Rancho Mesa and TASC Team Up to Provide an Employee Benefits Compliance Workshop

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Shane Medlin from Rancho Mesa Insurance giving a presentation at the Employee Benefits Compliance workshop.

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, Rancho Mesa's Shane Medlin and Barbara Ciudad from Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) discussed Employee Benefits Compliance Topics at the workshop for Rancho Mesa Insurance Services clients.

The workshop was designed to discuss frequently missed employer requirements within COBRA, ERISA requirements and summary plan descriptions.

A video of the workshop will be available on-demand via the Risk Management Center, within a few weeks.

About Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC)
TASC is proud to provide administrative services that are second to none. Comprehensive, competitive, and dependable, its nationally known products have grown to dominate the industry over the past 40 years. With more than 21 innovative service offerings, we confidently serve businesses of all sizes in all 50 states. Last year our annual revenue exceeded a robust $100 million. All this is possible thanks to TASC's team of dedicated professionals, made up of 7,600 field representatives and more than 900 associates at our Madison, Wisconsin, campus and remote locations. For more information, visit www.tasconline.com.

Client Spotlight: YardApes' Philanthropy Recognized in Lawn & Landscape Magazine

Par for the Course

August 6, 2018
Story by Kate Spirgen, Lawn & Landscape

The YardApes Quad AM Golf Classic has raised thousands of dollars for local nature preserves and nonprofits. Photo courtesy of YardApes.

Back in 1999, when Yardapes was a small company, the seven or eight employees would get together about once a month to go golfing and let off some steam. “We used to call it the Hack Fest because some people could barely swing a club or hit the ball, so we’d just go have fun and then have a cookout afterward,” says Shayne Newman, founder and owner.

Then, an employee suggested turning the Hack Fest into a charity event, and after two or three years of talking about it, Newman decided to just go for it. Now in its 13th year, the annual YardApes Quad AM Golf Classic is a huge success, benefitting nonprofits in Connecticut to the tune of $43,500 since 2006. “We’ve had a lot to learn but we’ve been really successful,” he says.

And that’s just one of many projects YardApes employees take part in. Newman is a big believer in the idea that if you do good things, good things will come back around. But once the company started giving back, he realized how much recognition the company would get from the community and the landscaping industry. Not to mention the team-building aspect of volunteerism.

^{Reproduced with permission.}

Fleet Safety Workshop Video Now Available On-Demand

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, July 26, 2018, Stephanie Bartley from Liberty Mutual presented the Fleet Safety Workshop for Rancho Mesa Insurance Services clients at San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.

Stephanie discussed how to increase vehicle safety, control vehicle accidents, and safeguard long-term profitability, the essential points of a fleet safety and accident prevention program, plus defensive driving skills. 

Attendees came away with a better understanding of the importance of adopting fleet safety strategies that go beyond compliance, how company profitability can be positively impacted, and strategies to increase safe driving behaviors & reduces costs.

The video of the workshop is now available via the Risk Management Center or by submitted a video request form.

Contact Alyssa Burley at (619) 438-6869 for questions about the Fleet Safety Workshop on-demand video.

Workshop Video Library Offers On-Demand Training

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Leaving the office or job site to attend a workshop can be difficult for some Rancho Mesa clients. So, we've provided two easy ways to access the workshop videos on-demand from the video library within the Risk Management Center or through the Workshop Video Request Form.

To view a workshop video on-demand, login to the Risk Management Center, navigate to the Risk Management Library and locate the Rancho Mesa folder. There, you will find the Workshops & Webinar list. 

To request a video if you don't have access to the Risk Management Center, go to the Workshop page on the RanchoMesa.com website, scroll down to the “Previous Workshops” section. Click on the “Request a Workshop Video” button, complete the form and we’ll send you a link to view the video.

Requesting a video via the RanchoMesa.com website makes it easy for employees who may not have access to the Risk Management Center to watch valuable training videos, or for prospective clients who want to see the types of resources that are available to clients.

Available on-demand workshop videos include:

• Early Return to Work Program
• Employee Benefits: EaseCentral
• Employment Law Update 2018
• Fleet Safety
• Fraud Within the CA Workers’ Compensation System
• Heat Illness Prevention

• Mod Doctor (Landscape)    
• Nonprofit Risk Management
• On-Site Health & Safety
• OSHA Reporting Series: Generating the 300A Electronic Report
• Risk Management Center Overview

Contact Alyssa Burley at (619) 438-6869 for questions about the Risk Management Center, workshops, webinars or on-demand videos.

Talking Risk: Daniel Frazee Delivers Talk To ICW Group Risk Managers

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Insurance Company of the West (ICW) risk consultants gathered on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 for training and to hear Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. speak about the importance of the broker/risk manager relationship.

Daniel covered in detail the important role risk consultants can play in developing a strong relationship with employers. He encouraged the new employees to study claim trends, look for cause and nature of injuries, and listen with intent as they build partnerships with businesses.

Daniel also recommended asking pointed questions in initial meetings about what specifically businesses are looking for in their relationship with a workers' compensation carrier. Tying those answers together and working in step with brokers were critical pieces to Daniel’s message to the group.

“It is always a pleasure working with Tom Joliff and his team of risk consultants," said Daniel Frazee. "It just continually reminds me what a forward-thinking insurance company ICW is. They have been so proactive with their growth, adding quality talent to ensure that their servicing remains strong for their policyholders. Having a chance to speak to these new employees allowed us to share some of Rancho Mesa’s service tenants and philosophies, as well. Building on this partnership to ultimately reduce risk for our clients is very satisfying.”

"Daniel did a great job," said Tom Jolliff, Sr. Risk Management Consultant for ICW Group. "What we were looking for from Daniel today was just to give a little input to our associate risk managers about the broker/producer relationship with the carrier and also the risk management consultants. And the information that he provided was exactly what we were looking for. Daniel is a perfect example of somebody who's a great business partner with ICW Group. I've dealt with him for over ten years and I understand you know what that relationship with the broker and the risk management consultant means. So, he was really my first choice when it came to thinking about somebody to talk to our new folks. That's really why I chose Daniel."

About ICW Group
Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest group of privately held insurance companies domiciled in California. Quoting more than $3 billion annually, ICW Group represents a group of Property, Auto and Workers’ Compensation insurance carriers, including Insurance Company of the West and Explorer Insurance Company. For more information, visit www.icwgroup.com.

Vigilance Risk Solutions Delivers Active Shooter Awareness and Preparedness Workshop

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Ty Smith from Vigilance Risk Solutions giving a presentation at the Active Shooter Awareness and Preparedness workshop.

On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, Ty Smith from Vigilance Risk Solutions (VRS) presented the Active Shooter Awareness and Preparedness workshop for Rancho Mesa Insurance Services clients.

This dynamic two-hour course covered the evolution of the active shooter threat, industry trend evaluations, how to spot a potential threat, psychology of a shooter, the vigilance mindset, run-hide-fight, decision making, supervisor responsibilities and so much more.

"This was easily the most important workshop we've had all year," said Sam Brown, Vice President of the Human Services Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance. "I can't wait to have VRS back and I have no doubt that we will fill the room again." 

About Vigilance Risk Solutions
Vigilance Risk Solutions offers industry-leading risk mitigation services to organizations large and small through an effective three-step approach.  This process is a proven pathway to the layered and holistic security required to protect people, assets, operations, and reputation. For more information, visit www.vigilancerisk.com.

Heat Illness Prevention Workshop Now Available On Demand

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Last month, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies’ Zadock "Zee" Reid provided Rancho Mesa clients with Heat Illness Prevention training. The workshop was designed to increase awareness in order to make work a safer place for employees. The presenter covered:

• Modified temperature guidelines
• Pre-shift meetings
• Supervisory expectations
• Clarification on Access to Water
• Clarification on Access to Shade    
• Rest & Recovery periods
• Monitoring employees
• Weather Monitoring
• High Heat Procedures
• Emergency Response

For those who were unable to attend the workshop, the videos are now available on demand within the Risk Management Center, and can easily be accessed by using the key words “Heat Illness Prevention” in the search box. Or, they can be requested via the Workshop Video Request Form.

East County Posse Golf Tournament Raises Funds to Help Local Residents

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

For the 11th year, the East County Posse (ECP) hosted its Annual Golf Tournament which raises funds to help those in San Diego's East County. The sold-out event took place on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Steele Canyon Golf Club in Jamul, CA.

"Proceeds from this golf tournament will be used to help those in our community that need it most," says the event's flyer. The East County Posse is an all-volunteer organization where no one takes a salary, and it does not use any of the funds for administrative costs.

The organization provides a hand-up to both deserving individuals and families. Last year, the ECP donated funds to help the family of a nurse who had contracted a flesh-eating bacteria while delivering her baby. The group re-furnished the bedroom of a 15-year old girl who suffers from non-hodgkins lymphoma.  Another family was helped by providing a wheelchair and installed handrail for a 12-year old boy with cancer. In addition, the ECP covered some of the family's uninsured medical expenses.

Not only does the ECP provide funding to those in need, they also provide their time, skills and expertise. Many ECP members are in the construction industry and are able to donate labor and materials for projects like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms and other building projects to assist those with special needs. 

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. proudly sponsored the East County Posse 11th Annual Golf Tournament. Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group at Rancho Mesa and current ECP Secretary posed for a quick picture with Dave Garcia, President at Rancho Mesa.

About The East County Posse

The East County Posse is a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping our fellow East County residents who may be in desperate need. Our goal is to help those less fortunate improve their quality of life by way of donation of our time, skill or trade, as well as monetary donations. For more information, visit www.eastcountyposse.com.

Berkshire Hathaway Educates on Heat Illness Prevention

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway's Zadock "Zee" Reid presented at the Heat Illness Prevention workshop hosted by Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at San Diego Christian College.

Attendees included management teams from various trades within the construction and landscape industries.

In order to keep employees safe during the heat of the Summer months, Zee covered modified temperature guidelines, pre-shift meetings, supervisory expectations, clarification on access to water and shade, rest & recovery periods, monitoring employees, weather monitoring, high heat procedures and emergency response.

Increasing heat safety awareness makes work a safer place for your employees. Attending workshops like this ensure you are informed and help you stay in compliance.

Captive Resources Educates Rancho Mesa Clients at Workshop

Author Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, May 17, 2018, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. hosted a Captive Insurance Workshop at San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.

The presenter, Doug Hayden from Captive Resources, LLC, discussed the captive model as a viable 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. For more information, visit www.captiveresources.com.

Photos by Alyssa Burley.