Events
 Education
Winter 2018 - In This Issue:
PARMA Member Spot Light
Meet Alex Mellor

What inspired you to pursue a career in risk management?
 
After graduating college, I was fortunate to start my career working for a workers' compensation disability management firm. I had a number of different roles in the organization, each of which exposed me to different parts of the California workers' compensation system and state and federal leave laws. Many of the firm's clients were public agencies, so I learned a lot about risk management in a public agency setting which led me to pursue and obtain an ARM designation. For the past five years, I have worked for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority as a Regional Risk Manager.
 
What do you specialize in?
 
My background is in workers' compensation and disability management, but I have really grown to become a risk management generalist. In my current job with the California JPIA, I routinely assist member agencies with a variety of matters including risk assessment, contractual risk transfer, health and safety, and employment practices.

Join Us For PARMA's 44th Annual Conference!

February 14-16, 2018  
44th Annual Risk Management Conference  
Monterey Conference Center
Conference registration is open!

PARMA 2018 Golf Tournament
February 13, 2018 
Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course (playing on Black Horse) 
1 McClure Way, Seaside, CA 93955

PARMA Calendar at a Glance

Tue, February 13
2018 PARMA Annual Golf Tournament

Wed, February 14 to  Fri, February 16
Annual Conference 2018

Tue, May 15
Bay Area Chapter Golf Tournament



PARMA Member to Member Forum
 
PARMA is happy to announce that it's Member Forum is back!  The new forum is designed to be easier than ever to use. From general discussion to advice related to a given forum topic, it's all just a login away! Check it out here: https://parma.com/forum.  Simply login and select Member Forum at the top of the page. 
PARMA's Workers' Compensation Resource Update
 
Working with Hanna Brophy's Keith Eppstein and Patty Robins, we are happy to announce the addition of resources on our Workers' Compensation resource page, https://parma.com/workers-comp .  The resources added include an update Workers' Comp 101 guide and two new law briefs: Maxham v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and City of Jackson v. WCAB ("Rice").
 
Website login is required to view these pages.   Your e-mail address on file with PARMA is your login ID.  If you are not certain of your password, simply select the "request new password" tab on the login screen.  Once you've successfully logged in you will be directed to  http://parma.com/member-resources . 
PARMA Outreach Committee Needs Your Help!
 
PARMA announced earlier this year the newly established Member Resources section on its website.  We are seeking members participation in helping the Outreach Committee to expand the content of this section.  Please submit example documents that may be considered for publication.
 
Sample documents will only be published on the password protected resources pages of the website. The general topic areas we are seeking samples for include:
  • Human Resources
  • Insurance
  • Leadership
  • Liability
  • Risk Management
  • Safety
  • Workers' Compensation
If you have documents that you think could help a fellow member, please feel free to e-mail your sample document(s) to info@parma.com . 
Calling All Future Leaders!
 
PARMA is seeking the next generation of leaders to carry the association into the future!  Risk management professionals who are interested in making a difference to help shape the future of the profession should consider putting your personal skills to work. Start by supporting your local chapter. There are so many areas that can use assistance; it doesn't have to be at a level that is beyond what you are able to commit.
 
The PARMA Conference provides the perfect opportunity to connect with chapter leaders to explore your options.  There are two ways to easily connect with the PARMA chapter leaders:
  1. Stop by the PARMA Booth (Next to Registration) - The booth is staffed by volunteers who serve on a local chapter board.

  2. Attend the Chapter Breakfast - On Thursday, February 15, the PARMA breakfast provides an opportunity to sit with members from your chapter area and connect with the chapter officers.
Take that opportunity to explore ways that you can get involved.  It's a rewarding way to give back to your profession and connect with your peers!
PARMA Board Nominating Report
 
Nomination notices were distributed to the PARMA membership for three Board Director positions.  The Nominating Committee has recommended, and the Board of Directors approved, the following slate of candidates to serve a two-year term as a PARMA Board Director.  The Director positions commence at the conclusion of the 2018 Conference.
  • Larry Costello - Incumbent
  • Chuck Pode - Incumbent              
  • Jeff Rush - Incumbent
The official Nominating Committee report will be provided to the membership during the PARMA membership meeting, Wednesday, February 14 from 12:15 - 1:15 pm at the De Anza Ballroom of the Portola Hotel. 
New Law Changes Contract Requirements for Design Professionals
 
PARMA had previously reported on law changes to the contract requirements for design professionals. 
 
Summary of Change:
 
Existing law provides, with respect to contracts and amendments to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2011, with a public agency, as defined, for design professional services, that all provisions, clauses, covenants, and agreements contained in, collateral to, or affecting these contracts or amendments to contracts that purport to require the design professional to defend the public agency under an indemnity agreement, including the duty and the cost to defend, are unenforceable, except for claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional. Existing law provides that all contracts and all solicitation documents between a public agency and a design professional are deemed to incorporate these provisions by reference.

With the passage of SB 496, these provisions will be applicable to all contracts for design professional services entered into on or after January 1, 2018. The new law prohibits the cost to defend charged to the design professional from exceeding the design professional's proportionate percentage of fault, except that in the event that one or more defendants is unable to pay its share of defense costs due to bankruptcy or dissolution of the business, the new law requires the design professional to meet and confer with other parties regarding unpaid defense costs and provides for certain exemptions to these provisions.
 

To learn more about this topic plan to attend the 2018 Annual Conference sessions by Bob Marshburn on Thursday, February 15 titled, 2018 Risk Transfer Update - Part 1 & Part 2. The sessions run consecutively and start at 2:00 pm.

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