Looking Back 20 Years Ago… - Landscape Contractors Insurance ...

Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. Newsletter January–February 2009
KIM AYALA
President / CEO
accounting person, package
rater, customer service representative
and a salesperson.
A few years
later we out grew
that location and
moved to a 3500
square foot office
with about 20
employees, out grew
that location and
moved 10 years ago
to the 12,500 square
foot location we are
in currently. We began
manually rating, without
a computer system, and
we now are a high tech
paperless office with the
latest technology.
President’s Message
Looking Back 20 Years Ago…
We began
in 1989
with three
employees in a 1400
square foot building.
Shortly after that we
hired an
We are pleased to be serving our loyal
client base of over 2200 customers and
3500 plus policies written annually – many
who have been with LCIS two decades. We
continue and are proud to support CLCA
on the state and local levels. We have made
many friends over the last 20 years.
We have a dedicated, knowledgeable
staff of 58 employees in seven departments
which includes a sales force of 10
employees throughout the state. Our staff
consists of two employees who have been
with us since inception in 1989 (one
retired and came back); four who have
been with LCIS for 15-plus years; four
with 10-plus years and 26 employees with
five years at LCIS. Over 15 employees hold
professional designations in the insurance
industry.
Over the last five years we have
paid an average of 5%
in rebates and over the
last 20 years have paid
over $31,000,000 in
rebates. We own
Birch Financial,
which finances
package insurance
as well as equipment
financing.
LCIS does business
in CA, NV, AZ,
and UT and will be
expanding into other
western states.
We write General
Liability, Business
Auto, Equipment coverage, Workers’
Compensation, Bonds, Life and Health,
Homeowners and
other Personal lines
coverages.
We look forward to
serving you for the
next 20 years and
beyond!
– Kim Ayala
Landscape Contractors
Insurance Services, Inc.
1835 N. Fine Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
VISIT LCIS at the
2009 LIS SHOW!
We hope that you will take the
opportunity to stop by and
visit with us at the Landscape
Industry Show Feb. 25 and 26 at the
L.A. Convention Center. We’re in booths
907 and 909 – right next to the CLCA
Bookstore. Stop by and pick up a souvenir
and register for our drawing. Our local
agents will be available to spend some
time with you and answer your questions.
We would also encourage you to attend
one of the “Construction Defect” seminars
on Feb. 25 (1 to 3 p.m.) and 26 (8 to 10
a.m.). Construction defect litigation is
an unfortunate reality of working as a
contractor in California and nearby states.
These claims can significantly drive
up your premiums for general liability
coverage. You will learn key strategies
to prevent construction defect claims
and to mitigate the cost of the claims
and lawsuits. The seminars will be
presented by experts on the topic from
York Insurance Services Group. LCIS will
be sponsoring the seminar – we invite
you to contact Terry Mahlman at LCIS
(800) 628-8735 x 580 to reserve a free spot.
Hurry while seats are available!
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
ORANGE, CA
PERMIT NO. 95

2
NELSON COLVIN
Secretary/Treasurer
At its annual
planning session
the LCIS Board
of Directors elected
Barbara Alvarez as
Chairman of the
Board.
In a further action the Board is pleased
Board of Directors Report
Changes at LCIS
to announce the
promotion of Kim
Ayala to the position
of President/CEO.
Previously she was
the Executive Vice President/COO. Kim has
been involved with CLCA and the Women’s
Auxiliary since joining the company
in 1989. She served as President of the
Women’s Auxiliary in 1999-2000. Kim will
bring a new and energetic approach to lead
the company.
The Board is pleased to announce
the promotion of Kim Ayala to the
position of President/CEO.
The Board also hired Jerry Elson as Sales
Manager. Jerry will be responsible for
overseeing company sales and assisting Kim
in procuring new markets for the membership.
The company has made a few changes to
bring additional services to the membership
by hiring Ed Schilling as Director of Client
LCIS Sponsors CLCA Leadership
Conference Keynote Speaker
Employee Benefits,
and Ramon Simpson
as Personal Lines
Account Executive.
Both Ed and Ramon will be based in the
Fresno office and would like to assist you
with your needs in employee benefits and
personal lines.
We congratulate Kim on her new position
and welcome Jerry back into the fold along
with Ed and Ramon.
CLCA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE KEYNOTER Jim Pratt (in back row, to the right of LCIS Chair
Barbara Alvarez) is shown among his sponsors from LCIS and Golden Oak. Pratt spoke on World Class
Sales Leadership on Day 2 of the January event held near LAX.
LEADERS of their respective organizations –
CLCA Executive Director Sharon McGuire and
LCIS President/CEO Kim Ayala – share leadership
ideas at Installation Dinner.
MORE QUALITY NETWORKING between
LCIS’s Terry Mahlman and LA/SGV President
Dan Gromer. The pair chatted at the Installation
Dinner as part of the Leadership Conference.
u MISSION STATEMENT u
“To provide quality insurance
products at competitive prices,
along with superior service
through our commitment of
excellence to our customers
and employees.”
Happy Anniversary
to the Following
Employees:
NOVEMBER
Sharon Barroca 4 years
Debbie Cerkueira 16 years
Tanya Greene 5 years
Benita Hall 2 years
DECEMBER
Ethan Brown 1 year
Rosario Bustos 2 years
Gloria Gallardo 5 years
Sharmane Jones 8 years
Rhonda Scow 7 years
JANUARY
Daniel Dvorak 2 years
Ron Pohndorf 9 years
Judi Smith 4 years
FEBRUARY
Elizabeth Flores 5 years
Lili Gonzales 6 years
Allison Key 15 years
Tracy Hodge 5 years
Donna Lord 4 years
Terry Wyrick 9 years
Contact Us
Toll-Free (800) 628-8735
President/CEO
Kim Ayala ext. 511
Sales Manager
Jerry Elson ext. 512
Certificate Request Fax (800) 440-2378
LCIS Website www.lcisinc.com

3
Employee
Spotlight
Gloria Gallardo,
Underwriting
Department
I have worked in the
insurance industry for
over 30 years. I have
only worked on the
Company side of insurance
with job duties as
File Clerk, Agribusiness
rater, and underwriter
assistant. I started with
LCIS in December 2003 where I work in
the underwriting department, working on
Package pre-renewals, ordering Loss control
reports.
I like that LCIS is both Company- and
Agency-oriented. I enjoy working here at
LCIS where everyone is very friendly and
very team focused. Everyone works together
as a team to accomplish our goals.
In my free time I enjoy going to movies,
shopping with family and friends, taking
long walks. My wish is to soon have a
grandbaby in the near future. Yes, Brandon
and Brandie (my daughter) are trying.
“ …we all work
together well
as a team…”
“ I like that LCIS is
both Company-
and Agencyoriented.”
Susie Dougherty,
Rating Department
I have been with LCIS
for over four years.
I have been in the
Insurance Industry
since 1978 and have
held positions such as
File Clerk, Receptionist,
Typist, Policy Assembly,
Rater, Underwriting
Support Technician, and Underwriter for
almost 15 years prior to coming here. I
enjoyed being an U/W the most of all. I
enjoy working in the Rating Department at
LCIS because we all work together well as a
team and we all get along together and help
each other out when needed.
I am a family person and have three children
who, despite their ages of 27, 23, and
20, still live at home with my husband and
me. I am a soccer fan, and go to my kids’
games as much as possible in my free time.
LCIS Staff Members Participate
in Many CLCA Chapter Events
THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CHAPTER
Holiday Party, held December 2 at The
Lime Lite Restaurant in Fresno, was enjoyed
by newly-appointed LCIS President/CEO
Kim Ayala and her husband Mike.
NETWORKING at the Inland Empire Chapter
Holiday Party at the Pointe Family Winery in
Temecula is LCIS rep Mike Dunn (center).
AT THE CHANNEL ISLANDS HOLIDAY
PARTY, CI 2008 President Shari Collins, LCIS
Rep Dan Dvorak and Kim Lucas test the chili
for heat – and we don’t mean temperature.
AT THE ORANGE COUNTY JANUARY
ROUNDTABLE, LCIS Sales Manager Jerry
Elson updates attendees on changes at LCIS,
and answers a variety of questions about
insurance during these tough times.
LCIS reps Terry Mahlman and Ron Pohndorf
aren’t talking business at a holiday party. This
is time for celebrating with Chapter friends.
CONDUCTING the election of the SFV
Chapter’s Associate Member Rep at the
Chapter’s Holiday Party is LCIS Secretary/
Treasurer Nelson Colvin (right.)
OC CHAMPIONS dinner honored suppliers
and a local legislator, Assemblyman Jose
Solorio. 2009 OC Treasurer and LCIS rep
Jeff Pogue and wife Michele enjoy the evening.
WHAT FORM!
Ed Schilling
of our LCIS
Health Benefits
Department
shows his swing
at the SJV
Chapter’s golf
tournament late
last year

4
Making a
Difference!
LCIS Employee Recognition Program
If one of our employees has made a positive difference by
providing outstanding service and deserves recognition,
please let us know. Fill out the information on this form
and submit via fax or e-mail to:
Attn: Ethan Brown, Human Resources
Fax: (800) 440-2378
Email: ebrown@lcisinc.com
Landscape Contractors Insurance Services
LCIS Sponsors
CLCA Convention
Keynote Speaker
HAWAII KEYNOTER Mikki Williams
(second from left), keynoter at the recent CLCA
Convention in Kona, Hawaii, was sponsored
by LCIS. Sponsor reps are Nelson Colvin, Jerry
Elson, Kim Ayala, and Terry Mahlman.
LCIS has a new Chairman of the Board. That
would be a Hawiian-tanned Past State CLCA
President Barbara Alvarez, being congratulated
at a Convention dinner by LCIS Sales Manager
Jerry Elson.
Your Name:
Company:
Daytime Phone:
Date:
I would like to nominate:
LCIS, Inc. Employee Name
Reason for Recognition:
LCIS Team Raises Over $1,000 for 2008
Susan G. Komen ‘Race for the Cure’
The totals are in… the LCIS “Lifesavers” team, joined by family members,
raised over $1,000 by participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the
Cure on Saturday, October 25. The Komen Race for the Cure Series raises
significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. We are all thankful for
those who helped us in our fundraising goal and look forward to participating in this event
for years to come!
Tax-deductible contributions to “Insure A Cure” are always welcome at any time of the
year. Please contact your Account Manager or Ethan Brown, our Human Resources
Coordinator, at (800) 628-8735 x 514.

Safety Tips of the Month
January–February 2009
Cold and Wet Weather Safety From an Interview with CLCA Ambassador Charles Nunley
It’s always sunny in California – for the
most part. However, on those few days
when it is wet and cold, work not only
can be difficult but potentially dangerous.
And because some areas – such as
Southern California – hardly get any rain
at all, oil and
debris can
accumulate on
streets between
wet spells,
making the
roads slicker
when the rains
finally do
come.
Proper dress
and some
sensible practices
can
prevent a lot of the problems associated
with cold and wet weather. In addition
knowing the danger signs of cold weather
exposure and how to treat them can keep
problems that do occur from becoming
disasters.
Working in Cold Weather
The best way to deal with cold weather
safety problems is prevention. Always limit
exposure to cold, especially if it is windy
or damp. If you know you are going to be
in cold conditions:
• Do not bathe, smoke, or drink alcohol
just before going out.
• Dress for conditions in layers of loose,
dry clothes. The most effective mix is
cotton or wool underneath, with something
waterproof on top.
• Get dried or changed immediately if your
clothes do get wet.
• Be sure to cover hands, feet, face, and
head. A hat or cap is critical because you
can lose up to 40 percent of your body
heat if your head isn’t covered.
• Keep moving when you’re in the cold.
• Make sure you and/or your crews take
regular breaks in a warm area, or any
time a person starts to feel very cold or
numb. Also, drink something warm, but
avoid alcohol or caffeine.
Working in the Rain
Having to work in the rain – even light
rain – can pose a serious safety challenge.
Most landscaping companies have
established certain work/no work policies
for rainy days that may include checking
accounts
for drainage
problems or
downed tree
limbs. Be on
the lookout
for downed
wires! It is also
important to
have a good
safety plan
that includes
cold and wet
weather safety
precautions and procedures during times
when some work must be done in the rain.
Here are some rainy day work tips:
• Use raincoats, hats, gloves and boots
when working in wet weather. Many
companies will supply their employees
with raingear. Button it up!
• Be more aware of your surroundings and
watch out for wet floors, slippery tile or
puddles on concrete in your work area.
• Make sure your trucks are equipped with
non-slip grip strips for foot placement
when getting in or out of the vehicles,
including the tailgate area.
• Non-skid doormats should be located at
the entrance and inside doorways of your
office.
• Have a tailgate meeting when rainy
season begins to review wet weather
safety procedures.
Safe Driving in Wet Weather
Driving in the rain can be hazardous to
you, your crews, and ultimately to your
company. When driving to or from the
jobsite, make sure you and your crews:
• Brake lightly when slowing or stopping
to avoid locking the wheels and risking
a skid. Slow down and steer with a light
touch, especially on curves.
• Adjust travel times and travel speeds to
road conditions.
• Ensure adequate visibility by replacing
windshield wipers at the beginning of
each rainy season, or when needed. Make
sure tires are in good condition.
• Use headlights on overcast and rainy
days. If wipers are in use, California law
requires daytime running lights or headlights
to be on.
• Do not take street vehicles off road
during wet weather conditions.
• Listen for updated weather conditions
and take appropriate precautions to
ensure safe arrival at your destination.
Using these basic safety precautions and
procedures – and your common sense –
can make working in cold and wet weather
both safe and productive. Are those clouds
I see on the horizon?
Landscape Consultant
Charles Nunley is a
Past State President
and 35-year member of
CLCA, having earned
numerous awards
and accolades for both
his professional and
humanitarian accom- Charles Nunley
plishments. Sir Charles
is a Knight of the Garter, a highly respected
CLCA Ambassador, and was recently named
to the Green Industry Hall of Fame.
– Jamie Tolentino
Safety Tips Wanted!
Do you have some safety tips that have
made a difference for your company?
Send them to LCIS at the address below,
ATTN: Editor, and they might appear
as future Safety Tips of the Month to
share with your fellow CLCA members.
1835 N. Fine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727
(559) 650-3555 ph / (559) 650-3558 fx
Website: www.lcisinc.com

Consejos de Seguridad enero–febrero 2009
Siempre hay sol en California – al menos
durante la mayor parte del tiempo. De
todas maneras, en esos pocos días
cuando el clima es frío y húmedo, el trabajo
no solo puede ser
dificultoso, sino que
es potencialmente
peligroso. A esto se
suma que algunas
áreas, como las del
sur de California, a
duras penas reciben
algo de lluvia durante
el año, haciendo que
el aceite y la suciedad
se acumulen
en las calles entre lluvia y lluvia, y cuando
finalmente llueve las calles se vuelven especialmente
resbalosas.
Una vestimenta de trabajo apropiada y
algunas prácticas pueden ayudar a prevenir
muchos de los problemas asociados con el
clima frío y húmedo. Además el saber las
señales de peligro durante la exposición al
clima frío y qué hacer cuando estos aparecen
y poder mantener los problemas controlados
para que estos no se transformen en
desastres.
Trabajando en el Clima Frío
La mejor manera de accionar con el clima
frío es la prevención. Siempre hay que limitar
la exposición al frío, especialmente si está
ventoso y húmedo. Si usted sabe que va salir
al frío:
• No se bañe, fume, o beba alcohol justo
antes de salir.
• Vístase para la condición en capas de ropa
suelta y seca. La manera más efectiva es
mesclar algodón o lana debajo, con algo
que sea aprueba de agua arriba.
• Séquese o cámbiese inmediatamente si su
ropa se moja.
• Asegúrese de cubrir sus manos, pies, cara
y cabeza. Un sombrero o gorra es crítico
por que usted puede perder hasta un 40%
del calor de su cuerpo si su cabeza no está
cubierta.
• Manténgase en movimiento cuando esté
en el frío.
• Asegúrese que usted y su grupo de trabajo
tomen descansos regulares en un área
La Seguridad Durante Clima Frío y Húmedo
De una entrevista con el Embajador de CLCA, Charles Nunley
caliente, o en cualquier momento en el que
una persona se comience a sentir muy fría
o entumecida. También tome algo caliente,
pero evite alcohol o cafeína.
Trabajando
en la Lluvia
El trabajar bajo la
lluvia, incluyendo una
lluvia ligera, puede
representar un serio
desafío a la seguridad.
La mayoría de
las compañías de
“landscaping” (paisajismo)
han establecido
la política de trabajo/no trabajo durante
los días de lluvia que pueden incluir la
revisión de problemas de drenaje o revisión
por ramas caídas. ¡Y el estar atentos por
cables caídos! Es algo también importante el
tener un buen plan de seguridad que incluya
precauciones de seguridad en climas fríos
y húmedos para cuando hay que realizar
determinados trabajos bajo la lluvia. Aquí
hay algunas ideas para un día de trabajo
bajo la lluvia:
• Use impermeables, sombreros, guantes y
botas cuando trabaja en la lluvia. Muchas
compañías ofrecen estos elementos a sus
empleados. ¡Abroche todos los botones!
• Sea más consciente de lo que lo rodea y
tenga cuidado con los pisos mojados, baldosas
resbalosas o charcos de agua en la
superficie de concreto.
• Asegúrese que sus camionetas están equipadas
con agarraderas anti deslizantes en
los escalones para subir o bajar de ellas.
Inclusive en la parte trasera de carga.
• Alfombras anti deslizantes deben de ser
colocadas a la entrada y adentro de las
puertas de su oficina.
• Tenga una reunión de seguridad cuando la
temporada de lluvias comience para refrescar
las normas de seguridad.
Conducción de Vehículos
en Condiciones Húmedas
El manejar durante la lluvia o después de
ella puede ser peligroso para usted, para
su grupo, y para su compañía. Cuando uno
maneja desde o hacia un sitio de trabajo,
asegúrese que su grupo de trabajo:
• Frenan despacio cuando bajan la velocidad
o se detienen para evitar el deslizamiento
producido por ruedas bloqueadas. Bajar la
velocidad y girar despacio, especialmente
en curvas.
• Ajustar el tiempo de viaje y la velocidad de
acuerdo a las condiciones del clima.
• Asegurarse que hay adecuada visibilidad
reemplazando los limpia parabrisas al inicio
de cada temporada de lluvias, o cuando
sea necesario. Asegúrese que las llantas
estén en buenas condiciones.
• Use las luces delanteras del vehículo
encendidas durante los días de lluvia o
nublados. Si los limpia parabrisas deben de
ser usados las leyes de California requieren
que las luces delanteras estén encendidas.
• No saque los vehículos para andar en la
calle fuera de los caminos durante condiciones
húmedas.
• Escuche para obtener el último informe de
condición climática y tome las apropiadas
precauciones para asegurarse un arribo
seguro a su destino.
Use estas precauciones básicas de seguridad
y procedimientos, y su sentido común,
para que el trabajar durante el clima frío
y húmedo sea seguro y productivo. ¿Son
nubes las que veo en el horizonte?
Charles Nunley es
Consultor de Landscape,
es un ex Presidente del
Estado y miembro por
35 años de CLCA, habiendo
ganado premios
y galardones tanto por
sus actos humanitarios
como profesionales. Sir Charles Nunley
Charles es un Caballero
de la Liga, un muy respetado Embajador
de CLCA, y fue recientemente nombrado al
Salón de la Fama de la Industria Verde.
– Jamie Tolentino
1835 N. Fine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727
(559) 650-3555 ph / (559) 650-3558 fx
Website: www.lcisinc.com