County Management & Risk Conference

March 22 - 24, 2023

(In-person or online)
Kalahari Resort & Conventions
3301 Kalahari Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665

Registration

For more information, contact Deanna Auert or Megan West at (800) 456-5974.

Overview
Reimbursements
Hotel
Agenda
Continuing Education
Cancellation

Overview

In response to your feedback, we have again transformed the County Management & Risk Conference (CMRC), scheduled for March 22-24, into a hybrid event. We hear you and understand the demand to expand our services and offer multiple ways for you to connect with us.

Join us as we explore a new way to share important information with you and your county. 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.

Registration Fees
TAC Pool Member In Person Registration	Complimentary
TAC Pool Member Virtual Registration	Complimentary
Non- Pool Member In Person Registration	$250
Non Pool Member Virtual Registration	$250

Please note all participants in person and online must register by Feb. 10, 2023 for the conference giveaway.

What is a hybrid conference?

A hybrid conference combines an in-person event with a virtual component. That means you can join us in person at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, or you can join from your county through a virtual conference platform.

Virtual Registration

Once you have registered for the virtual event, a personalized participation link will be emailed to you a few days before the start of the program.
Note: Event confirmation emails will come from Events@Accelevents.com to the email address that was used to register for the event.

How to access the virtual event platform:
Conference attendees will need to access the internet and use a browser to log in and join the virtual event. While almost all internet browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) should allow the event to be accessed, we've found that it works most smoothly in Google Chrome, as other browsers may experience issues. Internet Explorer is not a supported browser for the event.
Google Chrome is a free download; however, some county information technology departments may require county staff to get approval before downloading new software.

Special Services

To ensure that our conference is ADA accessible to all, please contact Deanna Auert or Megan West at (800) 456-5974 if you need assistance.

Members of TAC's pools can be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred for this conference. A maximum of two people per county can be reimbursed. If more than two from a single county register, reimbursements will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. TAC will reimburse the following:

A TWO-night stay at the Kalahari Resort Hotel, up to $174 per night for single/double occupancy.
Travel expenses:
- Driving: Actual mileage, car rental fee, or actual fuel expenses.
- Flying: Airfare not to exceed $450 without prior approval and shuttle/cab/rideshare to and from airport.

Note: No reimbursement for meals. Most meals will be provided during the conference.

Receipts for lodging and airfare are required.
Note: Only members of the TAC Risk Management Pool, TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool or the TAC Unemployment Compensation Group Account Fund are eligible for reimbursement.

Kalahari Resort and Conventions
3001 Kalahari Blvd.
Round Rock, TX
(877) 525-2427

Please call the hotel directly at (877) 525-2427 to reserve your room and refer to the "Texas Association of Counties" room block. You can also book your room online.

Single/double rate: $174 (plus tax)

The conference room rate is offered, based on the hotel’s availability, through Feb. 28, 2023. Reservations made after this date are subject to the hotel’s prevailing rate. One night deposit required (plus tax) at the time the reservation is made.

Self-parking is complimentary.

To cancel a hotel room and avoid paying a $25 cancellation fee, please email Megan West. We will release your room to someone on the wait list.

HOTEL CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations canceled 72 hours or more prior to the date of arrival receive a refund of the deposit, minus a $25 cancellation fee. Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the date of arrival forfeit the entire deposit of the first night's room and tax.

For any questions regarding individual reservations, please call Kalahari Reservations Department at (877) 525-2427.

PLEASE NOTE HOTEL POLICY ON CHECKS: Per Guests are required to mail the county/company check at minimum two (2) weeks prior to arrival (personal checks are not accepted). They are to be sent to Kalahari Round Rock (3001 Kalahari Blvd Round Rock, TX 78665), attn: Maribeth Galarpe - Finance with reservation confirmation numbers, first/last name, and payment instructions. We welcome prepayment with Purchase Orders as well.

PLEASE NOTE HOTEL POLICY ON LOA and TAX EXEMPT: Per our policy at Kalahari Resorts, we do not accept completed Letters of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders to be submitted to us at the hotel check-in. We have a dedicated team that approves these forms to ensure validity prior to attachment to the reservations prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days in advanced to us at dellscallcenterfax@kalahariresorts.com or fax them to 608-254-6116. We highly suggest that the attendees submit these forms at minimum two weeks in advanced prior to the hotel check in so our team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to the attendees on their personal cards; since our Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. If you have any questions at all, I am attaching a link to our website that will bring you to our general policy page. for the entire resort, that explains our policies in full detail. (Link: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania/help/faq/)."

Session names and speakers will be added as they are confirmed. Please check back for updates.

Wednesday, March 22
10 a.m.-5:15 p.m.	Registration and Information Desk Hours \| Registration E
Noon-1 p.m.	Lunch (provided)
Kalahari Salon E
1-1:30 p.m.	Welcome and Introductions (in-person and live online)
1:30-2:30 p.m.	Spark Empathetic Leadership with Accountability (in-person and live online) According to Gallup, 60% of people are emotionally detached at work and 19% are miserable. Leaders are the key influencers to thriving employees. The leadership skills of yesterday will not carry the day in a world where employees are managing negative emotions and burnout. As employee attrition fluctuates, and customer demands increase, forward-thinking leaders who intend to attract, activate, and advance talent are focusing on wellbeing. To stay relevant and competitive even the most senior leaders must recognize employee well-being as the new workplace imperative. This requires reimagining how they lead themselves and their companies. Simon will share critical strategies that equip leaders to stay relevant in every economy, whilst escalating their impact. He will share core principles for acquiring an empathic with accountability mindset. Furthermore, he will guide participants in how to be a leader for the future. As a Certified Executive Coach, Simon’s approach to Sparking Empathetic Leadership with Accountability is grounded in Caring Science – Caritas Processes. The outcomes of working with him are to preserve human dignity, and wholeness as the highest gift to self, systems, and society. Caring Science – Caritas Processes is based on the work of Simon’s mentor, Dr. Jean Watson, a scholar at the University of Colorado, Bolder. Key Takeaways: Connect with heart-centered intelligence based on Caring Science research Care by using micro-practices from best-in-class global leaders Coach teams to unlock innovation and productivity Speaker: Mr. Simon T. Bailey
2:30-3:30 p.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
3-3:30 p.m.	Video Vignette \| Part 1 (in-person and live online) In January 2021, disaster struck TAC RMP member Mason County when the historic courthouse was set ablaze and left the community without the hub of their town square. The county was faced with finding answers to hard questions and how to move forward as a county, a town, and a local community. In this first of the series of video and panel presentations you will see firsthand what happens when tragedy hits one our own. Speakers: Mr. Michael Shannon, ARM, SCLA, Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Robert Ruiz, AIC, CRM, CIC, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
3:30-3:45 p.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
3:45-4:45 p.m.	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Creating a Texas-Sized Culture to Retain and Attract the Best Talent Join Dr. Jon McNaughtan for this special session on the role of leaders in developing strong work cultures that will attract and retain top talent. In this session, McNaughtan will present research and practical examples of how to develop culture and share what it can do for you. Speaker: Dr. Jon McNaughtan, Associate Professor and Leader Coach, Texas Tech University and The Professional Development Academy
	The (Cyber) Devil is in the Details – Part I In this “choose your own adventure” style of session, you'll help determine a county's best course of action with technology vendors, using real-world scenarios based on actual claims. This session is geared for all attendees regardless of their role within a county. Speakers: Mr. Robert Ruiz, AIC, CRM, CIC, Associate Director of Risk Management, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Andrea Beard, Legal Liability Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
	Designing Proactive Property Maintenance Program Success Story – Comal County Learn how to prevent or reduce personal injury and property losses by implementing proactive maintenance programs to protect your county and the public you serve. Increasing property losses have recently been compounded by higher costs for labor and materials. Proactive property maintenance programs have never been more important. Join Comal County Facilities Director Mike Boursier [Bor-see-a] and TAC Risk Control Consultant Joe Szewczyk [Chef-Check] for a discussion about the preventive maintenance programs this county effectively uses, with proven and practical ways to reduce property and personal injury losses for employees and the public. This helpful session includes best practices recommendations from the documented success of Comal County, providing insights on how counties with large or small resources can begin or enhance their property maintenance programs. Speakers: Mr. Mike Boursier, Comal County Facilities Director Mr. Joe Szewczyk, Risk Control Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
	All Pools Are Not Created Equally Come learn what sets TAC HEBP apart from other public entity pools. Is your pool investing in short- and long-term strategies that bring quality value to your members? Speakers: Ms. Kathy Davenport, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
5-6:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception \| Shanga Market & Outdoor Lawn
6:30-9 p.m.	TAC Risk Management Pool Awards Banquet (by invitation only) \| Kalahari A-D
Thursday, March 23
6:30-7 a.m.	Fitness Activities (in-person only)
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.	Registration and Information Desk Hours \| Registration E
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
Kalahari Salon E
8:30-9:30 a.m.	Deep Kindness: A Revolutionary Guide for the Way We Think, Talk, and Act in Kindness From his experience speaking in over 600 schools and organizations and working with over 7,500 systems as co-founder of CharacterStrong, Houston will share a powerful message of Kindness. With a focus on practical tools, he will provide low-burden, high-impact stories and strategies to help improve organizational culture, interpersonal compassion, and our daily personal routines. Speaker: Mr. Houston Kraft, Co-Founder, CharacterStrong
9:30-9:45 a.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
9:45-10:45 a.m.	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Workplace Violence: Can It Happen Where You Work? The CDC defines workplace violence as an act or threat of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward persons at work or on duty. The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury, or even death. It is important we all understand behavior that could potentially create violence in the workplace and know how to respond safely to minimize risk. During this session, we will identify potential red flags and discuss the best practices to de-escalate a situation. Speakers: Mr. Darren Jackson, Senior Law Enforcement Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
	The (Cyber) Devil is in the Details – Part II In this panel-style, interactive session, you will take a deeper dive into best practices, legal considerations and the key aspects of what should or should not be part of a technology contract. You will leave armed with what questions you should be asking when reviewing technology-related contracts. Speakers: Mr. Robert Ruiz, AIC, CRM, CIC, Associate Director of Risk Management, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Andrea Beard, Legal Liability Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Katherine Howard, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
	Seven Habits of Highly Effective Risk Professionals Effective risk managers always start with the end in mind. As a risk manager, you should be prepared to learn from the past, look into the future, be aware of the evolving risk exposures affecting your organization, and pivot as necessary to better serve your organizations. During this session, the participants will discuss best practices to help you grow as a risk manager and improve current risk management programs. Speakers: Mr. Ernesto Galindo, Risk Management Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Todd Kisel, AAI, ARM, Risk Management Consultant II, Texas Association of Counties
	Show those Pearly Whites: Discover the Surprising Connection Between Dental and Physical Health In this session, participants will learn to: Identify the primary connection between dental and physical health. Identify at least three diseases that can be caused or exacerbated by poor dental health. Identify at least two strategies people can use to significantly improve their dental health. Speaker: Mr. Mark Zollitsch, M.Ed., Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
10:45-11 a.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
11 a.m.-noon	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Trends in Employment Law Employment law is ever changing; you do not have to be an attorney to learn something in this session. We will discuss several hot topics that may affect human resources and/or counties. We will talk about what we are seeing in courts and what we should be prepared for. Speaker: Mr. Eric Magee, Partner, Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP
	Critical Issues in Workers' Compensation This session provides information about how workers' compensation benefits can create unintended consequences for human resource management of return-to-work and light-duty programs and an update on legislative activity. It also allows attendees to participate in an open discussion about the workers' compensation process. Speakers: Ms. Helana Barmore, Casualty Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Stacy Corluccio, ARM, Claims Manager, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Mike Toomey, Lobbyist, Mike Toomey & Assoc.
	H-E-B: How a Texas Leader Manages Disaster Response Time and time again, HEB has successfully navigated disasters and crisis, consistancly emerging as a reliable source for essential services for Texans. Join us in this session with HEB's Manager of Emergency Preparedness to discuss their emergency response capabilties and role in disaster response and management. Speakers: Mr. Joaquin A. Jaimes, MA, EMT/B, Manager of Emergency Preparedness, H-E-B
	All Pools Are Not Created Equally Come learn what sets TAC HEBP apart from other public entity pools. Is your pool investing in short- and long-term strategies that bring quality value to your members? Speakers: Ms. Kathy Davenport, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Ernesto Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Noon-1 p.m.	Lunch (provided) \| Kalahari Salon E A-D
1-2 p.m.	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Overtime Alternatives for Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime payment for all hours worked over 40 every seven days. In a nutshell, the FLSA's §207(k) partial exemption allows public agency law enforcement and firefighters to avoid the traditional FLSA overtime requirement. During this session, we will discuss the calculation of overtime rates pursuant to FLSA’s §207(k). Attendees will learn what this exemption means, how it may be implemented, its common variations, and how to correct overtime pay rates, if necessary. Speaker: Mr. Kevin Cole, Attorney at Law, Cole Law Firm
	Workers' Compensation Coffee Talk Grab an after lunch coffee and bring your questions! This session offers an interactive dialog between RMS staff and your county on all things related to workers' compensation claims. Speaker: Ms. Helana Barmore, Casualty Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Stacy Corluccio, ARM, Claims Manager, Texas Association of Counties
	Pool Coordinator Guide to TAC Risk Management Pool Pool coordinators play a crucial role for the TAC Risk Management Pool. This session will provide valuable information to assist the coordinator to be successful working with TAC Risk Management Pool coverages Liability, Property and/or Workers' Compensation coverage. Speakers: Ms. Lisa McCaig, Risk Management Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Victor Uvalle, Risk Management Consultant II, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Lucia Espinoza, Underwriter, Texas Association of Counties
	What’s the Big Deal? What is Wellness Anyway? The Health and Employee Benefits Pool (HEBP) has a unique structure designed with regional wellness consultants. These consultants lead a very comprehensive and results-oriented Healthy County wellness program for members. Attendees will learn why TAC has regional wellness consultants, what employee absenteeism is, details on wellness incentives programs and why groups with special incentive plans benefit from incentivizing employees. Employees range in motivation from intrinsic to extrinsic need, so understanding those needs within your specific population makes all the difference with TAC HEBP. Speaker: Ms. Shameria Davis, MPH, CPM, HC, CPT, Policy Analyst, Texas Association of Counties
2-2:30 p.m.	Break – Walk & Talk \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
2:30-3:30 p.m.	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Not Another FMLA Session, This is the Real Deal The Family Medical Leave Act can be cumbersome, but it is still a federal law that we must follow. Each situation may be different, creating confusion, not to mention the liability. During this session, we will talk about various regulations interpreting the law and see what the courts have to say about FMLA. Attendees will learn practical steps when dealing with FMLA and best practices to reduce the county’s liability. Speaker: Mr. David Iglesias, Attorney, Iglesias Law Firm, PLLC
	Take Control of Risk Through Accurate Property Appraisals Fueled by inflation, supply chain delays, increased construction and the rising cost of labor, risk managers face growing dilemmas on how to account for these factors and retain thorough coverage. In this session, AssetWorks valuation experts Greg Friz and Amanda Trueman discuss how accurate, detail- oriented property appraisals position the TAC Risk Management Pool to account for fluctuations in values and maintain a comprehensive platform of all insured property. This helps ensure thorough property coverage today and confident valuation trending tomorrow. Speakers: Mr. Greg Friz, Director, AssetWorks Risk Management Inc Ms. Amanda Trueman, Director of Appraisal Services, AssetWorks Risk Management Inc
	Under Watch: Handling Media Scrutiny During a Crisis As with any public entity, counties are often faced with challenging questions from the media on issues ranging from policy and personnel decisions to disasters and liability cases. Navigating these questions and formal information requests – often on tight deadlines without proper preparation – can exacerbate problems, leading to embarrassing consequences. Join TAC’s communication experts – including former journalists, an attorney and public relations strategist – to learn how to handle the media’s scrutiny.  Speakers: Ms. Julie Chang, Communications Specialist, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Gene Acuña, Director of Communications Services, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Mike Thompson, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
	Smoothie Power: A Simple, Delicious Routine to Change Your Life and Help Protect Your Health Have you ever wondered how you can use nutrition to help protect yourself against cancer, COVID, heart disease, diabetes and many inflammatory diseases? One way to increase your protection is by consuming more fruit and vegetables, which are important to help reduce the severity and occurrence of many conditions and diseases. Unfortunately, the average Texan gets far fewer servings of fruits and vegetables than is recommended. This puts many of us at a serious disadvantage. Come discover an easy way to flip that into an advantage in this session, even if you or a loved one hates vegetables! In this session, participants will learn: How valuable fruit and vegetables are in our health journey. How fruit and vegetable consumption can help protect against and fight many diseases. An easy way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, using our Power Smoothie Matrix and whatever ingredients you have on hand. How to make some delicious smoothies that will increase your fruit and vegetable intake, including a sample of each. Speaker: Ms. Ashley Cureton, M.Ed., CHES, HSMI, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
3:30-3:45 p.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
3:45-4:45 p.m.	CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS (in-person and live online)
	Human Resources Round Table 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. Speakers: Ms. Cheraun Blankenship, HR Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Lorie Floyd, HR Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Halie Bever, HR Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Rita Fyffe, HR Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
	The Hail and Clouds Are Big and Scary ... Deep in the Heart of Texas In 2020, 1.5 million properties were affected by hail in Texas (Verisk’s 2021 report, “The Hail Hazard and Its Impact on Property Insurance”). Join us to discuss how hail and convective storms are affecting coverage, deductibles and rates in the current market. Speakers: Mr. Brett Anderson, Property Program Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Kelly Flores, CISR, Underwriter & Member Services Manager, Texas Association of Counties
	Understanding Legal Liability Claims: It’s Not a Matter of If, But When Join the Legal Liability Claims team for a panel conversation on regional trends in Texas, issues they face adjusting complex claims, and tips for counties to be prepared for lawsuits that trigger Law Enforcement and Public Official Liability coverages. Speakers: Ms. Andrea Beard, Legal Liability Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Misty Maisel, AIC, PCLS, Claims Litigation Examiner, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Joe Copeland, Claims Litigation Examiner, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Mary Briseno, CPCU, AIC, AINS, Claims Litigation Examiner, Texas Association of Counties
	NEW! Section 125 Administration: Get to Know WEX TAC HEBP is now partnering with WEX to offer and support efficient and comprehensive benefit offerings. Attendees will discover the advantages to a Cafeteria Plan. In this session, participants will learn about: Premium Only Plan Administration Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care Health Savings Accounts Health Reimbursement Accounts Speaker: Ms. Clarissa Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
6-8:30 p.m.	Evening Event (dinner provided)
Friday, March 24
7:30-noon	Registration and Information Desk Hours \| Registration E
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
Kalahari Salon E
8:30-9:30 a.m.	Prove What's Possible Change can be difficult; it is a process, not an event. In these unprecedented times, we have all experienced change, uncertainty, and the unexpected. When change chose her, Ms. Valentine transformed adversity into success, and obstacles into opportunities. Her message reminds us that we have the power to choose our mindset and thrive in challenging times. As we move forward and navigate the complex landscape of our "new normal", her message is a roadmap for cultivating our resilience, our courage, and our commitment to proving what's possible. Speaker: Ms. Merlyna Valentine, Merlyna Valentine Consulting, LLC
9:30-10 a.m.	Break \| Kalahari Salon Foyer
10-11:30 a.m.	Video Vignette \| Part 3 (in-person and live online) In this final presentation, a guest panel of speakers will discuss the Mason County Courthouse fire, the importance of rebuilding, and how recovery can heal a community. Speakers: Hon. Sheree Hardin, Mason County Judge Hon. Jerry Bearden, Retired Mason County Judge Mr. David Stauch, President, Managing Principal, CPM Texas Mr. Michael Shannon, ARM, SCLA, Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties Mr. Brett Anderson, Property Program Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
11:30 a.m.	Adjourn

Note: Agenda is subject to change.

Application has been made for continuing education hours. Check back for approval updates.

CE hour table for TAC programs
Continuing Education Type	Virtual Hours	In-Person Hours
Attorneys (MCLE)	Not Approved by State Bar of Texas MCLE Division	Not Approved by State Bar of Texas MCLE Division
CPA/Auditors	11	11
Commissioners (*Please note that authorization of online attendance must be approved by commissioners court order. Online attendance cannot be used for the mandatory education hours by a new commissioner in the first year of service.)	Pending	Pending
County and District Clerks	Pending	Pending
County Judges	Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy	Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy
Justices of the Peace	Not Approved by Texas Justice Courts Training Center	Not Approved by Texas Justice Courts Training Center
PHRs and SPHRs Reviewed on individual basis; self-report to HRCI	11	11
Purchasing Agents Self-report to Texas State Board of Public Accountancy	11	11
Sheriffs and Constables (TCOLE)	Not approved by TCOLE	11
Tax Assessor-Collectors	Pending	Pending
Treasurers	11	11

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 8 (less $10 administrative fee). Cancellations and refund requests after March 8 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to one-half of the registration fee. No refund requests will be honored after March 24.

Registration