Rancho Mesa Says Goodbye to Debbie Milburn and Welcomes Suzi Ffrench

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

Client Story: MAAC Project Video

"My MAAC Story - Darjené Graham/Rancho Mesa Insurance"

MAAC Project,  a local organization providing career pathways, education, health & wellness and housing in the community, recently published a video featuring Darjené Graham, one of the parents from the Child Development Program and Sam Brown from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

MAAC builds partnerships with each one of their Head Start parents, providing them with opportunities to grow as leaders and develop their own professional paths, as they open up the doors to academic success for their children.

"Thank you Rancho Mesa Insurance, for believing and investing in our work," wrote Elsa Roth, Manager, Development and Donor Relations for MAAC Project. "Rancho Mesa is not only a sponsor, but a community partner. Together, we provide life-changing programs and services to over 70,000 individuals every year in San Diego through Career Pathways, Education, Health & Wellness and Affordable Housing. We really appreciate you sharing your commitment to MAAC!"

About MAAC Project.
Since MAAC’s beginnings in 1965, its focus has remained constant: to help individuals and families create the lives they want and deserve.

Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Collaboration with community partners ensures MAAC remains on the forefront of the community’s ever-changing needs, while strong relationships with funders foster strategic planning around emerging trends. MAAC’s Pillars of Service — Career Pathways, Education, Health & Wellness and Housing — support our mission of maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities.  For more information, visit www.maacproject.org.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Rancho Mesa Sponsors Kiwanis Club of San Diego Drive Out Hunger Golf Classic

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

Image courtesy of Kiwanis of San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank.

Rancho Mesa was pleased to help sponsor the Kiwanis Club of San Diego Drive Out Hunger Golf Classic on February 17, 2017, as it benefited the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank’s vital Military Initiative! Feeding the working poor and military personnel, that need assistance, is a primary goal of the San Diego Food Bank and a cause that Rancho Mesa is committed to supporting

Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia, Executive VP Daniel Frazee, NALP Program Director Drew Garcia and the Director of Employee Benefits Brian Armstrong all participated, along with Bob Caya of Standard Drywall in the day’s events.

The tournament took place on the stunning Maderas Golf Course, tucked away amidst the rolling hills of north San Diego and listed in Golf Digest's Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses.  Funds raised benefit the hunger-relief programs of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank & North County Food Bank.

Division of Workers' Compensation Posts Updated Time of Hire Pamphlet

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted an updated time of hire pamphlet on its website. The pamphlet now has the new predesignation of personal physician and notice of personal chiropractor or acupuncturist forms that are effective on July 1, 2014. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved changes to the current regulations concerning Predesignation of Personal Physicians and Reporting Duties of the Primary Treating Physician. The amended regulations were filed by OAL with the Secretary of State on February 12, 2014 and take effect on July 1, 2014.

The time of hire pamphlet, which is posted in English and Spanish versions, meets the requirements under Labor Code section 3551 to notify new employees about California workers' compensation rights and benefits either at the time of hire or by the end of the first pay period. The time of hire pamphlet was created in 2011 to help employers and claims administrators ensure employees know what to do in case of workplace injury. It was modified in 2013 to reflect changes made to California's workers' compensation system by SB 863.

This pamphlet can be customized as long as the text meets the "time of hire" legal requirements. Title 8, California Code of Regulations section 9883 allows insurers, employers or private enterprises to prepare and publish the pamphlet upon prior approval of the form and content of the pamphlet by the Administrative Director. An entity may no longer use a previously approved pamphlet with the old predesignation forms. A revised pamphlet should be submitted for approval with the new forms. Claims administrators will be provided a grace period until September 1, 2014 to send an updated pamphlet.