Anti Vehicle Crime Association of Wisconsin, Inc.

P.O. Box 1522, Brookfield, WI 53008-1522

Marshfield was again the site of the Spring Seminar sponsored by AVCAW. This year we set out kind of a whodunit, as our insured, Richard Lester’s vehicle was stolen and recovered later on fire. Information was presented by the NICB on vehicle identification and red flags, and Midstates Investigations did a car fire overview and an on scene origin and cause investigation on the actual vehicle. Attendees, divided up into investigative teams, had the opportunity to get dirty inspecting the vehicle. They also had the opportunity to work an insurance claim investigation from an SIU perspective, gathering and reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses and involved parties. The day culminated in an Examination Under Oath in which students wrote and asked some of the questions of the poor Mr. Lester.

This seminar was offered at no charge to any law enforcement officer, and to any AVCAW member in good standing. It provided an education opportunity for insurance and law enforcement professionals to work together

The Anti-Vehicle Crime Association of Wisconsin, Inc. (AVCAW) will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. at Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI.

The purpose of this meeting will be to elect members to the Board of Directors of AVCAW to fill the terms of those expiring at the end of 2005, and conduct other business that comes before the Board.

The meeting is open to all AVCAW members in good standing as of the date of the annual meeting. Attendance is encouraged.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

 

WI State Patrol                                                American Family Insurance

President                                                         Vice President

NICB-Wisconsin                                             American Family Insurance

Secretary                                                         Treasurer

IRL Investigations                                              Kenosha Sheriff’s Dept

State Farm Insurance                                        Hawkeye Insurance

General Casualty Insurance                             Sentry Insurance

Midstates Investigations                                   State Farm Insurance

State Farm Insurance                                       Waukesha Police Dept.

Wendy Scheper (06)

American Family Insurance

RON AEBLY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

 

On September 18^th 2001, Ron Aebly, Special Agent with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), member of the Board of Directors of AVCAW, Ex FBI agent, father, husband and friend of many, passed away. His untimely passing struck many of us with an additional shot of reality at a time when no more reality was needed.

Ron worked tirelessly in his duties with NICB, being there when needed days, nights and weekends. His constant diligence and "here to serve" attitude helped many individuals in the insurance and law enforcement communities. His assistance to those in need also in turn helped those companies and agencies employing these professionals. Ron also offered invaluable assistance as a Board member of AVCAW, serving also on the annual seminar planning committee and many, many subcommittees. We will all miss Ron, not only for his humble assistance, but mostly for his friendship.

It is in this spirit that the AVCAW Board of Directors, minus one vote (Aebly), put forth and approved the creation of the Ron Aebly Award of Excellence. This award will be presented  to an AVCAW member who best exemplifies those traits that were put forth by the standard bearer, Ron Aebly.

The first award plaque read as follows:

IN RECOGNITION OF SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND FOR RISING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, THE ANTI-VEHICLE CRIME ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN, PRESENTS THIS DISTINGUISHED AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO:

RON AEBLY

SPECIAL AGENT

NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU

FOR BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN DETERRING VEHICLE RELATED CRIMES AND INSURANCE FRAUD, BEING AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE ON VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND PROVIDING TRAINING AT AVCAW SEMINARS.  HIS RECOMMENDATIONS, PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS AND GUIDANCE HAVE LED TO COOPERATIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF VEHICLE FRAUD IN WISCONSIN.

IN MEMORY OF RON, EACH YEAR THE ANTI-VEHICLE CRIME ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN (AVCAW) WILL RECOGNIZE AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP WHO HAS EXEMPLIFIED THEMSELVES IN THE FIELD OF VEHICLE CRIME AND INSURANCE FRAUD.  THIS AWARD WILL BE KNOWN AS THE "RON AEBLY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE".

(ANY AVCAW member in good standing is welcomed at any AVCAW Quarterly meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President, Glen Jones, seconded by Steve Jones.

Secretary Laurance Burzynski was not present. Fred Haas moved to accept the secretary’s report as printed in the last newsletter and was seconded by Rich Lesniewski.

Mike Stagliano acted as Secretary for this meeting.

The treasurer’s report and Finance Committee’s report was given by Sue Cox:

As approved during the last board meeting, Don Sebetic has purchased a new computer and printer. The exact model was not known, however it was within the approved budgeted amount.

Kelly Taylor motioned to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by John Finnegan.

Don Sebetic was not present, however John Finnegan and Sue Cox reported that membership renewals have been sent. Bob Suehring will add renewal form to the AVCAW Website. He will also revise the membership form to include a check box option showing whether this is a renewal rather than requiring the entire form to be completed.

Sue Cox motioned to increase membership dues for next year. There was discussion to raise dues to either $20-25. The basis for the increase was to help subsidize/decrease the loss each year from the annual seminar.

Kelly Taylor motioned to table the dues increase until the May Board Meeting. The treasurer will provide a breakdown of our total annual expenses divided by dues collected.

Glen Jones stated that the motion did not have to be made, nor seconded in order to table the discussion until the next meeting.

Laurance Burzynski was not present to give the report. Glen Jones moved to forgo the report. Seconded by Fred Haas.

Bob Suehring made a request for articles for the next news letter. Currently there are no articles available. The news letter will be going out in mid-late March and therefore he would need any contributions to the newsletter by March 4^th. Bob noted that this newsletter would contain information regarding the Spring Seminar which is to be help May 10^th and 11^th.

Kelly Taylor reports that the RainTree Resort will not allow outside food to be brought in to the hospitality room. Further, they do not have any guest rooms that are large enough to accommodate a hospitality room and therefore the same room that the general meeting is taking place in would have to double as the hospitality room.

Chula was still willing to allow outside food and a separate hospitality room.

Room prices were comparative at $62/82 for single/double, however food cost and some AVA equipment and room set up costs were higher at RainTree than Chula Vista.

Set up price for events @ Chula would be the same as last year.

Kelly has been working with management at Chula Vista and the issues involving quality and service have been worked out. Due to deadlines to guarantee space, Kelly has already gone ahead and signed a contract with Chula Vista.

There will be a Board Meeting at Chula Vista on August 9, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.

The Fall Board Meeting will take place at Chula Vista on October 18 followed by the Fall Seminar October 19^th & 20^th.

Cost saving suggestions for Fall Seminar was to consider bringing our own wireless mics since Chula will charge $125 per microphone. Glen Jones has at least two which he will bring. Bob Suehring brought up the concern that if the mics we provide somehow damage Chulas sound system, AVCAW may be liable. No further discussion followed.

9). Bait Car:

Richard Waldherr reports that the ******(editor deleted location) could not accept the bait car donated by State Farm Insurance due to conditions in paragraph 3 & 4 of the agreement we asked them to sign. They had a concern over liability whereby in our agreement, we asked that once the police department no longer has a need for the use of the vehicle, that the vehicle be returned to AVCAW in the same condition minus normal wear and tear.

Greg Peterson revised the language of paragraph 3 & 4 and e-mailed the revisions to Lt. Harrison of the ****** (editor deleted location) Lt. Harrison thinks the city attorney would have no problem with the new language. The new language is currently being reviewed and we should have some feedback in the next two weeks.

Richard Waldherr informed the board that the******(editor deleted location) is looking at purchasing a GPS system which may cost as much as $10,000.00 and that they want to add an additional 3 or 4 bait cars.

There was discussion of why the ****** (editor deleted location) would not just accept the car without an agreement to help cut through the red tape. There was also discussion of titling the car from State Farm directly to the ****** (editor deleted location) and not having AVCAW involved with titling.

There was also discussion regarding any liability to AVCAW or the individual that installed any system in the bait car. Since the****** (editor deleted location) has their own technical personnel who could do the actual installation, we would have their department do the installation however inform them of the availability of Al Artzberger.

There was a motion made by Fred Haas that State Farm donate the vehicle directly to ******* (editor deleted location). We would also have Al Artzberger act as a consultant to work with ****** (editor deleted location) on the installation of the capture equipment with agreement that we would have the equipment returned when they are done using it. AVCAW would not request that the vehicle be returned.

Glen Jones stated that no motion was needed. The bait car committee will decide on their own whether to negate agreement to AVCAW wanting the car back.

Fred Haas motioned and Sue Cox seconded paying Al Artzberger an honorarium for removing the capture equipment from the current bait car. Sue will find out how much we paid last time and we will pay him the same.

Fred Haas reports there is nothing new to report. Bob Suehring stated that we are looking for awards nominations for the Ron Aebly Award.

12 & 13) No Old or New Business to discuss Rich Waldherr motioned to adjourn and seconded by Sue Cox.

Board Members in attendance were Mike Stagliano, Sue Cox, Don Sebetic, Kurt Klapperich,

Jim Gustafson, Kelle Taylor, Greg Peterson, Bob Suehring, Bill Lundy, and Laurance Burzynski;

Members at large in attendance were Brian Bettinger and Rich Lesniewski.

AVCAW President Glen Jones was absent and Kurt Klapperich chaired this meeting.

Secretary’s Report:

A motion was made by Kelle Taylor to accept the Secretary’s Report as printed; the motion was seconded by Bob Suehring, and it was approved by the Board.

Treasurer’s Report:

Sue Cox provided documents explaining our current financial status. A motion was made by Bob Suehring to accept Sue’s report; Kelle Taylor seconded the motion, and it was approved by the Board.

Finance Committee:

Kurt Klapperich discussed the current status of Glen Jones as AVCAW President and how that negatively effected the development of a new sponsorship letter to our corporate sponsors. Kurt advised that a sponsorship letter will get out as soon as possible. Sue Cox made a motion to accept the Finance Committee report; the motion was seconded by Jim Gustafson and approved by the Board.

Membership Committee Report:

Don Sebetic reported that we currently have about 90 members and that he has revamped new member application and renewal database, and copies of that information will be sent out shortly. Sample forms were distributed. Sebetic discussed the new AVCAW computer and needs. A motion was made by Bob Suehring to accept the Membership Report; the motion was seconded by Sue Cox, and it was approved by the Board.

NICB Hotline/Tip Report:

Buzz Burzynski reported that no money has been paid out by the NICB for hotline tips in Wisconsin during this quarter. A motion was made by Sue Cox to accept the NICB Hotline/Tip Report; the motion was seconded by Don Sebetic and approved by the Board.

Bob Suehring stated that he will work toward publishing a newsletter following the Spring Training Program, May 10^th. Don Sebetic reported the new AVCAW computer was and running. Mike Stagliano made a motion to accept the Public Relations/Newsletter Report; Kelle Taylor seconded the motion, and it was approved by the Board.

Seminar/Education Report:

Absent from last quarters meeting, Kelle Taylor had nothing new to report. A discussion regarding Chula Vista Resort as our joint AVCAW/WISIU Fall Conference site followed. It was reported that Chula Vista is converting the resort to time share condominiums and may not be available for use after this conference. Sites for 2006 and beyond joint seminars were discussed. Burzynski did confirm that NICB was providing three instructors for the Fall Conference: Robert Henderson – snowmobiles; Steve King – vehicle identification by glass; and Jerry Dolan – NICB CMS and databases. Bill Lundy made a motion to accept Kelle Taylor’s report, it was seconded by Don Sebetic, and it was approved by the Board.

Bait Car Committee Report:

Both Greg Peterson and Burzynski reported an impasse with the ****** (editor deleted location): PD needs approval of the Common Council to accept the bait car; State Farm has been storing the bait car for almost nine months waiting for PD acceptance. Peterson added that State Farm has done everything within their power to facilitate acceptance of the vehicle by PD, but to no avail. Motion was made to accept the Bait Car Committee report by Don Sebetic; the motion was seconded by Sue Cox, and it was approved by the Board.

Report of the Bylaws Committee:

Mike Stagliano stated there was nothing to report.

Awards Committee Report:

Fred Haas being absent, Don Sebetic suggested an announcement be made to our membership requesting the submission of names for the Ron Aebly Award of Excellence. Greg Peterson made a motion suggesting same that was seconded by Bill Lundy and approved by the Board.

Old Business:

None.

Burzynski advised the Board that he was contacted by NCRC/IAATI Past President Steve Reid who stated that they are looking at Wisconsin for the site of the May 2007 Midwest Motor Vehicle Theft Conference. A proposed site was Madison, or the Fox Valley. Burzynski reported that Reid was looking for AVCAW to possibly join in the venture. Sue Cox stated that more information is needed before we make any decision to support NCRC/IAATI.

Kurt Klapperich reported that he received information this evening that President Glen Jones wants to resign his AVCAW position as he has accepted a position as a labor negotiator for the Wisconsin Troopers Association. Klapperich requested that Burzynski contact Jones and ask that he submit a written letter of resignation and any AVCAW databases or documents he may have in his possession.

Submitted by AVCAW Secretary Laurance Burzynski

The Anti-vehicle Crime Association fall seminar is going to be held October 19^th and October 20^th at the Chula Vista hotel in Wisconsin Dells. The room and seminar costs will be the same as last year. The seminar cost includes the hospitality suite, lunch and dinner on the 19^th and breakfast on the 20^th.

The topics to be presented are:

Vehicle glass identification

NICB Communications and information availability

Snowmobile and ATV identification

Vehicle theft deterrent systems, can new vehicles systems be defeated?

Workers Compensation fraud

More information including a registration form will follow in a separate mailing. Reserve these dates and watch your mailbox for more information and the registration! We hope to see you all there!

AND>>Do not forget to attend the annual meeting, Tuesday afternoon, October 18th beginning at 2:30 p.m.!