ASCA Update

An insurance solution

This summer, the ASCA was excited to announce that Mills Insurance, an association partner, brought in an A- rated insurance carrier to provide a new program to insure snow and ice management companies.

This program recognizes the higher level of standards of the ASCA Certified (ASCA-C) professionals, and reflects this professionalism through a specialized insurance offering. Additionally, the program recognizes the snow industry’s efforts with ISO9001/SN9001, which carriers a more aggressive rate consideration.

“The program accomplishes a number of important association initiatives, but for the first time snow industry professionals now have a carrier that believes in them and their risk management efforts,” Gilbride says. “Insurance is complicated, especially when it comes to the snow and ice management industry. Claims will always be a part of the process. However, by changing behavior, we can continue to take matters into our own hands as an industry. Over the long term, by adhering to the ASCA’s plan, we will also reduce claims in the form of decreasing the number of frivolous slip-and-falls filed against snow and ice management companies.”

The program includes a more aggressive approach to fighting frivolous claims and loudly proclaims that the free lunch is over to the profiteers who prey on insurance carriers and snow contractors.

Matthew Peterson, of Mills Insurance Group, adds: “Rolling over and paying quick settlements only reinforces professional slip and fallers that it’s OK to target snow contractors. The free lunch is over. There are no more blank checks when it comes to these nuisance suits.”

Peterson says the insurance partnership – administered by Snow Removal Insurance Brokerage – offers local independent agents a way to properly serve their snow contracting clients the right way.

If you are an ASCA member and your agent would like more info, have them contact Peterson Insurance Services at underwriting@snowplowrisk.com. Members who want info can contact Mills at info@mills-snow.com.
 

They know a little about snow

In July, ASCA’s Kevin Gilbride trekked north to our 49th state to attend the inaugural Alaska Snow Symposium. Gilbride, a feature speaker, shared the ASCA story with Alaskan snowfighters, as well as shared his industry insights with them.

“What a great group of people,” Gilbride says. “I was honored to be asked to participate and spend time with such a great group of dedicated professionals. I look forward to returning because I have a feeling we could all learn a thing or two about managing snow and ice from our colleagues in Alaska.”

The conference was organized in large part by ASCA member Jennie Schenderline, president of JEFFCO Grounds Maintenance, in conjunction with John Allin’s Snowfighters Institute.
 

March on Washington

On July 29th, a contingent of professional snow and ice managers was scheduled to join with representatives from the Accredited Snow Contractors Association to take part in this year’s Day on the Hill event. The day is packed with visits to the offices of elected representatives on both sides of the aisle to educate and follow up on the issues that mean most to the professional snow and ice management industry.

“Last year, nearly 30 industry colleagues joined me in Washington D.C. and for the first time we presented a united front to educate our representatives on the issues that our industry faces – primarily tort reform and baseless, frivolous slip-and-fall claims,” says ASCA Executive Director Kevin Gilbride.

Editor’s note: At press time Day on the Hill had not yet taken place. Be sure to see the September issue for complete coverage of this event.
 

Education

Level-3 education for ASCA-C is nearly complete and will be available to members this month. Likewise, development on Level-4 education is in the development stages.

“We’re constantly evaluating the educational needs of our members and developing new formats to reinforce the Industry Standards,” Gilbride says. “Likewise, we’re developing new way to engage ASCA members with education, and I think members will be thrilled by what we have in the works.”

ASCA-C contractors are required to complete 10-hours of education annually to maintain their active status.
 

ISO 9001/SN 9001

A number of professional snow and ice management companies continue to prepare to engage the ISO 9001/SN 9001 certification process, Gilbride says. As of deadline, three had earned the certification, while a number of other were engaged or about to engage the third-party systems audit.

“We’re still getting the word out about ISO and building momentum around its potential impact on the industry,” Gilbride says. “However, I’m thrilled by the numbers of snow removal operations who not only recognize its value but are doing their due diligence and engaging the process.”

Gilbride anticipates as many as a dozen companies could be ISO 9001/SN 9001 certified by year’s end.
 

Leadership Awards

The ASCA sends a round of applause to this year’s Leadership Award recipients:

• Carl Bolm, BSR Services, Maryland Heights, Mo.
• Tom Canete, Canete Snow Management, Wayne, N.J.
• Jason Dickey, Schill Grounds Management, North Ridgeville, Ohio
• Mike Jones, True North, Kansas City
   

The 2014 Leadership Award winners were honored this month at the ASCA’s Executive Summit, taking place in Miami Beach. Check out the September issue for complete event coverage and profiles on each recipient.

Regular updates
If you’re not receiving Snow Magazine’s bi-monthly enewsletter, then you’re missing out on a lot of the news, happenings and goings on with the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA). To begin receiving the Snow Magazine enewsletter, simply email ASCA Executive Director Kevin Gilbride at kgilbride@gie.net and add SUBSCRIBE TO ENEWSLETTER in the subject line.