Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

APRIL 2019

Volume XXVI • Number IV

www.MidValleyClaims.org Serving MVCA Since 1994

Foursomes, Sponsorships & More Now OPEN!

Mid-Valley Claims Association

GOLF TOURNAMENT! THURSDAY, June 27, 2019

The Reserve @ Spanos Park, Stockton

What’s Inside

Medicare Set-Asides at April 19 MVCA Medivest Vice President of Business Operations, Joe Anderson, to speak at April 19th MVCA

Christine Reed with CDI “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act” Regulations Recertification at May 24 MVCA

Good Things Happening at MVCA Sign Up TODAY! www.MidValleyClaims.org

Beth Ossino with Update on Cannabis 4 Insurance Related Issues

April, 2019 President’s Message Bryan Harrison

MVCA

2019 Membership Drive

People On The Move and News From the Dept of Insurance more at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 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 Mike Jones FRSTeam

Eric Gacutan

Alliance Environmental Group

MVCA CCNC REP: Liza Wisecarver

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

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 • April 2019

MVCA

Good Things Happening at MVCA

Friday, April 19, 2019

Good things are happening at Mid-Valley Claims. We had a most informative presentation by our own Beth Ossino on the latest in the Cannabis Insurance markets at the March meeting. We’re excited about our next couple of speakers, and looking forward to the revitalization of the MVCA Golf Tournament June 27th!

2019 Upcoming Events Luncheon Meeting Dealing with Medicare Set-Aside Joe Anderson, of Medivest - see page 5

Friday, May 24, 2019*

Luncheon Meeting Annual California Dept of Insurance “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act” Recertification Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch

* note: luncheon moved to 4th Friday in May to avoid conflict with Sacramento Claims golf tournament

Thursday, June 27, 2019 MVCA GOLF TOURNAMENT!!! The Reserve @ Spanos Park

please note the THURSDAY Date!

Friday, July 19, 2019 Luncheon Meeting -

Bingo Bonanza! August 27-29, 2019 26th annual CCNC -

Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe Registration open: www.ClaimsConference.org September 20, 2019 Luncheon Meeting

October 18, 2019, 2nd annual MVCA Bowling Tournament November 15, 2019, Luncheon Meeting

April 2019 Message from MVCA President, Bryan Harrison

A big thank you to Beth Ossino, Vice President and Claims Manager for Golden Bear Insurance, who stepped-up last minute to present for the group the latest on Cannabis Markets and Claims at the March meeting. We had a last minute change as our scheduled speaker, Christine Reed, from Low Ball & Lynch, had an unexpected schedule conflict. I’m happy to report Christine has rescheduled with us to conduct the annual Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations recertification. Please note that the change of date for that event. We are moving it to May 24th, instead of the normal third Friday, in consideration of the Sacramento Claims Association’s Golf Tournament on the 17th. Beth provided a lot of information about insurance markets as they relate to the cannabis industry. From coverage for growing, property facilities, to Liability coverage for dispensaries, there is a lot to be considered. Golden Bear, she stated, is the only mainstream carrier insuring these markets thus far.

For our April 19th luncheon, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Joe Anderson, from Medivest, who will give a presentation on Medicare Set-asides in various capacities.

We also look forward to the return of our annual Golf Tournament. That will occur THURSDAY, June 27th. MVCA Board member, Eric Gacutan, has been coordinating the event, which will be held at The Reserve at Spanos Park. Please go to our site for more info, foursome purchases, and sponsorship options: www.MidValleyClaims.org. 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! Great to see a full room at Dave Wong’s, once again. Let’s keep this attendance happening! All the best,

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 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2019

Beth Ossino with Update on Cannabis Insurance Related Issues By Bryan Harrison

Golden Bear VP and Claims Manager, Beth Ossino, shared the latest information on the Cannabis industry as it relates to insurance coverage at the March 15, 2019 MVCA luncheon meeting A last minute change in speaker scheduled for the March 15, 2019 MidValley Claims Association luncheon meeting allowed the group to hear the latest on the Cannabis industry, with regard to how the insurance market is affected. Scheduled speaker, Christine Reed, who was to provide the annual Fair Claims regulations recertification was rescheduled for the May luncheon meeting, due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict. That meeting will be held Friday, May 24th, not the usual third Friday. As a last minute stand-in, Beth Ossino was most accommodating in providing her update on the Cannabis industry. Golden Bear insurance is the only rated insurance carrier to offer coverage for cannabis businesses - from grow operations to dispensaries. The industry faces numerous challenges, from crop loss Continued page 7

Golden Bear Insurance VP and Claims Manager, Beth Ossino, enlightened a good crowd on the latest in the Cannabis insurance industry

Beth Ossino, with Nathan Williamson, a local New York Life Gallo Claims Department folks as well as Truex Insurance, Thomas Shefchick Agent, and her son. Engineering, and Western Appraisers were all in attendance.

Golden Bear Insurance folks, along with New York Life represented at the March meeting

Folks from FRSTeam, Servpro, 1-888-4-Abatement, Inc., Patriot Env. Labs, and Alliance Environmental Group, were all present at the March meeting

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

Special thanks to Tami Umland, of RMC, for all her help checking folks in and running door prize tickets at the March meeting, subbing for Secretary Liza Wisecarver

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2019

Dealing with Medicare Set-Asides Joe Anderson, of Medivest, to present at April 19 MVCA

Mid-Valley Claims is very pleased to present Mr. Joe Anderson, Vice President of Business Development for Medivest, as our guest speaker at the April 19, 2019 MVCA Luncheon. Joe Anderson

Joe is a frequent speaker on MSP compliance across the country. He has developed a special focus on integrating MSA’s with Special Needs Trusts as well as Medicare compliance in the ever-changing liability arena. His presentation promises to help you customize strategies to build into your future medical settlement planning. Medivest is a leading provider of Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) compliance solutions to the workers’ compensation and general liability industry. Medivest has been administering medical custodial accounts since 1996, and in 1998, was the first to professionally administer a Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement. Medivest has been a persistent innovator, creating solutions (such as the MSA SelfAdministration Kit and MSA Trust Advisor Services) that address a variety of MSP and settlement issues. Medivest offers a wide array of products and services that make it the most competent and comprehensive source for MSP compliance solutions in the industry.

As a leading provider of products and services that assist settling parties remain in compliance with Medicare Secondary Payer obligations including custodial accounts and Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs), Mr. Anderson has spent time working for a national structured settlement planning firm dedicated to providing analysis, design and implementation of periodic payment packages in the resolution of personal injury and wrongful death litigation as well as innovative attorney fee structures relevant to class action, taxable damages and other non-traditional structured settlement cases. Additionally, Joe has worked for a national insurance carrier underwriting commercial risks including a top 5 account for the western region. He received his degree from the University of San Francisco as a student-athlete with a major in Sociology and minor in Psychology, earning him induction into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society. Joe is also a member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP).

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for a detailed look at

Friday, April 19, 2019 Special guest speaker

Joe Anderson

Vice President of Business Development at Medivest 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 2019 Members $28 for Non-Members/guests or Those with No Reservations Please note: luncheon rates will be increasing slightly beginning with the April meeting

Join or Renew your MVCA Membership Now!

Please Sign-Up online NOW at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL Full Service Property Restoration • Water Mitigation • Mold Remediation • Contents/Pack-Out • Fire & Smoke Damage • Sewage & Sanitizing • Moving & Storage • Post-Construction

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1.800.944.0502

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • April 2019

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

CONTRACTORS - ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

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 EFI GLOBAL - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.efi-global.com

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

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

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL RESTORATION

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800 www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817 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

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

BULLSEYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz 4015 Seaport Blvd. www.bullseyeleak.com • (916) 760-8944 West Sacramento, CA 95691 office@bullseyeleak.com

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

Deadline for submissions is April 26, 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 • April 2019

People On The Move

BOLIN & MARCEE LAUNCH CITY WATER CONSERVATION, INC.

James Bolin and Colin Marcee City Water Conservations Inc. serves are very pleased to announce the the greater Sacramento area, the launch of City Water Conservation East Bay to South Bay and the San Inc., established on January 1, 2019. Joaquin and Stanislaus counties that “We’ve created this leak detection make up the Central Valley. company of the future to facilitate “Operating 7 days a week at no extra the merging of the green home to the cost gives us opportunity to assist in smart home in regards to water and to assist homeowners and their insurers in addressing their plumbing disasters,” they said in a press release announcement. “Our services to the industry include non-invasive leak detection with a focus on cause and origin reports, direct slab leak repair and complete James Bolin & Colin Marcee, of City Water Conservation, Inc. and partial re-piping - all possible through the ease of online booking emergency situations and provide with transparent pricing,” they stated. flexibility for homeowners.” “This system allows us to operate at James and Colin first got into the maximum efficiency, in turn, growing claims industry as pupils to the two our serviceable area of coverage.” very best and most reputable leak

detection companies in the region, gaining a combined 28 years of experience through the process. City Water Conservation Inc’s leak detection specialist and co-owner, Colin Marcee, is originally from El Paso, Texas and planted his roots here in the Sacramento area back in 2010. The company’s operations manager and co-owner, Jamie “James” Bolin, was born and raised in the South Bay until moving and maintaining establishment in the Central Valley from his teenage years to today. Both Colin and James share that they each have only partial college experience and strive to be examples to the next generation that highly skilled and technical work in the claims industry is a good, honest living, driven by experience one can only find in the field. James’ strongest accomplishment

InsuranceDiversityBill Aims toPromote California’s Woman-, Minority-, LGBT- and Veteran-Owned Businesses SB 534 (Bradford) passes Senate Insurance Committee SACRAMENTO — The California Senate Insurance Committee has approved Senate Bill 534, which encourages the $310 billion insurance industry to use its buying power to benefit diverse small businesses. SB 534 is authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. SB 534 extends innovative programs that bring increased transparency and opportunities for partnership between the nation’s largest insurance market and woman-, minority-, LGBT- and veteran-owned businesses. “California’s nation-leading insurance industry can be an engine of prosperity for diverse businesses, benefiting our communities and the customers they serve,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “SB 534 will continue to

leverage the rapid growth of the insurance sector’s role in contributing to vibrant local economies.” “California is a diverse state and becomes more diverse with each day,” said Senator Steven Bradford. “Ignoring that fact also ignores the proven value diverse businesses have and the importance of making our economy more inclusive. Insurance spending on diverse businesses increased 93% over the few years the supplier survey was administered. I think that difference speaks to the enormous impact this measure will have.” Since 2011, the California Department of Insurance’s Insurance Diversity Initiative has aimed to increase supplier and governing board diversity in the insurance industry. Through surveys administered by the Department to insurers since 2012, critical data has

revealed important findings on diversity in the industry. The Department’s surveys have seen procurement between insurers and California’s diverse-owned businesses increase by 93% over a five-year period, from $930 million in 2012 to $1.8 billion in 2017. SB 534 will reauthorize the Insurance Supplier Diversity Survey, which expired in January 2019, and expand it to include LGBT- and veteran-owned businesses. In addition SB 534 will continue the Department of Insurance’s governing board survey and extend the Insurance Diversity Task Force, comprised of up to 15 members representing insurance companies, experts in supplier and governing board diversity, and minority, women, disabled-veteran or veteran, and LGBT business enterprises.

has been graduating from the accredited Ray Simon Police Academy in 2008, where he took the ethics and integrity instilled and applied it to his work in the claims industry as a repair and leak detection specialist. Colin’s strongest accomplishment has been moving out to a new place and picking up the leak detection trade while pairing it with his desire to offer great customer service, motivating him to blaze his own trail to help start his own company. Colin and James’ bosses have been content with their work, wished them the best and let them know “the door is always open”, “and we admire them for their support,” they said. Colin and James had first worked the industry together for their previous employer for almost four years and separately for another four and maintained a close friendship with excitement to now be working together with their refined skill sets to offer work with the same degree of professionalism learned from the best. You can reach Colin personally at (916) 365-1035 and James at (209) 652-4378

Cannabis Issues at Mar MVCA Continued from page 4

and property damages to liability, and even the industry’s “cashonly” policy causes hurdles with which to deal. Given the lack of Federal acquiescence to the legalization of even medical, let alone recreational, cannabis use, the industry remains on an all cash basis for the time being. Beth is available to speak to groups on this topic.

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

SINCE 1995 WITH MVCA

TO: Association News Network, Inc.

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

MidValleyClaims.org

The Latest On Medicare Set-Asides with guest speaker

Joe Anderson Medivest

Friday, April 19, 2019

Foursomes, Sponsorships & More Now OPEN!

Mid-Valley Claims Association

GOLF TOURNAMENT! Thursday, June 27, 2019

The Reserve @ Spanos Park, Stockton Register at: MidValleyClaims.org

Dave Wong’s Restaurant Stockton 11:30 check-in 12 noon luncheon see page 5

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