Community Blog: East County Personnel Association

Join East County Personnel Association for a look into the frightening world of Worker’s Compensation!

 

WORKER’S COMPENSATION WITH JEFFREY CRUZ, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BARNEY & BARNEY’S RISK & LOSS ADVISORS

 

The WCIRB recommended a rate increase of over 24% but Commissioner Poizner decided rates should remain flat.  Who is correct and what actions are carriers taking in reference to their rates?  What should employers do now in order to protect themselves against increasing claim costs and possible increases in their work comp rates?    

 

Adding to the debate are recent law changes that will have an impact on rates depending on the final decisions by the appellate courts. 

 

Join us for a discussion on changes in the California work comp market and what attorneys are doing to find larger settlements for their clients. 

 

Thursday, October 15, 2009

11:30am – 1:00pm

The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa

$30 Members

$35 Non-Members

RSVP Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com

 

Visit our website at www.ecopa.net and register and pay online for this presentation!

 

Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

About our presenter …

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Cruz, MBA

Asst. Director Risk & Loss Advisors

Jeff is the Assistant Director of Barney & Barney’s Risk & Loss Advisors where he provides clients with viable strategies and methodologies for reducing workers’ compensation costs and loss exposures.  He has over 17 years of experience in managing and mitigating work comp losses and has been with Barney & Barney since 2004.  Prior to Barney & Barney, Jeff was a Team Manager for Zurich North America overseeing a group of claims professionals in the management of work comp losses for Fortune 1000 companies.  He also served as a Client Service Executive handling the coordination of online services, claims management and special handling instructions for large, multi jurisdictional clients. 

As a work comp specialist for Barney & Barney, Jeff assists our clients with claims oversight through periodic claim reviews and required follow up. He also assists with the implementation of Medical Provider Networks (California), the development of return to work programs, the development and implementation of special handling instructions and virtually all other aspects of a client’s workers’ compensation program.  He also helps ensure our clients are compliant with federal regulations, such as FEHA, as they relate to work comp claims

Jeff has his Self-Insured Certification from the State of California.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. 

 

David Letterman has one, People Magazine has one, the NFL has one, and even the insurance industry has one. What is it? A top ten list of course!
 
Join us at ECoPA’s August meeting for another great top ten: Top 10 Policy Mistakes and How They Can Haunt You.  While this list may not be as funny as "The Top Ten Things That Almost Rhyme with Peas" or “Top Ten Messages on Dick Cheney's Answering Machine”, you won’t be laughing when a mistake in a company policy costs the company a lawsuit.

Presented by Stacey E. James, San Diego Office of Littler Mendelson P.C. 
 
This presentation will focus on common mistakes employers make in written policies and procedures, including identifying the top 10 biggest issues, describing the impact of each kind of mistake, and explaining what can be done to avoid and/or correct them.  This will be a lively, interactive presentation and all attendees are invited to join in.  Come learn more about common mistakes you can avoid and bring your questions.
 
Thursday, August 20, 2009
11:30am – 1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
$30 Members
$35 Non-Members
RSVP Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com

How to Rebuild Employee Engagement After a Layoff
Presented by Duncan Mathison
 
For years companies have worked to build highly engaged and productive workforces. But when times are tight and job cuts becomes a must, remaining employee engagement can take a beating. This session will explore the aftermath of a layoff and how companies can assure a rapid return to sustained productivity and commitment. Bring your questions and experience to explore essential practical tools HR can use to deal with remaining employees when times are tough.
 
Thursday, July 16, 2009
11:30am – 1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
$30 Members
$35 Non-Members
RSVP Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 
**YOU CAN NOW MAKE YOUR LUNCHEON PAYMENT ONLINE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE**
Visit us at www.ecopa.net
  
About our speaker:
For nearly 18 years Duncan Mathison has guided companies and their leadership through the gut wrenching change of RIF’s, reorganizations, acquisitions and operation shutdowns.  He is an author and speaker on organization performance, leadership and executive career topics including serving as a contributor to “Rebound, A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss” by Martha Finney; and co-author of “Unlock the Hidden Job Market: Six Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times are Tight” (Financial Times Press) due out October, 2009 .  His clients have ranged across industries including finance, technology, telecommunications, biotechnology, retail and entertainment.
 

Join ECoPA on Thursday, June 18, 2009 for our semi-annual legal with Chris Olmsted
Shareholder, Barker Olmsted & Barnier, APLC. San Diego, Ca.
 
This presentation features a mid-year update on labor and employment law. Since the end of 2008, there have been a number of developments on the state and federal level. Chris Olmsted will cover a number of new laws and cases in the areas of discrimination and harassment, leaves of absence, wage and hour practices, and other aspects of employer liability. He will also cover new legislation currently under consideration by Congress and the California legislature.
 
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
(I-8 @ Fuerte Drive)
11:30am – 1:00pm
 
Make your reservations today!
Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 

Why should organizations target older workers (55+) for retention or employment?
What attitudinal and policy changes need to be made in your organization to retain and/or hire older workers?
 
The public sector and business sector face economic and cultural challenges so profound they are redefining the workplace, work, and workers. These impacts are unavoidable because they are being driven by globalization and demographics. Delay in recognizing their significance and adapting to the changes they require places organizations at risk. One promising strategy is to reconsider the value of older workers, and to partner with them in new ways.
 
About our speakers
Stephen F. Barnes Ph.D. Professor of Adult Education, has a lengthy, distinguished career in public higher education. From 1977-1992 he served as a senior administrative officer of San Diego State University, and from 1992-1996 as Vice President of the California Maritime Academy. He returned to the classroom in 1997, and is the lead faculty member in Adult Education at San Diego State University (SDSU). He has numerous scholarly publications and a strong record of public service as a speaker, consultant, and community leader. His major research focus is on adult learning.
 
Patrick H. Davis, MSW, is a retired Human Resources Executive Recruiter for the Fortune 1000 (including American Electric Power Company, Inc., General Electric, Dow Chemical, Shell Oil and Gas, Calpine Corporation. and Edison International). He worked in the field for over 20 years, and owned his own company. As an adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University’s Interwork Institute, Mr. Davis brings extensive practical background to the understanding of late life adult transitions.  Today, he writes and lectures on the need for essential “adult life skills” in the 21st century.
 
Dr. Barnes and Mr. Davis, are co-founders of the Institute for Applied Critical Thinking, a non-profit organization.  They co-developed a curriculum that examines the historically unique and epic life transitions of Baby Boomers.  Presented through a collection of seminars, trainings, and short course, their teaching and research document the remarkable influence the Boomer generation has had on America, and will continue to have for the next 30 years in terms of the social, political, cultural, and economic realities of the nation.
 

Presented by: Stephen F. Barnes Ph.D and Patrick H. Davis, MSW
SDSU Center for Educational Leadership, Innovation & Policy Interwork Institute

EAST COUNTY PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION APRIL 2008 MEETING
Thursday, April 19, 2009
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
$30 Members
$35 Non-Members
 
Reservations: Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com 
Visit our website at www.ecopa.net

 

Presented by Tommie Lane
 
During her presentation, Tommie will cover case histories of how her clients:
 
Faced and met the challenges associated with ‘forced diversity’ as in a company that must by its nature be diverse
Allowed and promoted diversity to be an up front topic of dialog and education at all levels of the organization from the loading dock to the board room.
Mastered the recruiting, hiring, retaining, promoting, and celebrating of  a diverse talent ‘treasury’ not just for a ‘report of overall diversity numbers but rather to unfold a specific value in every department as a separate, necessarily diverse unit for the enhancement of the creativity of that department.
 
Be sure to take note of any new or longstanding questions you have regarding diversity in your own workplace.  Also if possible bring a copy of your ‘statement of corporate culture that you may even have on your web site.
 
GREAT topic for the CEO and other TOP MANAGEMENT in your firm!
 
Biographical Information for Tommie Lane:
Tommie Lane headed her own CEO consulting, coaching, and training organization for over 25 years. During that time, through tailored research, design and intensive and extensive training, she has assisted some of this country leading companies to create the most honest, open, ethical, and humorous work place communities that have driven profits up and mistakes and accidents down.
 
Tommie’s talent in bringing teams together is based solidly in the belief that within an organization’s diversity often lies hidden and dormant their highest creative potential.  For example she designed and presented the first Assertive based team building between Japanese and American executives in this country for Nikon Precision in San Francisco, California.  Her executive management and supervision course was translated and taught in Spanish for the Spanish and American executives at Watkins Manufacturing in Vista, California.
 
From manufacturing to Aerospace, and Fast Food to Radio and Television stations, across the united states, her work is known as constantly stretching the ‘leading edge’ just one more step in the direction of the ideal of true “Corporate Greatness”.
 

Thursday, March 19, 200911:30am-1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
(I-8 at Fuerte Drive)
 
$30 Members
$35 Non-members
 
Reservations: Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 
Visit our website at www.ecopa.netSusan@PlazapersonnelService.com

ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS AREN’T GRAY.
TRAINING COMPLIANCE WITH E-C-P-A!
 
Is this a sexual harassment compliance year for you? Are you prepared? Are you ready to do a legally compliant harassment investigation? If so, this is the program for you. Join us for a lively presentation on sexual harassment training requirements and tips on conducting a thorough and effective investigation.
 
Our speaker Sandra A. Marciari, Esq. has trained more than 10,000 mangers across the country on the do’s and don’ts on the area of sexual harassment in the workplace. She is also a Certified EEO Investigator and regularly conducts investigations into employee claims of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more on these topics from an expert in the field.
 
Thursday, February 19, 2009
11:30am-1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
(I-8 at Fuerte Drive)
 
$30 Members
$35 Non-members
 
Reservations: Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 Visit our website at www.ecopa.net 
About our speaker …
Sandra A. Marciari is an employment law attorney who provides advice and counsel on all labor and employment law and human resource matters on behalf of management.  Ms. Marciari provides workplace training on topics such as preventing harassment, conducting workplace investigations, wage and hour laws, leave of absence laws, labor relations and union avoidance, effective employee management and has provided such training for thousands of managers and executives around the country and oversees.  Ms. Marciari has provided the aforementioned training to Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and non-profit organizations in a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, transportation, shipping, retail, hospitality, pharmaceutical, health care, banking, telecommunications, entertainment, and legal

Happy New Year to All!
 
It seems like every year we make resolutions for better health in the new year, I know I do. Whether that means diet and exercise, or just taking better care of ourselves, it’s always an important goal.  Wellness programs can help employers and employees optimize their well-being and reach this goal of good health.
 
Wellness programs can range from simple smoking cessation and weight management programs to a very robust menu of activities, resources and educational opportunities. All employers regardless of their size should consider augmenting their health insurance, workers compensation plans, leave policies and any other areas in which premium costs and productivity are concerned.
 
Join us for our January luncheon as we welcome Miki Kobane, Certified Wellness Program Director and Consultant.
 
Thursday, January 15, 2009
11:30am – 1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
$30 Members
$35 Non-members
 
Reservations: Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 
 
 
About our speaker …
 
Miki is an active member of The Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) and received her training and certification as a “Wellness Program Director and Consultant” by the National Wellness Institute. Miki was invited to speak about workplace wellness at the 17th Annual AJCU which included attendees from Boston College, Georgetown University, Loyola University, Xavier University, San Francisco and Santa Clara Universities.
 
Miki Kobane has spent 17 years in the health insurance industry and 10 years in Human Resources which provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between chronic illness, claims experience, insurance premiums and the need for lifestyle education and change. Providing services throughout her career as a broker and as account manager for major health insurance carriers, having to explain and sell double digit increases was difficult but not uncommon. One fact remained consistent and obvious to her, increases would continue until action was taken by employers to encourage lifestyle changes and individual accountability.
 
In 1998 Ms. Kobane transitioned from the health insurance industry to Benefits Director for Children’s Hospital of San Diego. She accepted the position of Manager of Benefits and Health & Wellness at Viejas Enterprises in 2003. Ms. Kobane utilizes her extensive background and knowledge to help employers recognize the correlation between lifestyle choices, healthcare costs and the need to implement wellness initiatives in an effort to control soaring premiums and reduced productivity.
 
Ms. Kobane believes wellness is not the absence of disease, but the constant pursuit of optimal health. Meeting that challenge Miki has focused her career on, and is dedicated to, the implementation of workplace wellness programs. Assisting employers at reviewing claims and demographic data allows the employer to determine the depth and design of a program that best suits their organization’s needs. “Strong and consistent communication is necessary to build trust. Without the proper information and communication, wellness programs can be met with strong resistance by employers and almost certainly by employees”.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Presentation by Douglas Sjoberg, M.S., SPHR
 
Arrh! Ye unsuspectin’ brigands, you!  You’ll never know REAL HR adventure ‘til you attend the December Holiday Piratefest for ECPA.  It promises to be an Exceptionally Cool Pirate Adventure! 
 
Hear from Cap’n Burntbeard, one-time human resources manager for a struggling San Diego tech firm, but now turned buccaneer, sailing his half-masted ship, the Fraudulent Inducement, ‘round the world whilst spreading the news of the pitfalls of running a tight ship in tight times! 
 
If the likes of downsizing, layoffs, terminations, severance, and career transitions be yer concern, then come hear how ta survive with the survivors!  What do you need to know to cope with the present and prepare for the recovery?  The Cap’n knows—and he’s waitin’ with “baited breath” to tell ya! Yarrrrgh!
 
Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:30am – 1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
Members $30, Non-Members $35
Reservations to Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com
 
Hope see ya thar … Har, mateys!
 
 

Employment Law Update 2008:
What Happened - What’s New - How Will Your Company Be Affected?

2008 has been an active year in employment law, with far-reaching developments in discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour law. 

 

Join widely-acclaimed employment law attorney Tom Ingrassia of Pettit Kohn Ingrassia & Lutz in a discussion regarding the major judicial decisions of 2008 and the new laws taking effect in 2009.

 
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
11:30am – 1:00pm
 
$30 Members
$35 Non-Members
 
*Reservations to Carolh@pmp-elcajon.com
*NO SHOWS WILL BE BILLED
 
Visit our website at www.ecopa.net 
 

EAST COUNT PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION IS PROUD TO PRESENT . . .
 
Staying Out of Court: How to Avoid Wage & Hour and Other Mistakes That Will Cost You
Presented by Lara Strauss, Littler Mendelson
As if recruiting good employees, running payroll and managing time off requests wasn't difficult enough.  In today's business world, human resources professionals are also the first defense against lawsuits.  Add that to your "to do" list!  Knowing all of California's wage and hour rules and employment laws is important, but there are so many laws it is difficult to know where to focus.  In this presentation, we will identify and discuss several key areas where employers frequently make mistakes.  We will also talk about the cost of those mistakes and how they could have been avoided.  Join us for practical lessons and tools to help you stay out of court. 
 
Thursday, October 16, 2008
11:30am – 1:00pm

The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa
$30 Members
$35 Non-Members
 
Reservations* to Susan@PlazapersonnelService.com*no shows will be billed
 
About the Presenter …
Lara Strauss is an associate with Littler Mendelson, a law firm devoted exclusively to representing management in labor and employment matters.  Lara litigates in all areas of labor and employment law, including claims for wrongful discharge, wage and hour violations and discrimination/harassment. In addition, Lara counsels clients on a variety of employment issues, including employee discipline, wage and hour compliance and adherence to federal and state family and medical leave laws.  
 

Handling employee requests for time off as a result of illness or injury is one of the most challenging and frustrating duties of a human resource employee’s job.  The difficulty arises from having to consider the complicated state and federal laws governing family leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, and disability discrimination that may come into play. 

 

For example, some serious health conditions, including those which are work-related, may also fit the definition of a disability under state and federal discrimination laws. A work-related injury is covered by workers’ comp, but if it qualifies as a “serious health condition” family medical laws kick in as well.

 

During The Dance, we will waltz our way through the complex rules governing the Family and Medical Leave Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act and workers’ compensation, as well as California disability and family leave laws.  We will address some of the most common problems employers struggle over when the laws overlap, and provide tips on how to deal with them.

 

Thursday, August 21, 2008

11:30am – 1:00pm

The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa (I-8 at Fuerte Drive)

$30 Members*

$35 Non-members*

Reservations to Susan@PlazaPersonnelService. com

About our presenter, Elizabeth Koumas

 

Ms. Koumas specializes in labor law compliance counseling and employment litigation. Her practice focuses on the defense of employers in administrative claims filed with the Labor Commissioner, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Employment Development (EDD). She also represents the interests of employers and management in litigated matters, which include wage and hour issues, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and discrimination claims.

 

 

 

Improving The Candidate Experience: Can You Put Yourself In Their Shoes?

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Have you ever looked at your organization… through the eyes of a candidate?  As you evaluate your recruiting process, it is important to understand the factors that may ultimately influence a candidate’s decision to choose your organization over your competitor.  This is the concept we will examine – a concept called the “candidate experience”.

 

This program will address the meaning behind the candidate experience, how to measure it and how to effectively improve the experience to attract, engage and retain the best talent. 

The program format is interactive and you will leave with ideas that can impact your organization immediately.  We will examine and initiate discussion on the following:

 

• Understanding the concept of the candidate experience

• Developing tools to help measure the candidate experience

• Examining how to effectively enhance candidate touch points throughout the recruiting process

• Identifying creative and strategic ways to improve the overall candidate experience

 

SPEAKER BIO:

Matt Kaiser serves as Vice President & Talent Strategist for NAS Recruitment Communications, an agency of the McCann Worldgroup and a leading provider of innovative human resource communications solutions.

 

His role is national in scope and designed to facilitate major account implementation and support strategic project consultation.  With more than 11 years of experience as a recruitment strategy consultant, Matt Kaiser has partnered with Fortune 100 and 500 clients in a variety of industries.  Matt applies his expertise to developing and promoting an organization’s unique brand identity and incorporating innovative sourcing strategies to creatively attract top talent.  A featured industry speaker on Employment Branding and Sourcing Strategies, Matt offers key insight into maximizing both traditional and breakthrough alternative media channels to target and attract top talent.  He is a featured speaker at various SHRM, NAHCR and CUPA events. 

 

Join us for an informative and interactive presentation on mid-year legal developments. 

 

Presented by Stacey James, a shareholder in the San Diego office of Littler Mendelson, P.C., this program program promises to be lively and engaging.  Ms. James highly encourages audience participation and suggests that attendees bring their questions and issues for discussion among the group.  You will not want to miss this fun and educational program.

 

Mark your calendars for the exciting presentation!

     

Thursday, June 19, 2008
11:30am – 1:00pm
The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa

Members $30, Non-Members $35

Reservations to Susan@PlazaPersonnelService.com

*no shows will be billed

Hope to see you there!

And don't forget to visit our website at www.ecopa.net.