By Peter Stephenson, VRSA Local Government Specialist On June 27, 2019, the Town of Woodstock in Shenandoah County became the smallest locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia to earn full accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). This distinction …
June 23 was National Public Service Day. In recognition of this observance, Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) staff asked several members why they do what they do in public service. Today, we’re sharing their responses. South Boston Lieutenant Caleb Wade …
Local governments, authorities and schools are challenged daily to develop effective safety programs that reduce workers’ compensation losses, resulting in both direct and indirect losses to both employee and employer. The effectiveness of a safety program is increased by use …
Read More › “National Safety Month and the importance of safety committees”
By Peter Stephenson, Virginia Local Government Specialist It appears that transportation is the next big prize in the digital economic revolution. However, is it supply or demand “driven,” and how can our already challenged transportation infrastructure accommodate this connectivity crossroad? …
VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) is recognizing National Library Week, April 7-13, by spotlighting the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL), a VMLIP member. National Library Week highlights the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in our communities. This year’s …
Read More › “Member Spotlight: Central Rappahannock Regional Library”
March 13 is National K-9 Veterans Day, designated to honor and recognize the service and sacrifices of military and working dogs. March 13 is also the official birthday of the U.S. Army K9 Corps, which was formed in 1942. VML …
By Peter Stephenson, VMLIP Local Government Specialist March is Ethics Awareness Month – and 2019 marks the 95th Anniversary of the adoption and establishment of the Code of Ethics by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). As an ICMA Life …
Everyone has heard of spring cleaning. With more and more of our activities taking place on computers and other devices, it is important to do a little ‘spring cleaning’ of your electronics as well. This is an easy area to …
As Virginia’s local government specialists, VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) is committed to partnering with our members to provide the training, resources and services needed to assist member entities in safely and efficiently providing services to their citizens. Last fall, VMLIP …
Read More › “VML Insurance Programs expands field presence and educational opportunities”
In the 1993 film Groundhog Day, weatherman Phil Conners – sent to cover Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day prediction – finds himself stuck in a nearly infinite time loop, repeating the day over and over again. With Groundhog Day approaching this …
Read More › “Is your risk management program stuck in a rut?”
On Wednesday, Jan. 9, VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) joins organizations nationwide to recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. “One of the simplest way to show support for law enforcement officers is to simply say thank you,” said VMLIP Law Enforcement …
Read More › “VML Insurance Programs recognizes National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day”
2018 Year in Review 2018 was another great year to be a member of VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP)! Throughout 2018, VMLIP expanded coverages, launched a variety of new initiatives and shifted our staff focus toward increased listening to member needs and relationship building. …
Virginia is consistently among the top 15 states with the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions, per Virginia Department of Transportation. Deer-vehicle collisions and deer damage to property continue to increase, primarily due to growing human and deer populations. Over the …
Read More › “New Kent County pilots devices to avoid deer strikes”
Bullying today no longer stops in the classroom. Properly identifying and intervening in bullying incidents can go a long way toward creating a safer space for children to learn – and toward mitigating potential claims. VMLIP offers a number of …
According to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been 65 school shootings across campuses in the United States as of October 4. Unfortunately, the time to prepare for such an event is now. VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) provides …
Slips, trips and falls account for 25 percent of all school workers’ compensation claims, and 35 percent of all costs. VMLIP has a number of resources designed to help members educate staff on preventing slips, trips and falls in schools. …
Read More › “School Safety Week: Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls”
Although cities continue to limit scooters despite strong customer demand, startups are trying to hack the rules with workarounds — such as direct rentals to your doorstep. Read more here.
Retired Smithfield Town Manager Peter Stephenson has joined VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) as a Local Government Specialist. In this role, Stephenson, who previously served for more than 10 years on the VMLIP Members’ Supervisory Board, will consult with members to …
This year, the Town of Ashland was presented the prestigious Margaret A. Nichols Risk Management Leadership Award at the 2018 VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) Annual Meeting held Friday, May 11 at The Place at Innsbrook. Additionally, VMLIP presented Poquoson City …
Read More › “Risk management efforts recognized at the 2018 VMLIP Annual Meeting”
With forecasts for the next 10 days predicting lows in the teens, VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) reminds employers to share important information on working outdoors in winter weather – safely. VMLIP has a plethora of resources on this subject – …
2017 Year in Review! 2017 was another great year to be a member of VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP)! Throughout 2017, VMLIP added and expanded coverages, resources and services for members; redesigned an entirely new, agile and powerful website; closed several …
Members purchasing Law Enforcement Liability coverage now have access to the VMLIP Law Enforcement Academy, designed to provide online training specifically with law enforcement officers in mind. VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) has partnered with LocalGovU, a division of Praetorian Group, …
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-average storm season in 2017. NOAA has predicted between 11 and 17 named storms in 2017 that will reach winds of 39 MPH or more, with five of those developing into …
This year the Southeastern Public Service Authority was awarded the Margaret A. Nichols Risk Management Leadership Awards at the 2017 Annual Meeting held Friday, May 12 at The Place at Innsbrook. Additionally, VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) awarded the Central Shenandoah …
Read More › “Southeastern Public Service Authority awarded at 2017 VMLIP Annual Meeting”
Over the past five years, VMLIP member employees have suffered more than 500 injuries, and the pool has incurred more than $6 million in claim costs due to falls from ladders or scaffolding, falls from elevations or falls into openings. …
Read More › “OSHA issues final rule on walking and working surfaces”