County Management & Risk Conference

April 8

Online

Registration is closed.

The well-being and safety of TAC's members is our first priority. In responding to calls for slowing the spread of COVID-19, we have transformed County Management & Risk Conference into a virtual event.

For more information, contact Amy Lawson at (800) 456-5974.

Overview
Agenda
Continuing Education
Cancellation

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to reduce risk and prevent losses throughout your county's operations. Hear the latest about employee wellness and health benefit options that affect your bottom line.

Thursday, April 8
8-8:30 a.m.	Welcome & Introductions
8:30-10 a.m.	Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness Speaker: Dr. Kelli Harding, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Moderator: Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, TAC In her work as a physician, writer and educator, Harding explores the science of kindness and the social dimensions of health. These hidden factors affect the body in profound ways, altering metabolism, immune functioning, mental health and the course of disease. This physician combines the latest biomedical advances with big-picture public health research to help people live well, even with chronic disease or serious illness.
10-10:15 a.m.	Break
10:15-11:05 a.m.	BREAKOUTS HR for Beginners: What You Need to Know Moderator: Ms. Diana Cecil, Human Resources Consultant Supervisor, TAC Speaker: Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, TAC This session is for anyone new to the Human Resources (HR) function or those wanting an overview of HR responsibilities. Attendees will learn some of the basic components of the HR function and what best practices should be used in the workplace. They will also gain knowledge to help perform HR duties, avoid potential lawsuits and feel more comfortable handling challenging HR issues. Managing Risk in a Video World Speaker: Mr. Darren Jackson, Senior Law Enforcement Consultant, TAC Moderator: Clem Zabalza, Risk Control Manager, TAC This session will explore legal problems that have risen from law enforcement activities videotaped by citizens and body cameras. Attendees will hear about the harsh public scrutiny that law enforcement has experienced from poor actions, misunderstood tactics and sensationalized narratives associated with video recordings. Learn how policy and training can help reduce the harmful effects from these video incidents. COVID and YOU Speakers: Mr. Jacob Leos, Financial Analyst, TAC Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Moderator: Ms. Biral Patel, Wellness Consultant, TAC Let's take a deep dive into the effects COVID-19 has had on the TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP). We will discuss the projections and realities of the impact of the virus COVID-19. This discussion will cover the costs related to COVID-19 along with how the virus affected all other claims across the board as compared to previous years.
11:05-11:20 a.m.	Break
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.	BREAKOUTS Lost My Unemployment Claim: What Went Wrong and How to Win the Next One Speaker: Ms. Michele Arseneau, Senior Human Resources Consultant, TAC Moderator: Ms. Diana Cecil, Human Resources Consultants Supervisor, TAC Unemployment claims happen but the cost can be avoided. In this session, we will discuss how the county can win claims and reduce liability. We will use specific scenarios and discuss what mistakes were made and how to correct the issue for the future. Pre-Claims Assistance: Why it Matters! Speakers: Ms. Andrea Beard, Public Officials and Law Enforcement Liability Litigation Supervisor, TAC Mr. Mike Thompson, Associate General Counsel, TAC Moderator: Ms. Stacey Corluccio, Claims Manager, TAC An employee is terminated and has threatened a lawsuit. What’s next? Should you call TAC? This session will explain the pre-claims assistance benefit TAC Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) offers to its members and what scenarios qualify. In this session, you’ll learn how early intervention can make a difference and help your county prevail in a claim. It's Totally Not All in Your Head: Mental Health Matters Speaker: Ms. Stacey Bruington, Wellness Consultant, TAC Moderator: Ms. Kathy Davenport, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC We are all aware of the power of a healthy lifestyle and how it can help us lead a better, longer life. In this session, we will discuss a crucial component to overall health and well-being: mental health. Participants will learn about stress, anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and will acquire necessary tools to achieve and support overall mental health and well-being.
12:10-1 p.m.	Lunch Break and HR Roundtable
1-1:50 p.m.	BREAKOUTS Fido at Work Speaker: Dr. Rebecca McPherson, Assistant Professor of Human Resources Management, Texas A&M University – Central Texas Moderator: Ms. Diana Cecil, Human Resources Consultant Supervisor, TAC What would you do if an applicant showed up for a job interview with a dog? What if an existing employee requested a dog? Is Fido a reasonable accommodation? Would supervisors know how to manage these situations? This session focuses on assessing and managing risk to your organization and the presentation of emerging research-based best practices for the creation of county policies and practices when Fido is requested as a reasonable accommodation. What You Don't Know Could Make You Sick: Environmental Considerations for a Safe and Healthy Workplace Speaker: Mr. Isaac Garcia, Risk Control Consultant, TAC Moderator: Clem Zabalza, Risk Control Manager, TAC Creating safe and healthy workplaces can involve many more areas of concern than you initially imagine. This presentation will cover environmental issues that could affect staff and visitors at your facilities and locations. Indoor environmental quality, for example, can be affected by mold, chemicals, asbestos and even lead, possibly causing serious illnesses and regulatory concerns. Learn about requirements for proper storage of fuels and disposal of chemicals and other hazardous waste materials. Failing to manage these correctly could cause environmental hazards and possible negative regulatory actions. Is Your Condition Managing You? A Look into Chronic Illness Speaker: Ms. Shameria Davis, Wellness Consultant, TAC Moderator: Mr. Santos Trejo, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Being well, leading a healthy lifestyle and making healthy choices is easier said than done. In this round table discussion, we will dive into some chronic illnesses one by one to learn the signs and symptoms that may cause us to suffer in silence or seek medical assistance when we don’t otherwise know what to do. Participants will learn ways to get engaged and “get a grip” on these four categories: obesity and physical inactivity, cardiovascular illnesses, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
1:50-2:05 p.m.	Break
2:05-2:55 p.m.	BREAKOUTS HR for Beginners: What You Need to Know Speaker: Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, TAC This session is for anyone new to the Human Resources (HR) function or those wanting an overview of HR responsibilities. Attendees will learn some of the basic components of the HR function and what best practices should be used in the workplace. They will also gain knowledge to help perform HR duties, avoid potential lawsuits and feel more comfortable handling challenging HR issues. I Lost My Unemployment Claim: What Went Wrong and How to Win the Next One Speaker: Ms. Michele Arseneau, Senior Human Resources Consultant, TAC Moderator: Mr. Clem Zabalza, Risk Control Manager, TAC Unemployment claims happen but the cost can be avoided. In this session, we will discuss how the county can win claims and reduce liability. We will use specific scenarios and discuss what mistakes were made and how to correct the issue for the future. Virtual What? Open Enrollment Best Practices Roundtable Mr. Orlando Espinoza, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Ms. Clarissa Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Mr. Santos Trejo, Employee Benefits Consultant, TAC Moderator: Ms. Carrye Chen, Wellness Program Administrator Let’s talk…come join us as we share best practices in conducting annual open enrollment meetings including what we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how TAC HEBP can help make your job easier and ensure a successful enrollment season.
2:55-3:10 p.m.	Break
3:10-4 p.m.	Thriving in a COVID-19 World Speaker: Mr. Mark Zollitsch, Wellness Consultant, TAC Moderator: Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, TAC COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on our country, our counties, our economy, and both our mental and physical health. This session will help you learn how to navigate our competing needs for emotional and social connection while helping protect not only our own personal health, but also how to safeguard the health of our citizens and co-workers in the office who may be at significantly higher risk than ourselves. We need to find the right blend of common sense and caution while fostering emotional and relational connection and mental health. Participants will learn about: Current state of COVID-19 in Texas What is your personal risk profile? Nine best ways to stay mentally healthy and build resilience Top seven physical protections Best office safeguards
4 p.m.	Adjourn

*Agenda is subject to change

Please check back for approval updates.

Continuing Education Types	Hours
CPA/Auditors	6.5
Commissioners	6.5
Clerks	6.1
Human Resources	6.5
Tax Assessor-Collectors	6.5
Treasurers	6.5

Please email Megan West to cancel your conference registration.

If a registration fee has been paid: All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable) by March 16 (less $10 administrative fee). Cancellations and refund requests after March 16 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to one-half of the registration fee. No refund requests will be honored after April 9.