News
2020
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Most Commercial Insurance Lines Seeing Increases
Posted on: January 22nd, 2020
A new report by Willis Towers Watson predicts that most commercial insurance lines will see increases in 2020 as the market continues to harden almost across the board, with the only exception being workers’ compensation.
Overall, 19 commercial lines are expected to see price increases according to the report, with property, umbrella, and public company directors and officers (D&O) experiencing the most widespread hikes (20% and higher) and a retreat by some insurers.
Commercial auto has been pressured for many years as […]
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Top 10 Laws and Regulations Affecting Employers in 2020 (Part II)
Posted on: January 2nd, 2020
6. Return of the individual mandate
A new law brings back the individual mandate requiring Californians at least to secure health insurance coverage or face tax penalties. This comes after the penalties for not abiding by the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate were abolished by Congress in late 2017.
Starting in 2020, California residents will be required to have health insurance or pay excess taxes.
This will have an effect on any of your employees who have opted out of your group health […]
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Top 10 Laws and Regulations for 2020
Posted on: January 2nd, 2020
The new decade is starting off with a massive swell of important new laws and regulations that will affect California businesses.
There are so many new laws and regulations that companies have to be on their toes especially at the start of 2020 to get their bearings. This is the first of a two-part entry looking at the top laws affecting businesses coming into the New Year.
AB 5
Probably the most earth-shattering new law to hit the books in California is the […]
2019
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InterWest Partners with Mover’s Choice in California
Posted on: August 2nd, 2019
InterWest Insurance Services (www.iwins.com), has formed a strategic partnership with Mover’s Choice (www.MoversChoiceInfo.com) to become a retail partner for their Moving and Storage program in California. Mover’s Choice is a nationwide insurance program with 25 years of industry experience providing comprehensive, competitive coverage solutions and claims expertise to meet the unique challenges of the moving and storage industry.
InterWest is a large regional insurance brokerage operating principally in California with nationwide capabilities and generations of experience. Partnering with Mover’s Choice is […]
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Wildfire Video
Posted on: June 27th, 2019
InterWest is extremely proud of the generous selfless outreach from all of our offices to the victims of the wildfires that devastated our communities and impacted the lives of so many of our clients, colleagues and friends over the past 2 years. Please take a moment to view the video below which is a tribute to the extraordinary support and long-term commitment to the rebuilding process.
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InterWest announces 2019 Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award Winners
Posted on: June 20th, 2019
Each year, InterWest recognizes broker performance excellence with our Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award. Tom Williams provided the visionary leadership of the formation of InterWest in 1992. We proudly congratulate our 2019 recipients.
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Fred Alldredge, Mt. Everest 2019 Update
Posted on: May 31st, 2019
A brief update on the Mt. Everest summit attempt by climber Fred Alldredge. Due to a multitude of circumstances, Fred and his client decided to abandon their summit attempt for this season. Fred has returned home safely to his home in Salt Lake City and will share his experience in a final dispatch very soon.
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InterWest Welcomes Brenk & Company Insurance Services to our Team
Posted on: May 1st, 2019
InterWest Insurance Services, www.iwins.com, proudly announces their new associate, Brenk & Co. Insurance Services, Inc, They are located in Santa Rosa and specialize primarily in personal insurance, but also offers commercial coverages. InterWest is a leading locally owned, full-service regional insurance brokerage headquartered in Sacramento with 345 employees and nationwide capabilities.
The two firms share a good cultural alignment and a long-standing commitment to serving their clients and communities. InterWest is excited about the quality and expertise the Brenk team brings […]
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InterWest Everest 2019 – Dispatch #3
Posted on: April 30th, 2019
We have finally reached Everest Basecamp and after a few days of well-deserved rest, it is time to start our training in earnest. It’s hard to imagine a better place to put an edge on mountaineering skills that may have become a bit rusty and dull during time spent away from the mountains. The camp sits on the Khumbu Glacier just below the infamous icefall of the same name. Situated on the northern side of the valley, the tents rest […]
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InterWest Everest 2019 – Dispatch #2
Posted on: April 23rd, 2019
We fly from Kathmandu to the small mountain village of Lukla. The airstrip we are aiming for is canted upward at a disturbing angle and ends abruptly in a cliff wall that rises several thousand feet above the village. It’s a one shot deal and the pilot and aircraft must perform perfectly. We have officially arrived in the Khumbu valley. Direct line from here is only slightly more than 40 miles to Everest Base Camp but that doesn’t really tell […]
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InterWest Everest 2019 – Dispatch #1
Posted on: April 15th, 2019
It’s been 3 years since I’ve been to Nepal. Stepping off the plane in Kathmandu the place comes back in an avalanche of forgotten senses. The tropical heat soaks in as the traffic flies by on both sides of the taxi with horns blaring. The smog is so thick that the mountains surrounding the valley are totally obscured and I swear I can smell the bodies burning on the nearby funeral pyres at the Pashupatinath Temple. It is a raw […]
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InterWest Sponsorship – Mt. Everest Climb 2019
Posted on: April 12th, 2019
We are sharing with you an adventure that InterWest is involved in sponsoring.…the climb and decent of Mt. Everest. Our CEO, Keith Schuler met Fred Alldredge, the captain of this expedition, through a mutual love of skiing. Over the next several months we will follow Fred’s climb and its progress, but more importantly will delve into the basic education of risk and safety. Follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates on Fred’s climb.
Fred’s Dispatch #1
For more information on […]
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InterWest Welcomes Placer Insurance Agency to our Team
Posted on: March 1st, 2019
InterWest Insurance Services, www.iwins.com, proudly announces the acquisition of Placer Insurance Agency in Roseville, California, their 11th office location. Placer was founded in 1886 and specializes in commercial, surety bonds, employee benefits and personal insurance programs. InterWest is a leading locally owned, regional insurance brokerage headquartered in Sacramento with 340 employees and nationwide capabilities.
The two firms share a local market approach, good cultural fit and a long-standing commitment to protecting and serving their clients and “giving back” to […]
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InterWest announces 2018 Distinguished Employee Award Winners
Posted on: February 1st, 2019
The following employees were identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for their invaluable contributions.
Cheryl Trusler
Doug Cortinas
Ericka Evans
Jody Wemple
Lena Lico
Mary Bowling
Mary Roberts
Michelle Channing
Natasha Lueder
Paula Osborne
Ray Geiss
Rob Regur
Shaina Greer
Stacie Morse
Steve Bryant
Sue Walters
Tammy Marcella
2018
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Post Wildfire Safety Guidelines
Posted on: August 16th, 2018
Cory Handley, CSP
Risk Management ConsultantRecent wildfires throughout California have deposited large amounts of ash on indoor and outdoor surfaces in areas near the fires. The ash deposited by forest fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, any ash will contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals. In addition, fire ash may be irritating to the skin, especially to those with sensitive skin. If the ash is breathed, it […]
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InterWest selected in 2018 as a “Best Practices Agency”
Posted on: July 23rd, 2018
InterWest is honored to have been selected again in 2018 as a “Best Practices Agency” by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). We’re proud to share this distinction with a select group of industry leaders recognized for operational and sales excellence.
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July 6th, 2018 – InterWest Gives Back in Action
Posted on: July 6th, 2018
At the core of all that is wonderful about InterWest’s Giving Back Program, is the commitment and selfless participation of our employees. We thank them for their efforts, passion and willingness to give their “Soles” for a worthy cause. These are only a few of the many ways InterWest makes a difference in the lives of others.
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InterWest is migrating to a new state-of-the-art Client Management System effective August 20th, 2018
Posted on: July 5th, 2018
To better you, InterWest is migrating to a new state-of-the-art Client Management System effective August 20th, 2018. As a result, invoices and other documents eceived from us will have a new look. We are doing all in our power to make this a seamless transition for our partners while improving the quality of the service we provide. Thank you for your patience as we go through this process.
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InterWest announces Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award Winners
Posted on: June 21st, 2018
Each year, InterWest recognizes broker performance excellence with our Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award. Tom Williams provided the visionary leadership of the formation of InterWest in 1992. We proudly congratulate our 2018 recipients.
Brandon Muskopf
Brett Faulknor
Brian Seamans
Cain Medina
Cari Zieske
Chip Arenchild
Craig Houck
Dave Dias
Derek Parsons
Eric Isaacson
Garrett Yates
Jim Bulotti
John Hopkins
Mike Ryan
Rich Pratt
Sama Hershey Davis
Steve Carmassi
Steve WilliamFront row – Sama Hershey Davis, John Hopkins, Jim Bulotti, Steve Carmassi, Chip Arenchild, Rich Pratt, Steve Williams
Back Row – Brandon Muskopf, Mike Ryan, Craig Houck, Eric Isaacson, Derek […] -
Federal Electronic Recordkeeping Standard – California Employer Update
Posted on: May 23rd, 2018
The new Federal OSHA recordkeeping standard effective January 1, 2017, required that qualified employers covered by State Plans under their regulation, submit Log 300 injury and illness records electronically by December, 2017. Employers in State Plans without electronic reporting regulations were allowed extra time to adopt the new standard. However, on April 30, 2018, Fed OSHA posted a “trade release” notifying qualifying employers within these states, including California, Maryland, Minnesota, South Carolina, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, that they […]
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California Work Comp Exclusion Rules – Senate Bill 189 Update
Posted on: May 1st, 2018
Assembly Bill 2883 (AB2883) became effective January 1, 2017, and changed the law regarding which corporate officers or members of boards of directors could be excluded from coverage under their workers’ compensation insurance policies. Under AB2883, an individual officer/director must own at least 15% of a corporation’s stock, be a general partner in a partnership or be a managing member of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in order to be eligible for exclusion. However, the State Legislators concluded that the bill […]
2017
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Sacramento Office Move
Posted on: May 1st, 2017
Effective June 5th, InterWest’s Sacramento office will be relocated to 8950 Cal Center Dr., Bldg. 3, Suite 200, Sacramento 95826. We will be open for business on Friday, June 2 until 3pm and will move over the weekend. All of our phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same and we’re retaining our current P.O. Box 255188, Sacramento 95865.
We’ll miss our beautiful location at 3636 American River Drive where we’ve spent the past 15 years, but our new space will better […]
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Congratulations to Derek Parsons, Sama Hershey Davis, Shawn Blofsky and Taryn Bacon for Winning the CIAB Benefit Broker Smackdown!
Posted on: March 17th, 2017
CONGRATULATIONS to Derek Parsons, Sama Hershey Davis, Shawn Blofsky and Taryn Bacon for winning The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers’ (CIAB) first Benefit Broker Smackdown held in Denver, Colorado. They competed against 4 other teams and defeated Arthur J. Gallagher in the final round for the win.
The objective of the 2.5 day workshop was to run a simulated employee benefit brokerage, competing in a virtual marketplace. In teams of four, they experienced a unique level of decision-making, with a bird’s […]
2016
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Congratulations to Brian Seamans, Brandon Muskopf, Mario Reveles and Tony Pozas – The National Broker Smackdown Champions
Posted on: October 13th, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS to Brian Seamans, Brandon Muskopf, Mario Reveles and Tony Pozas for representing InterWest in the The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers’ (CIAB) National Broker Smackdown Championship and emerging as the winning team.
The competition began in March with 24 teams from agency brokers throughout the country competing in regional matches. These were 2.5 day workshops that challenged the teams to run a simulated brokerage competing in a virtual marketplace with a 360 degree perspective on the brokerage value chain […]
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InterWest Has Expanded its Presence in the North Bay
Posted on: August 2nd, 2016
It is with great pleasure that we announce InterWest’s expansion in the North Bay with the opening of an office in Petaluma. We finalized an agreement with EPIC Brokers to purchase their Petaluma branch and book of business. EPIC has been evolving toward national specialty practices and resource teams, supporting larger regional operations across the country while InterWest’s focus and success is with smaller niche regional markets like the North Bay.
We’ve approached this change with EPIC carefully and collaboratively and […]
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InterWest Dispatch #4 – Everest 2016
Posted on: June 29th, 2016
Traveling home from Mt. Everest is an opportunity, if for no other reason than it gives you the time to think, to heal and to begin to process the experience. It takes days just to get off the mountain. After an 18hr beautiful, clear but cold summit day, we returned to our tents at the South Col; tried to eat, drink and curled up with the last of our oxygen for a final night in the dead zone. The next […]
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Fred’s team successfully summits Mt. Everest!
Posted on: May 27th, 2016
Fred’s team successfully summited on May 27th, all returned safely home, more dispatches to follow.
Here’s a pic of Fred/InterWest on top of the earth.
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InterWest Dispatch #3 – Everest 2016
Posted on: May 17th, 2016
The team is back, resting at basecamp. After a successful rotation through the Khumbu Icefall and a push up to touch camp 3, everybody is ready for a break. We will spend at least a week resting and recovering and waiting for a promising weather window. The next push up the mountain will be our summit attempt. The excitement of this is always tempered with at least some bit of fear or trepidation. There is so much here that we […]
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InterWest Dispatch #2 – Everest 2016
Posted on: May 5th, 2016
For this dispatch I am going to jump back to last season. I have had some questions about the experience and if we are going to have a discussion on risk, I really can’t think of a better way to start. What follows is an excerpt from a larger piece I wrote, for the most part, just after the earthquake and during the long journey home in various tea houses, hotel rooms and airports while the experience was still fresh […]
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InterWest Dispatch #1 – Everest 2016
Posted on: April 26th, 2016
Last year in late March, I headed to Nepal as part of an expedition to guide Mt. Everest and perhaps of more lasting importance, began a relationship and sponsorship with InterWest. I had met my friends at InterWest through a mutual love of skiing and, even though we come at it from different angles, careers based in risk. They had helped on numerous occasions with advice on everything from policy creation and S.M.A.R.T. goals to utilizing adult learning characteristics in […]
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InterWest – A Partner in Business Protection
Posted on: February 5th, 2016
Article featured in the January, 2016 issues of Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune and Money magazines.
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InterWest ranks 3rd on the list of Top 25 Employee Benefits Consulting Companies in the Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo Counties
Posted on: January 12th, 2016
InterWest ranks 3rd on the list of Top 25 Employee Benefits Consulting Companies in the Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo Counties
– The Sacramento Business Journal, January 2016
2015
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Tom Williams featured in Leader’s Edge Magazine
Posted on: December 14th, 2015
To read the article click the link below:
http://leadersedgemagazine.com/articles/2015/12/tom-williams/
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InterWest recognized as one of 35 Elite Agencies in the US by Insurance Business America
Posted on: November 24th, 2015
InterWest was recognized as one of 35 Elite Agencies in the US for 2015 by Insurance Business America. Elite Agencies are distinguished by their Best Practices, knowledgeable professional staff, exemplary customer service, quality technology, inward focus on education & mentorship and an unwavering commitment to serving their communities. We were identified as an Elite leader from approximately 39,000 independent agencies across the US.
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Fred Alldredge talks Risk
Posted on: April 17th, 2015
If we are going to start a conversation about risk, it’s best to start with some fundamentals. One of the most often missed, but critical, understandings is that risk and its management is unique to every individual and situation. It is always best to begin with the realization that the relative danger of any undertaking is enormously modified by the education, training and preparation of the people involved.
If you or I tried to land a 747 tomorrow, we might as […]
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InterWest Partners with Fred Alldredge as he Safely Guides an Expedition up Mt. Everest
Posted on: April 15th, 2015
We first met Fred Alldredge 10 years ago on our initial trip to Joe Royers wonderful Ruby Mountain Heli ski operation (https://helicopterskiing.com/). During subsequent visits and conversations with him, we spent numerous hours outlining InterWest’s approach to safety. We focused on the movement toward scalable programs, designed to utilize adult learning, behavior modification/reinforcement and checklists that guide the activities needed to accomplish a task safely.
At that time, one of our risk control specialists, Russell Lee, was instrumental in developing our […]
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Keith Schuler featured in Insurance Business America
Posted on: April 14th, 2015
Keith Schuler, President & CEO, is featured in the current issue of Insurance Business America discussing the growth and success of InterWest over the past two decades
http://us.app.keymedia.com/files/resources/pdf/IBA3_02%20p30-31.pdf
2014
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InterWest ranks 36th among Insurance Journal’s Top 50 Commercial Lines Agencies
Posted on: November 12th, 2014
InterWest Insurance Services has been ranked 36th in Insurance Journal’s 10th annual Insurance Journal Top 50 Commercial Lines Leaders report.
The Top 50 list is ranked by total commercial lines property/casualty revenue for 2013 and comprises only those agencies that are privately-owned firms whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale. All information in the report was garnered from voluntary online submissions from agencies and brokerages and best estimates based on other public information sources.
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InterWest ranks 43rd among Top 100 Privately Held Independent Property/Casualty Agencies
Posted on: August 21st, 2014
The Insurance Journal (August 2014)
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InterWest ranks 61st among 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business
Posted on: July 29th, 2014
Business Insurance (July 2014)
