President’s Message

We’ve Made Great Advances This Past Year…Dear LCIS Member/Owner,

It’s always important to remind you why you selected us as your provider of insurance and business services, so, as we move into the busy summer season, I thought I’d share some of the advances we have made during the past year, or so.

I’ll start with rebates. This year LCIS will pay back close to $1,000,000 in rebates to you, our Member/Owners. We’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years,

in fact, since 1990, we have returned over $40 million to our Members! No doubt about it, “it pays to insure with LCIS” where we return agency profits back to the individual insured Member and not to an association. Please check out the LCIS rebates program on our website.

Last year we introduced two levels of membership, GREEN & GOLD. Of our nearly 1,200 members many upgraded to the Gold Level during our very first year. LCIS Member Benefits include over twenty great services, including unlimited legal and HR consultation, OSHA documentation, rebates, equity and much more, most delivered free of charge, to our Members. I urge you to check out Member Benefits on our website and sign up!

As we continue to bring you a multitude of valuable products and services, it’s important that you remember LCIS is owned by our parent company, Golden Oak Co-Operative, which is 100% owned by its participating Members. That’s you! Ask us how you can build equity in the Golden Oak Cooperative.

We continue to work hard to maintain our commitment to our Members, and we take pride in the fact that we don’t just insure the

Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. Newsletter Summer 2017

green industry, we support its growth and development. Our focus is to safeguard your business and provide you with the type of peace of mind that helps you grow and prosper.

There’s so much more, but let me close by reminding you that to this day, we remain the only insurance brokerage exclusively committed to the green industry through our unique and exclusive insurance product lines, financial sponsor-ship of key events, and hands-on involvement in ongoing matters of importance to the industry. As the largest green industry insurance program available in California, we have been a leading member of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) for nearly 30 years. During this time we have provided support at the chapter and state levels to the tune of $40,000 annually by way of elite partnerships, golf tournaments, meetings, schol-arship donations, beautification award sponsorships, raffle prizes, etc. We are also members of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), Arizona (ALCA), Colorado (ALCC), Illinois (ILCA), Texas (TNLA), Nevada (NLA), North Carolina (NCNLA), and Utah (UNLA).

We value your business and if you don’t already have all lines of your insurance covered, please consider LCIS as your broker. We look forward to working with you on all of your insurance needs.

Wishing you the best for the remainder of 2017 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Kim Ayala, President/CEO Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDONTARIO, CAPERMIT #556

1835 N. Fine Ave.Fresno, CA 93727

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

KIM AYALA President/CEO …we remain the only

insurance brokerage exclusively committed to

the green industry through our unique and exclusive insurance product lines, financial sponsorship of

key events, and hands-on involvement in ongoing

matters of importance to the industry.

Employee Spotlight

Making a Difference!LCIS Employee Recognition Program

If one of our employees has made a positive difference by providing outstanding service and deserves recognition, please let us know. E-mail your comments to: Debbie Kirby, Administrative Manager –

dkirby@lcisinc.com, or call us at (800) 628-8735

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Robb Hubbard, Sales ManagerRobb was born and raised in West Virginia and most recently moved to California from Colorado. Robb has an extensive background in the insurance industry and comes to LCIS with many years of experience in Sales Management, as well as Risk Management. He is married, has four children and a family cat. Robb’s hobbies include reading, golfing, biking, swimming and any family activity other than going to the mall. An interesting fact about Robb is that he testified in front of Congress on Environmental Insurance and Cleanup topics. Robb loves a challenge and truly enjoys working at LCIS.

Theresa Bessett, Southern California Account ExecutiveTheresa is one of six LCIS Southern California Sales Executives. She was born and raised in

Orange, CA. Prior to joining the LCIS family, Theresa owned and operated an agency for 25 years. She has been in the insurance industry for over three decades, starting in 1984. One of her biggest

achievements is that she courageously fought and WON cancer! She has also written a childrens’ book and is still in the process of getting it published. Theresa is married, has two sons and a cat. She enjoys church events, helping others, photography, music and notes that her favorite movie is Wizard of Oz. Theresa is extremely grateful for the opportunity to shine like a diamond at LCIS!

Hector Salas, Southern California Account ExecutiveHector was born and raised in San Diego. He joins LCIS with several years

in the insurance industry. Hector enjoys yoga on the beach, hiking, snowboarding and is also a half-marathon runner, which enabled him to complete his first triathlon before 30! Hector notes his biggest accomplishment thus far has been becoming a Mexican citizen, which grants him dual citizenship. He was the first in his family to attend college. Hector says LCIS offers products and services that are truly unique in the landscape industry, which helps set him apart from the competition.

Heather Martin, Account Manager AssistantHeather (some of you might recognize her by Heather Hunter) came back to LCIS

in May 2017. She was previously with LCIS for a number of years before she moved to Georgia to be with her husband. While in Georgia she worked as an administrative assistant to an oncologist. Heather was born and raised in Clovis, CA. She is newly married and has two furbabies. She enjoys traveling, baking, gardening and crafting. Heathers says that at LCIS she is always learning new things and likes her co-workers.

Brittany Burks, Account Manager Assistant

Brittany is the newest addition to LCIS, starting in July 2017 in the services department. She was born in San Diego but raised in Fresno.

Prior to LCIS, Brittany worked for an insurance carrier. Brittany is married, has two step children, two dogs, a rabbit and rooster! Brittany notes a couple highlights of her life were when she met George Strait and had the opportunity to travel to Europe. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Brittany states she like learning all the new things offered at LCIS.

ROBB HUBBARD

THERESA BESSETT

HECTOR SALAS

HEATHER MARTIN

BRITTANY BURKS

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Your Workers’ Compensation is coming up for renewal – have you been approached to sign a BOR (Broker of Record) letter? By Robb Hubbard, Sales Manager

Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (LCIS) has delivered quality products and services over the past 28 years.

Since our founding, we have paid our clients, who are our owners, close to $50 million in rebates – meaning our profits go back to YOU our Member/Owner and not an association. Why are we reminding you of our history and commitment? Because we want you to be aware of some misrepresentations made by a few insurance brokers, by helping you understand Myths vs Facts.

Myth: Your Workers’ Compensation is coming up for renewal – have you been approached to sign a BOR (Broker of Record) letter? The broker approaches you and tells you that you need to sign a letter in order to get a quote.

Fact: If the agent or broker has a contract with that carrier, they do not need an authorization letter to obtain a quote.

Myth: An agent or broker approaches you and tells you they can take any quote LCIS provides and automatically reduce your RATE by 5%.

Fact: As the submitting/incumbent broker, once LCIS presents a quote we are the only ones who have the ability to negotiate the RATE down and ultimately reduce your premium. If a quote is taken from LCIS via BOR (Broker of Record) another broker cannot negotiate the premium with the carrier. What the broker can negotiate is commission, but not the RATE. This can have a huge impact on your renewal.

We understand the competitive process and why it may be necessary for you to talk to other brokers. However, the value of competition comes from requiring another broker to find other markets (carriers) that LCIS hasn’t already approached on your behalf. Giving a BOR to another broker is similar to you designing and bidding a job and your client takes your hard work to a competitor to complete the job.

Myth: LCIS charges additional fees and commissions.

Fact: LCIS never charges a fee AND commission on the same policy. Always reach out to us if you need any clarification.

Myth: LCIS “blocks” the market.

Fact: Our clients and potential clients expect LCIS to approach all available markets (carriers) so you get the best options and pricing available. We have done this for decades to serve our clients and will continue to do so. Our dedicated service team specializes in servicing the green industry. They know what you do and can best protect your business!

In addition to our exclusive Insurance, Rebate and Equity programs, we also offer a claims department that is second to none, in-house surety bonds, employee benefits, and a dedicated certificate department that issues certificates free of charge! Add to that our Member Benefits that include free unlimited HR and Legal consultations, Free IIPP and Employee handbook review and our OSHA compliance and documentation program, you gain the greatest value by placing your business with LCIS. If a competing broker presents you with the same quote LCIS worked hard to obtain are they also providing you with ALL of these additional services?

Don’t believe the Myths. We’re here to protect your company and provide you with the best combination of rates and services available. And remember our profits go back to YOU in the form of a rebate! If you have any questions, contact us and we will be happy to review and set the record straight.

Robb Hubbard Sales Manager rhubbard@lcisinc.com 800-628-8735 ext. 545

“To provide quality insurance products at competitive prices, along with superior service through our commitment of

excellence to our customers and employees.”

u LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS INSURANCE SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT u

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Dear Kim,

There are numerous improvements we are making in the way our organization operates.

Golden Oak, LCIS, Birch Financial, Birch Equipment and Oak Creek Insurance continue to grow. With the many additional demands placed upon us due to the provision of numerous new services developed for you, our valued Member, we are actively taking steps to transition Birch and Golden Oak operations to LCIS headquarters in Fresno. The LCIS office is a fully staffed and highly operational environment that will be able to service your needs for many years to come.

To ensure our individual operations continue providing the highest levels of service, Golden Oak Board Members and Directors, some who were newly appointed in our April Board meeting, are committed not just to supporting the present services we provide you, but also to researching and implementing new and improved services to keep your business operating optimally.

On a more personal note, I remain the President and CEO of Golden Oak, and although you can always feel free to call me directly at (818) 772-2262, I am also transitioning into a more consultative role. I have been in this role for over thirty years and it’s time to start handing over the reins.

Here’s to your continued success in 2017!

Nelson Colvin President GOLDEN OAK COOPERATIVE CORPORATION

New Board Members & DirectorsThe 18th Annual Membership Meeting of the Golden Oak Cooperative was held on April 25, 2017 in Chatsworth, CA. Tim Nord and Tom Ellington were re-elected to another 5-year term and Sarah Corbin was appointed to fill an open position on the board.

Go here to see the Golden Oak Board Members and Directors.

Golden Oak & Birch Financial Operations On The MoveThe daily operations of both Golden Oak, Birch Financial, Inc., and Birch Equipment Finance will be moving to the LCIS offices in Fresno. The transition should be completed by the end of August 2017.

For more information, please call (800) 451-2834.

Birch Equipment Finance Loans and ApprovalsSince 2000, Birch Equipment has made over $5 million in loans for new and used landscape equipment. Now, a loan committee is being established for Birch Equipment Finance in order that we continue fast turn-around on loan approvals and funding.

Go here to download the Birch Financing Application or visit www.birchfinancial.net.

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THESE ARE SOME OF THE BUSINESS ISSUES LCIS BUSINESS SERVICES CAN ADDRESS FOR YOU!

LEGAL

- Lease Subsection Review - Legal Document Subsection Review - “What If” Advice - Debt Collection - Other Benefits

ACCOUNTING - Tax Information - Purchase Advice - Accounting Questions - Best Structure For Doing Business - Payroll Questions - Stock & Phantom Stock - Cash Flow Management

HUMAN RESOURCE & LABOR LAW

- Employee Handbooks - Wage & Hour Issues - Employee Leave Policies - Employee Incentives - Pre-employment Screening - Background Checks - Drug Testing - Job Aptitude Testing - Compliance Documents

COMPENSATION, INCENTIVES & ORGANIZATION PLANNING

- Employee Incentives - Profit Sharing

CLAIMS - Claims Review Consulting - Reserve Review - “Bad Faith” Negotiations - Unit Statistical Review - Fraud Investigation - Cost Containment Administration

WORKERS’ COMP & SAFETY - Injury & Illness Prevention

Programs - OSHA Compliance Training - Reserve Review - Loss Prevention Control - Fraud Investigations

1. Non-member price $45, Member price $25 with 2 free per month.

Equity

Any California Licensed Landscape Contractor (C-27 including sub-classifications) that purchase commercial insurance (General Liability, Business Auto, Umbrella, Workers Compensation) and/or Personal Lines (Homeowner’s, Personal Auto, etc.) insurance through a program endorsed by Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation are eligible to participate in the Equity Sharing program. For additional details please visit www.GoldenOak.org.

Rebates

Does your insurance agent provide you with a rebate? Since 1990, LCIS has paid an annual rebate to its customers every year totaling over $40 million dollars to our policyholders. When was the last time your broker “shared” their success with you? Additionally, the more coverage’s you place with LCIS the greater the rebate! Rebate program available only in California.** Please visit www.lcisinc.com for additional details.

*All services are subject to the terms and conditions as set forth in the “Policyholder - Professional Services Agreement.” See this Agreement for details. **$100 Minimum rebate according to rebate guidelines in effect at time of bind.

LCIS SAVINGS AT-A-GLANCE

Compare the Expense of Using Traditional Business

Professionals Versus Using LCIS Business Services

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

TYPICAL COSTS

CONSULTATIONS*

Business Law Attorneys

$350-$650 /hour

Unlimited

Labor Law Attorneys

$395-$695 /hour

Unlimited

Claims Consultants

$225-$350 /hour

Unlimited

Human Resource Consultants

$150-$285 /hour

Unlimited

IT Consultants

$95-$225 /hour

Unlimited

Accountants

$225-$350 /hour

Unlimited

Other Professionals

$95-$500 /hour

Unlimited

Handbook Review

$450

Free

“Bizinars” - Internet Seminars

(May apply to Sexual Harassment Seminars -

see below)

$45-$125

2 Free Per Month 1

Sexual Harassment Seminars

(Fulfills AB1825 requirement English)

$125

2 Free Certificates

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Employer Exposure Areas Phone Advice | Training | Seminars*

WORKERS' COMP & SAFETY

Current Service

LCIS

Injury & Illness Prevention Programs OSHA Compliance Training Reserve Review Loss Prevention Control Fraud Investigations BIZINARS & ON-SITE TRAININGS

AB1825 Sexual Harassment for Managers

Employee Issues: Diversity, Discrimination, etc.

Customer Service Best Hiring Practices Technology Management HR Management Management Practices Expense Reduction Consulting HR Management Systems

Notes:

*All services are subject to the terms & conditions as set forth in the “Policyholder - Professional Services Agreement” See this Agreement for details.

1835 N. Fine Ave Fresno CA 93727 Phone: 800.628.8735 | Fax: 559.650.3558

www.lcisinc.com

CA License #0755906

How Does Your Insurance Program Check Out?

ARE YOU RECEIVING THESE BENEFITS FROM YOUR AGENT? LEGAL CONSULTATIONS | OSHA SAFETY & COMPLIANCE REVIEWS | WORKER'S COMPENSATION CLAIMS ANALYSIS | AND MORE!

LEGAL Current Service

LCIS

Legal Document Review

Lease Review “What If” Advice Debt Collection Product Liability Other Benefits HUMAN RESOURCE & LABOR LAW

Employee Handbooks Wage & Hour Issues Employee Leave Policies Employee Incentives Pre-employment Screening: Background Checks

Drug Testing Job Aptitude Testing Compliance Documents ACCOUNTING

Tax Information Purchase Advice Accounting Questions Best Structure for Doing Business Payroll Questions Stock & Phantom Stock Cash Flow Management

Our Family of Companies

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Contact Us – Management Team

WE ARE VERY INVOLVED IN CLCA AND THE GREATER BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Toll-Free (800) 628-8735TEAM MEMBER EXTENSION E-MAILKim Ayala, President/CEO  x 511 kayala@lcisinc.comTerry Mahlman,VP of Business Services  x 580 tmahlman@lcisinc.comRobb Hubbard, Sales Manager x545 rhubbard@lcisinc.comJanet Schoenfeld, Assistant VP of Accounting x 513 jschoenfeld@lcisinc.comConnie Carpenter, Operations Manager  x552 ccarpenter@lcisinc.comDebbie Kirby, Human Resources/Administrative Manager x514 dkirby@lcisinc.comLydia Coldren, Program and Marketing Manager x583 lcoldren@lcisinc.comAshley Hissong, Agency Promotion and Development Manager x 527 ahissong@lcisinc.com

Certificate Request Fax (800) 440-2378 • LCIS Website www.lcisinc.com

LCIS TEAM at the recent SFV Chapter Awards Dinner – L-R Front row: Terri Downs/So. Cal Sales, Theresa Bessett/So. Cal Sales, Kim Ayala/CEO. Back row: Robb Hubbard/Sales Manager, Cierra Hubbard, Jeff Macgregor/

So. Cal Sales, and Mike Ayala.

LARGE RESIDENTIAL First Place award at the dinner went to Finley’s Tree Service (Ken MacDonald). Presenting for Sponsor Landscape

Contractors Insurance Services is Kim Ayala.

NEWEST LCIS BOARD MEMBER Sarah Corbin, Past President of the Channel Islands Chapter of CLCA, was the Emcee at the San Fernando Valley Chapter Awards Dinner. With her is awards photographer Bronwyn Miller.

GOLDEN OAK PRESIDENT Nelson Colvin, Kim and Mike Ayala enjoy the SFV awards

night.

LCIS SO. CAL Sales rep Teresa Bessett attended a dinner meeting for the LA/SGV Chapter that featured an HR presentation about drugs in the

workplace.

Consejos de Seguridad

1835 N. Fine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727(559) 650-3555 ph / (559) 650-3558 fx

Website: www.lcisinc.com

Después de haber actualizado recientemente el Manual del Empleado y las Políticas de

Seguridad, uno de los temas que tratamos es el de trabajar de forma segura en la temporada cálida. Nuestros empleados siempre han hecho trabajos afuera – carga / descarga de camiones, apilamiento de tuberías, etc. – pero con la adición de dos viveros a nuestra familia Landscape Warehouse el trabajo al aire libre se ha incrementado dramáticamente. Así también, la necesidad de practicar la seguridad en esta temporada. He aquí algunos puntos a tomar en cuenta durante los días calurosos del verano y principios del otoño...

Aprenda a reconocer los primeros síntomas de la enfermedad por el calor: Mareos, dolores de cabeza, calambres musculares, debilidad y fatiga excesiva. Los síntomas pueden empeorar rápidamente para incluir confusión mental o de comportamiento extraño, irritabilidad, pulso acelerado, sudoración excesiva, piel caliente, náuseas o vómitos, convulsiones o desmayos.

Entrene a sus empleados, especialmente aquellos que trabajan al aire libre, a estar atentos de los peligros del golpe de calor, y a reconocer sus síntomas. Tienen que aprender a tomar medidas para protegerse a sí mismos. Tales como:

• Beba aproximadamente 1 cuarto de galón (3-4 vasos) de agua por hora en un clima cálido. Evite el alcohol y las bebidas con cafeína, ya que pueden causar deshidratación.

• Use sombreros de ala ancha y ropa ligera, holgada para protegerse del sol.

• Tome descansos cuando sea necesario en lugares frescos y con sombra.

Los períodos de descanso, en zonas frescas y con sombra para los

miembros del equipo permiten que el cuerpo se enfríe. Si no existe ninguna sombra en el lugar de trabajo, lleve consigo una sombrilla. Realice la mayoría de su trabajo en la sombra cuando sea posible.

Asegúrese de que hay una buena cantidad de agua potable, limpia y fresca a mano. Los jefes de equipo deben ser un ejemplo para sus trabajadores, animándoles a beber un litro (un cuarto de galón) de agua cada hora. Para una jornada de 8 horas, usted tendrá que proporcionar 2 o más litros por persona.

Esté alerta de los peligros de clima cálido, incluso cuando la temperatura no sea de 90° F. El golpe de calor puede ocurrir aún cuando la temperatura no sea extrema pero halla mucha humedad, si los trabajadores están usando equipo de protección, o el trabajo es especialmente intenso. Incluso trabajar en un clima de 70° F puede presentar un riesgo si estos factores están presentes.

Dar a los trabajadores tiempo para adaptarse gradualmente al calor. Esto es

especialmente importante para aquellos que han estado fuera del trabajo por

un tiempo, ya sea en unas largas vacaciones o debido a una larga enfermedad. Los trabajadores

recientemente procedentes de un clima más frío puede tomar más tiempo

para adaptarse.

Busque atención médica rápidamente llamando al 9-1-1 si usted cree que un miembro del grupo está mostrando los primeros signos del

golpe de calor... incluso si la persona no quiere ayuda. Si el trabajo se realiza en un área remota, conozca el

lugar dónde su celular tiene recepción y sepa guiar los servicios de emergencia al lugar de trabajo.

Llevar a la víctima del calor a un área sombreada o fresca de inmediato, retirarle o aflojarle la ropa pesada, y rocíelo ligeramente con agua, airéelo lo mejor que puede, y dele agua o Gatorade. No los deje solos hasta que no hayan sido vistos por un profesional médico o de emergencia.

Sí, disfrute del sol, pero mantenga la calma y manténgase a salvo en ella.

José Robles es el propietario y director general de Landscape Warehouse, con cuatro tiendas de suministros de riego y dos viveros en el Valle de San Gabriel del Sur de California.

Es Tiempo para la Seguridad en la Temporada de Días Soleados y Temperaturas Cálidas

Por José Robles, Dueño y Gerente General de Landscape Warehouse

verano 2017

José Robles

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Summer Safety Tips

Having recently updated our Employee Handbook and Safety Policies, one of the issues we

addressed is that of working safely in warm weather. Our employees have always done some work outside – loading/unloading trucks, stacking pipe, etc. – but with the addition of two nurseries to our Landscape Warehouse family of companies our outdoor work has increased dramatically. So too, has the need to practice warm weather safety. Here are some points to consider during the hot days of summer and early fall…

Learn to recognize the early symptoms of heat illness: Dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, weakness and excessive fatigue. Symptoms can get worse rapidly to include mental confusion or odd behavior, irritability, rapid pulse, lots of sweating, hot skin, nausea or vomiting, seizures or fainting.

Train your employees, especially those who work outside in heat, to be aware of the dangers of heat illness, and to recognize its symptoms. They must learn to take steps to protect themselves. Such as:

• Drink approximately 1 quart (3-4 glasses) of water per hour in warm weather. Avoid alcohol and caffein-ated drinks, as they can cause dehydra-tion.

• Wear wide-brimmed hats and light, loose-fitting clothing for sun protec-tion.

• Take breaks as needed in cool, shaded areas.

Rest breaks in cool, shady areas for your crews allow the body to cool down. If no shade exists at the worksite, bring shade with you in the form of a

shade pop-up. Do most of your work in the shade when you can.

Make sure there is plenty of clean, cool drinking water on hand. Your crew leaders must be an example for your workers, encouraging them to drink a quart of water every hour. For an 8-hour day, you’ll need to provide 2 or more gallons per person.

Be alert of warm weather hazards, even when it’s not 90°F. Heat sickness can occur in less than super hot weather when there is high humidity, if workers are wearing protective clothing, or the work is especially strenuous. Even work in 70°F weather can present a risk if these factors are involved.

Give workers time to gradually adjust to the heat. This is especially important for those who have been off work for a while, either on a long vacation or due to a long illness. Workers recently arriving from a cooler climate may take extra time to adjust.

Get medical help quickly by calling 9-1-1 if you believe a crewmember is

showing early signs of heat illness... even if the person doesn’t want help. If

work takes place in a remote area, know where your nearest cell phone reception is, and know how to guide

emergency responders to the work location.

Get the heat sufferer to a shady or cool area immediately, remove or loosen any heavy clothing, lightly spray them with water, fan them

as best you can, and give them water or Gatorade. Don’t leave them alone until they have been seen by a medical person or emergency

responder.

Yes, enjoy the sunshine, but stay cool and be safe in it.

Jose Robles is the Owner and General Manager of Landscape Warehouse, with four irrigation supply stores and two nurseries in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California.

Summer 2017

It’s the Season for Sunny Days and Warm Weather SafetyBy Jose Robles, Owner and General Manager, Landscape Warehouse

Jose Robles

1835 N. Fine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727(559) 650-3555 ph / (559) 650-3558 fx

Website: www.lcisinc.com

Safety Tips Wanted!Do you have some safety tips that have made a difference for your company? Send them to LCIS at the address below, ATTN: Editor, and they might appear as future Safety Tips to share with your fellow CLCA members.

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