Message from our CEO

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April 24, 2020

A Special State of InterWest Message from our CEO, Keith Schuler

March 30, 2020

When asked, “it’s business as usual, just a little different” is how I describe the way InterWest has dealt with COVID-19 and the current Stay in Place Order issued by Governor Newsom. Over the years, I’ve talked about how we deal with the things that are within our control. Watching our leadership team and staff adapt to a forced work-from-home environment, home schooling for many of our staff’s children, and the challenges that come with being an Essential Business, if I had to give it a grade, it would be an A. Thirty days ago, none of these circumstances were conceivable. Today, they are realities that are not within our control. Yet we are all dealing with them without confrontation and a great deal of respect and care for one another.

As we navigate these uncharted waters, attitude is within our control, and what I see is a positive “how can I assist?” approach to every challenge that has come our way.

On March 25th, the US Senate approved the Coronavirus Aid Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act. This is the first bit of positive news in some time; certainly with more to follow.

InterWest will not minimize the effect that COVID-19 has had on staff, friends, family and clients. Many things will return to normal, and some will be different for a very long time. InterWest will deal with the new “different” way of doing business and remain committed to our business partners as we maneuver the impacts of COVID-19 together.

 

Respectfully,

Keith Schuler, CEO/President

As the current situation progresses and shifts, be assured that InterWest is well-positioned to continue servicing your needs. We are an Essential Business and to the extent possible, it is “business as usual.”  Our hub offices will remain open and we are prepared both operationally and technologically to have staff members work-from-home, where necessary. Our Business Continuity Plan also contemplates deploying backup support procedures immediately  to ensure our service is minimally disrupted, if necessary. Though our response time may be a little slower due to some remote work arrangements, we are committed to maintaining our Best Practices standards.   While we want to minimize walk-in traffic and face-to-face meetings, we’re prepared to respond promptly to your email and phone requests to bind coverage, process policy changes, issue certificates,  process claims, and answer your questions to the best of our ability.

Our Business Continuity Team is composed of me and our senior managers from Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations, Claims & Risk Control, Accounting and Facilities. We’re closely monitoring the COVID-19 progression and are prepared and sufficiently flexible to deliver our services in whatever direction the circumstances take us. InterWest’s commitment always has been and remains that the needs of our clients are our top priority. That will not change.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We wish you good health and safety during this unforeseen journey.

 

Respectfully,

Keith Schuler, CEO/President