CAWC Newsletter
CAWC News
As a graduate of the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation program (CAWC), you have been registered to receive these quarterly updates on the CAWC program, AF Group updates and business highlights, and pertinent industry news.
2017 CAWC Class Schedule Announced
We had a very successful 2016, with 282 CAWC graduates! We’re excited about what’s ahead in 2017, as we’re offering 14 classes this year in 10 states.
Please visit our AF Group Training website for a complete listing of CAWC classes available in 2017. Be sure to encourage your peers to sign up today!
Introducing our AF Group Training Team
AF Group’s industry-leading training program provides dynamic learning opportunities for our partner agencies. Our training team uses an innovative and interactive approach to make the CAWC curriculum relatable and enjoyable for all participants. To get to know our Agency Training team members, click here.
Renewing Your CAWC Designation
The CAWC designation is a bi-annual renewal. Every graduate of the CAWC class receives a letter which indicates their renewal date when they receive their CAWC certificate. CAWC graduates will also receive a reminder notice 30 days prior to their renewal date with an invoice on Jan. 1 of the renewal year.
Ten continuing education credits are required to maintain the CAWC designation, including three hours of ethics and seven additional hours pertaining to workers’ compensation. A credit hour is 50 minutes; a half credit hour may be applied for half-hour sessions.
Classes that are eligible for renewal credit are:
- Any CE class or webinars offered by our organization
- Kessler training programs that cover workers’ compensation issues
- CIC or CPCU classes that cover workers’ compensation issues
- Work comp seminars put on by professional agent associations
It is simple and easy to report classes or webinars for credit. Click here and fill out the information. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know your credits have been filed.
A $200 fee is required to renew your CAWC designation. For more information about renewing your designation, email us or visit the Training website.
Fourth Quarter CAWC Grads
Earning the CAWC designation provides a competitive advantage for agents and producers by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to win business, create client loyalty and be viewed as an authority on workers’ compensation by their peers and clients.
The CAWC program is also a valuable professional development opportunity for AF Group employees, which is why AF Group and its subsidiaries commit a significant amount of time throughout the year to internal training. We’re excited to announce that 47 AF Group employees received their CAWC designation in the fourth quarter alone.
Congratulations to our most recent CAWC graduates!
| Chris Johnson | Creative Planning |
| Janell Evans-Olsey | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Joe Haney | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Janice Ketelhut | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Paul Mattes | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Scott McInerney | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Cindy Ridky | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Lindsey Schoenfeld | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Andrew Turnbull | Sterling Insurance Group |
| Jonathan Widlicka | Sterling Insurance Group |
CAWC News
As a graduate of the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation program (CAWC), you have been registered to receive these quarterly updates on the CAWC program, Accident Fund and CompWest updates and business highlights, and pertinent industry news.
CAWC Program Reaches Milestone
The CAWC program began in 2012, with 28 participants graduating from the pilot course. Four years later, we’re excited to share that 1,000 insurance professionals have received their CAWC designation! Congratulations and thank you to all of our participants who have helped the program grow throughout the years. We look forward to many more years of training!
AF Group Named 2016 Best Places to Work
AF Group has been named to Business Insurance Magazine’s list of Best Places to Work in Insurance for 2016. The award recognizes AF Group and its four brands (Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, United Heartland, CompWest Insurance and Third Coast Underwriters) for being among the best employers in the insurance industry. Read more here.
AF Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes at AF and CompWest
This has been an exciting time for AF Group, as we recently announced key leadership changes within the organization. Mike Britt, president of Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, will retire effective Dec. 31. Al Gileczek, currently senior vice president of Business Development, will replace Britt as president of Accident Fund effective Jan. 1, 2017. Additionally, Gileczek was named president of CompWest Insurance in August.
While we’re sad to see Mike go, we congratulate him on his upcoming retirement! Read more about these changes here.
CAWC on Social Media
To increase the awareness of the CAWC program and elevate AF Group’s reputation as an authority in the workers’ comp industry, CAWC is building a stronger presence on social media.
Through Facebook, we’re currently informing and engaging CAWC graduates and future program participants with CAWC updates and schedules, certification renewal information, articles about industry news, tips and trends, and employment opportunities with AF Group.
In the coming weeks and months, as we expand our exposure on our social media channels, we hope you’ll support our pages by liking and sharing CAWC’s posts on a regular basis – and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Renewing Your CAWC Designation
The CAWC designation is a bi-annual renewal. Every graduate of the CAWC class receives a letter which indicates their renewal date when they receive their CAWC certificate. CAWC graduates will also receive a reminder notice 30 days prior to their renewal date with an invoice on Jan. 1 of the renewal year.
Ten continuing education credits are required to maintain the CAWC designation, including three hours of ethics and seven additional hours pertaining to workers’ compensation. A credit hour is 50 minutes; a half credit hour may be applied for half hour sessions.
Classes that are eligible for renewal credit are:
- Any CE class or webinars offered by our organization
- Kessler training programs that cover workers’ compensation Issues
- CIC or CPCU classes that cover workers’ compensation issues
- Work Comp seminars put on by professional agent associations.
It is simple and easy to report classes or webinars for credit. Click here and fill out the information. You will receive a confirmation e-mail letting you know your credits have been filed.
A $200 fee is required to renew your CAWC designation. For more information about renewing your designation, email us or visit AccidentFund.com/Training.
Third Quarter CAWC Grads
Earning the CAWC designation provides a competitive advantage for agents and producers by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to win business, create client loyalty and be viewed as an authority on workers’ compensation by their peers and clients. Be sure to encourage your peers to sign up today. Congratulations to our most recent CAWC graduates!
Jenna Sarro Alliant Insurance Services
Kelly Tibben Arthur J. Gallagher
Carrie Bierl Arthur J. Gallagher
Tim Wisniewski Avery Hall Insurance Group
Blake Evans BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc.
Chris Stack Bancorp South Insurance Services, Inc.
Tyler Gaynes B&T
John Swanson BB&T Huffaker Insurance
Brian Robinson BB&T Insurance Group
Joyce Ferguson Bolton & Company
Jeannie Delaura Bolton & Company
Michael Costanzo Brown and Brown Insurance
Daniel Lovern Jr. Campbell Insurance
Donald Giles Campbell Insurance
Brett Dempsey CBIZ
Gennyne Walker Cox
Chris Culbertson Creative Planning Property & Casualty, LLC
Craig Seiler Creative Planning Property & Casualty, LLC
Rob Hissong Creative Planning Property & Casualty, LLC
Scott Esry Creative Planning Property & Casualty, LLC
Joshua Honn Cretcher Heartland
Robert Taylor DiBuduo & DeFendis
Mark Brooks Dickey McCay Insurance, Inc.
Adam Walmsley Eck Agency, Inc.
Michael Fallaize Fallaize Insurance
Jordan Fee Fee Insurance Group
Jeffrey Freiermuth Fee Insurance Group
Amy Steely Gaspar Insurance
Greg Gaylor III Gaylor Insurance Agency
Byron Cantrell Hilb Group/CSE
Brian West Hylant
Lisa Dore Hylant
Laura Carpenter Hylant
Jessica Kerrigan Hylant
Jordan Hall Insight Risk Management
Justin Peters J.W. Terrill
Justin Gray KFSA Insurance, LLC
Mandy Campbell Mid Atlantic Insurance Services
Gracie Gorman Love Mid Atlantic Insurance Services
Chris Ahner Missouri General Insurance Agency, Inc.
Sherry Worrell MSH Insurance
David Purinai MSH Insurance
John Bosse NEC Insurance, Inc.
John Altgilbers NEC Insurance, Inc.
Jennifer Crump Norton Agency
Robert Tibbs Pelnik Insurance of Cary NC, Inc.
Abby Sydlow Provision Living
Ron Devers PSI Insurance Agency, LLC
Lin Sun Risk Innovations, LLC
Creig Scott SBI-Schroepfer Bauer Insurance Agency
CAWC News
As a graduate of the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation program (CAWC), you have been registered to receive these quarterly updates on the CAWC program, Accident Fund and CompWest updates and business highlights, and pertinent industry news.
AF Group Appoints New Leaders
This has been an exciting time for AF Group, as we recently announced key leadership changes within the organization.
Lisa Corless, who joined AF Group in 2013 and served as senior vice president, chief administration officer and chief of staff for CEO Liz Haar, has been named president of AF Group. Bryan Bogardus, president of CompWest since 2011, is now executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Throughout our leadership transition, the AF Group brands will all continue to provide the same level of exceptional service to our agents and customers. Read more about these changes here.
AF Group in the News
AF Group CEO Liz Haar was recently named to the annual Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women list for Crain’s Detroit Business magazine.
Recipients of the award have demonstrated leadership and decision-making in top organizations from around Michigan and were nominated from readers, reporters and editors across the state. As announced earlier this year, Liz is also executive vice president and president of Emerging Markets for BCBSM.
For a complete list of this year’s 100 Most Influential Women, click here.
CAWC on Social Media
To increase the awareness of the CAWC program and elevate AF Group’s reputation as an authority in the workers’ comp industry, CAWC is building a stronger presence on social media.
Through Facebook and LinkedIn, we’ll regularly inform and engage CAWC graduates and future program participants with CAWC updates and schedules, certification renewal information, articles about industry news, tips and trends, and employment opportunities with AF Group.
In the coming weeks and months, as we expand our exposure on our social media channels, we hope you’ll support our pages by liking and sharing CAWC’s posts on a regular basis – and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
TED Talk — Celeste Headlee Explains the 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation
We’ve all heard the same cliches about having an effective conversation — nod to show you’re listening, repeat back what you’ve heard, ask questions. In this short, humorous and eye-opening TED Talk, Celeste Headlee explains why you should throw all of that out the window if you want to have a good conversation.
In a world filled with technology and multitasking, people’s ability to have an actual face-to-face conversation has become somewhat of an art form. In just 10 minutes, Celeste will show you how to refine your skills. What she says will hopefully help in your ability to communicate with your agents, as well as in your everyday lives. We found it very interesting and hope you do too! Click here to watch.
Second Quarter CAWC Grads
Earning the CAWC designation provides a competitive advantage for agents and producers by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to win business, create client loyalty and be viewed as an authority on workers’ compensation by their peers and clients. Be sure to encourage your peers to sign up today. Congratulations to our most recent CAWC graduates!
| Sam Wilson | Action Insurance Service |
| Steven Billings | Ascension |
| Phillip Hejl | BB&T Insurance Service, Inc. |
| Patrick Allen | Branch Benefits Consultants |
| Donna Dysinger | Burkhart-Presidio Insurance Agency |
| Amanda August | Coastal Valley Insurance Services, Inc. |
| Lawson Walker | CSP Insurance Services |
| Erika Acheampong | Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) |
| John Arlt | Future Insurance Agency, Inc. |
| Beth Rohde | Future Insurance Agency, Inc. |
| Courtney Myers | Ford Insurance Agency |
| Paul Taylor | George Peterson Insurance Agency |
| Stephanie Jennings | Guy Hurley, LLC |
| Jordann Coleman | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Alexander Dantzig | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Mark Davidson | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Josh Fagin | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Earl Fuller | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Lorraine Remigio | Heffernan Insurance Brokers |
| Betsy Sinutko | Hershey Insurance Group |
| David Wansley | Hospitality Insurance Agency, LLC |
| Susan Marshall | Howey & Associates, Inc. |
| Deena Popovici | Hylant |
| David Canady | Insurance Service Center |
| Denise Brown | InterWest Insurance Services, LLC |
| Robin Schlosser | InterWest Insurance Services, LLC |
| Jennifer MacKenzie | Korthase Flinn |
| Karen Kovacs | LSG Insurance Partners |
| David Capponi | Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, LLC |
| Jorge Garibay | Mallow Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, LLC |
| Tracy Camisa | Marsh & McLennan Agency |
| Karen Cooper | Marsh & McLennan Agency |
| Erin Dunn | Olivet College |
| Greg Lehman | Pacific Diversified Insurance Services |
| Hasten McDermott | Pittman Insurance Group, LLC |
| David Rogers | Robbins and Associates |
| Brenda Ramos | Rosenfeld Einstein Company: A Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC |
| Susan Kain | Signal Insurance Group |
| Angela Limbaugh | Smart Choice |
| Jason McLelland | VTC Insurance Group |
CAWC News
As a graduate of the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation program (CAWC), you have been registered to receive these quarterly updates on the CAWC program, Accident Fund and CompWest updates and business highlights, and pertinent industry news.
Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. Becomes AF Group
With more than 100 years in workers’ compensation, our organization has experienced tremendous growth and success with our agent partners and valued customers. To reflect our trajectory and continued expansion plans, effective Mar. 1, Accident Fund Holdings became AF Group! Read more about this exciting change here.
AF Group in the News
In the March 2016 issue of Best’s Review, President and CEO of AF Group, Liz Haar, participated on a panel among workers’ compensation leaders to discuss the state of the industry and some of the challenges ahead. Click here to read the full article.
In the same issue, Liz is also featured in an article about additional challenges and threats to the workers’ compensation market identified by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). To read more, click here.
New Online Producer Profile
On Mar. 21, AF Group launched a new online producer profile to make contracting with agencies more efficient for both parties. The new form is completely web-based, so agents no longer have to print and scan (or attach) a Word document with their profile information. Also, in response to sensitivities around providing social security numbers, the new system no longer requires one except in states where it’s mandated for appointment. A few of the other perks:
- The system has a link to the National Insurance Producer Registry so agents can easily look up or verify their producer number.
- When an agency application is submitted electronically, an auto reply message is generated with a link to our new producer profile, which reiterates that each producer writing business with our company is required to complete one.
As a reminder, Agency Relations will not release an agency log in until we’ve obtained a signed contract, copy of the agency E&O dec page and at least one producer profile from the agency. This form can also be used to add new producers to existing agencies.
To view the producer profile submission form, click here. If you have questions, contact Agency Relations.
Spread the Word About CAWC Training
According to a recent survey, the vast majority of CAWC graduates found the program to be a valuable experience and an excellent way to build their knowledge of workers’ compensation.
- 87% of class attendees indicated they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the class.
- 93% of class attendees rated the instructors above average or excellent.
Now that you’ve completed the class, we hope you’ll share positive feedback with your peers, and encourage them to enroll in CAWC training.
A complete listing of 2016 CAWC classes can be found here.
Renewing Your CAWC Designation
The CAWC designation is a bi-annual renewal. Every graduate of the CAWC class receives a letter which indicates their renewal date when they receive their CAWC certificate. CAWC graduates will also receive a reminder notice 30 days prior to their renewal date with an invoice on Jan. 1 of the renewal year.
Ten continuing education credits are required to maintain the CAWC designation, including three hours of ethics and seven additional hours pertaining to workers’ compensation. A credit hour is 50 minutes; a half credit hour may be applied for half hour sessions.
Classes that are eligible for renewal credit are:
- Any CE class or webinars offered by our organization
- CIC or CPCU classes that cover workers’ compensation issues
- Work Comp seminars put on by professional agent associations.
It is simple and easy to report classes or webinars for credit. Click here and fill out the information. You will receive a confirmation e-mail letting you know your credits have been filed.
A $200 fee is required to renew your CAWC designation. For more information about renewing your designation, email us or visit AccidentFund.com/Training.
CAWC News
As a graduate of the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation program (CAWC), you have been registered to receive these quarterly updates on the CAWC program, Accident Fund and CompWest updates and business highlights, and pertinent industry news.
2016 CAWC Class Schedule Announced
We had a very successful 2015, with 362 participants and 317 graduates in CAWC classes held in eight states: Michigan, California, Tennessee, Iowa, North Carolina, Maryland, Kansas, Wisconsin and Georgia.
We’re excited about what’s ahead in 2016, as we’re offering 20 classes this year in 11 states:
- 9-11 Lansing, MI
- 23-25 Orange, CA
- 14-16 Grand Rapids, MI
- 26-28 Minneapolis, MN
- May 10-12 Sacramento, CA
- June 7-9 Novi, MI
- June 14-16 Charlotte, NC
- June 28-30 Jackson, MS
- July 13-15 Richmond, VA
- July 26-28 Louis, MO
- 9-11 Glendale, CA
- 13-15 Atlanta, GA
- 27-29 Overland Park, KS
- 11-13 Columbia, MD
Please visitAccidentFund.com/Training for a complete listing of CAWC classes available in 2016.
In the News
NCCI recently released an updated State of the Line report, which includes preliminary estimates for written premium volume and combined ratio for calendar year 2015. Click here to view the full report.
S.A.F.E. Campaign Launched
Accident Fund’s S.A.F.E: Slip and Fall Elimination campaign is underway, and we hope you’ll share this useful information with your customers. This important campaign increases the awareness of slip-and-fall injuries that occur in winter and lets customers know what steps they can take to mitigate these accidents.
Please visit the S.A.F.E. website, which houses all of the collateral materials that have been created for the campaign on topics including:
- Snow and ice removal programs
- Salting and surface treatments
- The importance of wearing proper footwear
- The importance of slip-and-fall prevention all year long
Renewing Your CAWC Designation
The CAWC designation is a bi-annual renewal. Every graduate of the CAWC class receives a letter which indicates their renewal date when they receive their CAWC certificate. CAWC graduates will also receive a reminder notice 30 days prior to their renewal date with an invoice on Jan. 1 of the renewal year.
Ten continuing education credits are required to maintain the CAWC designation, including three hours of ethics and seven additional hours pertaining to workers’ compensation. A credit hour is 50 minutes; a half credit hour may be applied for half hour sessions.
Classes that are eligible for renewal credit are:
- Any CE class or webinars offered by our organization
- Kessler training programs that cover workers’ compensation Issues
- CIC or CPCU classes that cover workers’ compensation issues
- Work Comp seminars put on by professional agent associations.
It is simple and easy to report classes or webinars for credit. Click here and fill out the information. You will receive a confirmation e-mail letting you know your credits have been filed.
A $200 fee is required to renew your CAWC designation. For more information about renewing your designation, email us or visit AccidentFund.com/Training.
Fourth Quarter CAWC Grads
Earning the CAWC designation provides a competitive advantage for agents and producers by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to win business, create client loyalty and be viewed as an authority on workers’ compensation by their peers and clients. Be sure to encourage your peers to sign up today. Congratulations to our most recent CAWC graduates!
| Brandon Harper | Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance |
| Morris Hester | Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance |
| Preston Moss | Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance |
| Patterson Powell | Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance |
| Ash Smith | Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance |
| John Brock | Brock Insurance Agency, Inc. |
| Trae Vaughan | Brock Insurance Agency, Inc. |
| Bill Middlebrooks | Curry Maffett Insurance Agency |
| Ryan Danielson | Danielson Insurance Agency |
| Jim Venturini | David Insurance Agency |
| Jason Frederick | Diversified Insurance Solutions |
| Becky Hager | Elliott Insurance Group |
| Mike Dreier | Fuqua Ruth Typer Insurance |
| Kim Manring | Fuqua Ruth Typer Insurance |
| Luke Daniel | Harry Daniel Insurance |
| Tegan Sobocinski | Hays Companies |
| David Wortz | Hays Companies |
| Brittany Wagner | HNI Risk Services |
| Jill Witting | HNI Risk Services |
| Ty Harrison | Hutchinson Traylor Insurance Agency |
| Chelsy Gechter | Keller Leopold Insurance |
| Isaac Bechen | M3 Insurance |
| Casey FitzRandolph | M3 Insurance |
| Brad Reitzner | M3 Insurance |
| Ben Gilleland | Norton Agency |
| Joseph Dundon | RC Insurance Services |
| Jeff Hutfles | SBS Insurance Onaga |
| Jeff Kidd | SBS Insurance Onaga |
| Pat Sheik | SBS Insurance Onaga |
| Barb Taylor | Schwarz Insurance |
| Jeremy Doggett | Strong’s Insurance, Inc. |
| Jacob Nelson | The Davidson Agency |
| Cal Garretson | Waites & Foshee |
| Mark Rowland | Waites & Foshee |
| Chris Bohrer | Wood-Dulohery Insurance, Inc. |
| Daniel Dulohery | Wood-Dulohery Insurance, Inc. |
