#SETSEGStaff – Marc Ramsey

September 18, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

At SET SEG, our claims department plays a crucial role in supporting school districts when unexpected events arise. Unlike an insurance company, our Property/Casualty Pool is a collective of school districts that share risks and resources to ensure tailored protection. And with claims ranging from storm damage to liability concerns, it’s imperative we have the expertise on staff to guide school districts through some of their worst days.

Property/Casualty Claim Manager, Marc Ramsey, is at the forefront of ensuring our members receive timely assistance and guidance. His commitment to assisting schools in navigating the challenges that come with reporting and handling an incident is a testament to the vital work we do for Michigan’s educational community.

Q&A: Marc Ramsey

Q: What is your role at SET SEG?

As Claims Manager in the PC Claims Department, I am fortunate to work with an outstanding group of claims professionals.  My role is to oversee, assist, and support our Claim Representatives in the day-to-day handling of the claims we receive, and to assist our members with questions on current or potential claims.

I help the team with any questions on coverage, claim investigation, and resolutions, monitoring performance to ensure we’re providing excellent claim service to our members.

Q: What do you like about your job?

I take great pride in helping schools solve problems and navigate the complexities of a claim. When a school district experiences a loss — whether it’s a damaged bus or a building — we work hard to ensure a smooth, efficient claims process. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in guiding a member through a challenging situation and seeing them come out the other side.

I also value the opportunity to collaborate with the entire PC Claims team to find solutions that ultimately benefit our member school districts. We really do stand by SET SEG’s core value to simplify the complex.

Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?

It’s simple – working at SET SEG means helping public schools. I recently helped a member with what was a fairly routine issue for us, but it was weighing heavily on their mind. We were able to resolve the situation quickly and their gratitude stuck with me. Those are the moments that really make my job fulfilling.

Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?

I believe public education is a critical function in our society. When our team can assist a member with a claim situation and handle that problem for them, that allows the member to focus on their primary task of educating students.

In a traditional insurance claim department, the staff will handle and pay claims. Here at SET SEG, we do so much more.  We answer questions about potential claims and coverage issues about contracts with vendor partners, or any other issue they’re dealing with that may result in a claim.

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Giving Back to Michigan’s Educational Community

July 9, 2024 Leave a comment Featured Property/Casualty

Choosing SET SEG means investing in a risk management company that invests in you. MASB-SEG Property/Casualty members enjoy a number of benefits unique to the Pool, including the Net Asset Return.

With over 50 years of experience supporting Michigan public schools, the experts at SET SEG have the knowledge and understanding of the risk management landscape to allow us to return funds back to our members, rather than focusing on profits.

“Each year, we evaluate what portion of net assets can be returned to members while maintaining the Pool’s financial stability,” said SET SEG Chief Financial Officer Amy Maneval. “If our members were insured by a commercial carrier, those dollars would go to shareholders rather than back to the school district.”

Thanks to SET SEG’s financial stability, we are proud to offer this return to members year after year, giving back more than $170 million to our members since the program’s inception.

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Congratulations to This Year’s MSAFE Award Winners!

May 29, 2024 Leave a comment Loss Control Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

The SET SEG Michigan Safety Awareness and Facilities Excellence (MSAFE) Award is a special way to recognize strong, supportive members of the Property/Casualty Pool and Workers’ Compensation Fund, rewarding their proactive efforts to protect their school community.

We are thrilled to announce and congratulate the third-annual MSAFE Award winners!

2024 Regional MSAFE  Award Winners:
  • Lawton Community Schools
  • Mid Peninsula School District
  • Shelby Public Schools
  • Whiteford Agricultural School District

These exemplary SET SEG members possess outstanding safety records and take significant steps to preserve the safety and security of their buildings and grounds. Each winner met specific criteria for claims experience, prompt reporting, claims resolution, and training participation that earned them this prestigious distinction among their peers, along with a commemorative trophy and $1,000 to invest in their school district!

This fall, one grand prize winner will be selected from the group and will be granted an additional $2,500 to continue to build upon safety measures in their district. We applaud these school districts for their best-in-class safety practices and dedication to protecting their students and staff!

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Learning On the Job: SET SEG Internship Program

February 22, 2024 Leave a comment #SETSEGStaff Director's Desk Employee Benefit Services Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation
Learning on the Job

Each summer, the SET SEG internship program brings a group of young professionals into the working world to give them hands-on experiences that encourage professional growth. For many of the 2023 interns, it was their first work experience in an office setting, and while there was much to learn, there was a consensus – SET SEG’s workplace culture is positive, supportive, and welcoming.

“SET SEG doesn’t just promise a welcoming and collaborative work environment, they deliver,” said Sydney Tomlinson, 2023 graphic design intern.

The SET SEG Difference

While SET SEG is a risk management company, there is an abundance of opportunities outside typical roles like underwriting, claims, and customer service. SET SEG comprises many departments that attract diverse talent, providing employment opportunities across the company including sales, marketing, finance, employee benefits operations, information technology (IT), and human resources.

Most departments have the chance to onboard an intern each summer, allowing college students to gain valuable insight and real-life job experiences. In some cases, these experiences even inspire young professionals to enter the risk management or insurance fields.

“Throughout the past year and a half interning at SET SEG, I have gained a lot of hands-on experience across the company. This has inspired me to pursue a career in the insurance industry,” said Cole Moyer, former intern turned student assistant.

Others who completed the internship program have even found full-time roles at SET SEG after college. Joe Kubeshesky, the 2023 project management intern, was hired after graduation as a full-time Associate Systems Analyst on the IT team. Joe was quick to express his gratitude for the opportunities provided by his internship experience, sharing that he and the other interns grew exponentially during their time at the organization, both personally and professionally.

“I learned to work hard and be confident in myself while being open to feedback,” said Kubeshesky. “It’s important to push beyond your comfort zone so you can grow and develop as a professional. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to intern at SET SEG, it led to an amazing full-time role with the company!”

We're hiring! 2024 Summer Internship Positions

Have you heard? We’re hiring for 2024 Summer Interns! If you or someone you know is seeking an internship, apply today!

Apply Here
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5 Reasons to Work with SET SEG

July 7, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Employee Benefit Services Foundation Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

Q: Why SET SEG?
A: We’re NOT Your Typical Insurance Company

We are a risk management partner comprised of public schools—not a for-profit corporation.

Our members are part of a Property/Casualty Pool and a Workers’ Compensation Fund, meaning member districts are our shareholders. This also means the premium we collect belongs to our members, so when a surplus exists, those funds are given back in the form of net asset returns and premium reductions. Additionally, we provide Employee Benefit services to help our member districts take control of their healthcare costs and identify creative solutions to provide employees with high-quality benefits options.

Protecting public schools is a risky endeavor, and in Michigan, where the summers are short and the winters are freezing, providing affordable and quality coverage can be a challenge.

As our schools face these challenges, we like to remind them one thing: they’re not alone.

From our corporate programs and workplace culture to our philanthropic efforts through the Foundation, SET SEG sets itself apart in the insurance industry by putting schools first and employing talent with that same mindset.

5 Reasons to Work With SET SEG

1. We Encourage Professional Growth

Career growth is a journey, and whether that looks like a lateral move, a promotion, or even completely shifting departments, SET SEG works to foster an environment that allows employees to learn and grow as their career vision evolves.

By providing exposure to all facets of the insurance industry across the organization and relying strongly on collaboration, our team is offered opportunities to venture beyond their initial job description, whether that be through professional development, establishing new networking connections, or gaining experience in a different facet of the industry.

“In my experience at SET SEG, the organization truly invests in the person and not just the job that person is filling,” said Emorie Bond, former intern and now SET SEG Marketing Coordinator. “If you show interest and aptitude in other areas of the business, there are opportunities to explore options beyond your current position.”

2. We Are A Team

At SET SEG, everyone is working toward the same goal – to put Michigan’s public schools first. With less than 100 employees serving schools throughout the state, our close-knit staff have become a part of the education communities in which they work. Many of them were even former employees of the school districts they work with now.

“When I was a superintendent, I wish I had known just how much support and expertise SET SEG has and how well protected our school district was because we were a member of their programs,” said Greg Gray, Employee Benefits Sales Manager. “This organization is different because schools are all we do. From its creation more than 50 years ago to now, the people at SET SEG have committed their time, expertise, and resources into helping schools succeed.”

3. We Reinvest in Michigan Communities

In almost every aspect of our organization, we give back monetarily to our member school districts, and not just in our work collectively. Each department gets to see firsthand how Michigan’s public schools benefit from what we do every day, offering our employees a level of fulfillment not always prevalent in the insurance industry.

“I love that the work I do helps to affordably protect public schools from the risks they are facing on a daily basis, in turn allowing them to focus more on what matters most – educating the students of Michigan,” said Stephanie Anderson, SET SEG Underwriting and Loss Control Manager.

Click here to view 12 ways we give back and how this philosophy fits into our core values as a company.

4. We Prioritize Relationships Over Revenue

For SET SEG, building trust and lasting relationships with school administrators comes first over making the sale. In fact, it’s so ingrained in our workplace culture, we often employ former school district employees to ensure we continue to deliver the resources and guidance our members are looking for.

“For those of us in sales at SET SEG, we aren’t working for a commission,” said Paul Grienke, Insurance Education Specialist. “For us, it’s about putting the time into learning what a school district’s unique needs are and establishing that relationship with the administrators, so we have their trust in delivering the services and resources they need when they need them.”

5. We Offer Opportunity

SET SEG nurtures a culture of engagement. Employees’ voices are heard, and work exists on a collaborative plain. If you’re interested in joining the team in supporting Michigan’s public schools, click to view job opportunities available now!

SET SEG Makes the List: Best Places to Work

To deliver on all five of the elements listed here that sets SET SEG apart from others in the industry, we rely heavily on feedback – from school administrators, from our public schools, and from our employees.

We’re proud to have been included on Business Insurance’s Best Places to Work list every year since 2018 and plan to continue operating as an organization that values its employees and members every day.

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Workers' Compensation Safety Program

Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Summer Break

May 10, 2023 Leave a comment Property/Casualty
Workers' Compensation Safety Program

With summer break quickly approaching, it is important to prepare for the unique risks brought by extended breaks from school. As you progress through your summer maintenance items, use the tips below to help evaluate what needs to be done and how to stay safe during work.

Cleaning Risks

Be aware of risks specific to summer cleaning as you tidy up after a busy school year and prepare for the fall. Keep the following in mind as you clean:

  • Chemicals used to strip and wax floors cause extremely slippery surfaces. Prevent slips and falls by using proper footwear.
  • Moving furniture and purging unwanted items without the proper equipment leads to injuries. Use desk movers, dollies, and team lifting to prevent injury.
  • Check and replace filters and conduct regular uni-vent maintenance while cleaning.

Maintenance Resources

School Grounds Maintenance

Spring and summer bring better weather, providing the opportunity for extra attention to maintenance of school grounds. Here are some quick tips to help prevent damage:

  • Trimming trees regularly prevents damage to grounds and buildings when inclement weather occurs.
  • Pesticides and other chemicals are effective, but dangerous. Wearing proper protective equipment shields workers from hazardous materials.
  • Preventative maintenance on playgrounds protects children from injuries. Inspect playground equipment regularly to identify issues early.
  • Inspect and repair sidewalks and parking lots often. Cracks and uneven surfaces lead to tripping and falling.
  • Regularly inspect the roof. Identifying issues early prevents further costly damages.
Miscellaneous Maintenance

Cleaning and grounds maintenance risks increase during the summer months – here are a few extra items to keep a watchful eye over:

  • Inspect and test fire systems throughout the entire building. Check automatic extinguishing systems in the kitchens, all sprinkler systems, manual fire alarm pull stations, and ensure audible alarms are functioning properly.
  • Bleachers should be inspected often to ensure structural safety and timely repairs of damages.
  • Check all electrical systems to identify any potential risks or maintenance concerns. Electrical fires are dangerous and can happen in an instant.
  • Complete thorough boiler inspections, including CSD1 testing and any applicable jurisdictional inspections.

Your efforts to inspect all maintenance concerns and risks are some of the most important aspects of injury and loss prevention. Your expertise and diligence keep your school community safe from danger. Click on the links on this page for maintenance checklists and inspection forms to help guide efforts and provide easy resources to keep your schools safe!

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SET SEG Supports New Talent in the Insurance Industry

May 4, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Featured Loss Control Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

As an employer in the insurance industry, SET SEG believes that supporting students’ education is the key to building a successful future for the insurance industry by curating a strong talent pipeline. AmTrust Financial reports that the industry employment trends suggest a potential insurance talent crisis as retirement approaches for older workers with no one to replace them.

To address this issue, the SET SEG Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship was created. In honor of Alan Fergin, a valued SET SEG team member for nearly 40 years, this scholarship was designed to provide assistance and resources for students pursuing higher education in principles of insurance, risk management, and mitigation practices.

“At SET SEG we understand the importance and value of supporting and fostering new talent,” said Tim Averill, Executive Director of SET SEG. “We are passionate about investing in the future of the insurance industry and equipping young professionals with resources to further their education.”

The Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship awards qualifying students pursuing careers in the industry $1,000 to those attending community college and $2,500 to those attending a four-year university per academic year. The scholarship can be renewed for up to a total of four academic years to be used for insurance-related program educational costs such as tuition, books, and other class materials.

Renewal Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our three 2023 Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship renewal winners! Previous scholarship winners who are continuing higher education in insurance and risk management are eligible to renew their scholarships for another academic year.

  • Neveah Reasoner of Mason, Michigan has renewed her scholarship for her second year of education at Ferris State University.
  • Miguel Solis of Lansing, Michigan renewed his scholarship for his second year at Michigan State University.
  • Carter Cappon of Hastings, Michigan has renewed his scholarship for his fourth year at Olivet College.

Five Michigan Students Receive 2023 Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship

Asia St. John graduated from Leslie Public Schools and the Wilson Talent Center in Mason, Michigan. As a first-generation college student, she is excited about the opportunities the insurance industry brings and plans to learn multiple roles in the field. St. John is receiving $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

Chasity Johnson, a mother of five, has returned to school to pursue a more fulfilling career path in the insurance industry, following her passion to help others. “I also hope this inspires my kids to always go after their dream no matter what age they are,” she shared. Johnson is receiving $1,000 toward her education at Lansing Community College.

Ramon Lopez is a high school senior at Lansing Public Schools whose interest in the field was piqued through an insurance basics class. He looks forward to bringing his strong work ethic and passion to learn into the insurance industry. Lopez is receiving $1,000 toward her education at Lansing Community College.

Fowler native Macy Gibbons discovered insurance through classes at Eaton RESA in high school, sparking her desire to pursue insurance and risk management as well as claims investigation in college. “I enjoy insurance because it is an important industry that will never fade, and I love being able to provide support to other people during hard times.” Gibbons is receiving $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

Isabella Seger-Wagasy comes from a family of insurance agents who has inspired her to pursue education in the field with the hope of one day taking over the family business. She plans to study abroad in Europe to learn from a variety of international insurance companies and hopes to guide young professionals in the future through involvement in young insurance agent groups. Seger-Wagasy will receive $2,500 to use toward further education in insurance and risk management.

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2023 MSAFE Award Winners

March 21, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

Congratulations to This Year’s MSAFE Winners!

The SET SEG Michigan Safety Awareness and Facilities Excellence (MSAFE) Award is a special way to recognize strong, supportive members of the Property/Casualty Pool and Workers’ Compensation Fund, rewarding their proactive efforts to protect their school community.

We are thrilled to announce and congratulate the third-annual MSAFE Award winners!

2023 REGIONAL MSAFE AWARD WINNERS:
  • L’Anse Area Schools
  • Oakridge Public Schools
  • Gobles Public Schools
  • Allen Park Public Schools

These exemplary SET SEG members possess outstanding safety records and take significant steps to preserve the safety and security of their buildings and grounds. Each winner met specific criteria for claims experience, prompt reporting, claims resolution, and training participation that earned them this prestigious distinction among their peers, along with a commemorative trophy and $1,000 to invest in their school district!

This fall, one grand prize winner will be selected from the group and will be granted an additional $2,500 to continue to build upon safety measures in their district. We applaud these school districts for their best-in-class safety practices and dedication to protecting their students and staff!

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Know Your School’s Roof – It Matters

February 23, 2023 Leave a comment Director's Desk Featured Loss Control Property/Casualty

What type of roof system does your school district have? When do your roof warranties expire? When was the last time someone walked on and inspected your school’s roof?

If you don’t have the answers to the questions above, then let us help you.

For Michigan public schools, the weather can wreak havoc on facilities. Whether you’re located in the Upper Peninsula experiencing heavy amounts of snow and ice, or near the lakeshore getting wind and hail, threats to a school’s roof are frequent and can result in costly claims.

But with limited personnel and high turnover, SET SEG understands the challenges many of our members are facing when prioritizing a comprehensive maintenance program.

Marquette-Alger RESA: A District’s Perspective

Chief Financial Officer at Marquette-Alger RESA, Anthony Bertucci, has more than 15 years of experience working in public school facilities. After recently completing a roof replacement at his district, Bertucci shares his perspective on the challenges and solutions that come with roof maintenance at a Michigan public school.

Q: For a school district, what are the challenges that you’ve encountered regarding roof maintenance?
A: Most often the biggest challenge is personnel, feeling like you don’t have the staff and the capacity to maintain all facilities in the district. But roof maintenance is critical – you have to make the time.

Q: What are some of the processes you and your facility team have put in place?
A: You have to get up there regularly and walk the roof. We’ve established a schedule, clearing drains at least twice a year and checking all roofs after high winds or any other major weather event. Regular walkthroughs are the best way to identify issues before they become a major problem.

Q: For school employees who don’t have experience maintaining roofs, where do you recommend they start?
A: Make the time to do the preventive maintenance walkthrough – and pay attention to those roof drains. Understand the building structure and figure out what type of roof you have. You need to get someone with decision-making authority up on the roof to understand the conditions, then lean on SET SEG’s resources if you need additional support.

“We’re very fortunate as a school district to partner with an organization like SET SEG, which really has the best interests of its policyholders in mind. I really appreciate their proactive approach, with all the resources and trainings they provide.” – Anthony Bertucci, Chief Financial Officer at Marquette-Alger RESA

Make Roof Inspections a Priority – Contact SET SEG

SET SEG Loss Control Representative Skip Barclay is a HAAG-certified commercial roof inspector, performing building hazard assessments and reviewing claims for members across the state. After touring the Upper Peninsula’s school roofs with additional plans to explore the rest of the state, Barclay has seen it all.

Q: What is it about roofs that pose such a challenge?
A: Roof systems can be complex, and if you don’t have a record of the type of roof system you have, when the warranties are up, and an inspection and maintenance checklist, then it’s a real challenge for school staff to maintain safe and secure roofs.

Q: How does a school district get started in understanding its roof system and what it takes to maintain it?
A: Have an inspection schedule, review manufacturer/contractor’s information warranties, familiarize staff with how the roof is constructed, and be able to identify defects. Potential problems aren’t always noticeable, knowledge of your roof system enhances the chances of finding and preventing potential problems.

  • Are your drains blocked?
  • Do you have pools of standing water?
  • Are there any sections of the roof membrane loose or flapping in the wind?

If you find any of these issues, repairs may fall under existing warranties. If not, call your SET SEG Loss Control Representative immediately before greater damages occur.

Q: Why call SET SEG?
A: We’re here to help and this is what I do. As a member of the Property/Casualty Pool, we can help you identify and develop a strategy to address your biggest roof challenges. We can help you establish a maintenance schedule that fits your facility’s staff and their capacity. We are committed to providing the resources and support a district needs to prevent these major claims from occurring.

“Due to the longevity of roof warranties and high turnover in school districts, there needs to be a process and schedule established to maintain your roofs. I encourage districts to get up on the roof, document what they’re maintaining and the types of roofs they have.” – Skip Barclay, SET SEG Loss Control Representative

Start Here to Access SET SEG’s Roof Resources

  • Request a Roof Inspection
    Fill out this form to request a visit from SET SEG’s certified roof inspector, Skip Barclay, to inspect roofs and provide guidance on the next steps.
  • [PDF] Roof Inspection Form
    Download your own roof inspection form and start documenting your maintenance record.
  • [PDF] Snow Removal Tips
    Click to access tips on developing a snow removal plan for your district.
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Michigan Weather vs. Public Schools

December 20, 2022 Leave a comment Loss Control Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

For most public school districts in Michigan, harsh winter weather has already descended. Last month saw record-breaking amounts of snow in parts of the state.

Even with our most recent blizzard behind us, we could still be battling lake-effect snow, icy terrain, and freezing temperatures well before winter’s end. With the month of January accounting for the most claims reported due to slips, trips, and falls, our members are facing one of the most challenging times of the year for their facilities.

Now is the time when all the precautions and property preparation our public schools have done are put to the test. To ensure your winter weather safety checklist hasn’t failed you, remain diligent and check your buildings often throughout the winter season.

Here are 3 major risks to defend against in a Michigan winter:

Frozen Pipes
image of icicles hanging off of pipes

Freezing presents the greatest risk for pipes located in areas where temperatures are lower than they are in other parts of buildings. Check pipes that run through attics and crawl spaces, as well as areas above ceilings, and remove tiles where applicable to allow heat to reach them. Be sure to check pipes below false floors and areas that are unoccupied and/or heavily insulated, as well.

Keeping unoccupied interior spaces above freezing will help prevent frozen pipes – don’t set the thermostat lower than normal. Be sure to shut off and drain any water systems located in areas subject to freezing.

Keep in mind, there are three main causes for frozen pipes: quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low.

Leaky or Snow-Covered Roofs
image of a hole in a school roof due to heavy snow and ice

Ensure you know what type of roofs you have on the buildings, who installed it, the manufacturer, and if you have a service agreement already in place. With this information, you can ensure any repairs fall under existing warranties and when replacements should be scheduled.

The best way to safely inspect a roof is by an internal fixed ladder with a coworker present. If this isn’t possible, install fixed ladders to the exterior of your buildings that have a lockable feature to ensure only school personnel can access it.

Inspect your roofs at least twice a year.

Slips, Trips, and Falls
image of a person's feet in boots walking on an icy sidewalk

Slips, trips, and falls are the number one loss source in the state. To prevent these losses, housekeeping is key. It may seem simple but keeping your boiler rooms, classrooms, and hallways clear of clutter while ensuring the rugs in the hallways and entryways are maintained, can prevent slips and trips.

With bus lots, take the extra step to shovel and salt around the buses first thing in the morning, prior to the drivers showing up to do their morning inspections. Steps on buses can be slick, so always use the Three Points of Contact method – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on a surface at the same time.

And finally, never stand on tables and chairs to hang decorations or art. Always use a stepladder to hang or reach high shelves.

Learn more!

To hear straight from our Loss Control Team on these three topics and more, check out our EduSeries webinar, Hidden Dangers: Loss Control Considerations.

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