| 6:30-7:30 a.m. |
Fun Run/Walk Activity |
| 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Registration Open |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions
Anatomy of a Public Official’s Claim
Speakers: Ms. Debbie Bonner, Claims Attorney, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Larry Simmons, Principal, Germer Law Firm
Moderator: Mr. Stan Lewiecki, Claims Attorney, Texas Association of Counties
Join this step-by-step dissection and analysis of the anatomy of an employment type claim. From inception to trial, attendees will see the process and potential pitfalls from the perspective of defense counsel and TAC RMP claims attorneys. Gain insight on how to avoid ending up on the autopsy table but also how to properly respond to the litigation plague — should it find you, despite your best efforts.
Anatomy of a Complex Workers’ Compensation Claim
Speakers: Ms. Stacy Corluccio, Claims Manager, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Helana Barmore, Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager, York Risk Services Group
Moderator: Mr. Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
Everyday knee and ankle sprains can be easily handled with appropriate and temporary treatment plans from good medical providers and county return-to-work programs. What about the complex or legacy claim older than 10 years in which an injured worker has suffered from three failed back surgeries? What can be done for claimants with co-morbidities that impede recovery or complicate injuries? And what constitutes a catastrophic claim? This session will provide a brief review of the law surrounding medical care under the Workers’ Compensation Act, medical management and adjusting tools and several claim scenarios.
Go Viral or Go Home?
Speaker: Mr. Mark Zollitsch, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Are you ready for your county’s wellness program to really take off? Learn the secret ingredients to a successful program and finally getting the engagement needed for positive change. We’ll share tips on getting the most out of Healthy County’s wellness program by leveraging employee success stories to motivate others. Also hear exciting information about a new program aimed at tackling some the highest cost drivers and chronic conditions affecting your county’s bottom line.
Protecting Your Property: How Well Do You Know Your Fire Systems?
Speaker: Mr. Joe Szewczyk, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. Jack Coffey, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
This overview of various fire protection systems will examine inspections, testing and maintenance. |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions
What’s Driving Your Auto Claims?
Speakers: Mr. Jack Coffey, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. David Whitis, Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. Joe Szewczyk, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
In recent years, several factors have contributed to the rise in the total cost of auto claims. Buckle up as we take this road trip and identify key contributing factors in auto losses and discuss simple solutions to change driving habits to achieve positive outcomes. Attendees will gain the tools needed to build a driver training program, keep employees safer and minimize potential auto and co-related claims.
Fighting the Zombie Apocalypse in Your County
Speaker: Ms. Shameria Davis, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. Mark Zollitsch, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Sleep deprivation can leave the brain and body exhausted. Duties aren’t performed well, healing is hampered, and repair of the heart and blood vessels is impaired. Learn how to reduce risk factors associated with an increase of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and more. Come ready to assess your sleep through a quick assessment and receive a sleep resource guide that you can take back to your county.
HR Round Table
Speakers: Ms. Michele Arseneau, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Diana Cecil, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Rollie Ford, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Mary Ann Saenz-Thompson, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Diana Cecil, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Here is your chance to discuss human resource issues with peers and TAC human resources consultants. In this general session, the speakers will cover timely HR topics, developments and best practices. In addition, shared knowledge may help solve some common challenges facing your county. This roundtable session allows for open discussion on current HR issues and provides networking opportunities.
The Complexity of Roofs: A Candid Discussion
Speakers: Mr. Kevin Yandell, Property Claims Examiner, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Isaac Garcia, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Andrea Beard, Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
The trouble with rooftops is that you don’t know what you don’t know. The majority of those responsible for a county’s roof inspections, maintenance and repairs are often not the same people responsible for the buildings’ property insurance coverage. The latter aren’t aware of the potential financial and contractual implications when roofs aren’t maintained properly. When damage occurs, do you need to file a warranty claim with a vendor or is replacement needed? Repairing or replacing a roof is expensive and can become complicated. Establishing an inspection cycle and maintenance schedule will help avoid problems. Learn what you don’t know and how it can haunt you in the future. This discussion is geared not only for facilities staff but also pool coordinators, judges and commissioners. |
| 10:20-10:50 a.m. |
Refreshment Break |
| 10:50-11:40 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions
Get in the Game: Finding Your Winning Strategy
Speakers: Ms. Lorie Floyd, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Rameshea Brandon, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Stuck in the middle and wondering how to ramp up your benefits to get your employees informed? When should my county consider going out for a request for proposal and how do I put the RFP together? This session will discuss the value of understanding your plan performance year round, the benefits of mid-year reviews, tips and techniques of how and when to conduct open enrollment meetings, and the RFP process.
The Great Punch by Hurricane Harvey
Speakers: Mr. Mike Obearle, Director of Specialty Accounts, Abercrombie, Simmons & Gillette, Inc.
Mr. Shawn Jernigan, Senior Building Consultant, RMC Group
Moderator: Ms. Andrea Beard, Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson once said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” In this session, hear from parties intimately involved in the immediate response to damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. We will discuss the plans before the storm hit, how some counties implemented their plans, how the plans have since changed, and ways to plan differently for future storms.
How to Investigate a Sexual Harassment Complaint in The Era of #MeToo & Time's Up
Speaker: Mr. Joe Bontke, Outreach Manager, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Moderator: Ms. Michele Arseneau, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Employers should establish internal procedures for dealing with sexual harassment complaints or grievances to encourage in-house resolution. Today providing sexual harassment traning to their employees and by establishing an effective compliant of grievance process might not be enough and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee complains might need extra care. This training session will give you the tools you need to do it right.
New Challenges and Old Problems: County Jail Operations and SB 1849
Speaker: Brandon Wood, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Moderator: Mr. Thomas Kerss, Senior Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
This session will provide an overview of new requirements mandated by Senate Bill 1849 for county jails and the solutions some counties have already put into place to meet the new standards. Also hear about grant opportunities for small counties. |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (provided for all) |
| 1:40-2:30 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
My Neck, My Back, My Neck, My Back: Airrosti
Speaker: Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Shameria Davis, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
The No. 1 claim for the TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool is musculoskeletal. These claims stem from injuries and disorders that affect movement like tendonitis, disc impingements and carpal tunnel. Airrosti is a health care group that employs and trains chiropractors to evaluate and assess the root cause of musculoskeletal symptoms of pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Patients receive an assessment, treatment and action plan to sustain relief. Their motto is: We Fix Pain Fast! Learn what they can do and how you could be the next candidate for a success story.
Survey Says: “Family Feud” TAC Risk Management Pool Edition
Speakers: Mr. Todd Kisel, Risk Management Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Lisa McCaig, Risk Management Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Mike Strawn, Risk Control Manager, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Victor Uvalle Jr., Risk Management Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. Michael Shannon, Risk Management Services Director, Texas Association of Counties
In this fun, original version of the iconic TV game show, Risk Control Manager Mike Strawn plays host to four Texas territory teams, each comprised of five county family members. Try to match the answers given to survey questions asked of TAC RMP members across the state. The county family that is the first to win their respective rounds advances to the bonus round, called Fast County, for a chance to win prizes by answering more survey questions. This session is guaranteed to provide an entertaining and insightful look at our Pool qwnership, partnership and risk management services.
Workers’ Compensation Round Table
Speakers: Ms. Stacy Corluccio, Claims Manager, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Helana Barmore, Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager, York Risk Services Group
Ms. Diana Cecil, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Andrea Beard, Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
Join a discussion on hot topics that affect your county. Interact and share best practices with your fellow county peers on the following: what is — and what isn’t — working in regard to return to work vs. maximum medical improvement (light duty vs. full duty), WC benefits and separation from employment, salary continuation and WC benefits to include information on DWC-2, direction of medical treatment (roles of the Alliance and other medical providers vs. Pool). TAC workers comp and HR experts will lead this forum for open discussion. |
| 2:30-3 p.m. |
Refreshment Break |
| 3-3:50 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
HEBP Game Show: “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”
Speakers: Ms. Rameshea Brandon, Employee Benefits Consultants, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Kathy Davenport, Employee Benefits Consultants, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Lorie Floyd, Employee Benefits Consultants, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
With a nod to the Pink Floyd song, ask if you are crazy enough to shine as you answer employee benefits questions and compete against your peers? Participants will be put to the test on their knowledge of employee health coverage, the Affordable Care Act, health care terminology and various Health and Employee Benefits Pool programs. This interactive setting promises to be not only entertaining but educational and informative.
Courthouse Security
Speakers: Ms. Susan Redford, Judicial Program Manager, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Gary Henderson, Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. David Whitis, Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
With the attempted assassination of a state district judge in Travis County in 2015, the discussion of security for courts and employees within the courthouse has taken on a new urgency in Texas. We will discuss the critical importance of courthouse security, the need for heightened awareness and training for employees and steps to take when the threat becomes a reality. We also will review the impact of Senate Bill 42 and how we accomplish these goals.
The Role of Human Resources in a Crisis
Speakers: Ms. Mary Ann Saenz-Thompson, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Lori Ardion, Human Resources Manager, Orange County
Ms. Kristen Barnebey, District Attorney, Aransas County
Moderator: Mr. Rollie Ford, Human Resources, Texas Association of Counties
During a natural crisis or a disaster caused by human actions, it is critical that counties have human resources plans and procedures in place. This session will cover HR plans and policies that will help to effectively manage operations, resources and people when a crisis hits. The speakers will also cover what necessary HR preparations should be place before a crisis, the HR response during a disaster and disengagement and transition back to “normal” in the non-crisis environment. Anyone tasked with HR functions in a county should attend this session and hear first-hand from a county official who has experienced this challenge.
Managing Stress and Burnout for Law Enforcement
Speaker: Mr. Rick Randall, Senior Chaplin, Austin Police Department
Moderator: Mr. Terry Pickering, Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the types of stress that peace officers face, including the intrinsic dangers of policing such as stress, depression, PTSD and relationship problems, as well as the predictable changes and challenges of a typical law enforcement career. |
| 4-4:50 p.m. |
Health Care Reform Update
Speaker: Mr. Quincy Quinlan, Health and Benefits Services Director, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Mr. Brian Naiser, Financial Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Learn the latest developments with health care reform and review the various mandates it imposes on county group health plans. This session’s content will encompass both the tactical and administrative aspects of compliance, updates on the Affordable Care Act reporting requirements and information to help counties develop strategies for managing future health benefit plans. |
| 5:30-9:30 p.m. |
Evening Event
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
Join us for fun, music and games on the Palm Beach at Moody Gardens. Relax after a long day of education with your toes in the sand at Galveston’s only white sand beach. |