AMERIND News

Court Awards $304,000 to AMERIND

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

(Albuquerque, NM) ––On July 9, 2010, a New Mexico state court awarded $304,000.00 to AMERIND Risk Management Corporation [AMERIND] after finding that Brown & Brown Inc. [B&B, Inc.], the world’s seventh largest insurance agency by Business Insurance magazine, breached a contract to market AMERIND’s newly created tribal workers compensation insurance program, known as the Tribal Employee Injury Protection Program (TEIP).

After marketing the TEIP Program for only a few months, Brown & Brown of Washington abruptly notified AMERIND that it would no longer market the TEIP Program, claiming that the contract was not binding because Brown & Brown Inc.––its corporate headquarters based in Florida––had never approved it. According to Kent Paul, AMERIND’s CEO, “Brown & Brown of Washington’s breach of its commitment caused financial harm and jeopardized the TEIP Program.”

Bernalillo County District Court Judge for the Second Judicial District of New Mexico, Clay Campbell awarded damages to AMERIND for the breach. Brown & Brown Inc. has indicated that it plans to appeal Judge Campbell’s decision to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

AMERIND continues to provide the TEIP Program to Indian tribes throughout the United States. “The TEIP Program has become very successful. It goes to show you what Indian tribes can do when their backs are against the wall––they move forward, and find ways to succeed,” stated Kent Paul.

About AMERIND

AMERIND is a multi-tribal federal corporation. Tribes united to create AMERIND in 1986 to protect themselves, their treasuries and their enrolled members from unforeseen or catastrophic financial loss.

AMERIND is owned by a vast majority of federally recognized tribes – keeping their money working in Indian Country rather than profiting non-Indian organizations. Utilizing sound risk management principles, including risk sharing and education, AMERIND protects life and property from the devastation of fire, natural disasters and other unforeseen events.

AMERIND is headquartered on the Pueblo of Santa Ana while serving almost 450 tribes located in the State of Alaska and 27 other states. To learn more about AMERIND, attend the 24 th Annual Member Meeting and Expo, Oct. 19-21, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia or visit us online at: www.AMERINDRisk.org .

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Arson Suspect Arrested

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tribal Police have arrested a man suspected of arson and booked him into Okanogan County Jail.

Elam Sonny Ray Baker is suspected of starting 10 fires last fall that scorched more than 1,900 acres from Elmer City to Nespelem and another fire 10 days later on the Columbia River Road. Click here to read article...

AMERIND Voted Number 1

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

See attached press release.

2009 Press Release

THE CHAD Contest - Win the $100 gift of your choice

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an effort to promote safe behaviors of tenants and homeowners, AMERIND is proud to announce a new contest, “Tenants and Homeowners Evaluated on Controlling Hazards Around Dwellings” (T.H.E. C.H.A.D.). We encourage every Housing Authority or TDHE to support every tenant's and homeowner's participation in this contest. It's time to make our homes and communities safe. Will you pass "T.H.E. C.H.A.D.?”

Flu Summit 2009

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

07/08/2009 - Flu Summit 2009 - H1N1 may reappear in fall/winter - www.flu.gov

Pools Retain Unique Pull Despite Soft Commercial Market

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To learn more about risk pools and what it means to be a member of one, go to this article for more information. (External Resource)

Insurance Purchasing Alert – Things You Need to Know or Ask

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. is in the midst of a financial meltdown. No community or individual will be immune from the agony on Wall Street or the increasing debt of the stimulus decisions. A major concern is the financial stability of the insurance industry. Insurance and bonding are the lubricants that keep the economic engine of the U.S. running smoothly. Without the protection of insurance or bonding, businesses curtail production, sales, or services resulting in a corresponding reduction in workforce, increase in costs and a decrease in competitive alternatives. None of which is good for the U.S. or Indian Country.

We should all keep your eyes on AIG – American International Group, the largest insurance company in the world. Almost daily front page news, AIG lost more than $61 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008 AFTER securing $150 billion in bailout money from our federal government. Its financial fate will determine the viability of most of the 1,600 insurance companies operating in the United States. The federal government keeps pumping billions of dollars into AIG to keep it afloat because the consequences of failure will dramatically alter the ability of consumers to secure affordable insurance. A significant company within the AIG family of companies is Lexington Insurance Company – an important provider of insurance to Tribes and Tribal enterprises. Only three to four insurance companies play an active role in Indian country – the loss of one or more insurance markets will be profoundly felt when Tribes and their enterprises try to secure renewal terms and conditions for insurance.

Think about the “billions and billions” of dollars the federal government is going to spend to stimulate the economy. Every financial or catastrophic crisis that has ever happened in the world produced a significant increase in corruption and excessive profit taking. As the insurance industry fights for survival and its share of the stimulus money, the companies and their agents will do anything and everything to sell their policies. Ethics and ethical behavior may be secondary to their pursuit of your almighty insurance dollar. Exaggeration, overselling, negativity, price cutting and non-disclosure are just a few of the descriptive words that will highlight your insurance buying experience.

Remember the saying “beware of wolves dressed in sheep's clothing.” No matter the relationship you have with your broker or agent, you need to be wary. To help “undress the wolf” you need the following information to be an “informed buyer” and not be bitten by unforeseen financial problems.

1. Ask for a copy of their Audited financial statement for 2007 from both the insurance company and the broker you wish to do business. If your insurance purchase is after June 1, request the 2008 audited financial statement. Is the company or broker losing money? If Yes – Walk away.

2. Ask for a copy of their 2007 or 2008 Actuary report of the insurance company. Does the actuary believe that the insurance company has adequate money to pay incurred claims? If the answer is no – Run!!

3. How much is the broker or agent paid by the insurance company to sell you an insurance policy?

Average commission is between 5-15% of the total insurance cost.

4. What additional compensation or contingent commission does the broker or agent receive from the insurance company that he/she wants you to be insured with? None should be the answer.

5. Does the insurance company require a waiver of sovereignty or require the Tribe or enterprise to invoke sovereign immunity in defense of a liability claim? Ask for a copy of their coverage form before you buy so you can read it yourself . Neither should be required or suggested.

6. Where will disputes between the insurance company/agent/broker and you be adjudicated? Tribal court or State court. Be careful if you must fight disputes in State court.

7. Ask the broker or agent about the track record of the insurance company in paying claims. Are claims paid quickly or do they drag on? At what point will the insurance company cancel your coverage because of your claim activity?

8. Does the insurance company/agent/broker provide any scholarships or employment to Indian people or provide workshops, training or sponsorship of activities within Indian communities? Is Indian Preference utilized? If they are willing to take your money, why aren't they willing to re-invest in you or your community?

9. Will the broker or agent sit down with you and review the conditions and exclusions of coverage BEFORE you purchase the coverage? Yes is the correct answer.

10. Does the insurance company offer any flexibility in modifying the terms and conditions of the insurance policy? Yes is the correct answer. A follow-up question is “what terms or conditions are not negotiable?”

11. A list of ten satisfied customers you can call to confirm what the agent or broker is telling you.

Purchasing insurance protection is one of the most important financial decisions you will make – do so with knowledge and understanding. Do not assume anything while the financial markets are in crisis. Never hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to be sure “what you get is what you paid for.”

Courtesy of AMERIND Risk Management Corporation

Workforce and AMERIND: a Great Combination!

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

MULTI-TRIBALLY OWNED AMERIND RISK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION'S TRIBAL EMPLOYEE INJURY PROTECTION

KEEPS RESERVATION WORKFORCE VIABLE.

U.S. Native American Work Force – Protected Against Injury – Despite Unpredictable Future for Wall Street Investors -- Sovereign Status Of Native American Indian Tribes Woven Into Risk Management Corporation's Successful Product.

(Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico) --- Created in 1986 by US Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] and the National American Indian Housing Council [NAIHC] in our nation's capitol, this company over time, has formed three risk pools of self-insurance including the alternative to Workman's Compensation, the Tribal Employee Injury Protection [TEIP] program.

“We, AMERIND in 1986, began by serving Housing and Urban Development Tribal housing but in 2008 our risk management company helps Indian Nations in many ways to strengthen our ties to the past and to the future,” said Theola F. Fox (Mandan, Hidatsa), Director of Risk Services.

The TEIP program was created in 2004 because Tribes are exempt of being under State rule and State court jurisdiction. The TEIP program is the shield of protection for Indian Self-Determination.

“I think that AMERIND isn't a word that is spoken often among the Native American communities we serve so I find myself traveling to their reservations to educate them on what we can do to help them protect their well-being,” added Tina Billie Duncan (Navajo), Senior Risk Services Specialist. “It's that added customer service of providing culturally-sensitive products that shows we are a multi-tribal company. We save our people money.”

“Organizations like the National Congress of American Indians, of which I am a part of, need to continue to support Tribal enterprises like AMERIND so that our future leaders will be better equipped to handle life's challenges,” offered Derek Valdo, Sr. (Acoma Pueblo), Director of Safety Services - Client Services.

“It's always exciting to see new Tribal enterprises and businesses located within Indian Country to jump on board with TEIP because then I know that my friends who might get hurt on the job can be assisted by a dedicated team at AMERIND to get healthy again because so many people might depend on that one individual for that paycheck,” said Vanessa Natachu (Zuni Pueblo), Risk Services Specialist – Client Services.

“Our main goal is to offer you an irresistible package, coverage that your Tribal leaders would want in order to progress in the arena of Sovereignty and Occupational Safety,” commented Dennis McCann.

“The old ones would tell their children to go out into the world and get an education so that you can come back to our people and serve them. That's what this risk management company is doing is reaching out and attaining that wealth of knowledge in risk management and offering it to the people so that they can receive it and complete the circle. That's what we Indians do,” said David Powless (Oneida), Director of Special Projects.

If you want to learn more about how TEIP strengthens Native American families, give us a call at: (800) 352-3496 or visit us on the web at: http://www.amerindrisk.org/.

AMERIND Serves Indian Housing Strongly

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(Santa Ana Pueblo, NM) – The Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires recipients of Indian Housing block grants to either protect Indian homes using commercial insurance or participate in a HUD approved plan of self-insurance operated and controlled by the recipient Tribes.

In 1986, 165 Indian Housing authorities made a major statement to the insurance community, by forming and funding their own self-insurance risk pool – AMERIND Indian Housing Block Grant Recipient Program (IHBGR Program). At that time, the cost to protect Indian housing using AMERIND dropped from $30 million to less than $10 million.

Since 1986, participating Tribes have saved more than $200 million in direct insurance costs while recovering more than $200 million in damaged property.

Today more than 400 Tribes participate in the IHBGR Program protecting more than 55,000 Indian homes totaling $7 billion in replacement value.

Successfully operating a risk pool for low income Indian families for more than 22 years, the success of the IHBGR Program is grounded in four (4) areas:

1. Focus on protection Tribal sovereignty and the exercise of self-determination.

2. Culturally sensitive to the varying needs, traditions, and customs of the communities served.

3. Strong belief in “Tribes protecting Tribes, their employees and families”.

4. Driven by consumer education rather than profit.

Tribes protecting their communities through the IHBGR program enjoy significant benefits:

a. Indian Preference - Multi-tribal owned and located at Pueblo of Santa Ana, NM

b. 25-50% cost savings. The IHBGR program is tax exempt and free from onerous State insurance regulation.

c. Full replacement cost for lost property – no dollar limits or co-insurance requirements

d. No requirements to waive sovereignty

e. Coverage that is flexible to meet the varying needs of Indian Country.

In addition to the IHBGR Program, AMERIND Risk Management Corporation administers several other programs for Indian communities and Tribal governments – The Native American Protection Program protecting individual homeowners and renters living in Indian communities; the Tribal Employee Protection Program protecting tribal employees from workplace injuries; and the Tribal Operations Program designed to protect the property and liability associated with Tribal governments and their enterprises.

If you want to learn more about the AMERIND IHBGR Program or the other programs administered by AMERIND, give us a call at (800) 352-3496 or visit us on the web at: www.AMERINDrisk.org.

E-Learning Computer Contest Winners Announced

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERIND RISK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (AMERIND) E-LEARNING CONTEST WINNERS!

(Santa Ana Pueblo, NM) – At the AMERIND Annual Meeting and Expo this year AMERIND held workshop training on E-Learning.

AMERIND also handed out logins and passwords to members interested in trying out our E-Learning training courses with an extra incentive… win one of three desktop computers!

The drawing was held recently and the winners were:

Mary B. – Housing Authority of Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

Michael C. – Zuni Housing Authority

Susan R. – Kodiak Island Housing Authority

Congratulations to all the winners and a special thank you to all the members who logged into the E-Learning portal. AMERIND is a consortium of Tribes that collaborate to preserve and protect Tribal enterprise, people, property, sovereignty and our culture.

If you want to learn more about the IHBG Recipient program, give us a call at: (800) 352-3496 or visit us on the web at: http://www.amerindrisk.org/.

New Office Hours

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

NEW OFFICE HOURS

AMERIND New Office Hours

(Santa Ana Pueblo, NM) – To help the environment, assist employees with the high cost of commuting to work and increase access to the AMERIND office, we are implementing a voluntary 4 day, 10 hour work schedule. We remain open for business Monday thru Friday and our office hours are extended from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday excepted). This new schedule will improve access to staff for those Members in the Alaska and on both coasts.

Office Hours (now in effect):

Monday: 7:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

Tuesday - Thursday: 7:00 A.M. TO 6:30 P.M.

Friday: 7:30 P.M. TO 6:30 P.M.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact AMERIND at: (800) 352 ‐ 3496.

AMERIND Safety Services Wants You to be Safe for the Holiday!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release:
June 09, 2008

Win prizes by Taking a Safety Test.

Come celebrate the 4^th of July – The AMERIND Way!

That is the Safest Way!

Fireworks Online Safety Quiz initiates the impact safe behaviors have on our 4th of July celebration.

Test your knowledge today and enter into a chance to win one (1) of two (2) $100.00 gift cards when you complete the National Safety Council fireworks Safety Test by going to:

http://amerindrisk.org/resources/1/Safety%20Services/Firework%20Prevetion_Facts_Tips.pdf

It's a great way to share this information with your young loved ones and to help educate them on the do's and don'ts of fireworks.

Good luck, enjoy and celebrate the holiday in the safest way!

For information contact the Safety Services Team at: safetyservicesteam@amerind-corp.org

or call: 1-800-352-3496.

AMERIND offers Training in June!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release:

June 09, 2008

AMERIND MEMBER PORTAL WORKSHOP, REGISTER NOW!

(Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico) -- In order to better serve the Members of AMERIND Risk Management Corporation (AMERIND), training will be held on the operating system of the AMERIND Member Portal, June 18-19, 2008. The Member Portal is an online service dedicated to allow the access of documents relating to AMERIND’s superb products and services.

In addition, AMERIND Members will be able to become certified First Aid / Cardiopulmonary resuscitation responders, if this course is selected. There are two other choices: Employee Wellness or Finance/member reserve. AMERIND will select the two classes that received the most interest.

Registration will soon be closing so you don’t want to miss this opportunity of personal / professional development!

The pre-requisites:

Attendees must be an employee of an AMERIND member housing authority / entity.
Attendees must bring a laptop with wireless internet capabilities.

Meeting host and location:

AMERIND Corporate headquarters

Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico 87004

Host hotel:

Holiday Inn Express

119 Bell Ln.

Bernalillo, New Mexico 87004

Reservations: (888) 465-4329

For more information, contact: Glenda Thompson w/Marketing and Events; (800) 352-3496 extension 5015 or email at: gthompson@amerind-corp.org .

For on-line registration go to: http://www.AmerindRisk.org .

Rooks Benefit Fund

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Released:

Monday, May 22, 2008

(Eagle Butte, Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation)—The Cheyenne River Sioux Housing Authority's self-insured risk pool is contributing $2,500 to the Rooks Benefit Fund stemming from the loss of life in the Cherry Creek house fire that occurred on May 2, 2008.

Cheyenne River Sioux Housing Authority is part owner of AMERIND Risk Management Corporation. AMERIND insures property and provides coverage for 12,000 Native American families living on Indian Reservations, and also lends risk management expertise to over 450 Tribes located throughout the United States on ways to mitigate loss when natural disasters or man-made tragedies strike.

Organizers have set up the Rooks Benefit Fund after Wenona Rooks lost two children to a fire in her home that took the lives of 4-year-old Keya Rooks and her 2 year old brother, Marvin.

“AMERIND's Family Relief Fund will donate $2,500 to the family. The relief fund was originally set up after the 2003 California Fires and has assisted several Native families after disastrous events such as the devastating fire at Cheyenne River. AMERIND's Golf Tournament Protecting Tribal Families First is the main source of funding for the relief effort. “We encourage our members and other tribal organizations to donate to the family during this tragedy,” said AMERIND's Chief Operating Officer, Rod Crawley.

Find out more about this first multi-tribal, multi-regional 100% Native American owned corporation at: http://www.amerindrisk.com/ or call (800) 352-3496.

AMERIND Supports Indian Youth

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The 2007 National Fire Safety Poster Contest is held annually by AMERIND Risk Management. See the attached document for more information and the announced winners.

AMERIND Safety Services Team activities have direct impact on fire losses.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Arizona) -- In 2004 AMERIND’s Safety Services Team and Salt River Fire Department collaborated on a pilot project to install range hood fire suppression canisters in 50 elderly units in the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. The canisters were provided by AMERIND, funded by a US Fire Administration fire prevention grant and installed by the Salt River Fire Department. Fire Chief David Bunce confirmed that the canister activated in an elderly unit and effectively knocked down the cooking fire. Theresa Truesdell, Elderly Services Coordinator delivered the canister to the fire department and indicated that she received it from an elder living in one of their community housing units. This save represents our first documented controlled fire for 2007. We rarely receive confirmation that the activities of the Safety Services Team make a direct impact on fire losses and this is a testament to our efforts at improving safety in Tribal communities.

AMERIND to hold attention of Native American financial world!

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Chief Financial Officer of AMERIND Risk Management Corporation (AMERIND) will be a guest panel participant at the Wall Street Summit discussing the most important topic among Indian Nations September 6, 2007. See the attached PDF for more details.

AMERIND CFO - Junior Achievement New Mexico board appointment

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico) --- AMERIND takes great pride in helping improve living conditions within Indian communities. One way in doing so is active participation with New Mexico Junior Achievement’s Native American initiative that is committed to growing young entrepreneurs. Recently, the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of New Mexico proudly announced the appointment of a new member: Mike Jennings, Chief Financial Officer for AMERIND Risk Management Corporation. See attached PDF for more information.

AMERIND's Commitment to Education Vital For Scholars

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

AMERIND supports the All West Native American Basketball Classic scholarship again in 2007. See the attached PDF for more details.

AMERIND Scholarship funds Region One Scholars!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

AMERIND has contributed to the Region One Scholarship program again in 2007.