Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

March 2019

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXVI • Number III

Serving MVCA Since 1994

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at March 15 MVCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar

Secure your spot now for the annual MVCA DOI Fair Claims Regulations Recertification

Recertification of the

Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act Regulations Friday, March 15, 2019

What’s Inside

Recertifying Claims Professionals March, 2019 President’s Message Bryan Harrison

NICB Fraud Investigations at February luncheon

Special guest speaker

Christine Reed

MVCA

Low Ball & Lynch

Save the Date!

Mid-Valley Claims Association

Dave Wong’s Restaurant 2828 W. March Lane Stockton

GOLF TOURNAMENT!

11:30 check-in 12 noon luncheon

Spanos Park, Stockton

see page 5

Thursday, June 27, 2019

2019 Membership Drive DOI Commissioner Ricardo Lara conducts Post Fire Workshops

more at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • March 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 • March 2019

MVCA

2019 Upcoming Events

Recertifying Claims Professionals March 2019 Message from MVCA President Bryan Harrison

At t h e M i d -Va l l e y C l a i m s Association, we hold our own version of March Madness each year. This has nothing to do with shooting hoops, any kind of wager or any sort of competition at all.

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 27, 2019 MVCA GOLF TOURNAMENT!!!

No, in fact, the only “madness” associated with our March meeting is by those who don’t show up for a their annual recertification of the Department of Insurance “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act” regulations. We are honored to have, once again, as our guest presenter for this year’s program partner attorney with Low Ball & Lynch, Ms. Christine Reed. We look forward to an informative and enlightening presesentation, and encourage all members to come, and bring folks for whom this can provide a benefit.

Not yet a member for 2019?! Perfect! Sign up today on our site and receive the discounted luncheon rate. Our 2019 Membership Drive is in full swing!

We have lots in store for the coming year 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 March 15th luncheon.

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Growing the membership is crucial to the sustainability of this growing and vibrant organization. Joining earns you a discounted lunch rate, priority with the golf tournament, and other benefits that will come into play throughout the year.

Special thanks to February 15th guest speaker, Mr. Ken Hutchison, Supervisory Special Agent, NICB, for sharing his depth of knowledge and expertise with our group. Some of the database information was truly staggering. Great to see a full room at Dave Wong’s for this one, too. It’s a good problem when you have to find more chairs. Plan now to participate in the MVCA golf tournament, slated for Thursday, June 27th at Spanos Park. Complete details and sign-ups will be coming very soon. Golf Chair, Eric Gacutan, will have more to share at the March 15th meeting. 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 • March 2019

Hutchison provides detailed look at NICB capabilities By Bryan Harrison

Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison, of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, brought in a full house at the February 15, 2019 MVCA luncheon meeting. NICB partners with insurance companies, consumers and law enforcement to combat insurance fraud and theft. Hutchison stated his goal for this presentation was: “To introduce you to the services of NICB and our service to the insurance industry and free resources to law enforcement and the general public.”

NICB maintains comprehensive national database information on vehicles throughout the nation. Their data, encompassing “99% of all vehicles sold in the U.S.,” can serve as a huge advantage in claims investigations. NICB offers Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) checking; insurance fraud reporting; and a series of VIN manual publications. The VIN manuals

range from current year for just $10 to an historical log all the way back to 1937. The NICB mission statement is “To lead a united effort of insurers, law enforcement agencies and representatives of the public to prevent and combat insurance fraud and crime through data analytics, investigations, learning and development, government NICB Supervisory Special Agent, Ken Hutchison, affairs and public awareness”. addressed a full house at the February 15, 2019 MVCA

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 Membership Drive! 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 in the midst of our 2019 membership drive, seeking both individual and corporate members. Join for 2019 for just $35 per person for individuals, or $150 for Corporate membership. 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

Individual Membership Just $35 per person

Corporate Membership Just $150 five (5) people or more

Daniel Meehan, above left, of The Packout Company, with MVCA Secretary, Liza Wisecarver, and Jackie McLain, with PODS for Business.

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • March 2019

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at March 15 MVCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar

The Mid-Valley Claims Association is pleased to present our annual Fair Claims Regs Recertification Friday, March 15, 2019, as we welcome returning guest speaker, Ms. Christine Reed, of Low, Ball & Lynch, as our presenter. Christine Balbo Reed joined Low, Ball & Lynch in 2003. She practices in the areas of employment, personal injury, premises liability, construction defect public entity defense and Marijuana Law and Litigation. Ms. Reed specializes in the representation of civil litigation defendants throughout Northern and Central California. She is admitted to practice in the State of California before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and in the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of the Federal Courts. She will be presenting the annual California Department of Insurance recertification of the “Fair Claims Settlelment Practices” Act at the March 15th luncheon meeting. Christine handles all aspects of litigation, including arbitration, jury and court trials in state and federal court. Christine is a regular presenter at various claims association organizations, CIWA, PCEA, PARMA, Insurance Professionals of Monterey Bay, and organizes Low, Ball and Lynch’s annual Sacramento Seminar/Webinar conducted for all LBL clients nationwide. Her most

recent speaking engagements have focused on Marijuana Law, An Emerging Insurance Secure your spot now for the annual Risk and California Fair Claims Practices MVCA DOI Fair Claims Regulations Regulations. Recertification

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She was born in Torrance, California and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She was admitted to the bar in 1995 after Special guest speaker graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991 with a Low Ball & Lynch degree in Legal Studies at and f rom Montere y Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar College of Law in 1995, where she earned the David Sabih Scholarship Award. 2828 West March Lane, Stockton Ms. Reed is a member of the California Bar Association, Nothern California 11:30 a.m. check-in Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Noon - 1:00 p.m. luncheon Research Institute, Monterey County Bar Association, Monterey County Women Just $22 for all paid 2018 Lawyers Association and Insurance Members Professionals of the Monterey Peninsula. $28 for Non-Members/guests or Christine is a fourth generation Monterey Those with No Reservations Peninsula resident currently living in Join or Renew your Carmel with her husband and two children. MVCA Membership Now! She enjoys swimming, officiating swim meets for Pacific Swimming, yoga, skiing, Please Sign-Up online NOW at: hiking, cooking, her dogs and cat and www.MidValleyClaims.org traveling.

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

Christine Reed

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • March 2019

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LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

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PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

Deadline for submissions is March 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 • March 2019

People On The Move

Pronet Group Forensic Engineering & Consultants welcomes Marketing Manager Steven Miller ProNet Group, Forensic Engineering & Consultants, is pleased to announce the addition of new Marketing Account Manager for Northern California, Mr. Steven Miller.

Mr. Miller, a seasoned marketing professional, joined Pronet Group in November, 2018, bringing his extensive experience in the beer/wine/spirits industry to the engineering and insurance claims world. A Sacramento native, Miller attended his first gathering with the Sacramento Claims Association at the December Holiday luncheon in Old Sac. Steven’s role as Marketing Account Manager is to Market the firm’s forensic services and expand current business. Part of that is to coordinate public relations efforts with professional associations and organizations. He is also in charge of coordinating and planning corporate marketing events and Continuing Education seminars with clients and associations. Additionally, Steve serves as a liaison between operations group/engineering staff and clients to resolve issues/concerns, coordinate meetings, inspections, etc. “Since 1990, ProNet Group has been providing the answers our clients request what happened and why,” Steve explains. “We’ve earned a strong reputation for professional integrity, investigative excellence, and technical strength,” he adds. “Our areas of expertise include: Structural and Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine/ Naval Engineering, Vehicle Forensics, Cyber/Digital Forensics, and Fire Origin & Cause investigations.” A former member of the United States Marine Corp; Steve has nearly 15 years of experience in marketing/branding and B2B sales management. His Pronet Group territory ranges throughout Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington state. Steve explains how he came to this industry, new to him. “At 41, I decided to seek new challenges in life and change careers. ProNet was actively searching to expand their footprint in Northern California, and the idea of forensic engineering intrigued me. As I learned more about the industry, territory, and company culture at ProNet, I knew it was the right decision and I have never looked back since.” He already making his mark, successfully building a solid foundation of

Steven Miller

relationships and elevating awareness of ProNet Group among his growing network all around his extensive territory. “Steve has been an exceptional addition to our marketing and business development team,” stated Pronet Group Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Shawn Shoop. “We were looking for someone that would be able to handle the unique challenge of launching a new territory, create brand awareness, and position us properly in the marketplace to allow growth and success. Steve is off to a great start.” Mr. Miller is planning on being involved in all three Northern California claims associations, including: SCA, Mid-Valley Claims in Stockton, and the East Bay Claims Association. In his off-time, Steve pursues his passion as a musician. “I’m a singer/songwriter who performs in the local Sacramento music scene,” he states. New Pronet Group Marketing Account Manager, Steven Miller, may be reached directly at: 916-212-5953, or by email, at: smiller@pronetgroup.com.

Department assists wildfires survivors at insurance claims workshops Survivors encouraged to call the department’s Consumer Hotline for assistance during their recovery

AGOURA HILLS, CA — Consumer service representatives from the California Department of Insurance met with dozens of Wo ols e y and Hi l l f i re survivors at an insurance claims workshop hosted by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara this past Saturday. The week before Commissioner Lara hosted a

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

similar workshop in Chico where the department was able to meet with over 500 Camp fire survivors. “We want wildfire survivors to know that we are here for the long haul not just the weekend,” said Commissioner Lara. “Recovering from these devastating fires is a long and emotional process and we are committed to helping every survivor with their insurance claims and questions.” The department wants to make sure that residents affected by the wildfires are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process. If survivors were unable to make it to the workshop but have questions, they are encouraged to call the department’s toll-free Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357.

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Recertification of the Fair Claims

Special guest speaker

Christine Reed Low Ball & Lynch

Dave Wong’s Restaurant Stockton 11:30 check-in 12 noon luncheon

Save the Date!

Mid-Valley Claims Association

GOLF TOURNAMENT!

Settlement Practices Act Regulations

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Spanos Park, Stockton

Friday, March 15, 2019 see page 5

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