May 31, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
The night before CIS’ Virtual Conference in February, the Willamette Valley experienced significant snowfall that prevented some staff from making it to the studio to participate live in the conference. Thankfully, CIS’ conference planner had pre-recorded some of the presentations, which made the annual conference move forward smoothly, despite the snow. More than 400 people attended, and based on the post-conference survey, nearly all appreciated the expert speakers and informative sessions. Each conference session is still available and can be viewed in the CIS Learning Center.
With the popularity of the virtual conference, it wasn’t surprising that the overall conference was rated 91% Excellent/Good. Many attendees took the time to comment about the conference.
You guys continually amaze me. While in-person you usually exceed expectations too, your virtual conferences are by FAR the best that I’ve experienced, and this one was no exception. Fast paced and packed with important/relevant/timely info. Can’t thank you enough!
Very well explained and the presenters were well prepared.
Glad that it was a virtual event for many reasons: because of the weather conditions, the expense of traveling, time away from the office and limiting group exposure to any type of virus going around. Participants get the information they need for budget purposes sooner.
Given the weather, first of all, everyone must be congratulated for making this go off without a hitch! The technology and the music were just right.
Perfect kind of event to announce rates! Appreciated the bullet point style way of taking about the categories of risk that affect rates.
Learned about the current pressures on rates and why they are increasing.
Virtual Conferences are challenging, and the CIS crew did an amazing job (as usual)!
I thought it was great and informative and everyone did great, considering the snow/changes in venue due to the weather.
Looking Back at 21 years of CIS Conferences
After the many complimentary comments received about CIS’ February virtual conference, they reflected on how this signature event has changed over time. CIS launched their first Annual Conference back in 2002. It began as the “Annual Meeting and CIS Risk Management Conference.” The purpose was to increase member involvement in CIS activities. It also served — and continues to serve — as the annual membership meeting as required by CIS’ governance policy.
Today, the conference highlights the coverages and plans available to members, provides updates on changes that affect our communities, and educates attendees about ways to avoid claims and control losses. Because risk management and pre-loss are core functions of our operations, they’re featured prominently. It’s about fostering good risk management practices that lead to reduced claims so CIS can keep rates stable. It’s important to help counties protect their financial health, so the CIS conference packs the most risk management education into a single event.
The event represents CIS’ mission, vision, and values in a single event.
MISSION: CIS provides property, casualty, and employee benefit solutions tailored to the needs of Oregon’s cities and counties.
VISION: Together, CIS helps Oregon’s cities and counties to be safer, stronger, and healthier.
VALUES: Financial strength, innovation, expertise, adaptability, collaboration, integrity, and diversity and inclusion.
CIS sat down with their Communications, Events, and Projects Manager Julie LaMarche, to learn more about how the conference has evolved since 2001. Besides managing and producing the conference, LaMarche manages CIS’ communications efforts, including reviewing, editing, and designing publications, announcements, and presentation materials.
Q: When did you become involved in the planning for the CIS Annual Conference?
A: When I started at CIS in 2005, the conference was coordinated by CIS’ Executive Assistant, who led an internal conference committee. Later in 2007, it was taken over by two CIS staff. When they left CIS — two months before our 2009 conference — I was asked to step in. I’ve organized the conference ever since.
Q: How has the conference evolved over time?
A: When I started 17 years ago, the conference was held at the Embassy Suites near Washington Square in Tigard. Similar to today, it was held in February, and we offered one complimentary registration and covered one-night hotel stay for every member.
The 1st Annual Meeting and CIS Risk Management Conference was held in 2002 at the Ramada Inn & Suites near the Portland Airport. Prior to 2002, the conference was like a road show. It was similar to our Fall Supervisor Training series, where our presenters traveled around the state and held sessions regionally.
In 2007, we introduced electronic survey evaluations. In 2010, we went green by discontinuing handing out large binders for each attendee, and instead provided them with electronic copies of the presentation materials.
In 2011, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary and 10th Annual Conference by introducing longevity awards of 20, 25, and 30-years for those Members who had continuous coverage with the CIS Property/Casualty Trust. Later in 2016, 35-year awards were created, and 40-year awards were added in 2021.
In 2012, we introduced a conference mobile app, and started recording select sessions so members and agents could watch sessions they missed. We also introduced a 4th track for law enforcement/public safety.
In 2016 we began live-streaming select sessions so members and agents could still receive pertinent information from the convenience of their desk.
In 2017 the law enforcement track split off and we created a new conference for public safety.
In 2020 we introduced the Shark-Tank session, awarding grants of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 for innovative safety-related programs.
In 2021, due to the pandemic, we held a three-day all virtual conference.
By 2022, we transitioned to a fully hybrid conference where members and agents had the flexibility of attending in person, virtually, or a combination of the two.
Q: How do you see our conference evolving after the pandemic?
A: I think there will be more demand for all events — conferences, trainings, workshops, meetings — to be hybrid.
I know people have missed meeting with each other in person because they appreciate the higher level of engagement. It’s been difficult to achieve when meeting virtually. Members have told us that they enjoy attending sessions, sharing meals, networking, and interacting with CIS employees.
Other Members have told us that they truly appreciate the flexibility of being virtual — while some of our smaller-county members have said they like signing in remotely because they don’t have the budget to travel, or they don’t have anyone to cover for them while they’re out of the office.
The pandemic has shown that we can offer both options.
Q: Where do you see our conference 5 to 10 years from now?
A: We’ll continue to seek member input and innovate. Just like in the past, we will find ways to improve the conference. One thing that I’m confident about is that we will give people the option to attend in-person or online. It’s really about how we can best serve our Members and Agents.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the conference?
A: It’s all about making the conference valuable, educational, and enjoyable for members, our partners, and agents. What I enjoy most is striving to make it better than the year before. I also really enjoy working with each CIS employee, as they are key in making the event successful. I know that attendees really enjoy interacting with them. Those personal connections make our conference almost like a family reunion.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 19, 2023 | Governance, Revenue, & Economic Development
As Oregon prepares applications for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal infrastructure funds that Congress made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act, the state legislature is doing its part.
HB 3201, sponsored by Rep. Pam Marsh and Sen. Aaron Woods, will fix conflicts between state law and federal rules that could have significantly reduced the amount of federal broadband infrastructure funds Oregon qualifies for. Considering the hardships facing anyone who does not have good internet access today, and the tremendous difference better internet will make for communities across Oregon, passing HB 3201 has been a huge priority for AOC this session.
In terrific news, the bill cleared one of its final hurdles on Tuesday, May 9th, passing out of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, and Federal and World Affairs. It now moves to the Senate Floor, where it is expected to pass. On its way to the governor’s desk, the bill will make one more stop in the House for a concurrence vote, where it is nearly certain to succeed after having passed that chamber with a strong bipartisan majority in March.
HB 3201 initially faced an uncertain path due to fierce opposition from a couple of special interest groups. Many people and organizations contributed to this effort, which began last summer, when Rep. Marsh convened dozens stakeholders to collaborate on solutions, meeting multiple times over a period of months. Sen. Woods, the bill’s other chief co-sponsor, deserves special appreciation for his leadership in reaching an agreement that eliminated all known opposition to the bill, giving it an even better chance of passing. In a glaring oversight, Sen. Woods’ efforts were not acknowledged in AOC’s testimony to the Senate committee earlier this month, a lapse we sincerely regret.
AOC will continue to watch HB 3201’s progress closely, as well as ongoing efforts by the Oregon Broadband Office to obtain the federal funds and get grants out to communities.
Contributed by: Michael Burdick | Legislative Affairs Manager
May 17, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
With each passing year, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become more prevalent with first responders. Join CIS experts as they address this issue and many other public-safety-related topics during the Annual Public Safety Conference, Aug. 9-11 at Salishan Coastal Lodge (Gleneden Beach). Registration for this event is FREE for those members with CIS general liability coverage.
The three-day conference will highlight many issues, including employment-law trends, trauma training, and social media best practices for command staff and public information officers (PIOS). In addition to the high-quality training, attendees will receive 15 DPPST credits, and valuable networking opportunities with public-safety leaders from across the state.
Additional agenda items include:
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Early morning Golf Tournament (networking opportunity)
Tactical Trauma Training (Parts 1 and 2)
You Are Never Alone — A Personal Story of Survival, Courage, and Vulnerability
In part one of this session, Jared Nesary, a retired officer from Yakima Police Department, shares his personal battle with PTSD and what healing looks like after residential treatment. His courage to ask for help, in his words, saved his life and career. “You are never alone” is a personal story of survival, courage, and vulnerability. Jared survived PTSD and won his life back.
Understanding PTSD/PTSI and How it Affects Us All
In part two of this session, Matt Quackenbush, LCSW, shares the latest research and techniques in Neuroscience, Traumatology, and Psychology. Discover the basics of the neurobiology of trauma, how it changes the physical structure of the brain, and the way the body responds to threats and stress. Quackenbush shares cutting-edge treatments from the field of Traumatology and easy-to-use techniques to change the way one’s brain and body respond to threats and stress.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Civil Litigation Trends
In recent years there’s been an explosion of public-safety-related litigation. CIS’ Supervising Litigation Attorney Dave Lewis shares an update about important federal cases — along with an overview of Oregon-specific law-enforcement cases and their outcomes.
Employment Law Trends
CIS’ Deputy General Counsel Tamara Russell shares recent changes in employment law that are important to public safety employers. Attendees will learn how new case law and arbitration decisions will impact their organizations, and how to use those cases/decisions to avoid legal pitfalls in the workplace.
Public Safety Wellness Best Practices Panel
Learn more about comprehensive and innovative wellness practices from several member agencies. Panelists will explore issues surrounding funding, organizational acceptance, and research, among other topics.
Improve Employee Commitment by Building Trust
Public-safety leaders learn practical trust-building strategies to help employees transition from compliance to commitment. Discover the techniques that help improve employee morale, accountability, and performance. By the end of the 4-hour session, attendees will have professional strategies on how to effectively engage with employees to build trust, provide continuous accurate feedback, show appropriate appreciation, and help create a work environment where motivation can thrive.
Friday, Aug. 11
Strategic Social Media Practices for Command Staff & PIOS
The most successful law enforcement agencies are using public messaging proactively — long before any crisis strikes — to build positive relationships with their communities. Designed for leaders who oversee the public message, this fast-paced presentation takes attendees through social media strategies to tell their agency’s story and with interacting traditional media to amplify their message.
Topics include:
- Understanding Legal Considerations for Government Social Media
- Recognizing Good News Stories That Resonate
- Proven Social Media Strategies
- Navigating Negativity
- Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships with the Media
Telling good news stories helps the organization and the community. Learn how to do that intentionally from an Emmy-award-winning former Washington, DC, area reporter, who also served as a PIO for two of the nation’s largest police departments.
Travel and overnight expenses are the responsibility of each attendee. CIS has negotiated a discounted group rate at the Salishan Coast Lodge of $289 plus tax, per night. Guest reservations and room charges are the sole responsibility of the attendee. Hotel reservation instructions will be provided once registration for the event is live.
For more information about the Public Safety Conference, visit cisoregon.org/publicsafety.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
May 10, 2023 | Federal News
Today, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Christen Linke Young, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health and Veterans Affairs in the White House Domestic Policy Council, convened representatives from state and local government for a Forum on Mental Health and Well Being. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and senior White House officials participated in the convening.
Tackling the mental health crisis is a key pillar of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. The Administration has focused on advancing the President’s Mental Health Strategy across its three objectives: strengthening system capacity, connecting more Americans to care, and creating healthy and supportive environments. As part of that work, the Administration has expanded access to mental health services, investing billions of dollars through the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and has proposed tens of billions in further support in his budget request for FY 2024.
During the Forum, Secretary Xavier Becerra laid out the whole-of-society response to this crisis, including the Department’s launch of 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and FindSupport.gov, as well as the expansion of mental health services to support youth in schools and in communities. Senior White House staff, mayors, county elected leaders, and representatives also discussed how Medicaid waivers can be leveraged for comprehensive mental health service provision and how important investments are being made to grow and diversify the behavioral health workforce.
Senior White House staff thanked state and local leaders, and the National Governors Association (NGA), National League of Cities (NLC), and National Association of Counties (NACo) for their leadership and affirmed the Administration’s support and partnership in addressing the mental health crisis.
Participating state and local leaders in attendance included:
- Dr. April Aycock, Director, Office of Mental Health , Monroe County, New York
- Kathryn Barger, Supervisor, Los Angeles County, California
- Mary Ann Borgeson, Commissioner, Douglas County, Nebraska
- Dr. Kathleen Burke, Director, Will County Health Department, Will County, Illinois
- Therese Brown, Commissioner, Allen County, Indiana
- Dow Constantine, County Executive, King County, Washington
- David Crowley, Executive, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
- Bryan Davis, Commissioner, Scioto County, Ohio
- Jerry Demings, County Mayor, Orange County, Florida
- Clay Jenkins, Judge, Dallas County, Texas
- Sherman P. Lea, Mayor & NLC Cities of Opportunity Initiative, City of Roanoke, Virginia
- Steven Leifman, Judge, Miami Dade County, Florida
- Dr. Gina Nikkel, Executive Director, Association of Oregon Counties
- Hillary Schieve, Mayor & Incoming President of U.S. Conference of Mayors, City of Reno, Nevada
- Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland Health Secretary
- Helen Stone, Commissioner, Chatham County, Georgia
- Steve Williams, Mayor & NLC Health Committee, City of Huntington, West Virginia
- Denise Winfrey, National Association of Counties (NACo) President, Will County, Illinois
Source: The White House
May 10, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
Last year, the CIS Board approved hiring a Cyber Risk Management Consultant to help Members prevent cyberattacks. So far, the investment is paying off with fewer cyber claims in 2022. This has led to no premium increases for CIS’ first two tiers of coverage and a 5% increase for Tier 3.
Members who have cyber coverage through CIS receive free cyber security consulting from CIS’ in-house IT expert. CIS’ coverage is tailored to counties, and often better than what can be secured from the for-profit insurance market.
To encourage CIS Members to sign up, CIS has reduced the eligibility requirements from last year so more Members can qualify. When counties have CIS cyber coverage, they receive free dark web monitoring, a cyber risk management expert to assist counties, and much more. CIS cyber coverage is reasonably priced, and unlike the cyber insurance market, CIS contributions are stable because they can self-insure the first $250,000 in limits.
Here’s what else counties need to know:
Tier 1: $50,000 Limit — No Applications Needed. The CIS Board wants to ensure every Oregon county has a minimum level of cyber coverage. The contribution is very reasonable, and we encourage Members to work with their Agents to place this coverage with CIS.
Tier 2: $250,000 Limit ($200,000 excess of $50,000) — Application Required. To help counties obtain this coverage, CIS has reduced the minimum requirements to:
- Having a cyber security policy
- Strong passwords
- Offsite backups
- Training employees
- Having CIS Property and Excess Crime coverage (Required)
Tier 3: Up to $1,250,000 Limit (up to $1M excess of $250,000) — Qualifying for Tier 2 can also qualify for Tier 3. Tier 3 is a fully insured program. Keep in mind that this excess coverage program is in addition to the $250,000 limit.
For additional information contact Greg Hardin at 503-763-3889. To download and complete an application, visit cisoregon.org/PropertyLiability/Cyber. Counties can also contact Tena Purdy at tpurdy@cisoregon.org or Karen Masterson at kmasterson@cisoregon.org for more information.
Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | CIS Public and Member Relations Manager
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
