Claims Process | 2 CE 10:45am – 11:45am Workshops • Rain, Rain Go Away – Wildfires, Mudslides, and Everything in Between | 1 CE & MCLE • To Drone or Not To Drone | 1 CE NOON – 1pm | LUNCH BREAK on the KT Deck and Exhibition Hall 1:30pm – 2:30pm Workshops • Large Loss Fires: A Team Approach | 1 CE • New Technologies in Contents Restoration : From Lasers to the Power of the Sun | 1 CE 3:00pm – 5:00pm Workshops • The Evolution of Social Media and It’s Effects on Insurance Claims Investigations | 2CE • Handling Your Large Losses with Xactimate | 2CE 6pm – 10pm | 25th Anniversary Silver Party @ High Camp

August 30 - Thursday

8am -9am | BREAKFAST on the KT Deck and Exhibition Hall 9am – 10am | 2nd Keynote Speaker – Shawn Fair, Fair Consulting 10:15am – 11:15am Fire Cameras and Their Role in Wildfires and The Earthquake Component | 1CE Leveraging 3D Tours to Manage Fraud Waste and Abuse | 1CE 11:00am – 12:00pm Leadership & Marketing Seminar for Vendors/Exhibitors – Lunch Patio 11:15am – 12:15pm Trauma Hazards and Environmental Health and Safety | 1CE Engineering Design and Product Liability Failure Investigations | 1CE 12:15pm – 2:00pm | LUNCH BREAK on the KT Deck and Exhibition Hall 2:00PM – 5:00PM Ethics For Insurance Adjusters | 3CE 4PM | CONFERENCE ADJOURNS 2PM – 5PM | Exhibitor Breakdown

Registration is now open for the Claims Conference of Northern California’s 25th Anniversary “Silver-lining” conference, which will be August 28-30, 2018 at The Village at Squaw Valley, in beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA!

August 28 | Tuesday - Welcome cocktail hour @ Plaza Bar August 29 | Wednesday - 8am-5pm full day conference & tradeshow

6PM – 10PM | 25th Anniversary Silver Party @ High Camp August 30 | Thursday - 9am-4pm conference & tradeshow - adjourns 4pm

Keynote Speaker Cory Candelario – Executive Vice President – Claims, Pacific Specialty Insurance Company / The McGraw Group of Affiliated Companies

The Evolution of Claims Leadership Wednesday August 29, 2018 8:30-9:30 am Key Learnings will include: • Self Awareness as a Leader and the perception of you and your Leadership approach/style • The importance of Emotional Intelligence while leading others • Preferred communication strategies for Driving Results and Organizational Objectives

• •

Investment in your internal customers and how success ties to Work Environment and Culture Motivating others to believe in their worth and recognize how they impact and add value to the Big Picture

Keynote Speaker Shawn Fair, CEO – FAIR Consulting Group

Fair to Greatness

Thursday, August 30, 2018, 9:00 – 10:00 am The goal of this presentation is to help managers and executives, at all levels, make the leap from boss to coach, from leading by their position to connecting with their employees. Becoming a coach begins with the manager understanding the coaching process and using it to move their employees and managers to self and peer coaching, so that everyone on the team may become a coach and leader. • CE Credits from CA, NV, & TX are pending approval. • MCLE Credits from the State Bar of CA are pending approval. • RPA Credits are pending approval. Complete conference schedule, Registration and Hotel accommodations information and reservations available at:

www.ClaimsConference.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • August 2018

Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory Thanks to all our Paid Listing Sponsors

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. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street. Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 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. 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.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 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION 241 Frank West Cir. www.MSConstruction.com • (209) 982-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 info@msconstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 One-Call Contractor for all your Lodi office: (209) 368-2464 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Concord: (925) 689-9322

CONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street. Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 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. 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.pwsei.com

Have Info to share? Submit it for consideration: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.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 UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES SERVICES - Chase Jones PO Box 452 (209) 304-8444 Lockeford, CA 95237 envss1ca@gmail.com RegasGroup ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS - Dominick Sager 705 E. Bidwell St Ste 2-244 service@regasgroup.com • 916-235-3110 Folsom, CA 95630 www.RegasGroup.com

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

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

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SERVICES

ASSOCIATION NEWS NETWORK, INC. - Bryan Harrison 2455 Naglee Rd. bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com • (209) 229-8240 Tracy, CA 95304 www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Deadline for submissions is September 7, 2018

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 © 1994-2018, 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 2018

Golden Bear California’s 1st cannabis insurer expands coverage options/lowers premiums SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones approved a filing from Golden Bear Insurance Company amending its California Cannabis program product to lower rates, expand coverage options, and expand the classes of business they will cover. “Golden Bear continues to lead the industry by being the first to offer coverage for cannabis businesses and now by expanding their coverage choices at lower prices,” said Commissioner Jones. “Cannabis businesses and consumers will benefit from the new and expanding coverage options and lower rates.” Last November Insurance Commissioner Jones approved a Golden Bear filing making the company the first admitted commercial insurance carrier to file cannabis business insurance in the state. Since then, the department has approved five additional insurance companies to write cannabis-related insurance products in the California market. “We are very excited to roll out Equipment Breakdown coverage among other new coverages to our Cannabis package policy,” said Michael Brown Vice president and Underwriting Property Manager at Golden Bear. “This additional endorsement will provide our insureds with vital coverage for losses to inventory and income caused by the failure of refrigeration equipment, HVAC equipment, and manufacturing equipment so important to the cannabis industry. This coverage enhancement provides Golden Bear insureds with even more peace of mind as they operate their businesses. Earlier this month, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) established a Cannabis Insurance Working Group to address the issue of insurance availability for the legalized cannabis industry. Recognizing Jones’ leadership on the issue, the NAIC appointed the California commissioner chair of the NAIC Cannabis Insurance Working Group. Jones has convened meetings between commercial insurance company executives and cannabis business owners to educate the insurance industry about the sophistication, professionalism and risk management

of the cannabis industry. Jones has also organized tours for insurance executives at cannabis businesses. In October of last year, Jones held a first-in-the-nation public hearing to identify insurance gaps faced by the cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses and insurance industry representatives testified about the limited availability of insurance for cannabis businesses. The hearing revealed that while there is insurance available from surplus lines insurers, insurance gaps in coverage remain, and, until the approval announced last November, no admitted insurance carriers were offering insurance products to cannabis businesses. Jones also announced that he has directed Department staff to devote the resources necessary to timely review cannabis products and rate filings. In May, Commissioner Jones hosted a webinar titled “Weeding through the Unique Insurance Needs of the Cannabis Industry” with the NAIC Center for Insurance Policy and Research. In April, Jones renewed his call for insurers to offer insurance products for California’s legalized cannabis industry in the wake of published reports that President Trump has overruled Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ policy on federal law enforcement against state legalized cannabis. Jones sent a formal letter to California insurers encouraging them to fill insurance gaps for California’s cannabis businesses.

What?!

We can help you change that!

You’re a member of Mid-Valley Claims Association and your company isn’t represented within these pages?

Call, click, email or text and we will make sure you’re in the next issue with an effective, budget-friendly, sponsorship solution

Reach out now!

925-708-5569

bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com YOUR MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

- Priority eligibility to purchase special event tickets - Discount Luncheon Price (with reservations) - Invaluable continuing industry education, information, and networking - A free subscription to the monthly Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network newsletter

Annual Membership Dues Renewed by Calendar Year. 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. Individual Membership Just $25 per person Corporate Membership Just $100 - five (5) people or more

Join Now Online, at: www.MidValleyClaims.or/join.html

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

SINCE 1994 WITH MVCA

TO: Association News Network, Inc.

2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304 Return Service Requested

25th annual CCNC Goes to Lake Tahoe August 29-30, 2018 The Claims Conference of Northern California Planning Committee announced some exciting news this week: CCNC's Silver-lining 25th Anniversary conference will be August 29-30, 2018 at The Village at Squaw Valley, in beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA! Look for more information soon on how to register. It will be the most memorable conference yet!

AssociationNewsNetwork.com.org

First-Ever MVCA Bowling Tournament! Friday September 21, 2018

2018 Membership Drive is ON! JOIN TODAY!

Join Mid-Valley Claims Association Now!

www.MidValleyClaims.org

www.ClaimsConference.org INSURING

PEACE OF MIND From water extraction to complete reconstruction, BELFOR has a solution to help you recover and get back to your life. BELFOR ...

There When You Need Us.

FIRE • WATER • STORM DAMAGE • RECONSTRUCTION Site Containment Water Extraction Structural Drying Dehumidification Structural Cleaning Decontamination Mold Remediation Contents Restoration Document Recovery Vital Records Recovery Electronics Restoration www.belforcalifornia.com License #810553

Bakersfield • Fresno Lake Tahoe • Los Angeles Riverside • Sacramento San Francisco • San Diego San Jose • San Fernando

EMERGENCY HOTLINE

877.339.4301