Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

December 2018

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXV • Number XI

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for a special holiday Luncheon meeting

Serving MVCA Since 1994

A Warm & Giving

MVCA Happy Holidays Pizza Party! Election of Officers for the 2019 Mid-Valley Claims Association Board of Directors to be held @ the

December 14, 2018 Holiday luncheon meeting Nominations Being Considered now! email: midvalleyclaims@gmail.com Join the MVCA for a Special Holiday Pizza Party

Friday, December 14, 2018 focus on donations for Camp Fire victims

@ SPECIAL VENUE!!! Michael’s New York Style Pizza Cafe - see page 5

Mid-Valley Claims Association

2019 Early Bird Membership! Sign up NOW at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

2300 W. Alpine Rd., Stockton

Use of Geo-tagging in Claims Investigations at Nov MVCA - see page 4

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2018

2018 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Frontier Adjusters

Association News Network

Sherry Wenograd

Bryan Harrison

Retired

SECRETARY

Liza Wisecarver

TREASURER

Brightleaf Textile Restoration

(209) 597-8157

(925) 455-6000

bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

liza@blcleaners.com

Staci Moreno

2018 BOARD MEMBERS Tom Shefchick, PE Shefchick Assocates

John Tucker

York Risk Services Group - retired

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

MVCA CCNC REP: Liza Wisecarver

Budgeting For Growth? The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends budgeting/spending 7% to 8% of your annual 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. Grow Your Brand’s Visibility IN PRINT with the Mid-Valley Claims edition of the Association News Network AND ONLINE, at: MidValleyClaims.org Co m b i n e Pri nt & On l i n e S po n so rsh i ps & S AV E ! Email: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com or

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2018

MVCA

Upcoming Events

MVCA Changes Happening Now December 2018 Message from MVCA Vice President Bryan Harrison

Hello all. I want to thank everyone who turned out for our November luncheon meeting. With the retirement of our longtime President, Sherry Wenograd, it

Friday, December 14, 2018

MVCA Holiday Pizza Party! Luncheon Meeting - Special VENUE! Michael’s New York Pizza Cafe - see page 5

Friday, January 18, 2019

Luncheon Meeting Special Guest Speaker from the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau - West Region): Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison National Insurance Crime Bureau

Friday, February 15, 2019 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, March 15, 2019

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became incumbent on me to take the reins as of that meeting. Sherry and Marv and have done so much for so many years to see this organization through successfully. I have been working on developing plans, and a team, to move us into 2019 and beyond. We have some great stirrings of interest and enthusiasm to bring some fresh ideas and approaches into the fold. I look forward to working with all of you in the coming year to continue with the successes, and build new ones for this association. Thank you to our November speaker, George Flores, from Digistream. George gave us all a most informative look at the use of social media tagging for the purposes of discovery and investigation. The ability of a firm like his to track locations, related images and other findings is nothing short of phenomenal. We wish all the best to Garrett McGinn, who had been scheduled to speak. George filled in wonderfully. He indicated that Garrett was recovery from an eye infection stemming from exposure in the fire area. Moving forward, I am excited to report that we are having the first ever Mid-Valley Claims Holiday Pizza Party! The event will be held this Friday, December 14, 2018 at Michael’s New York Style Pizza Cafe, at 2300 W. Alpine Rd., in Stockton. All involved agreed that the 14th would be a much more desirable date than the usual third Friday this month, as that falls too close to Christmas for most to make it. Thanks to Beth Ossino for the suggestion of Michael’s, as Dave Wong’s had no openings for us on the 14th. We will conduct election of 2019 officers at the Dec 14 meeting, and otherwise focus on the efforts to raise funds for victims of the Camp Fire. Please make your tax-deductible donation now from the link on our site. 100% of proceeds will be forwarded to those who can make a direct impact to the many in need. Please also submit your 2019 membership from the site while you’re there. Growing the membership is crucial to sustaining the viability of any organization like this. Joining earns you a discounted lunch rate, and other benefits that will come into play through the year. I look forward to seeing you this Friday! Respectfully Submitted,

Bryan Harrison

2018 Mid-Valley Claims Association Vice President Bryan Harrison, Association News Network • (209) 597-8157 www.MidValleyClaims.org • midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2018

Use of Geo-tagging in Claims Investigations at Nov MVCA By Bryan Harrison

The November 16, 2018 Mid-Valley Claims Association featured a look at the use of social media and “geo-tagging” in the claims process, with guest speaker George Flores, of Digistream. Mr. Flores graciously filled in for scheduled speaker, Garrett McGinn. Flores is very well-versed in the subject matter and was, in fact, a co-presenter at the recent Claims Conference of Northern California, along with Mr. McGinn, dealing with this very topic. Cyber investigations have evolved dramatically over the past several years, and Digistream has been at the forefront of technological advances. In this session, Mr. Flores shared case studies highlighting the effectiveness of the next generation of social media search methods, including: geo-tagging, hash tagging and graph searching subjects. He showed examples of actual incident locations with highlighted devices they were able to locate. In some cases, findings led to photos from actual incidents that ultimately involved insurance claims. He also discussed how geosocial data can assist investigators with the ability to supply property and casualty adjusters, in particular, with eyewitness accounts of large accidents, as well as the ability to contact the witnesses in order to further an investigation. “These investigations can pinpoint information previously outside the reach of the general population,” he said. The topic captivated the audience. Mr. Flores was clearly very knowledgeable, and his presentation was well received.

George Flores, of Digistream, addresses the November 16, 2018 MVCA luncheon gathering.

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The Mid-Valley Claims Association depends on membership dues as a main source of sustainability. As a thank you to your dedication to this organization, MVCA is offering an “early-bird” membership discount, for both individual and corporate memberships. Join for 2019 at the old rate of just $25 per person for individuals, or $100 for Corporate membership, through the end of 2018. Rates will increase to $35 and $150, respectively, after January 1, 2019. As a member of the MVCA, 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 MVCA. For more information and ways in which you can possibly contribute, speak with one of your MVCA officers or board members today! You can have a say! Sign up NOW at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2018

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for a special holiday Luncheon meeting

A Warm & Giving

MVCA Happy Holidays Pizza Party! Election of Officers for the 2019 Mid-Valley Claims Association Board of Directors to be held @ the

December 14, 2018 Holiday luncheon meeting Nominations Being Considered now! email: midvalleyclaims@gmail.com Join the MVCA for a Special Holiday Pizza Party

Friday, December 14, 2018 focus on donations for Camp Fire victims

@ SPECIAL VENUE!!! Michael’s New York Style Pizza Cafe 2300 W. Alpine Rd., Stockton

MVCA is featuring a

Charitable Drive for Victims of the Camp Fire We encourage you to please make a donation from our site

www.MidValleyClaims.org Camp Fire Victims donation will be channeled through the Rotary District 5220 Disaster Relief Corp - a registered 501c(3) non-profit

100% of funds received will be forwarded through the Rotary District 5220 Disaster Relief Corp, to be administered by Paradise Rotary President Brian Gray and Past District Gov Pam Gray Please note: Your generous donation is separate from cost of attending lunch. Register for luncheon while you’re there. Thank you

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

Just $22 for all 2018 & 2019 Paid Members $28 for Non-Members/guests or Those with No Reservations

Secure Your Spot Now at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Join MVCA or Renew your Membership for 2019 Now! Please Sign-Up online NOW at:

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2018

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Deadline for submissions is December 21, 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 • December 2018

Online homeowner insurance pricing tool helps residents find coverage

Convenient online tool provides price comparison and coverage information

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - As survivors of the Camp and Woolsey wildfires begin the long road to recovery from the recent devastating wildfires that have so far tragically killed 84 people and destroyed more than 12,000 homes, other homeowners in wildfire areas may find themselves shopping for coverage when rates increase or they receive non-renewal notices, as some insurers limit their underwriting. To help consumers shop for the most coverage at the best price, the department has a convenient, easy-to-use online price comparison tool available. The homeowner insurance comparison tool is designed to take some of the guesswork out of shopping for insurance by allowing consumers to quickly and easily make comparisons of rates from both national and local insurance companies. “Finding the best coverage for your needs starts by being well informed,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “As the number and severity

of wildfires grows and some insurers limit their underwriting, it is important for consumers to shop around for the most coverage they can afford and this online tool provides a wealth of information to help them in that search.” While this tool does not provide actual premium quotes, it does provide each company’s average premium and a toll-free number and website address for consumers to ask questions about available discounts or credits and receive an actual premium quote. The tool also includes a link to the specific company’s performance based on the consumer complaint study.

Consumers enter their county and nearest city, type and amount of coverage, and age of the home to compare estimated premiums. Homeowners should compare prices for various insurers along with the coverage features, limits, and exclusions. The department’s Consumer Services team is also available toll-free at 800927-HELP to assist consumers with any questions regarding their claims, coverage, or search for insurance coverage. The Price Comparison Tool may be found at: https://interactive.web. insurance.ca.gov/apex_extprd/ f?p=111:20

MV Claims Association takes lead with Camp Fire Relief Fund-raising effort “100% of funds will be forwarded through the Rotary District 5220 Disaster Relief Fund, to be administered by Paradise Rotary President Brian Gray and Past District Gov Pam Gray,” stated the district announcement. Donations may be made through the Mid-Valley Claims Association site, at: www.MidValleyClaims.org/events/2018/1812.html. Clothing and immediate survival needs that were provided have gone Donations by cash or check may be brought to the MVCA Holiday Pizza a long way toward helping to ease the initial shock of the situation, as Party Luncheon, being held Friday, December 14, 2018 at Michael’s New thousands found themselves instantly homeless. York Style Pizza Cafe: 2300 West Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA. Check-in There comes a point when what is most helpful are financial contribu- at 11:30, lunch party starts at noon. tions. With that thought in mind, the Mid-Valley Claims Association set During this time of Holiday Spirit and giving, and throughout the coming about to determine the best means to not only raise money, but to make year, assistance will continue to be needed by many affect by this and sure that all monies raised are put to actual wild fires. As professionals tasked with Donations may be made through other use to help people move forward. assisting in the rebuilding, many in the claims the Mid-Valley Claims Association site industry are already going the extra mile to do “After looking into numerous quality outlets, what they can for their insureds, as well as others we decided to funnel funds through the Disaster Relief Fund Corporation a 501c(3) non-profit established by Rotary Int’l District 5220 in the in need. Together, we can bring our greater community back to whole. central valley,” stated MVCA Secretary, Liza Wisecarver.

Relief efforts to help the tens of thousands of victims of the Butte County Camp Fire have been dramatic and sweeping, with people and organizations reacting and assisting in so many ways.

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

MVCA is featuring a

Charitable Drive for Victims of the Camp Fire We encourage you to please make a donation from our site

A Warm & Giving

AssociationNewsNetwork.com.org

MVCA Happy Holidays Pizza Party! Join the MVCA for a Special Holiday Pizza Party

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Friday, Dec 14, 2018

Camp Fire Victims donation will be channeled through the Rotary District 5220 Disaster Relief Corp - a registered 501c(3) non-profit

focus on donations for Camp Fire victims

100% of funds received will be forwarded through the Rotary District 5220 Disaster Relief Corp, to be administered by Paradise Rotary President Brian Gray and Past District Gov Pam Gray

@ SPECIAL VENUE!!!

Michael’s Pizza Cafe 2300 W. Alpine Rd., Stockton

Please note: Your generous donation is separate from cost of attending lunch. Register for luncheon while you’re there. Thank you

2019 MVCA Officer Elections, as well - see page 5

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