National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council

2009 Annual Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO

2009-10-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009

Dear Members:

Having just returned from the 2009 Fall Convention in Colorado Springs these are a few words that I heard describe it “Productive-Outstanding-Awesome-The Best-Entertaining-Informative”!

Our first day was kicked off by golf put together by our one and only, Mark Paullin, and when I say one and only you know what I mean!

Friday was time for CE’s taught by Bill Stewart with Claims Training Services with 41 in attendance- what a success!

The following day, Saturday, the Colorado Springs K9 Unit introduced their 7 canine officers and partners. We were also honored to have them lunch with us during the luncheon/vendor fair that was well represented by 18 vendors. The attendance of the vendors and their products was such a success with positive results that we will continue to have this type of venue at future conventions. Following lunch the K -9 unit demonstrated the ability of several dogs from one on one, gunfire and containing multiple felons.

Sunday was a time for our speakers with topics ranging from Hybrid Trucks, Paccar Parts, Parts Locator, Towing, Volvo, Freightliner and Cargo thefts. The spouse program that was put together by Nanette Bruce was a great success and a lot of fun- thanks Nanette! The banquet was attended by our special guest speaker, Deputy Chief Rob Walker along with some of his officers at which time we presented a $5000 donation to replace a retiring canine officer. Visit: www.springsgov.com/News.asp?NewsID=214 or www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=358927.

A special thanks to Richard Bruce for organizing the Convention, Tom Everette for Education & Public Relations and Michael Kinder and his committee for the Sponsorships. With the dedication of these gentleman and others we had one of the most successful and productive conventions to date.

Your President,
L. Daniel Ford

Christmas 2008

2008-12-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2008

Dear Member,

As 2008 draws to a close, I extend to you and your family a warm-hearted wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Attached are the minutes of the 2008 fall meeting in St. Louis, MO.

COUNCIL UPDATES

2-year Rule

I’d like to update you on the discussion during the general meeting regarding adjuster applicants that fail the test and may not re-apply for membership for two years, and the proposal to re-visit that rule.

After combing through the old applicant files and discussing those failed applicants with the Membership Chair and former Chairs, and the Board of Directors, it appears that there is only one candidate that would qualify for this rule change. Since that rule change – if accepted by vote of the membership - would not take effect until after the next meeting, it would be two years by the time that candidate could be tested again anyway. Consequently, there is no practical value for this proposed rule change, and no change will be proposed for a vote at the spring meeting.

Special thanks to John Huot for his thoughtful discussion during the meeting which essentially cooled this idea off until more deliberate consideration could be given to those to whom it might apply, and the consequences of choosing which applicant it would or would not apply to.

Some good came from this discussion; however, and it is my understanding that the Membership Committee will continue to develop the adjuster testing to be less subjective and more objective (not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased).

Annual "Pig Picking"

W. H. Fisher & Associates, PA is having their annual "Pig Picking" on Saturday January 17, 2009 in Mullins, S. C. We know that some of you are a long ways off but you are still cordially invited to attend these festivities. This is our twenty-something year and we should have a large time. Most folks like to come in on Friday before noon so they can play a round of golf (if the weather permits) and they usually play golf on Saturday and Sunday. Myrtle Beach is only 50 miles away so folks can go to Myrtle Beach shopping on Saturday if they wish and tour the area. We have a tobacco museum in Mullins (Mullins is a tobacco town) so some of you may want to go through this museum to learn about the history of tobacco - it is very interesting.

The menu is Bar-B-Q pork, collards, chicken bog, lima beans, and all of the trimmings. If you need for us to arrange a place for you to stay just get in touch with us and we can make that happen. Merry Christmas to all and we wish you a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Spring Meeting 2009

Thursday, April 30 – Saturday, May 2, 2009 in Dallas, TX. MEMBERS ONLY.

Six adjuster applicants and two TPA applicants will be tested at the Spring Meeting. This will require participation from many company and adjuster members. If you can assist with the testing, please submit your name to Bill Fisher or to Betty Clayton.

Apprentices will be invited to come to Dallas but will not attend the members only meeting. Leon Brownlee and Michael Kramer have volunteered to hold an education class for the apprentices. While this may be more appealing to you than attending the regular business meeting, Dan Harvey has offered to provide security at the classroom door and will kindly and gently redirect members to the right meeting room.

Fall Meeting 2009

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Colorado Springs, CO. Marriott Colorado Springs.

Web Site / Public Relations

The web site is the Council’s “front office” and thanks to Richard Bruce, it is well maintained and up to date, and worth re-visiting if you have not lately: www.nthecc.org.

The initial investment in the new site is paying returns now that advertising has been included on the site. Tasteful ads are well placed on the web pages and are not distracting to the professional appearance of the site. Registrations for the meetings will again be completed through the web site, and will run smoothly, with the bugs worked out last fall.

Future Meetings

The meeting committee has reviewed proposals from several hotels, each in several cities. It appears we may be able to go to San Francisco in the fall of 2010. More info to come in the spring.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008 Annual Meeting of the National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council

2008-07-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

October 3 - 5, 2008

Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront Hotel

315 Chestnut Street,
St. Louis, Missouri, USA 63102
Tel: +1 314 655 1234 Fax: +1 314 241 9839
Maps & Directions

Experience uncompromising hospitality in a prime setting at Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront. Steps from the famous Arch, our exemplary St. Louis hotel (formerly the Adam's Mark hotel) blends world-class service with an unparalleled location. With easy access to all of the city’s sights, our downtown hotel in St. Louis is an outstanding choice for every visitor. Select our expansive facilities - the area's premier event spaces - to host impressive business conferences, formal galas or family celebrations. Take in a game at a nearby stadium, catch a Broadway-style show, tempt Lady Luck at a casino, or simply relax in our inviting accommodations. Discover "The Hyatt Touch" at our welcoming St. Louis Missouri hotel.

Hotel/Airport transportation click here

FALL AGENDA CLICK HERE

EDUCATION SCHEDULE CLICK HERE

Things to See and Do in St. Louis

St. Louis attractions offer so many things to see and do that you’ll probably run out of time before you run out of options. Unique attractions, historic sites, charming neighborhoods and exciting entertainment options – no matter what you decide to see in St. Louis during your visit, you’ll want to make a list of all the additional things you’re going to check out on your next visit. Need some ideas? Why not take a look at some of our themed itinerary suggestions. Want to explore beyond the city? Take a day trip to see popular nearby sights.

Where to Eat in St. Louis

St. Louis has always been home to a mix of cultures and the proof is in the myriad of ethnic eateries located throughout St. Louis. From Italian and German fare to Bosnian and Vietnamese cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every craving at the hundreds of one-of-a-kind restaurants that dot St. Louis’ culinary landscape. Let us direct you toward the best in St. Louis restaurants and dining.

Where to Shop in St. Louis

Major shopping malls, top name department stores, and unique specialty shops are just three reasons that shoppers love St. Louis shopping. Add in a varied assortment of antiques stores, vintage clothing shops, trendy boutiques and brand name outlet malls, and it looks like somebody will need an extra suitcase for the trip home.

Search Our Calendar of Events

St. Louis has hundreds of events throughout the year of interest to our out of town guests. Ethnic festivals, art fairs, exciting theatre, sporting events and some of St. Louis’ best music are included in the calendar of events. Use the easy search box below to find out what is going on during your visit or plan your next trip to St. Louis around one of these great events.

2008 Spring Meeting of the National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council

2008-03-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Embassy Suites Hotel DFW Airport North/Outdoor World

May 2-3, 2008

Embassy Suites Outdoor World is located in the heart of the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area just 1.5 miles north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Nearby historic Grapevine features six wine tasting rooms and antique shopping on Main Street. Connected to the hotel is the world renowned Bass Pro Shop. It's a wonderful and convenient side trip for the outdoor sports enthusiast. Grapevine Mills Mall offers over 200 specialty stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Tucked between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is central to museums, sporting events and landmark venues for leisure guests and large groups.

click here to register

For the best in hunting and fishing gear, shop Bass Pro, your Dallas sporting goods store. The Bass Pro Shops retail store in Dallas is a leader among Dallas hunting outfitters, with seminars and classes on everything from fishing and hunting to gun safety. Whether you need gear for fishing in Dallas, or simply want to maximize your outdoor fun, shop Bass Pro.

Grapevine is in the center of the Dallas / Fort Worth region and serves as the hub of any vacation to the area. Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, and home of the DFW International Airport, Grapevine's sophisticated charm provides visitors with a chance to get away and experience great shopping, dining, ten winery tasting rooms and much more.

Nearby Attractions:

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Railroad is serviced by two vintage locomotives which include "Puffy" the 1896 Steam locomotive and oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. The "Cotton Belt Route" -- Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates over approximately 21 miles of the Cotton Belt line, linking the historic communities of Grapevine, Colleyville, Smithfield and Fort Worth's historic Stockyards.

Golf

Grapevine is a golfer's paradise with 81 holes of golf all within 5 - 15 minutes of any Grapevine hotel. Cowboys Golf Club: an 18 hole resort quality NFL themed championship golf course located minutes from downtown Grapevine and all hotel properties. Grapevine Golf Course: a 27 hole course that offers golfing challenges for all levels of players. Bear Creek Golf Club: set on a scenic 335 acres in DFW International airport.

Lake Grapevine

Grapevine Lake is a Corps of Engineers lake located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer camping, trails for biking, hiking and equestrian use, water recreation, picnic facilities, pavilions for large gatherings, hunting, and much more.

Wineries

Grapevine is home to many wineries and tasting rooms as well as the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. Tastings, as well as bottle and case sales, are available at the wineries. Many offer the perfect setting for small weddings and private functions.

Grapevine Opry

One of the premier live county music shows in the nation, the Grapevine Opry has established a tradition of excellence seldom equaled for this type show in the country music industry. With one of the most acclaimed house bands in the Southwest, the high energy, spontaneous format of every show perfectly compliments the truly great music for which the venue is known.

Shopping

Grapevine continues to grow as a shopper's delight. The city has booming retail centers, all with in minutes from the local hotels. The Grapevine Towne Center and Grapevine Commons are large multi-store shopping centers. Historic Downtown Grapevine also boasts many one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores.

http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/

Bill Fisher receives a "Special President's Award"

2007-10-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Bill Fisher receives a "Special President's Award" for 2007 for outstanding contributions to the Membership Committee.

Richard Bruce receives a "Special President's Award"

2007-10-12T14:48:00.001-07:00

Richard Bruce receives a "Special President's Award" for 2007 for outstanding contributions to the Public Relations, and other Committees.

2007 Fall Meeting, San Antonio, TX

2007-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

The annual meeting of the National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council was held October 6, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas. 73 voting members attended the closed, members-only, business meeting. The education seminar was well attended, featuring programs by:

Richard Bruce, Mitchell International, http://www.mitchell.com/

Richard introduced the redesigned Council web site: http://www.nthecc.org/

T. Michael SeChrist, Active HD Cooling Products, http://www.activeradiator.com/

Mike gave a presentation on his company’s all-metal radiators and cooling applications for heavy trucks, off-road construction and industrial applications.

Jay Shiffler, WHECO, http://wheco.com/

Mike Smith, Certified Boom Repair, http://www.certifiedboomrepair.com/

Jay and Mike gave a presentation on ROPS and FOPS cab repair.

Jean Gardner, Schindel, Farman, Lipsius, Gardner & Rabinovich, LLP, http://sfl-legal.com/

Jean gave free legal advice in regard to the role of the independent adjuster in claims handling, and mistakes to avoid.

Dwight McAlexander, Volvo Group, http://www.volvo.com/

David Jacoby, Prevost Car, Inc., http://www.prevostcar.com/

David and Dwight gave a presentation about the new designs of their products which accommodate the new truck and coach engines with emissions compliance, and occupant safety features.

Joe Rubio, Rush Truck Centers, http://www.rushtruckcenters.com/

Joe gave a repair shop perspective on new products from Peterbilt.

Thanks to Scott Cody, Southeastern Claims Services, and the Education Committee for assembling the education program.