Volume 24
Second Quarter 2011
Telcom’s Risk Management
Conference in the Mile High City
In this Issue
Presidential Matters
2
Claims Matters
4
Safety Matters
5
Underwriting Matters
6
Risk Management Matters 7
Telcom Matters
14
W
Denver, CO, June 26-28, 2011
ay back in 1689 in Edward
Lloyds’ coffee shop, the principle
of transferring risk for a fee
was originated when ship owners allowed
“insurers” to sign under their ships name
and offer protection from the risks of the sea
for their shipments in exchange for money.
Thus, the concept of insurance was born.
The basic principal of risk transfer still
remains today, but the insurance industry
has developed ways to avoid or minimize loss
exposures through risk management
Here’s where Telcom can help! As the
Property-Casualty insurance and risk
management arm of NTCA, Telcom has
designed a practical and exciting two-day
educational session that will provide you
solutions in handling the current business
insurance and risk management needs of
your rural telecommunications cooperative
or company.
We think of the members as part of our
great-big family, and we invite you to bring
your family along to the event too.
We invite you to come Peak your interest and
Elevate your knowledge of Insurance and Risk
Management at Telcom’s Risk Management
Conference in the Mile High City, Denver,
CO, June 26-28, 2011.
6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506
Greenbelt, MD 20770
continued on page 11
The Westin Tabor Center
Denver Downtown
1672 Lawrence Street,
Denver, CO 80202
Main/General Inquiries:
(303) 572-9100
Reservations: (800) 937-8461
www.westindenverdowntown.com
Rate: $149/Single-Double rate. You can
choose from Double/Double or King.
Valid credit card required at reservation.
Cancellations must be made by 6p on the day
of arrival.
Block: For your convenience you can
either call reservations at 800-937-8461 and
say you are with the Telcom Insurance
Group block or go to http://www.
starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/
res?id=1103104961&key=69A2B to book
your room online, the block is available until
May 20, 2011.
2
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Presidential Matters
By Peter J. Elliott, CPCU
Leave the Insuring to Us...
T
he phrase “leave the driving to us” was
once very popular, and I believe was
utilized by Greyhound Bus Company
in their advertising. I always appreciated the
point of their marketing which was, you have
better things to do and driving is stressful so
let us do that for you. So how does this apply
to insurance? I am going to suggest that you
need an insurance professional, which should
be your agent, asking the right questions,
doing the proper research, and working
with an understanding of your business to
feel comfortable that all your insurable risks
have been addressed and managed. Leaving
the insuring process to us, simply means that
even though you are part of the process, and
in fact the most important part with regard
to deciding on what risk management is
appropriate, you should not overlook that
an agent gets paid a good amount of money
to analyze exposure, explain risk to you, and
service your insurance needs. If your business
is doing any of these things, what is your
agent doing? National Telcom Corporation
(NTC), the Captive insurance company
you own directly or indirectly through the
National Telecommunications Cooperative
Association (NTCA), and Telcom Insurance
Services Corporation (TISC) the sales and
Service Company which is wholly owned by
NTC expects to handle the insuring process
and not just part of it but all aspects. We
focus in on complete customer satisfaction
when it comes to risk analysis, insurance
and risk management solutions advice,
policyholder service, and claims negotiations.
Our organizational and ownership stability
allows us the freedom to focus on managing
the insurance process for you and to exceed
your customer expectations. By all accounts
and when benchmarked against the results
of others in the insurance industry, the
organization is an unqualified success story.
The following provides a few of the highlights.
Organizational Stability Leads to Solutions
by Means of Insurance and Risk Management
Services:
The core staff of the organization has been
together for quite some time and together
the group has an impressive number of
years experience working in insurance
industry, more than 300 years. The fact that
staff, which totals 18, has been together as a
team has produced a family like atmosphere
which projects out to the way we treat our
customers. The years of experience means we
have employees that have just about seen it
all and they can rely upon how they handled
real life situations when they seek to solve
a customer concerns. Our customers have
come to trust us, and they let us manage their
needs. One of our tools is the Association’s
owned Captive insurance company, National
Telcom Corporation, where insureds are part
of a pool of members who band together
for a similar cause which is to place their
insurance and risk management needs with a
company that is owned by their Association
and thirty-nine member companies and only
serves the NTCA membership. The captive
is not all we have to offer, however. As a
solutions provider, we also have access to four
additional insurance outlets that offer policies
and services to the telecommunications
industry. That means that even if a
telecommunications company is required or
just desires to have a competitive bid on their
insurance that it all can be done by our agency.
This approach is efficient and effective, with
no additional time drain on the customer,
as we manage it all. We can offer up to four
quotes for qualifying telecommunications
companies. So leave the insuring to us! This
approach has led each year, to continued
growth. There are 247 NTCA members,
who rely on us to fill an insurance need of
continued on page 3
Our organizational
and ownership
stability allows
us the freedom
to focus on
managing
the insurance
process for you
and to exceed
your customer
expectations.
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Presidential Matters
continued from p.2
theirs, and countless others that turn to us
for risk management support. If you added
all subsidiary companies which belong to
this number of insureds, is closer to 2,500.
Much like NTCA members understand
the collective power of one on Capitol Hill,
the same concept works in the insurance
buying market which creates a group that
essentially buys a product or service as one.
Not only does this approach stabilize rates,
but it also protects against other common
disruptions when carriers eliminate specific
lines of coverage or exit themselves from
specific states. No NTCA member will ever
hear an NTC representative say that we
are not licensed in your state or we do not
write that line of business. This only works
and can only continue to work if members
from all areas realize the positive effects of
banding together and working together for
a common cause—the good of the overall
group. The ability to solve problems allows
for management of expectations.
Who Owns and Directs National Telcom
Corporation?
Buying insurance is a matter of trust! We are
proud to be owned and directed by the NTCA
and a select few members. NTC has the
NTCA and thirty-nine telecommunication
providers, who are NTCA members, as
owners. Unlike any other company you may
entertain insurance coverage from, NTC
provides you with direct access to the Board
of Directors. As a direct (Shareholder) or
indirect owner (NTCA member) you can
contact the management or Directors of NTC
at anytime and offer suggestions and counsel
that will be brought before a board of your
peers as to the direction of how this insurance
company is governed. In NTC, you have an
opportunity to trust in the decisions and
guidance of Directors that act in a similar role
or that manage those telecommunications
companies. They make their decisions with
the highest level of understanding of your
industry and businesses. This, by itself,
defines the essence of trust and assures the
focus is on the customer.
Telcom’s
Annual
Conference:
Risk
Management
To learn more about NTC and the NTCA’s
Captive Insurance Program go to our
website www.telcominsgrp.com, call us, or
join us in Denver, CO for our Annual Risk
Management Conference held June 2628. We are extremely excited to have Bill
Hegmann, CEO of NECA, as our keynote
speaker providing his insights on the state
of the rural telecommunications industry.
Over this three day period, we will provide
insurance and risk management education
as well as networking opportunities that will
be applicable to all members of the NTCA.
We promise you will walk away with a better
understanding of your insurance needs and
the coverage that is available. By providing
a solid educational base of the risks of
telecommunications and the insurance
solutions, we eliminate the discontent that
customers might feel if they were not aware
of an option that would have led to a better
claim conclusion.
Thank You
NTC has achieved excellence in managing
insurance and risk needs and meeting
expectations with strong relationships,
partnerships, and friendships that we have
built. We strive for you to think of National
Telcom Corporation as part of your staff,
your world, your community, your friend
base, and your life. Insurance is a matter of
trust, and we appreciate the magnitude of
this fact. Leave the insuring to us!
3
4
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Claims Matters
By Cheri L. Condee, AU
Tool Accidents & Injuries in the Workplace
H
and tools, both manual and power
types, are a common part of our
everyday lives and are present in
nearly every industry. These tools help us to
easily perform tasks that otherwise would be
difficult or impossible. However, tools can be
hazardous and have the potential for causing
severe injuries when used or maintained
improperly. Special attention toward tool
safety is necessary in order to reduce or
eliminate these hazards and therefore,
reducing accidental injuries in the workplace.
Tool-related
injuries
account
for
approximately 10% of all work-related
accidents in industries where tools play a
central role in the day-to-day operations of
a business, like that of a telecommunications
company. The risk of injury increases: when
employees are working with equipment or
tools which are not performing as expected;
when using a different work method to
do a job; doing a job that is different from
their normal work; and/or being rushed or
distracted.
Accidents and injuries involving tools will
range from something as small as a cut from
a splicing knife, which requires basic first-aid
to major injuries that may involve surgery
and months of lost time to return the injured
employee to their job. The following real-life
telecom claim examples testify to these facts:
Most tool accidents/injuries are small claims
and don’t cause too much lost time or money,
for example:
But, then there will be one like this:
•Eye Injury: the employee’s hand slipped off
the handle of industrial designed post hole
diggers (which had been modified against
company policy), the employee lost many
work days, almost his driving ability, and
his sight in that eye.
When addressing the task of reducing
the risk of an accident, employers should
consider two elements: the tools and the
person using the tools. It’s most often the
workers behavior that contributes to the
injury. Nothing can replace solid training
with tools to help prevent future injuries and
an attitude of vigilance from management on
the importance of maintenance and safety
protocol. Unfortunately, accidents do occur,
but, before the accident ever happens, there
are general safety precautions that can be
put into place when using any type of tool.
Employees exposed to the various hazards
of tool use can help prevent accidents by
following five basic safety rules:
•Keep all tools in good condition with
regular maintenance
•Use the right tool for the job
•Examine each tool for damage before use
•Operate according to the manufacturer’s
instructions
•Provide and use the proper protective
equipment
•Splicing cable when knife slipped & cut left
hand
Telcom is your safety and insurance resource,
and we will be happy to help with your risk
management solutions and claims matters.
If you have any questions or need additional
information; please visit the Telcom website:
www.TelcomInsGrp.com, or call 800222-4664 and ask for Cheri, (ext. 1082), or
Marilyn (ext. 1085).
•Using impact wrench when tool twisted
left hand & cut injured the left thumb
Resources: www.osha.gov and our internal
claims notes
•Attempting to expose telephone wires
from cable and cut ring finger
•Cutting a tire wrap off w/strippers and cut
tip of the left middle finger
Tools can be
hazardous
and have the
potential
for causing
severe injuries
when used or
maintained
improperly.
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Safety Matters
By Tina M. Wynter
June—National Safety Month
J
une is National Safety Month and the
National Safety Council encourages
organization and their employees to
observe and participate. Weekly themes
are selected based on where the greatest
number of preventable injuries and deaths
are occurring in workplaces, homes, and
communities. 2011 themes are as follows:
Week 1 (June 1-4) – Kickoff: Use this time
to start promoting National Safety Month
to your employees and to tell them what’s to
come in the weeks ahead. Some telecoms
use their intranet to do safety-related games,
puzzles, word searches, etc. and give prizes
to their employees to promote National
Safety Month.
Week 2 (June 5-11) – Preventing
Overexertion: Overexertion is the third
leading cause of injury in the United States,
an estimated 3.5 million each year. Most
are the result of lifting, lowering, pushing,
pulling, or carrying. Back injuries are the
most common form of overexertion in the
workplace. Prevention methods include, but
are not limited to: Stretching before heavy
lifting or strenuous activity; Lifting with your
legs bent; Holding objects close to your body;
Avoiding bending, reaching, and twisting
when lifting; and Asking for assistance when
lifting a heavy or awkwardly shaped object.
Over the past 5-year period, this is the area
that our policyholders have seen the most
Workers Compensation claims.
Week 3 (June 12-18) – Teen Driving Safety:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause
of death for U.S teens, accounting for more
than one in three deaths in this age group. In
2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died everyday
from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven,
teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more
likely than older drivers to crash. Most states
have implemented some sort of Graduated
Driver Licensing (GDL) systems to help
address the high risks faced by new drivers
by first granting learners permits, followed
by a provisional license that temporarily
restricts unsupervised driving. Even if GDL
isn’t a law in your state, it can be a law in your
home. By introducing your new driver to
risks and hazards they face behind the wheel
gradually, you significantly reduce their
chance of getting into a motor vehicle crash.
Week 4 (June 19-25) – Preventing Slips, Trips
and Falls: According to the U.S. Department
of Labor, slips, trips and falls are the most
common occupational accident. Because
there are numerous causes of slips and trips,
prevention takes various measures including
housekeeping and storage measures,
footwear requirements, appropriate work
practices, maintenance of walking and
working surfaces and employee education
and awareness.
Week 5 (June 26-30) – On the Road, Off the
Phone: According to the National Safety
Council, approximately 23% of all crashes,
or 1.2 million crashes, each year are caused
by drivers using their handheld or handsfree cell phones and texting while driving.
This is much greater than the number of
crashes caused by any other distraction. It’s
recommended that drivers silence, turn off,
or put their phones away in trunks or glove
compartments to reduce the temptation to
answer a ringing phone, text message, or
email.
These are all valid themes and most of us
can apply these safety measures to our daily
lives, whether it be at home or at work. For
more information regarding National Safety
Month and help on how your organization
can observe National Safety Month, visit
www.nsc.org/nsm. Use the resources easily
available to you for your company and your
community to promote safety year-round,
but with an added focus this June. As an
added benefit to our Policyholders, Telcom
can provide you with written materials and/
or safety videos regarding these themes to
assist you with your observance. Contact
Tina Wynter at [email protected]
if you are interested in receiving additional
safety materials.
5
6
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Underwriting Matters
By Susan L. Flanders, AU, CISR
National Flood Program and FEMA Remapping Project
T
elcom Insurance Group offers flood
insurance through Travelers Insurance
Company who participates in the
federal government’s National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP). Flood insurance can be
provided in all 50 states for your commercial
buildings and business property.
More than 20,000 communities across the
United States and its territories participate in
the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain
management ordinances to reduce future
flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP makes
federally backed flood insurance available to
homeowners, renters, and business owners in
these communities.
While the NFIP plan is not new, there has been
some remapping done recently. The flood
Map Modernization project includes new
digital flood insurance rate maps. More than
21 million people have or will become affected
by the remapping project. The maps will affect
more than 900 communities in approximately
30 states.
NFIP/FEMA develops Flood Insurance Rate
Maps to identify areas at risk of flooding.
Initially, these maps were intended for use
by flood insurance agents (to determine
appropriate risk-based premium rates for NFIP
coverage), floodplain managers, and others
implementing NFIP. Federal agencies, real
estate agents, lending institutions, State and
local emergency managers, land-use planners,
and citizens attempting to make informed
decisions based on the flood risk for a particular
property.
Why Modernize the flood maps?
Flood risk can change over time. Boundaries
can change shape due to change in the surface
erosion and other natural forces. Land use
and development can affect water flow and
drainage patterns. Updated maps support the
flood insurance program and improve flood
hazard awareness. Updated NFIP maps can
take advantage of revised data and improved
technologies for identifying flood hazards.
Map modernization can help community
officials and citizens be better prepared for
flood-related disasters.
Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension
(PRP)
As a result of the remapping, some building
owners found their flood zone was reduced
while others were increased. If a building in
a moderate-to-low risk flood zone was newly
mapped into a high-risk zone, the building
owner may be eligible for a two-year preferred
policy.
Buildings meeting the above requirements must
also meet the PRP loss history requirements. If
there are two claims or disaster relief payments
for flood of $1,000 or more, or three losses of
any amount, the structure is ineligible for the
PRP. At the end of the extended eligibility
period, policies on these buildings must be
written as standard-rated policies.
Grandfathering
Pre and Post-FIRM buildings mapped into a
high-risk area after October 1, 2008 will be
eligible for the grandfather rules after the two
PRP policy years are completed. To qualify for
grandfather rates after the two year extended
PRP policy years, the grandfathering guidelines
must still be met. Buildings must maintain
coverage continuously and have no substantial
damage or improvement to be eligible for
grandfathering after the PRP extension period
is over.
How will I know if my property is affected by
the new remapping program?
If you already have a flood insurance policy,
you will receive a letter from the carrier 90 days
before your flood policy expires. One of our
Underwriting Technicians in your territory
will contact you to answer any questions you
may have and offer a preferred quote if your
property is eligible for the preferred rating.
We know all of these changes can be
confusing, but we are here to help and answer
any questions you may have. Contact us at
[email protected] or directly to your
representatives, if you want more information.
While the NFIP
plan is not new,
there has been
some remapping
done recently.
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Matters
Spring Flooding and Disaster Recovery– Are you Prepared?
W
hat
do
you,
as
a
telecommunications
provider,
worry about most? Uncertain
regulations
relating
to
intercarrier
compensation and universal service reform,
competition, future customer demands and
new technology trends? There are many
industry issues that demand attention, but
don’t let them distract you from another
issue that is critical to your future operations
… natural disaster planning.
Only six percent of companies that suffer
catastrophic data loss survive. This is
especially alarming when noting that the
number of declared major disasters nearly
doubled in the 1990s from the 1980s, and
then further increased to over 2½ times
this number during the 2000s. Since small
businesses alone account for more than
99% of all companies with employees and
provide nearly 45% of the nation’s payroll,
it is readily apparent how important it is for
rural telecommunications providers to be
able to recover quickly after a disaster. And,
how quickly your company can get back to
business depends on emergency planning
done today!
Rural telecommunications providers hold
a unique responsibility regarding natural
disasters. In addition to concerns for their
customers and employees, they also strive
to provide their communities with access
to emergency communications that are
especially important during a crisis to save
lives and property. Landline phones, wireless
phones, access to Internet and television
are of utmost importance when a disaster
strikes. Your customers and communities
will rely on your services during a disaster
and recovery afterwards. Disaster recovery
planning is the critical difference between
providers that can successfully manage
a crisis with reduced cost and effort and
providers that are forced to make unprepared
decisions out of desperation, with higher
costs, longer response times and greater long
term damage.
Disaster Recovery Planning Procedures:
Disaster recovery planning is often the most
important step in survival and there is no
better time than now to make sure that your
Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is in place, up to
date, and ready to be implemented before the
threat of spring flooding or summer storms.
You can start today with the following steps:
1. Organize a DRP Team to assist with the
preparation of the DRP Manual.
2. Determine what will be addressed in the
manual and select a template specifically
for the telecommunications industry,
work with your statewide organization,
or create one of your own.
3. Analyze your company’s vulnerabilities,
hazards, and capabilities; then develop
associated recovery procedures.
4. Gather documents to insert into the
manual, such as insurance documents,
telephone or email contact lists, supplier
and other key vendor contact information, etc.
5. Coordinate your plan and needs with
community emergency managers, utility
providers, suppliers and business associates.
6. Review, test, and establish timeframes
for future reviews/tests of the DRP procedures.
7. Take Board and employee input and obtain Board approval of the DRP.
8. Train all employees on DRP procedures
and their roles, and establish a schedule
to refresh training.
continued on page 8
7
8
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Matters
continued from p.7
It is important to include key people (often key management
staff ) on the planning team that the company can rely on
during a disaster. Choose staff with close proximity to
the headquarters along with others from remote office
locations so there will be alternative operation locations
and communication systems available if needed. All team
members should have designated backups and be able to
lead and work under pressure. The DRP should include
a list of employees with decision-making authority and
approval to speak to the press.
When writing the plan, use short, direct sentences and
paragraphs, rather than long ones that might overwhelm
and confuse the reader. Avoid acronyms and use bullet
points where possible to use as a checklist.
As you develop and update your company’s DRP,
remember that your customers may have their own specific
requirements for disaster recovery procedures. Federal,
state, local, and tribal government customers, as well as
critical infrastructure and emergency management offices,
may depend on your company for Telecommunications
Service Priority (TSP) under disaster circumstances. TSP is
a program that authorizes national security and emergency
preparedness organizations to receive priority treatment for
vital voice and data circuits or other telecommunications
services. When disaster strikes, providers frequently
experience a surge in requests for new services or
restoration of existing services. The TSP Program provides
telecommunication providers, other vendors, and service
users a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
mandate to prioritize requests by identifying those critical
services. A TSP assignment ensures that it will receive
priority attention before any non-TSP service. Certain
lease agreements with government and non-governmental
entities require DRPs and Pandemic Preparedness Plans as
well.
While templates may not cover every scenario a company
may encounter, DRP templates geared toward the
telecommunications industry are often a helpful tool to
help you organize your plan. The template should provide
form and content guidance, which will reduce time spent
on unproductive brainstorming. The template’s content
may also trigger more ideas of company-specific threats/
responses and should allow for individual company
tailoring.
Spring Flooding Precautions
Each season brings a set of risks: floods, tornadoes,
hurricanes, blizzards, and ice storms, to name a few.
However, since floods are the most common and
widespread of all natural disasters and flooding has already
begun in several areas, we will focus on some floodingspecific precautions. Providers need to establish unique
disaster responses for headquarter facilities versus plant in
service, so here are some ideas for each.
Plant:
Although most networks are designed with careful
considerations for flooding and natural disasters, no
network is immune to them. Natural disaster preparation
should be incorporated into your network from the first
stages of construction to long after it is up and running.
Your DRP should be prioritized according to what is most
vital to your network and what affects the largest number
of subscribers. It should contain an organizational chart
so employees can be appointed to specific areas of the
recovery process and also a document that lists employees’
specific knowledge of each piece of equipment. It is further
valuable to cross train employees to perform multiple jobs
as this can be very helpful in the event of a crisis.
Proper record keeping is also imperative for disaster
planning. You should always have up to date records of the
following:
• Manufacturers and Software Versions of Key Equipment
• IP Addresses of Hardware and Circuit IDs
• Subscriber Numbers and Selected Service Options
• Central Office and OSP Wiring
Having these records along with a list of vendors, ready to
contact for replacement parts, will become a major factor
in how quickly your system can get back to normal working
order.
Vital to any central office is its backup power source.
Whether it is via batteries, generator, or both, letting them
sit over a long period of time without maintenance can be
a costly mistake. Always obtain a maintenance checklist
from your battery or generator manufacturer and adhere to
those specifications.
continued on page 9
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Matters
continued from p.8
You should also consider the installation of a central office
alarming system to enable quick responses during a crisis.
Alarming systems can come with a wide variety of sensors
that identify most threats to equipment. These can include:
• Water Sensors
• Temperature & Humidity Sensors
• Particle Sensors
• Vibration Sensors
• Smoke Sensors
• Security Cameras
These systems can then relay information to staff via e-mail,
text message, or page, depending on your preference. In
addition, establish remote connectivity to your central
office, which can be especially helpful when dealing with
flooding or downed power lines.
While most telecommunications enclosures today are
being built to withstand many environmental conditions,
they can still be vulnerable if potential natural disasters
are not taken into consideration. Pedestals, cabinets,
and other structures should always be installed according
to the manufacturer’s specifications in order to get the
most out of the capability of your enclosure. Along with
correct installation, placement of the enclosure is key to its
longevity. Avoid locating enclosures in floodplains or next
to waterways. However, if that is not possible, one solution
used for pedestals is to attach it to a pole in order to keep it
above flood level.
Headquarters:
For headquarters and equipment warehouses, providers
may start with general guidelines, such as the ones included
on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
website
(http://www.fema.gov/pdf/business/guide/
bizindst.pdf ). These guidelines recommend reviewing
community emergency plans, becoming familiar with
evacuation routes, establishing warning and evacuation
procedures for your facilities, and planning for employees
who may need assistance.
The loss of essential records and raw materials during
flooding, or other disasters, could delay the company’s
recovery in many ways and therefore deserves special
consideration.
Create a salvage list, prioritized by
essential functions and vital records. The list should
include blueprints or building plans with notations of the
equipment and record locations. In addition, take steps to
protect the equipment and records by storing copies of vital
documents in an off-site location and storing these files and
raw materials above flood level.
Other considerations should include procedures and
agreements to obtain additional supplies, policies to identify
when additional outside technicians should be requested
(even a statewide or regional group assistance plan), what
information is necessary for payment arrangements and
medical/emergency contacts for those outside workers,
and employee training to make sure they understand the
documentation requirements for insurance purposes. With
continued on page 10
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10
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Matters
continued from p.9
all of this information organized and at your fingertips,
along with employees who have been trained on the
associated procedures, your company will be prepared for
the fast-paced responses that are required during a crisis.
We hope that crisis never comes, but if it does you will be
well prepared.
If you would like more information, please contact: Darren
Dierbeck, VP of Customer Relations (Darren.Dierbeck@
vantagepnt.com; 612-860-8917), John DeWitte, VP of
Engineering, ([email protected]; 605-9951742), Doug Eidahl, VP of Consulting, (Doug.Eidahl@
vantagepnt.com; 605-995-1750), or JoAnn Hohrman,
Telecommunications Consultant (JoAnn.Hohrman@
vantagepnt.com; 605-995-1764).
Resources:
•
FEMA Website – www.fema.gov
•
U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Business –
www.ready.gov
•
American Red Cross: Business and Industry Guide –
www.redcross.org
•
State Emergency Management Offices and Agencies
•
OSHA – www.osha.gov
•
Small Business Administration –
www.sba.gov
•
Telecommunications Service Priority –
www.tsp.ncs.gov
Next Generation Technology Solutions
Focused on Serving Rural Telecom Service Providers
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Member-Driven Products, Services and Training Programs
Leading Provider of Business & Residential CPE Solutions
Core Values of Integrity, Honesty and Service Excellence
Risk-Free Trial Membership Program Now Available
800.252.2772
www.cssa.net
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Conference
continued from p.1
Meeting Agenda
Monday, June 27th
Underwriting Focus
8am-noon
Tuesday, June 28th
Risk Management Focus
8am-noon
The National Broadband Plan, the NPRM, and other
“Bless Their Hearts” Issues in Telecommunications
Today
Who Needs Legs When You Have Wings…
Bill Hegmann, an industry expert, rural telecom industry
veteran, and President/CEO of NECA will address
current issues, like the National Broadband Plan, facing
rural telecommunication companies today and into the
immediate future.
The State of the Insurance Industry and Telcom in 2011
As your telecommunications company is continuing to
explore various revenue streams, Telcom is continuing to
develop tools and services that provide you with peace of
mind that the exposures associated with your activities have
been thoroughly analyzed and addressed. Our focus won’t
stop with just your business because we continue to seek
new ways to bring safety awareness to your communities
too. We appreciate the trust that you’ve put in us and work
hard to earn it every day. Peter Elliott, Telcom’s CEO, will
examine the changing world of the insurance industry and
share how Telcom will respond to your ever expanding
needs with business insurance and risk management
solutions specific to your needs.
Various Insurance Topics Related to Today’s Exposures
in Rural America
Peter Elliott, CPCU, will address a variety of subjects,
which were both suggestions from last year’s conference
review, as well as, coverage issues that have been asked
directly by several members. These topics will include: Liability implications of social media; exposures associated
with hiring Independent Contractors; insuring first and
third party losses of data and media and the network
security data liability products available; exposures to
Intellectual Property claims using ESPN rebroadcasting
as an example; and finally, taking a look at many of the
liabilities that are associated with the contracts that you
sign. It’ll be a full morning and you’ll leave with a much
better understanding of your exposures and the business
solutions which include insurance coverages and risk
management techniques to reduce or mitigate those
exposures for your telecommunications company.
On April 3, 2001, Chad Hymas was involved in a serious
accident leaving him a quadriplegic. Since that time he has
done the following: Started Chad Hymas Communications,
Inc., a professional speaking company, designed to motivate
businesses and corporations to “use their wings and reach
seemingly impossible heights”. The Wall Street Journal
calls Chad Hymas one of the 10 most inspirational people
in the world. Last year Chad spoke at 160 different events
traveling just over 180,000 miles. He is a member of the
National Speakers Association. He spends many hours
with other injured individuals in therapy, encouraging them
to overcome their challenges, focus on dreams and make
them a reality, and to love life for all that it has to offer. To
achieve the unachievable and to reach for the unreachable
is one of his themes. You will not want to miss this session.
He’ll autograph one of his books or movies for you to take
back and share the message—included in your registration
fee.
SMC—Another NTCA Benefit
Shar Porter, SMC Field Representative, will present an
update on the NTCA benefit plans including the Group
Health Plan, Retirement and Security Plan, Savings Plan,
and any new updates in the various other plans offered by
NTCA.
Making Safety Training Fun—Really!
Mention an upcoming safety training session and watch
employees react with drowsiness and apathetic glares. But
this unenthusiastic response can be overcome by making
your next safety gathering a worthwhile experience. While
safety training is informational and mandatory, it doesn’t
mean it can’t be fun. Motivational games and interactive
demonstrations can make participants pay close attention
to instructions while a positive approach can turn these
meetings into enjoyable times filled with proactive
learning. Paul Samson, Loss Prevention Manager for Great
American Insurance Company, will lead out in a hands-on
session on making safety training fun at your company.
You’ll be entertained and pick-up some ideas that you can
“borrow” for your own company.
continued on page 12
11
12
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Conference
continued from p.11
Fun Tours & Activities
SUNDAY, JUNE 26th
MONDAY, JUNE 27th
Fossil Trace Golf Course
Tee times begin at 9am; we plan to leave the
hotel at 8:00am and return by 4:30pm.
Cost to play is $115 per person, this price
includes lunch and a golf gift package.
www.fossiltrace.com
LUNCH & PRIVATE COORS BREWERY TOUR
After our meetings end at noon, we’ll have
lunch at the Table Mountain Inn and then do
a private tour/tasting at the Coors Brewery.
DENVER HIGHLIGHTS TOUR –
MORNING OR AFTERNOON OR BOTH
Morning: Mile High Stadium, Denver Mint,
Cherry Creek Shopping district, and the
State Capitol.
Afternoon:
Idaho Springs (gambling),
Lookout Mountain, and Buffalo Bills
Museum and Grave
We’ll leave from the hotel for this tour at
8am for the morning tour and 11:30a for
the afternoon tour—both include lunch
together—and return at 4:30pm.
The cost of these tours, which includes lunch,
is $65.00 per person for one tour and $95
per person for both tours.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Join us from 6pm-10:00pm for cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres at the Red Rocks Visitor
Center and Amphitheatre.
www.redrocksonline.com
This reception will include a concert in this
beautiful location.
We’ll leave from the hotel for this tour at
12:30p and return at 4:30pm
The cost for this tour, which includes lunch,
is $75 per person.
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
We have rented the Denver Museum of
Nature and Science just for our group. We
will have a private showing of an IMAX
movie, check out the exhibits—including the
especially popular Pirates, Space Odyssey,
and Explore Colorado. Of course, there will
be food, beverages, and time to enjoy the
museum.
The cost of this reception is included in your
registration fee.
TUESDAY, JUNE 28TH (OPTIONAL)
COLORADO ROCKIES BASEBALL GAME
If you decide to stay, or you can’t get a flight
back home on Tuesday, we have rented a
Super Suite, #14 close to home plate, for
the Rockies game which begins at 6:40p.
Transportation, tickets, and food and
beverages are included in the price of $100
per person. The tickets are limited to the first
60 people who reserve them.
The cost of this reception is included in your
registration fee.
continued on page 13
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Risk Management Conference
continued from p.12
Fun Facts:
Temperatures: Average high temperature: 83°, average low temperature: 49°, average
precipitation: 2.5”. June in Denver is a great month, the sun is shining bright, it’s generally
not too hot, and the festival season gets into full swing.
Dress Code: The dress code for the conference is business casual. The only ties that you
need are with each other.
•
There were originally three separate towns, with three separate names, where Denver
now stands. In 1859, the other names were dropped in return for a barrel of whiskey to
be shared by all.
•
Fittingly enough, the first permanent structure in Denver was a saloon.
•
Denver is one of the few cities in history that was not built on a road, railroad, lake,
navigable river, or body of water when it was founded. It just happened to be where the
first few flakes of gold were found in 1858.
•
The mountainous area of Colorado is six times the size of Switzerland, containing 9,600
miles of fishing streams, 2,850 lakes, and more than 1,000 peaks two miles high.
•
In 1893, while on top of nearby Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write the
words to “America the Beautiful”.
•
One of the best sports towns in the country, Denver is home to eight professional sports
teams, including the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche. Denver is the only city
in America to open three new stadiums in 10 years.
•
Denver isn’t just called the Mile High City, it truly is a mile high. The 15th step on the
west side of the State Capitol building is 5,280 feet above sea level.
13
14
Risk Management Matters
Volume 24, Second Quarter 2011
Telcom Matters
• We would like to welcome the following new members
to our Telcom P&C family: CVIN, LLC (CA) and
S&T Telephone Cooperative Association (KS); New
Stay Connected: Northeast Louisiana Telephone
Company, Inc. (LA) and Gardonville Cooperative
Telephone Association (MN)
• Upcoming Holidays: Our offices will be closed on
Monday, May 30th for the Memorial Day holiday and
Monday, July 4th for the Independence Day Holiday.
Please report all claims directly to the carrier. If you
need claims reporting phone/fax numbers, please dial
our main line at 301-220-3200 for a complete listing.
• We offer our Congratulations to the following Telcom
family members:
• Thomas Hyde of Taylor Telephone (TX) on his
retirement and welcome to Steve Singletary as the
new General Manager.
• Dick Cantrell of KanOkla Telephone (KS) on his
upcoming retirement.
• Sue Flanders, on her new grandbaby; his name is
Drew.
• Marlene Pries of Colton Telephone (OR) on
becoming a first-time grandma.
• Canby Telephone (OR) for winning our Ipad give
away at the NTCA Annual Meeting in Dallas.
• We offer condolences to the following Telcom family
members:
• CSSA for the passing of Larry Hoaglan this past
February
• Tom Riley, with the OTA, passed away on February
19th.
• Clint Poindexter who recently passed away, a longtime board member of Yadkin Valley Telephone
(NC).
• Steve Crosby of Cascade Utilities (OR) passed away
in early April.
Telcom Insurance Group’s Stay
Connected Announcement
The 27th Rural Telco has joined their cellphone insurance program. The
program is co-administered with Telcom Insurance Group (www.telcominsgrp.
com), the insurance arm of the NTCA and it carries endorsements from two
major rural telco associations. Further, the program is backed by an “A” rated
insurance company and it provides best-in-class coverage to its insureds. For
more information on the Cellphone Insurance Program, please contact Bill
Cleave at [email protected] or at 609-818-9534.
2011 TIG Risk Management Conference Registration Form
Name:
Company:
Guest(s):
TIG Participant
(Board, Shareholder, Policyholder)
Conference Fees
Non–Participant
1-3 Registrant(s):
$295 per person
1-3 Registrant(s):
$325 per person
4 and More:
$250 per person
4 and More:
$300 per person
Adult Guest(s):
$200 per person
Adult Guest(s):
$200 per person
Children (5-12):
$ 25 per person
Children (5-12):
$ 25 per person
th
th
Total Conference Fees Included: $
In order for the transportation, food, and “goodies” count to be correct, please let us know the total
number in your party for the Sunday Welcome Reception and the Monday Night Reception.
Fees for all Receptions and Breakfast on Monday and Tuesday are included in your registration.
Sunday: Red Rock Reception: _____# Attending
Monday: Museum Reception: _____ # Attending
Optional Tours/Activities (details attached)
Sunday, June 26th
Cost per Attendee
Golf Course, lunch included
$ 115
Morning Tour with lunch
$ 65
Afternoon Tour with lunch
$ 65
Both Tours with lunch
$ 95
# of Attendees
Total Cost
Monday, June 27th
Tour with lunch
$ 75
Tuesday, June 28th
Colorado Rockies Game
$ 100
Total Tours/Activities Fees Included: $
Grand Total of all Fees Included: $
Please make all checks payable to: Telcom Insurance Group—2011 Risk Management Conference
Conference Cancellation Policy: Hotel Registration will be open until May 20th for the Westin Hotel Tabor Center.
Cancellations for the conference and all related activities received by May 20th will be refunded in full.
Sorry, cancellations after May 20th and “no shows” cannot be refunded.
Return To:
Telcom Insurance Group: 2011 RMC
6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Questions?
Contact Marilyn Blake - (800) 222-4664 x1085
or [email protected]
6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Memorial Day-May 30, 2011
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday
observed on the last Monday of May. It commemorates
U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.
First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War
(it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War),
it was expanded after World War I.
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials.
A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.
Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from
dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on
each grave site at National Cemeteries.
In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also used as a time for
picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events. One of the
longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an auto
race which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.
Please take time to remember those who sacrificed the ultimate, their
lives, for our freedoms everyday…but especially on Memorial Day.
Prsrt First Class
US Postage
PAID
Southern MD
Permit No. 4507