Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

February 2019

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXVI • Number II

Serving MVCA Since 1994

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for our Next Regular Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Fraud Trends in the Central Valley National Insurance Crime Bureau Supervisory Special Agent to share latest at February 15, 2019 MVCA

More of What’s Inside

Love Begins From Within! Join the MVCA for our next Regular Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Friday, February 15, 2019 as we welcome

Special Guest Speaker!!

February, 2019 President’s Message Bryan Harrison

January luncheon a bonding experience for all in attendance

3 4

Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison National Insurance Crime Bureau @

Dave Wong’s Restaurant

2828 W. March Ln., Stockton

MVCA

2019 Early Bird Membership Extended Through Feb 15 meeting!

Commissioner Lara Announces New Members of Department of Insurance Executive Team more at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2019

2019 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Association News Network (209) 597-8157

Bryan Harrison

bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

SECRETARY

IM PAST PRESIDENT

Shefchick Associates

Brightleaf Textile Restoration

Frontier Adjusters

(408) 981-5023 shefchick@att.net

(925) 455-6000

Tom Shefchick

Liza Wisecarver

Sherry Wenograd Retired

liza@blcleaners.com

2019 BOARD MEMBERS Alex Guillen

Golden Bear Insurance

Eric Gacutan

Alliance Environmental Group

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

Call 209-229-8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2019

MVCA

2019 Upcoming Events

Love Begins From Within

February 2019 Message from MVCA President Bryan Harrison

This Valentine’s Day (dare I call it a ‘season’), brings to light the notion of finding self-love before all else. My wife and I have an ongoing understanding that we will not buy into this blatantly

Friday, February 15, 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, March 15, 2019

Luncheon Meeting - Christine Reed, Low Ball & Lynch ReCertification of CDI Fair Claims regulations

Friday, April 19, 2019 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, May 17, 2019 Luncheon Meeting

Thursday, June 20, 2019 MVCA GOLF TOURNAMENT!!!

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commercial “holiday”. Some guys see me as the lucky one who would actually be in trouble if I came home with flowers or chocolate just because it’s “Valentine’s Day”, and that’s what you’re expected to do. Still, we will likely give a nod to it at the next Mid-Valley Claims Association luncheon this Friday - one day into the afterglow, or hangover. Hope you can join us. We had a bit of a misfire at our January meeting, getting signals crossed with our scheduled speaker. Fortunately for us, we were able to reschedule with him to address our group this Friday, February 15, 2019.

We are excited to present a very special guest speaker: Mr. Ken Hutchison, from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Mr. Hutchison is a Supervisory Special Agent, overseeing six agents out of the Sacramento office. We look forward to his overview on the NICB, and a discussion of the latest trends in Insurance Fraud. I encourage you to not only attend, but invite work associates, clients, and others who might benefit from the info this session will provide.

Our 2019 Membership Drive is in full swing! We have a lot planned in the coming months that will make your involvement well worth the modest membership fee. Please submit your 2019 membership from the site www.MidValleyClaims.org, or bring it with you to the February 15th luncheon. Growing the membership is crucial to sustaining the viability of any organization like this. Joining earns you a discounted lunch rate, priority with the golf tournament, and other benefits that will come into play through the year.

I want to welcome our new Vice President-elect, Mr. Tom Shefchick, as well as new board member, Alex Guillen. Looking forward to working with you both! Respectfully Submitted,

Bryan Harrison

Bryan Harrison, Association News Network 2019 President, Mid-Valley Claims Association (209) 597-8157 www.MidValleyClaims.org • midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2019

January luncheon a bonding experience for all in attendance By Bryan Harrison

A congenial crowd turned out for the first luncheon meeting of the new year for the Mid-Valley Claims Association. What began as a day of mixed signals became a delightful gathering of good folks. Trouble struck with the realization that the scheduled speaker for the day was unable to make it, only to then find out the restaurant venue had scheduled the group on a different day. For a moment, it seemed plans could be dashed. However, the good folks at Dave Wong’s found a way to accommodate our group just as folks were beginning

to arrive, and we made due sharing stories and getting to know one another a bit better than we often are able at these events. In the end, we filled the room with more folks that we had reservations for. Everyone present enjoyed a fine lunch and quality time together, making the most of what had looked somewhat bleak.

M i d - Va l l e y C l a i m s A s s o c i a t i o n

2019 Early Bird Membership! 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, up through theFebruary 15, 2019 meeting. Rates will increase to $35 and $150, respectively, thereafter. 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 • February 2019

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for our Next Regular Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Fraud Trends in the Central Valley National Insurance Crime Bureau Supervisory Special Agent to share latest at February 15, 2019 MVCA

Join the Mid-Valley Claims Association for our first luncheon meeting of the new year as we welcome special guest speaker from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Supervisory Special Agent Ken Hutchison. This luncheon will be held at Dave Wong’s Restaurant, at 2828 W. March Lane in Stockton. Check-in time is 11:30am, with the luncheon running from noon until 1pm.

Supervisory Special Agent Ken Hutchison has been with the NICB going on ten years, since 2009. He works out of their Sacramento office, supervising six NICB Agents in Northern California. Prior to joining the Nat’l Insurance Crime Bureau, Mr. Hutchison was with the California Highway Patrol for some 32 years. Mr. Hutchison’s presentation will provide an overview of the function of the NICB, as well as addressing the latest issues and concerns happening in the world of insurance fraud. Plan now to attend, and please invite your work associates and others involved in claims handling. This promises to be a most informative and fascinating session. Please note, also: Paid 2019 members receive a significant discount on the lunch cost. Sign up on our site: www.MidValleyClaims.org.

Join the MVCA for our First Regular Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Friday, February 15, 2019 as we welcome

Special Guest Speaker!!

Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison National Insurance Crime Bureau @

Dave Wong’s Restaurant

2828 W. March Ln., Stockton 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

If you suspect fraud activities, contact NICB in the following ways. All tips can be anonymous: • Text the keyword "FRAUD" to TIP411 (847411) • Call 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST • Report fraud online using the form at: https://www.nicb.org/how-we-help/report-fraud • Download the NICB Fraud Tips App for iPhone/iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nicb-fraud-tips/ id492578733?mt=8

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

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2019

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

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Have Info to share? Submit it for consideration: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

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PROPERTY RESTORATION-CLOTHING SPECIALIST

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PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SERVICES

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Deadline for submissions is February 22, 2019

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network. 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. 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 Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com 925.708.5569

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

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2019

Commissioner Lara Announces New Members of Department of Insurance Executive Team Names first Latina chief deputy in Department’s history and nation’s first executive-level position to fight climate change SACRAMENTO, CA — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced new members of his executive team, including the first Latina chief deputy in the history of the Department of Insurance. The new executive team members join an existing leadership team that oversees the nation’s largest state consumer protection agency. Commissioner Lara swore in the new members after taking office on January 7. “I am proud of naming our first Latina chief deputy in the Department’s history because I believe all levels of government should reflect California’s diverse communities,” said Commissioner Lara. “Our team will embrace innovation, with the first in the nation executivelevel position engaging the insurance industry in the fight against climate change. Protecting California’s consumers demands we confront the growing threats from wildfires, fraud, and the rising cost of health care in partnership with the Governor and Legislature.”

Chief Deputy Catalina Hayes-Bautista joins the Department of Insurance after serving as Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. She

Senior Deputy Commissioner and Legislative Director Michael Martinez rejoins the Department of Insurance, where he served as Deputy Insurance Commissioner and Legislative

previously served as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the California Environmental Protection Agency, was a principal consultant in the Office of Speaker Toni Atkins, served as Legislative Director in the Office of California State Senator Ricardo Lara, and as Legislative Aide in the Office of California State Assemblymember Fiona Ma.

Director under Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. He was previously a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary and Deputy Appointments Secretary in the Office of Governor Brown. Michael Peterson will serve as Deputy Commissioner for Climate and Sustainability, the nation’s first executivelevel position focused on engaging the

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

Combine Print & Online Sponsorships & SAVE!

Call 209-597-8157

or Email: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com

insurance industry in the fight against climate change. He previously served as legislative consultant to Senator Lara, focusing on climate change, natural resources and energy policy, and as a consultant for the California State Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Director of Community Outreach Julia Juarez will lead the Department’s engagement with California communities. She previously served as District Director for Senator Lara when he represented the 33rd Senate District. Special Assistant David Green joins the Department after serving in the Capitol office of Senator Lara. Michael Soller will serve as Deputy Commissioner for Communications and Press Relations (Northern California). He previously served as Communications Director to Senator Lara and as Communications Director for the California Democratic Party under former Chairman and Senate President pro Tempore-Emeritus John Burton. Commissioner Lara is the eighth Insurance Commissioner of California since voters created the position in 1988, and the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected to statewide office in California. The more than 1,300 employees of the Department of Insurance work to protect Californians from unfair insurance practices and fraud, preserve communities and businesses, and prevent losses through innovative approaches. Learn more at insurance. ca.gov. ###

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January luncheon a bonding experience for all in attendance - see page 4

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Fraud Trends in the Central Valley National Insurance Crime Bureau Supervisory Special Agent to share latest at February 15, 2019 MVCA

Friday, February 15, 2019 as we welcome

Special Guest Speaker!!

Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison National Insurance Crime Bureau @

Dave Wong’s Restaurant

2828 W. March Ln., Stockton

- see page 5

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