Rancho Mesa News
ICW Provides OSHA 10 Workshop
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa hosted an OSHA 10 Workshop on April 18th and 19th, 2017. It was presented by Steve Medellin from ICW Group at their Del Mar, CA offices.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa hosted an OSHA 10 Workshop on April 18th and 19th, 2017. It was presented by Steve Medellin from ICW Group at their Del Mar, CA offices.
Over ten different companies were represented at the workshop.
The training covered an overview of OSHA as an organization, its mission, employee rights and inspections. It also included fall protection awareness and tested attendees ability to identify safety hazards and OSHA violations.
Attendees who completed the 10 hours of instruction receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Heath card.
Rancho Mesa offers regular workshops on various topics. Visit the Workshops page for a current list of upcoming workshops.
Safety Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Supports Landscape Industry Certified Field Testing with a Mobility and Stretch Program
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the early hours of April 1, 2017, hundreds of landscapers from near and far gathered at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon for the annual Landscape Industry Certified (LIC) Field Test branded by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and administered by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the early hours of April 1, 2017, hundreds of landscapers from near and far gathered at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon for the annual Landscape Industry Certified (LIC) Field Test branded by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and administered by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
Before the long day of hands-on testing began, Drew Garcia from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., like a seasoned baseball coach, inspired the crowd with stories from his former baseball career and emphasized the importance of stretching before performing strenuous activities. It was a perfect segway into Rancho Mesa's Mobility and Stretch program.
Drew Garcia enlisted personal trainer, Collin Dawson from BRZN Fitness to develop a stretch program specifically designed for the landscape industry. The idea was to create a stretch program that would allow landscapers to stretch their bodies before starting their work day. The program uses the company truck to help employees achieve total body activation in minimal time, while both stretching and strengthening the key muscles that surround common industry injuries.
"Even light stretching activities can help you protect yourself from strain related injuries and back pain as the result of reaching, bending, or stooping during daily tasks," writes Mark Stice, CSP, CHST from Bear Valley Loss Control Services, LLC. "A well-stretched muscle more easily achieves its full range of motion, improving performance. Those who practice stretching also find it to be a great way to get you moving in the morning, to limber up after sitting for a long period of time, or a way to relax after a long day. Don't just stretch at work. Make it part of your daily routine."
At the event, Collin Dawnson led the group in a 15-minute stretch designed to loosen their arms, legs and back. The crowd was energized and ready to start testing after completing the program.
Rancho Mesa is pleased to offer the Mobility and Stretch Program to its clients.
Mobility & Stretch Program
Team Zamora Captures 2017 ICW Ryder Cup Event
Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia joined Paul Zamora, VP of Underwriting for ICW Group, and was part of the “Team Zamora” winning team at this year’s ICW Ryder Cup Championship.
Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia joined Paul Zamora, VP of Underwriting for ICW Group, and was part of the “Team Zamora” winning team at this year’s ICW Ryder Cup Championship.
Team Zamora prevailed over Team Engel 12-8 in the match play format. The matches were held at the magnificent Pechanga Journey Golf Resort and Casino in Temecula California.
Safety Spotlight: ICS Trains Employees on CPR & First Aid
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Industrial Commercials Systems, Inc. (ICS), a premier mechanical contractor in the Greater San Diego Area, held a CPR and First Aid training for employees on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at its corporate office in Vista, CA.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Industrial Commercials Systems, Inc. (ICS), a premier mechanical contractor in the Greater San Diego Area, held a CPR and First Aid training for its employees on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at its corporate office in Vista, CA.
Matt Horovitz from M Squared Safety Solutions was brought in to facilitate the classroom instruction and hands-on training.
"While CPR and First Aid trainings are OSHA requirements, ICS takes its employees’ safety very seriously," Said London Adams, Human Resources Manager at ICS. "Training more employees than what is required, ensures we’ll always be prepared.”
Industrial Commercial Systems
At Industrial Commercial Systems, our business is repeat business. It is this philosophy that has allowed us to deliver innovative design and construction services to a select clientele for over 25 years. Our clients increasingly turn to us for cost-effective, intelligent solutions and our staff of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. For more information visit: www.1ics.net.
Rancho Mesa Says Goodbye to Debbie Milburn and Welcomes Suzi Ffrench
Author Brian Armstrong, Director of Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
It’s been nearly a year since I joined the team here at Rancho Mesa, and what a year it’s been. While we’ve worked to improve the expertise and service provided to you on your employee benefits, as well as the cost of and your actual benefits themselves, there was a Presidential election that has the potential of changing the entire landscape of healthcare and health insurance in this Country (although it’s important keep in mind that we’re in California, which politically can be a country of its own). While much is still to be determined- just today the GOP announced that they don’t yet have enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act in its current form- you have my commitment to continue to advise and direct you on your benefits to the best of my abilities, and to your satisfaction, if not downright gratification, and to that of every single one of your employees.
Author Brian Armstrong, Director of Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Brian Armstrong, Broker
It’s been nearly a year since I joined the team here at Rancho Mesa, and what a year it’s been. While we’ve worked to improve the expertise and service provided to you on your employee benefits, as well as the cost of and your actual benefits themselves, there was a Presidential election that has the potential of changing the entire landscape of healthcare and health insurance in this Country (although it’s important keep in mind that we’re in California, which politically can be a country of its own). While much is still to be determined- just today the GOP announced that they don’t yet have enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act in its current form- you have my commitment to continue to advise and direct you on your benefits to the best of my abilities, and to your satisfaction, if not downright gratification, and to that of every single one of your employees.
Debbie Milburn, Former Account Manager
Toward that end, one of the commitments we made this year was to hire a full-time Senior Account Manager to help you with your day-to-day needs, which when it comes to health insurance, as you know, there can be a lot of. Because of that, you’ve likely gotten to know Debbie Milburn as the wonderful person and service-provider she is, both of which I’m personally grateful for, so I’m sad to announce that due to a great opportunity for her and her family, she is relocating to Austin, Texas, at the end of this month.
While we’ve known for a while that Debbie is leaving, I wanted to wait until we secured a great replacement for her before announcing her departure, and that we’ve done by adding Suzi Ffrench (yes, that’s Ffrench with two F’s) to our team. Like me, Suzi has joined us from one of the largest consulting firms in the country, Willis Towers Watson; so, she brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience helping both employers and employees with their benefits questions and needs. Like Debbie, she is a great fit for Rancho Mesa; so, she’s going to be a great fit for you as part of your benefits team.
Suzi Ffrench, Senior Account Manager
Please feel free to reach out to Debbie to thank her for the great service and commitment she’s provided over the past 7 months (her last day is Friday, March 31st), and to introduce yourself to Suzi, from whom you’ll be hearing, as she picks up where Debbie is leaving off.
As always you’re invited to call me with any questions or input you have on how we’re doing and how we can be of better service to you as we move forward under the current Administration. Through better technology, tools, and services, I’m going to continue to work toward making your employee benefits better, more affordable, more compliant, and easier to administer, and I look forward to doing so with Suzi as part of our team.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
Brian Armstrong
Director of Employee Benefits
Captive Resources LLC Educates Business Owners At Rancho Mesa Workshop
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, February 24, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Captive Insurance Company Workshop at the TMI offices on Murphy Canyon Road in San Diego, CA.
The presenter, Doug Hayden from Captive Resources, LLC, discussed the captive model as an insurance option for local businesses.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, February 24, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Captive Insurance Company Workshop at the TMI offices on Murphy Canyon Road in San Diego, CA.
The presenter, Doug Hayden from Captive Resources, LLC, discussed the captive model as an insurance option for local businesses.
A captive is designed for companies that are not only interested in controlling insurance costs and retaining investment income, but obtaining high quality coverage and insurance related services.
About Captive Resources
Captive Resources specializes in the creation and administration of member-owned captive insurance companies. They have a time-tested approach that balances potential risk, and profit, arising from businesses’ insurance programs. Recently Rancho Mesa has partnered with Captive Resources in offering their programs to our best customers.
Visit the Workshops page for information on future workshop topics.
Photos by Alyssa Burley.
Rancho Mesa Hosts Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, February 23, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on the campus of San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.
The presenter, Jeremy Dwork from Meyers Fozi, discussed harassment prevention techniques, practical examples with an open discussion, and an overview of supervisor and company response requirements.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, February 23, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on the campus of San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.
The presenter, Jeremy Dwork from Meyers Fozi, discussed harassment prevention techniques, practical examples with an open discussion, and an overview of supervisor and company response requirements.
In California, AB 1825 requires employers with fifty or more employees to provide all employees with supervisory responsibilities with interactive training about sexual harassment prevention. The training is required every two years or within six months of someone being promoted into a supervisory role. In addition, AB 2053 now requires the training must now include discussion about abusive conduct prevention.
Visit the Workshops page for information on future workshop topics.
Photos by Alyssa Burley.
Rancho Mesa Offers Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, February 16, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on the campus of San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.
The presenter, Michael Valenzano from Equal Parts Consulting, discussed harassment prevention techniques, practical examples with an open discussion, and an overview of supervisor and company response requirements.
Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, February 16, 2017, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on the campus of San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.
The presenter, Michael Valenzano from Equal Parts Consulting, discussed harassment prevention techniques, practical examples with an open discussion, and an overview of supervisor and company response requirements.
In California, AB 1825 requires employers with fifty or more employees to provide all employees with supervisory responsibilities with interactive training about sexual harassment prevention. The training is required every two years or within six months of someone being promoted into a supervisory role. In addition, AB 2053 now requires the training must now include discussion about abusive conduct prevention.
Visit the Workshops page for information on future workshop topics.
Photos by Alyssa Burley.
Rancho Mesa “Rocks” the Landscape Industry
Author Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On March 1st 2017 Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., The National Association of Landscape Professionals, and Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies will introduce a unique National Workers Compensation solution designed to cater the needs of Landscape Contractors and Lawn Care Professionals.
Author Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On March 1st 2017 Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., The National Association of Landscape Professionals, and Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies will introduce a unique National Workers Compensation solution designed to cater the needs of Landscape Contractors and Lawn Care Professionals.
The Agency
Rancho Mesa is a 10 Time National Best Practices Agency out of Santee, California with over 30 years’ experience in The Landscape Industry. As the program manager, Rancho Mesa will look to challenge and develop the growth of the program to better protect its members.
The Carrier
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies has the Highest AM Best rating of A++(XV) “Superior” rating of financial strength, and is the one of the largest specialty Work Comp Carriers in the Country.
The Association
The NALP is the only National Organization built by the collaboration of landscape and lawn care industry professionals and has pushed the boundaries for Professionalism in the Landscape Industry to new heights through; Education, Certification and Legislation. As the voice for 100,000 landscape professionals the NALP passionately advocates for the economic, social and environmental benefits of the landscape industry.
The Program Highlights include:
- 6% discounted rates for NALP members where allowable. Lowest available base rate in states that do not allow rate deviation.
- Multiple workers compensation options guaranteed cost and small to large deductible.
- Flexible payment plans including stipulated, pay as you go (zero deposit) and monthly payroll reports.
- Quarterly safety webinars specific to the injuries arising out of the landscape industry.
- Dedicated service team with experience in the landscape industry.
- Underwriting team only evaluating NALP members.
- Claims handling dedicated to NALP members with lower caseloads.
- Loss control with regional representation and managed nationally by a dedicated coordinator.
For more information contact Drew Garcia, the Program Director at NALP@ranchomesa.com.
Rancho Mesa's Sam Brown Presents at Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance
On Thursday, February 16, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, presented2017 Workers’ Comp Updates, How it Affects CA Employers to the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance, San Diego Chapter (AFWA) at the Bali Hai Restaurant.
On Thursday, February 16, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, presented2017 Workers’ Comp Updates, How it Affects CA Employers to the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance, San Diego Chapter (AFWA) at the Bali Hai Restaurant.
Mr. Brown covered the most prominent changes to the California Workers’ Compensation system to help decision makers navigate their policy renewals and plan 2017 safety efforts. Such topics included AB 2883’s changes to the definition of “employee”, First Aid reporting requirements, the 2017 Experience Modification Formula change, and the impact of Proposition 64 (recreational Marijuana) in the workplace.
The AFWA was formed in 1938 originally as the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA) with the goal of increasing the opportunities for women in all fields of accounting and finance. The first chapter was chartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The mission of the San Diego chapter of AFWA is to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession.
Please contact Sam Brown at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services if you have questions about the presentation topics or wish to inquire about future speaking engagements.