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the member services arm of lci workers’ comp

P.3

ON THE ISSUES: WATER

P. 9

HYDRO-BLADE WATERJETS

P. 11

ALL DRY WATER DAMAGE

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New Facilitated Networking: At LCIA, we have been working on ideas for how we can connect you, all of our LCI policyholders, to each other. The LCIA network contains over 3,500 Louisiana-based businesses, representing a wide variety of industries; there are bound to be opportunities within our group. So we’re taking an active approach to help you make those connections. Here are a few ways we’re facilitating networking among LCI policyholders:

1. Attendee list in your event folder: All event folders will now include a list of attending businesses, so you can see if there are any potential networking opportunities.

2. Post-event follow up: We will send a follow-up email after each live event, listing the businesses that attended and any information that those businesses wish to provide to the group.

These ideas were brought to us from LCI policyholders, so please send us any ideas you may have that are related to LCIA programs and/or networking. If you have a suggestion, please email Christina Buras at christina@lciassociation.com.

CONTENTS:Association News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

On the Issues: Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Member Spotlight: Hydro -Blade WaterJets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 -10

Member Spotlight: A ll Dr y Water Damge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

LCI Workers’ Comp Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-17

Association News:

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Who is LCIA? LCIA is a business development partner for all businesses insured by LCIWorkers' Comp. These businesses span across Louisiana and come from manydifferent industries.

Above are two graphs displaying the composition of LCI policyholders. One

graph depicts the different industries represented by LCI-insured businesses, and the other displays the geographical distribution of all LCI policyholders.

LCIA is proud to work with a variety of businesses. We believe the diversitywithin our network is special, and

through networking and collaboration, we believe it can only serve to help you in your business endeavors. To connect with other LCI policyholders, come to one of our many events, offered each month throughout the state.

LCI Policyholders by Industry

TRANSPORTATION: %19

OTHER (RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, NONPROFITS) : 15%

INDUSTRIAL: 13%

AGRICULTURE: 8%

CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING SERVICES: 45%

TOTAL: 3601 members

LCI Policyholders by Region

TOTAL: 3601 members

CENTRAL: 8%

NEW ORLEANS: 43%

NORTH: 13%

ACADIANA: 14%

BATON ROUGE: %17

SOUTHWEST: 5%

Meet LCI’s 3,500+ policyholders.

Issues:Living with Water

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THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER MANAGEMENT In South Louisiana, water is part of our lives. It surrounds us–the Gulf, the Mississippi, bayous, lakes, and other waterways. Water plays a huge role in our society. We build our houses, our infrastructure, our careers, and our businesses around water. Water management is essentially taking steps to make sure that water is a part of our lives in the way that we want it to be. Some past methods of water management have worked for Louisiana, while others have not. The Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan provides specific plans for

future water management for the Greater New Orleans Region.

While this plan is specific to the New Orleans region, the principles of water management apply to every corner of our state. Geographic factors of each region dictate how an area interacts with and manages water.

THE THREATS OF POOR WATER MANAGEMENTAccording to the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, past water management techniques in the New Orleans area have

focused on removing the water from the cities as quickly as possible through a series of drainage canals, pipes, and pumps. This form of water management alone is problematic for two main reasons: flooding and subsidence. Hurricane Katrina illustrated the problem with relying solely on this system and what can happen when the walls holding the water in the canals—the levees—do not hold. Much of the New Orleans area flooded. Removing the water from beneath our feet also causes subsidence, the sinking of the ground. Subsidence is a result of dry soils,

Let’s start our journey by

learning about what it means

to “manage” water. We’ll hear

about the issues the Greater

New Orleans region faces and

how the region has used past

experiences and mistakes to

create a water management

plan for the future.

In Louisiana, water affects many different aspects of our businesses and our lives. Much

of the state is near the coast, which provides both business opportunities in the shipping,

maritime, and oil and gas industries, as well as risks such as coastal land loss and flooding. Rivers also cross our

state, connecting Louisiana to the rest of the country and to the world. Every region of Louisiana has its own

water uses and its own water challenges. This “On the Issues” section addresses Louisiana’s relationship with the

element that occupies more than 95% of the earth and is as destructive as it is necessary: water.

Water

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largely caused by current drainage practices that pump out every drop that falls as quickly as possible. Without a natural flow of water, the soil below our concrete is depleted of nutrients, causing it to widen and shrivel like a used up sponge.

Flooding and subsidence, two problems caused by past water management techniques, have had definitively negative consequences for the people and the businesses of south Louisiana. Besides catastrophic flooding such as that experienced with Hurricane Katrina, routine heavy rains can make roads impassable and can cause property damage. This can negatively affect residents and businesses alike. Damage to the ground—including roads—in addition to constant repairs, can slow business down. It can damage property and discourage outside investment in the New Orleans region.

A NEW WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN The Greater New Orleans Water Plan brings new ideas to water management in the New Orleans area. In 2010, the State of Louisiana’s Office of Community Development - Disaster Recovery Unit funded Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) to develop the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan for the east banks

of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes and for St. Bernard Parish. New Orleans architecture firm Waggonner & Ball led a team of water management experts in developing the Urban Water Plan.

In contrast to the old water management methods which focused on draining the water out of the cities as quickly as possible, Waggonner & Ball’s water management plans, outlined in the Water Plan, integrate the water into our cities. Instead of using pumps at the first rain, the Water Plan encourages storing water in retention receptacles like rain gardens to slow its drainage. It also encourages allowing groundwater to remain in place, which combats subsidence. The Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan proposes new infrastructure, changes to new construction, and buy-in from the residents.

RESULTS OF GOOD WATER MANAGEMENTWhile implementation of the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan is challenging and will require time and money, the potential benefits to updating water management policies are plentiful. Reducing the risk of flooding and subsidence in and around New Orleans makes the region stronger and a better place to live and do business.

OPPORTUNITIESFOR BUSINESSESAs communities adopt good water management practices, businesses of all sizes can benefit. First, the proposed large-scale infrastructure projects will create construction projects. There is potential for local construction companies to complete much of this work. Next, if the Water Plan’s recommendations are adopted, and building codes are updated, there will be a need for local residential contractors and landscape architects to be skilled in the building practices that encourage good water management. These types of businesses will likely be in high demand, and they will be able to market themselves as the water management experts.

IN CONCLUSIONThe Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan addresses water management in the Greater New Orleans region based on the natural makeup of the area, current and future land use, and lessons learned from past water management techniques. The principles of water management—living with water and ensuring it positively impacts our communities—can be applied to every parish of Louisiana. Visit livingwithwater.com to learn more.

The Business Case for Water ManagementDANA ENESS , Exec ut ive Direc tor, Urban Con se r vanc y

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It’s a rainy day in New Orleans, and cars are crawling through water up to their wheel wells. On commercial corridors, some of the business owners have already placed sandbags near their doors, ready to position them around their thresholds when they lock up to keep water from seeping in. Would-be shoppers consider stopping and getting out,

but reconsider as they contemplate the shin-deep water gathering at the curb. Repetitive loss to buildings and lost sales because potential customers can’t safely access them are two reasons businesses need to be active partners in minimizing storm water runoff. Runoff is what happens when rainfall has nowhere to go–it cannot be absorbed by the ground due to the large amounts of impervious concrete; and while we do have pumps to manage some of the drainage, we cannot continue to rely on the pumps to keep up with the increasingly large volume of water. If it is not captured and managed properly, it could be coming your way, hurting your property, your streets, and your sales.

Commercial properties tend to have a high percentage of hard (impervious) surfaces including roofs, parking lots, and outdoor seating areas. Less green space means less absorption and, unfortunately, more runoff. But this also means that the business community is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role to champion innovative, effective ways to better manage rainfall onsite. Other businesses will follow suit when they realize that doing so provides a better ROI over the long run. And while runoff is a prevailing problem in New Orleans, water management is relevant all around Louisiana, and as business leaders, you can be instrumental in addressing environmental and social problems within your own communities. Learn more at urbanconservancy.org/projects.

Supporting the Greater New

Orleans Urban Water Plan,

Dana Eness explains why

businesses have a vested

interest in good water

management and how the

business community can lead

the movement.

Water Management Case Study: North Louisiana’s Sparta Aquifer A A RON LUSBYDirec tor, Loui s iana Tech Rural De velopme nt Ce nte r

ALL ABOUT AQUIFERSAquifers are naturally occurring repository areas for groundwater that accumulated over thousands of years from rain or snow melt that percolated through layers of rock below the surface of the earth. As water repositories, aquifers are used as underground sources of water. Businesses and individuals use the water pulled from aquifers for drinking, watering crops, washing dishes, in the manufacturing process, and in many other ways.

Typically, aquifers have a recharge zone where rainwater and runoff find a way to enter the aquifer between the impermeable layers of rock. The recharge zone is often on the edge of the aquifer, which has been tilted up by geological forces. Large aquifers may have small recharge zones. Think of the aquifer as a sandwich with the bread representing the impermeable layers, and the jam representing the water. The only way to put more jam in would be to tilt the sandwich on edge and apply the jam between the slices.

Water management is not

just for South Louisiana.

Professor Aaron Lusby from

Louisiana Tech introduces

us to aquifers—naturally

occurring water storage

pockets under the ground,

from which we pull a

substantial amount of our

drinking water—and explains

why it is important that we

sustainably manage them.Continued on next page.

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STHE ARISING ISSUE WITH AQUIFERSWhile water is removed from aquifers by people, aquifers naturally refill themselves. If water is removed at a pace greater than an aquifer can fill back up, problems can arise. Due to rapid drainage, aquifers are in danger of being depleted, thus leading to not only the loss of a vital water source but also causing geological issues within the region that the aquifer lies. Groundwater technically qualifies as a renewable resource (rain and snow melt will trickle down to refill aquifers over time). It may seem that because we get our fair share of rain in Louisiana, that there is plenty of water refilling aquifers for us to use. However, water can only enter an aquifer at the narrow recharge zone, which makes replenishing a more complicated issue. When water is withdrawn faster than the water can be replaced, we turn a renewable resource into a non-renewable resource. Groundwater is, in reality, a non-renewable resource.

Once withdrawals start to consistently exceed the level of recharge, certain problems may emerge. First, man-made wells pull the nearby water out of the water-bearing sands, and it can take thousands of years for the water to trickle back in. Additionally, there is the problem of subsidence. When water is removed from an aquifer, the pressure of the layers above it can compress the porous layer causing the aquifer to collapse. When this happens, the aquifer is less capable of holding water, and it becomes more difficult to extract the water that is still there. Subsidence can cause roads, sewers and houses–everything built on top of the aquifer–to collapse.

On top of that, water quality will become an issue before the aquifer empties. Salt (or brackish) water will rise up to fill in the space left after the fresh water has been drawn out. This “salt water intrusion” is difficult to detect in its early stages, because most fresh water has salt in it already. Water withdrawals can also concentrate the existing level of pollutants, such as agricultural chemicals, petroleum

distillates, and sewage, thereby increasing water treatment costs.

THE SPARTA AQUIFER’S IMPORTANCE TO NORTH LOUISIANAThe Sparta Aquifer is the major water source for north Louisiana and southern Arkansas. The recharge zone for the Sparta aquifer is a narrow band on the western edge of the aquifer in Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Bienville, Jackson and Winn Parishes. Only the water that falls or flows across this small area can put water back into the aquifer.

Since the early 1900s, industry and municipalities have used water from the aquifer. Those withdrawals began to exceed the natural recharge rate by the 1940s. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) first observed declines in the aquifer’s water levels in the 1980s. In 2006, water users in the Sparta region pumped approximately 70 million gallons of water from the aquifer per day; the maximum that can be drawn from the aquifer without causing the water level to decline is 52 million gallons per day. Public use (from flushing toilets to washing cars and watering lawns) became the number one withdrawal source in 2000. Such use will eventually consume or damage the entire supply of the aquifer. While the USGS has observed recent improvements in water levels, they credit that to conservation efforts in Arkansas. Conservation programs there have sufficiently reduced withdrawals such that water levels are once again rising in Union County wells and even in Louisiana wells along the state line.

PRESERVING THE SPARTA AQUIFERSustainable use happens when the amount of water flowing into the aquifer (recharge) is equal to or greater than the amount that is being pumped out. The water level in the Sparta aquifer is decreasing by two feet per year, and there has been salt water intrusion in parts of Arkansas. Clearly, conservation efforts must improve in Louisiana. The state legislature passed the Ground Water Resources Act in 2003, which authorized the state Commissioner of Conservation to designate parts of the state as “critical ground water areas” and monitor groundwater wells (declaration of the aquifer as “critical” by the State of Louisiana would give authority to ration, control, or tax water usage). To date the Sparta Aquifer has not been declared as a “critical ground water area,” due largely to political opposition, though the state did identify three “areas of concern” in the Sparta region.

Recent attempts at increasing conservation and awareness of Sparta issues included a “Be Sparta Smart” campaign to encourage the public to reduce water use, and a proposed water recycling plant for the city of West Monroe, in Ouachita Parish. Once built, the recycling plant could reduce Sparta withdrawals by 7-10 million gallons per day. Union and Lincoln Parish officials have also searched for alternative water supplies, such as surface water from Lake Darbonne, in Union Parish.

For more information about the Sparta Aquifer, readers are encouraged to visit the Sparta Groundwater Commission’s web page: http://www.spartaaquifer.com.

The Future of Water in Louisiana – About the Water Campus

The Water Campus is approximately a 35-acre development in Baton Rouge located along Nicholson Drive, just South of I-10 and downtown, adjacent to the Mississippi River. The project, once completed, will be home to researchers, scientists, engineers, and many other professionals who will collaborate around common issues regarding coastal, water and deltaic issues. The development will also house office space for other professionals, such as law firms and other businesses, and will additionally include residential and retail space.

Phase 1 of the development is already underway. In February, LSU broke ground on the LSU Center for River Studies, which is an approximately $16 million building

that will house a large-scale model of the lower Mississippi River. In April/May of 2015, construction will be underway on a new headquarters office building for the state agency Coastal Protection Restoration Authority. Later this year, on the old City Dock that sits on the Mississippi River, construction will begin on a state of the art Education and Research Center, which will house—in addition to interpretive exhibits—a new headquarters for the Water Institute of the Gulf, a 501c3 research organization dedicated to providing unparalleled, independent research on coastal, deltaic and water issues. Finally, by late 2015 or early 2016, crews will break ground on an 80-90,000 square foot office building available for leasing. Learn more at thewatercampus.org.

Water has always been

and will always be a part

of Louisiana. At the highly

anticipated, soon-to-be-

constructed Water Campus

in Baton Rouge, some of the

brightest minds in a variety

of industries relating to water

are ensuring that we address

and research the challenges,

so we can maintain a strong

Louisiana into the future.

Overview, Louisiana Trade Impact

Louisiana has long been a critical access point for the import and export of goods due to its geographical location and natural advantages. About 2,300 miles of waterways tie all of the state’s six deepwater ports to a network of other coastal and inland ports, providing access via the Mississippi River to 35 states and the Gulf of Mexico. In

addition to its water access, the state also boasts highways, railroads, and airports, all of which increase the state’s capacity and efficiency in facilitating the movement of goods into and out of the state.

Louisiana is the sixth largest exporter in the U.S. and currently leads the nation in export revenues per capita. More than 25% of the nation’s waterborne exports are shipped through Louisiana’s five deepwater port districts located along the Mississippi River. For example, the state’s ports handle an estimated 60% of the nation’s grain exports, and are a top importer of rubber, coffee, and timber. Over the past 10 years, Louisiana exports have grown by more than 200%.

Export growth means an increase in jobs by generating new business for the state’s manufacturers, service, providers, and

farmers. Jobs in U.S. exporting plants, for example, pay on average up to 18% more than similar jobs in non-exporting plants, with job growth increasing faster than non-exporters.

In 2014, Louisiana exported more than $65 billion in goods. Its leading exports were petroleum and coal, agricultural products, and chemicals. More than 4,000 businesses export from Louisiana annually and support more than 500,000 jobs.

The state’s unrivaled infrastructure and natural advantages, including those involving water, provide many opportunities for businesses in Louisiana. Regardless of your industr y—manufacturing, transportation, or construction—strong exports are a benefit to all Louisiana businesses. Learn more at wtcno.com.

In addition to the challenges

water poses in Louisiana, it

also brings jobs and money

into the state. The World

Trade Center of New Orleans

was kind enough to give us

some insight into just how

much our access to the Gulf

and to major rivers facilitates

business in Louisiana.

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LCIA would not exist if not for our members. You, the 3,500+ businesses insured by LCI

Workers’ Comp, are LCIA. You represent countless industries throughout Louisiana. We use this Member

Spotlight section of our magazine to showcase our members’ unique businesses. By sharing the contributions our

members make to their industries and communities, we are showing you that with LCIA, you’re In Good Compan y.

SpotlightMember

All Dr y Water DamageHydro-Blade WaterJets

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About Hydro-Blade WaterJetsUsing waterjet technology, Lafayette-based Hydro-Blade WaterJets provides material-cutting services to a variety of clients. Founded by owner Ben Chauvin in 2008, Hydro-Blade cuts metals, plastic, rubber, and foam by harnessing the power of water under extreme pressure.

Waterjet Technology & Equipment The process begins by laying the material on the machine’s tabletop. The nozzle, which is the cutting mechanism, is attached to a movable crane-like arm. The project specifications are first loaded into the machine’s computer, which directs the arm hovering over the table to automatically perform the cut. The cut is made by funneling water and sand through a nozzle at extremely high pressure, more than 80,000 pounds per square inch.

Compared to other forms of cutting, waterjets can cut a broader range of materials. When heat is used, as it is with plasma cutting, it can cause the metal to warp. Plasma cutting is also not as precise as waterjets. Hydro-Blade WaterJets uses a combination of both waterjets and plasma cutting in order to save their customers money when the benefits of waterjets are not necessary.

From Oil Fields to Custom CraftsHydro-Blade takes on projects of all sizes. Much of their work ends up as pieces and parts

of oil rigs. Oilfield supply companies bring Hydro-Blade projects, and Hydro-Blade cuts the parts to the specifications. Specializing in cutting, as opposed to manufacturing, allows Hydro-Blade to keep their process moving: taking jobs, completing them, and getting them out the door.

Beyond the oilfield, Hyrdro-Blade cuts parts for farming machinery, as well as projects for residential contractors. Owner Ben Chauvin and his team are also constantly working to find new uses for their machines. Hydro-Blade recently cut the metal for an airboat, and Ben has also experimented with designing and creating metal crafts. Ben Chauvin: Marine Veteranand Self-Taught Waterjet Expert After graduating high school Ben Chauvin spent four years in the US Marine Corp then worked for an offshore services company.

He went to a technical college to study non-destructive testing (NDT), which tests how well materials—including metal—stand up to various elements. He did chemical and pressure vessel testing for oil companies, but found himself on the road, away from his wife as they started their family.

Ben studied waterjet cutting while still employed by an oil company. Deciding he would start his waterjet business, Ben purchased his first machine in 2007. With discipline reflective of his military background, Ben worked days in Baton Rouge and then drove home to Lafayette to spend the evening honing his craft in his shop. Once he was ready to dedicate full-time hours to his own company, Ben left his day job.

Better Every DayHydro-Blade’s design team works closely with their customers’ engineers to translate their needs into a solution. Ben encourages his staff to attend industry trainings to learn more about the craft and to grow “not just as workers, but also as people.” Ben has fostered an environment of innovation where his employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and want to take ownership of their work.

Contact Hydro-Blade WaterJetsLearn more at hydrobladewaterjets.com or call 337-257-3154.

Meet Ben ChauvinOwner of Hydro-Blade WaterJets

“When I bought my first machine, I didn’t know how to turn it on. I learned everything I could about it, and as I do now, I tried to learn something to get better each day. Seven years later, I am still learning. And that’s what I love about this.”

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About All Dry Water DamageAll Dry Water Damage is a disaster restoration and remediation company serving the greater New Orleans area. All Dry enters homes and businesses that have experienced some sort of physical damage and completely cleans the area, removing all tainted and broken materials and ensuring no hazardous substances or residue remains. They also attempt to restore personal items that are affected by the incident. For more than thirty years, All Dry has reversed damage due to fires, hurricanes, broken water and sewer pipes, and many others. All Dry’s experience in the field ensures that both its employees and customers remain safe throughout the process and after the job is complete.

Services: Fire, Drying, Water, Mold, etc.Flooding & Mold - No matter the source—broken pipe, Mother Nature, or otherwise—when water gets in your home or business, it can do more damage than you’ll be able to see at first. Moisture trapped beneath floors or behind walls can do long-term property damage, but it can also create mold and other hazardous materials. All Dry uses moisture monitors and other equipment to find the problem, so they can properly solve it.

Fire, Smoke, & Soot - Fires cause smoke damage and leave behind soot particles. All Dry removes and replaces damaged building materials. Then they clean the soot using HEPA (high energy particulate air) vacuuming to remove potentially toxic soot particles.

Contents and Documents Restoration - Personal items that have both monetary and sentimental value are often damaged and even destroyed when an incident occurs. All Dry takes care in restoring these personal items when possible. Valuable documents and records can also be affected. All Dry uses techniques such as freeze-drying documents to preserve them.

Many More - There are many other cleanup and restoration services that All Dry performs, including sewage cleanup, biohazard remediation, Chinese drywall abatement, and more.

Emergency ServicesBecause accidents can happen at any time (not just during business hours), All Dry offers quick response services, which are available 24-hours. Regardless of the day and time, All Dry can typically be on site within one hour of receiving a customer’s call. By

arriving on site and addressing the problem right away, All Dry can mitigate damage to the property and save customers and insurance companies money.

Turnkey SolutionsWhen water damage occurs, it is not uncommon for All Dry to rip out drywall, flooring, cabinets, and other fixtures. In the past, All Dry’s work would be done once the direct problem—water or mold, for example—was remedied. The customer would then call upon other construction specialists to renovate the area. After realizing that coordinating the follow-up services was inconvenient for the customer, All Dry decided that packaging the damage remediation services with renovation services would be more marketable and expanded its offerings by providing flooring, sheet rocking, painting and other remodeling services. Today, All Dry performs turnkey solutions: they start with a chaotic scene and leave the property as good as new.

Contact All DryTo learn more about All Dry Water Damage and how their services may be of use to you, visit alldrywaterdamage.com or call 504-952-3030.

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To learn more about LCIA and what we can do for your business, visit lciassociation.com or call 985-612-6733.

In Louisiana, business is done in any number of places—construction site, kitchen, machine shop, tug boat, manufacturing plant, or on the tailgate of your truck. Our industries are unique, almost as unique as our people. LCI Workers' Comp is here

to not only protect the people and businesses of Louisiana but to help them thrive. To prove it, we created LCIA, a department specifically designed to keep an eye on the ever-changing business climate and, accordingly, develop

programs that create opportunities to help your Louisiana business grow—in whatever industry you may be in.

So when you pick up your briefcase—regardless of where you bring it—LCI and LCIA will be right there with you.

NO MATTER YOUR INDUSTRY,YOU'RE IN BUSINESS.NO MATTER YOUR INDUSTRY,YOU'RE IN BUSINESS.

StayLocal! is Greater New Orleans’ Independent Business Alliance1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Suite 309, New Orleans, LA 70113 | www.staylocal.org | info@staylocal.org | 504.252.1259

THE PROBLEM:Online retailers are exempt from collecting sales tax, giving them an advantage over locally owned,

brick-and-mortar retailers.

THE COALITION:StayLocal has partnered with Greater New Orleans, Inc. and the Louisiana Association of Retailers to

form the Louisiana Coalition for E-Fairness, which will address the issue of e-fairness.

THE PLAN:The Coalition plans to advocate for businesses in the state and federal legislatures, to start

conversations with Louisiana retailers, and to increase awareness about the e-fairness issue.

UPDATESFROM LCI’s PARTNER

THE URBAN CONSERVANCYA PROJECT OF

Louisiana Coalitionfor E-Fairness Advocates for

Louisiana Retailers

For more information about the Louisiana Coalition for E-Fairness,contact Mark Strella with StayLocal at mark@staylocal.org or (504) 252-1259.

15

CornerLCI Workers’ Comp

LCI recently added a new feature to its website which allows you to find the nearest urgent care facility. When an employee is injured, the injured worker should receive immediate medical attention. LCI Workers’ Comp Loss Control would like to remind policyholders to utilize a local urgent care or occupational medical clinic when possible.

Please visit the Available Providers map at http://lciwc.com/available-providers to view a map of local clinics experienced in handling workers’ comp claims.

NEW HIRE | Francque Zelenock Francque Zelenock recently joined LCI as the new Customer Service Representative. In addition to greeting you on the phone and when you visit our office, Francque works with the Finance Department to take payments and assist with billing. Francque is also a full-time student, completing her BA in Health Administration at Devry University, and a full-time mom to daughters Desirea and Torin.

LCI Company News

LCI Adds Available Medical Provider Map to Website

LCI Launches “Get to Know Your Co-Worker” Series to Encourage More Communication across DepartmentsIn March, LCI held its first “Get to Know Your Co-Worker” Lunch, a new initiative for 2015 to encourage LCI employees to learn about each other and about the work performed in other departments.

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Position: Claims Indemnity AdjusterHometown: Mandeville, LA

LCI Employee Spotlight: Brandi Seeger

Q. Where did you grow up? What was the best thing about growing up there?

A. I grew up in Mandeville, but I spent my summers at my grandparents’ farm in Franklinton, Louisiana. My fondest childhood memories come from the adventures I had on the farm! My siblings and I were able to ride horses while out there, since my grandfather raised Thoroughbreds. There was also a small creek within walking distance where we would go to swim.

Q. Tell us about your family.A. Both of my parents were born and

raised in Louisiana. My parents started having children at a young age, so my grandparents were always a big part of our life. I am the oldest of three. I have a younger sister and brother. I am also the proud mother of a seven-year-old little boy.

Q. What does your ideal Saturday look like?

A. My Saturdays always begin bright and early since my son has no concept of what it means to sleep in! I enjoy doing outside activities when it’s warm outside, like gardening. However, that usually gets squeezed in between trips to the park or pool. My favorite Saturday activity has to be going to the snowball stand, though. My family’s favorite flavor is rainbow with condensed milk…mmm!

Q. What is your experience in workers’ comp claims? What is your favorite part about working in claims?

A. I worked for an orthopedic surgeon as a work comp coordinator before coming over to LCI. This helped me tremendously in understanding the medical aspect of claims as an adjuster. My favorite part about working with claims is that there’s never a dull moment. No two claims are ever alike, so I am constantly learning new things.

Q. What is the greatest strength of LCI’s Claims Department?

A. The greatest strength of the Claims Department at LCI would be customer service. We personally answer all the calls that come through. LCI offers a Spanish hotline and also provides a toll-free hotline for after hours calls as well. This allows our policyholders and claimants complete access to the Claims Department for almost any situation that may arise during or after business hours.

Q. What piece of advice do you offer LCI policyholders who may have never had a claim before?

A. The Claims Department at LCI wants our policyholders to know that they can call at any time with any questions they may have, big or small. We are here to help you understand what you need to do should you have a claim. One important tip: report everything. Late reporting usually leads to unnecessary litigation. Please also be aware that post injury drug screening must be done the same day of the accident. We also recommend that employers ask their employees to fill out a Second Injury Report

right after they are hired. This form may help LCI recoup costs when claimants have had a pre-existing condition.

Q. What is your greatest accomplishment?A. I used to think graduating from college

was my greatest achievement in life, until I became a mom. As a parent you are responsible for teaching your children so many things throughout their entire lives. It is one of the most important roles you will ever play. It is truly inspiring and the most rewarding thing that I have ever been a part of in my life.

Brandi reminds you to report all accidents and injuries

as soon as possible.

PHONE: (888) 246-1988

EN ESPAÑOL: (985) 612-1591

EMAIL: CLAIMS@LCIWC.COM

FAX: (985) 612-6741

Put us to work for you.

For over 25 years, LCI Workers’ Comp has worked alongside Louisiana business owners in vir tually every f ield, providing expert

guidance and personalized service. In direct response to client needs, our professional staff builds custom programs that meet,

and exceed, business goals. This enables LCI to consistently improve offerings and to better meet evolving category demands.

So put our team to work for your business. Just don’t let us anywhere near your espresso machine. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230

Your Source for Workers’ Comp NewsPresented by:

Louisiana Comp Blog offers a wide variety of in-depth content covering the workers’ comp industry in Louisiana:

:: Profiles of workers’ comp leaders :: :: Coverage of local and regional events ::

:: Original research articles on current medical and legal issues :: :: Commentary from key industry figures ::

:: Breaking news ::

What is Louisiana Comp Blog?Despite the importance of workers’ comp to Louisiana’s economic growth and the health of our workforce, dedicated reporting of and conversations about workers’ comp was scattered. Louisiana Comp Blog aims to provide a solution to that coverage problem by publishing current, compelling news pieces for workers’ comp professionals in our great state. Visit compblog.com to learn more.

compblog.com

1. What are the two main problems caused by past water management techniques in New Orleans?2. What percentage of the nation’s waterborne exports go through Louisiana?3. In which branch of the military did Ben Chauvin serve?4. What is the name of StayLocal’s group working to level the playing field for local retailers?

Throughout this issue of In Good Company, you will find the answers to the following questions. Email the correct answers to all 4 questions to nicholas@lciassociation.com by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2015, and if you’re one of the first 10 respondents, we’ll send you a $25 gas gift card.

Be sure to include your name, company name, mailing address, and phone number with your answers.

1123 North Causeway BoulevardMandeville, LA 70471

the member services arm of lci workers’ comp