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Specialty Lines
Greetings!
My daughter lives in Boston. Watching the tragic events on Patriot's Day and the rest of that week, and staying in touch with her during those uncertain days, was tough to do from a distance. She and her friends are fine, and very appreciative of the amazing city in which they live. What a risk management challenge is presented by events such as a huge marathon and citywide celebrations.
The same week the fertilizer plant explosion near Waco, Texas reminded us of the horror possible when operations go wrong. Another risk management reminder, especially when reports surfaced that the plant was cited by OSHA in 2005 for not having a risk management plan as required by law.
Risk management at the county level does not seem to have the same major consequences noted above, yet counties are constantly responsible for the wellbeing of people: employees, the public, inmates, nursing home residents, human service clients and more. It is a daunting responsibility, and an effective risk management program can help counties protect people and property. Don't rely on luck - rely on hard work, claims prevention, safety programs and training.
Make sure you contact us when you need help with something, John Sallade |
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Congratulations PComp Award Winners!
By John Sallade
At the annual meeting of the members of CCAP's workers' compensation pool (PComp), held March 17 during the CCAP Spring Conference, the following members, officials and staff were recognized:
Tammy Strohm of Bedford-Somerset MH/MR, was recognized with the PComp Loss Control Award for her comprehensive involvement in safety. This award includes registration for one person from the member to attend the PA Governor's Safety Conference.
SEDA-COG also won the PComp Loss Control Award for their commitment to safety in their weatherization program. Extensive training is provided, and Doug Diehl, chief of the weatherization program, always considers safety first during planning for work to be completed. This award also includes registration for one person from the member to attend the PA Governor's Safety Conference.
Perry County received a PComp Loss Control Training Award for sending 39 employees to 18 different PComp workshops, the most workshops of any PComp member.
Wyoming County received a PComp Loss Control Training Award for sending 53 employees to 11 different PComp workshops, the most attendees of any PComp member.
Wayne County was recognized with the PComp Risk Management Award for their very active safety committee that involves all major departments and involves active participation by a representative from the commissioners' office.
Indiana County was awarded the Claims Reporting Award, with special thanks to Melissa Miller for helping PComp's claims representatives with the information needed to effectively handle claims. This award includes registration for one representative of the member to attend the PA Bureau of Workers' Compensation Conference.
Perry County won the Terry Barham Claims Experience Award for having the lowest experience modification of all PComp members. Here are the lowest five experience modifications, meaning these five members have had the lowest claims costs over the last three years, compared to all other PComp members:
Perry County .665
Jefferson County .667
Tioga County .704
Clearfield County .725
Clinton County .728
Congratulations to all the PComp award winners! |
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PCoRP Members To See Flat Rate Renewal June 1!
By John Sallade
In an insurance market which is experiencing increased premium costs, the PCoRP Board of Directors is pleased to present the membership with a flat rate renewal. Overall costs for the June 1, 2013 renewal will be the same as for the prior year, with members seeing their costs go up or down depending on their claims experience and/or changes in exposures. Last year's renewal saw an average increase of four percent.
This year PCoRP needed to change one of the program's reinsurers, as Discover RE was no longer able to provide reinsurance for PCoRP's liability claims. The board directed staff to conduct an RFP process, and 12 insurers were approached to quote the coverage. We received eight responses to the RFP, and chose three finalists for interviews with the PCoRP renewal team. The team unanimously chose the proposal from AIG, through County Reinsurance Limited (CRL), one of PCoRP's other reinsurers. This process resulted in savings for PCoRP, and also some expanded coverage (mainly for liability claims which involve more than one member).
We also updated the PCoRP Coverage Document, mainly to clarify coverage. One major change was to replace the current Equipment Breakdown (often called Boiler and Machinery) coverage wording with Travelers' wording since Travelers is the reinsurer for this line of PCoRP's coverage. (The prior wording was a remnant from a reinsurer we no longer use.) This new wording also adds some expanded coverage for PCoRP members. One other change in the PCoRP coverage are limits for Flood Zone A and B property coverage, with slight reductions in coverage. PCoRP members have very little property in these zones so the impact of the changes should be minimal.
Full details of the coverage changes will be outlined in the renewal package sent to all members early in May.
Members are reminded their individual PCoRP's costs are very dependent upon claims experience, so members with better than average claims costs should expect flat renewal costs or reductions in cost. Similarly, members with worse than average claims costs and/or large increases in exposures may see costs rise change accordingly.
Please contact Karen Cohen at CCAP with questions about the renewal.
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NACo, Nationwide Extend Partnership
Article provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo)
NACo, the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States, renewed its long-standing partnership with Nationwide Retirement Solutions (NRS) March 28. Since its inception in 1980, the relationship between the two organizations has helped public employees save for retirement.
The renewed partnership will continue that mission through 2020 and ensures county employees receive the benefits of NRS' innovative 457 deferred compensation retirement plan offerings.
"Nationwide continues to show its innovation and commitment to the public sector plan market by addressing both sponsor and participant needs with solutions like their new highly competitive 457 plan offerings and Investment Fiduciary Services by Morningstar," said Matt Chase, NACo executive director. "John Carter, the new leader of retirement plans at Nationwide Financial, shares a sense of purpose and passion for the work our organizations have done in the past, our focus on the needs of participants today, and our commitment to helping our shared constituents long into the future."
Through the partnership, NACo's Deferred Compensation Program has grown to become the largest supplemental retirement income program available to county employees, helping more than 340,000 workers prepare for and live in retirement.
"Nationwide shares in NACo's vision to see that their members have the necessary resources that will help them best prepare for the retirement they deserve," said John Carter, president of retirement plans for Nationwide Financial. "Our priority, as it has been since the first day of the partnership, is to ensure their member counties are provided with industry-leading educational resources, competitive products and on-site support they need to prepare for retirement."
"This partnership has worked so well for so long because both parties are passionate about serving the retirement needs of America's workers," said Eric Stevenson, senior vice president of public sector retirement plans for Nationwide Financial. "We're excited and energized as we continue the next chapter in this valued relationship."
Nationwide Retirement Solutions has provided 457(b) public sector retirement plans since 1974 and currently has more than 7,600 public sector plans under administration with nearly 1.2 million participants. |
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May Workshops
By Linda Rosito, Insurance Training Director
Even though the spring workshop season of the CCAP Insurance Programs is in its last month, there are still some great educational opportunities available. This month we offer two opportunities to attend the KEYS: Internal Investigations in Scranton and Harrisburg, one additional Work/Life Balance in Lewisburg, one additional opportunity for the Diversity in the Workplace in Cranberry Twp. and our every popular Prison Risk Management Workshop in Hershey. We hope you will take advantage of these great educational opportunities.
Please keep in mind that most of our training sessions are free (if sponsored by an insurance program in which your employer is a member) AND for PCoRP, PComp and UC Trust members you can SAVE MONEY off your insurance costs by attending training sessions.
Here is a listing of dates and locations for the remaining spring workshop season:
As one workshop season comes to end we are already thinking about topicis for the fall. Please feel free to send any suggestions you may have to Linda Rosito at (800) 895-9039.
I hope to see you soon! |
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The PLGIT Board of Trustees: The Voice of Your County at the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust
Article provided by the PLGIT
Most PLGIT Investors know that the Trust is somehow unique among investment options in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unlike other financial institutions, PLGIT's members actually own and operate the Trust.
PLGIT serves more than 2,900 local governments and schools in Pennsylvania, oversees $3.5 billion in assets (as of December 31, 2012), and provides Investors with tools like online access, procurement cards and more. PLGIT invests solely in investments permitted across all codes governing local governments, schools, and municipal authorities in Pennsylvania.
Unlike a bank, which serves stockholders, PLGIT is governed by a Board of Trustees who are chosen from seven statewide sponsoring associations -- a critical structural difference that sets PLGIT apart. Who votes for the members of that Board? You do, as a PLGIT Investor.
That vote is critically important, because PLGIT's Trustees play a vital role. The Board you help elect performs important work in the oversight of some $3.5 billion in investments, and helps to ensure that the stewardship of those investments is sound.
Nominated by you, elected by you
The 11 members of the all-volunteer Board of Trustees are nominated each year by the sponsoring associations, which include: PSATS, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors; PSAB, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs; PML, the Pennsylvania Municipal League; CCAP, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania; PSATC, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners; PMAA, the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association; and PASA, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
Those nominees are, in turn, voted for and elected by PLGIT Investors. The Board of Trustees meets quarterly in public meetings to review, discuss and take action on the business of the Trust.
To assure adequate representation of the interests of the variety of participating entities, the Trust's nominating committee must nominate at least one candidate representing each of the following: boroughs, cities, counties, municipal authorities, school districts, townships of the first class, and townships of the second class. All Trustees must be either an elected member or full-time employee of their respective municipality or school district. The Trust seeks to maintain a Board that represents a cross-section of entities, geographic regions, and municipalities of varying sizes.
There are currently three members from schools, two members from townships, two members from boroughs and one member from each of the other four authorities and entities. (For a full listing of PLGIT Board Members, see www.PLGIT.com)
Having these representatives in place puts decision-making responsibility in the hands of people with first-hand knowledge of issues that affect local governments.
Ownership -- and stewardship -- on your behalf
PLGIT's Declaration of Trust is a governing document which was initially drafted in 1981 and has been amended over time. The Declaration of Trust gives the Trustees broad decision-making powers, stating "the Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control ... over the affairs of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property." This means that the Trustees have the power to guide PLGIT.
While the PLGIT Board of Trustees is not directly responsible for Trust investments, they do have important policy-making and oversight responsibilities which have a direct bearing on the success of the Trust. These duties include:
- Reviewing vendors who work for the Trust The Board of Trustees reviews the performance of service providers such as the investment advisor/administrator, legal counsel, auditors and others. The Board also reviews proposals and contracts for new services and vendors for the Trust.
- Receiving and reviewing the annual audit Not only is the PLGIT Board of Trustees responsible for selecting the firm that audits its accounts each year, but it is also responsible for reviewing the finished audit and communicating its results to Investors.
- Monitoring the performance of the PLGIT portfolio PLGIT Trustees are responsible for being informed and aware of the performance of PLGIT investments and how their own policy decisions may be affecting that performance.
- Participating in specialized committees Each PLGIT Trustee serves on at least one of the following committees in addition to participating in meetings of the entire Board of Trustees:
- Audit - Works closely with the Trust's auditor in the preparation of the annual audit.
- Bond Pool -Reviews the mechanics of the Emmaus bond pool to help ensure availability of funds for variable-rate borrowings.
- Contracts - Reviews all contracts entered into by PLGIT with its service providers and vendors.
- Participants Services - Works with service providers to evaluate and give advice on current and potential services and investment options for PLGIT Investors.
- Executive - Oversees the work of all other committees, and is responsible for broad strategic decision making of the Trust.
- Provide input on products and services.Because PLGIT Trustees represent a variety of sizes and types of municipalities and schools, they offer input on new programs and services that will have the most usefulness for the greatest number of Investors, such as the PLGIT-CD Purchase Program.
All of these responsibilities come under the umbrella of the Board's duty to ensure that investments remain consistent with the policies of the Trust. Trustees serve as the eyes and ears of the municipalities and schools they represent, and serve as advocates for those entities as well as for the Trust.
For more information about the work of PLGIT's Board of Trustees, contact your PLGIT representative, or visit www.plgit.com.
This information is for institutional investor use only, not for further distribution to retail investors, and does not represent an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any fund or other security. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in any of the Trust's portfolios. This and other information about the Trust's portfolios is available in the current Information Statement, which should be read carefully before investing. A copy of the Information Statement may be obtained by calling 1 (800) 572-1472 or is available on the Trust's website at www.plgit.com. While the PLGIT and PLGIT/ARM portfolios seek to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share and the PLGIT/TERM portfolio seeks to achieve a net asset value of $1.00 per share at its stated maturity, it is possible to lose money investing in the Trust. An investment in the Trust is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Shares of the Trust's portfolios are distributed by PFM Fund Distributors, Inc., member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (www.finra.org) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) (www.sipc.org). PFM Fund Distributors, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PFM Asset Management LLC.
SMPLGIT, PLGIT-Class Shares, PLGIT/PLUS-Class Shares, PLGIT/I-Class Shares, PLGIT/TERM, PLGIT-CD, PLGIT/ARM, PLGIT/SAM, and PLGIT-CAP are service marks of the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust. |
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Fire Prevention and Life Safety Update
By Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist
On April 2, 2013, CCAP held a Maintenance Workshop at the Penn Stater Conference Hotel in State College, PA. The workshop was so full of great information for all our members that the loss control department decided to upload the PowerPoint and handouts that Mr. Rick Hudson, Senior Risk Control Consultant for Willis Pooling was kind enough to divulge. The PowerPoint and handouts can be found on the CCAP website under PCoRP Members or by clicking the links below.
Fire Prevention and Life Safety PowerPoint Presentation - This PowerPoint gives detailed information on fire and life safety standards and codes, means of egress, egress doors, exit signs, illumination, fire protection systems, fire stopping, electrical fire hazards and miscellaneous information.
Website Resources - This handout recommends resources on where to find information for the PA Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Compliance fast facts, National Fire Protection Agency codes and standards, Workplace Safety Toolkit for Public Entities, Occupational Safety and Health Administration publications and Public Playground Safety Handbook.
National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA-72) - This handout describes fire alarm system testing.
General Fire Safety Checklist - As the title describes, this handout gives a general checklist that can be used for fire safety.
Highlights of International Building Code - This outlines various building codes such as power operated doors, access-controlled egress doors, door operations, locks and latches, bolt locks, unlatching, delayed egress locks, electromagnetically locked egress doors, stairway doors, panic and fire exit hardware and temperature rise doors.
Fire Life Safety Inspection Checklist - This checklist touches on exits, fire safety and evacuation plans, housekeeping, fire prevention/fire protection, electrical and hazardous materials.
For more information, contact the CCAP Loss Control Department at 800-895-9039; or email us at:
Maureen McMahon, Loss Control Specialist, at (412) 760-1421
Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist, at (800) 895-9039 |
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Upcoming Events
PIMCC Board Meeting
Monday, May 6, 2013
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg, PA
COMCARE PRO SAC Meeting
Thursday, May 7, 2013
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg, PA
PELICAN SAC Meeting Conference Call
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg, PA
UC TRUSTEES Meeting
Friday, May 10, 2013
CCAP North Office, Harrisburg, PA
Board and committee meetings of all CCAP insurance programs are open to members of those pools. If you plan to attend a meeting, please let us know in advance so we can plan for room set-up and any meals. Send your attendance plans to John Sallade at CCAP. |
Quote of the Month
"Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. " - Anonymous |
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