Built for This Moment
CRMBC members and brokers gathered at Balboa Bay Resort on September 24–25 for the 2026 Annual Member Meeting and welcome reception. Discussions covered workers’ compensation, legal developments, and practical risk-management approaches.
The theme, “Built for This Moment,” reflected CRMBC’s purpose: giving California restaurant operators greater control over workers’ compensation through a member-governed, self-insured group.
Guest Speaker Highlights
Four guest speakers shared their perspectives on developments affecting California employers:
- Lyn Asio-Booz, Chief of California’s Office of Self-Insurance Plans, discussed California’s self-insurance landscape and its history.
- Scott McDonough, President of Midwest Employers Casualty, covered the state of the workers’ compensation insurance industry.
- Amanda Valencia Rodriguez, Founding Partner of AVR Law and a California Bar Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law, discussed cumulative trauma claims, emerging trends, and litigation strategies.
- Eric De Wames, Managing Partner at Michael Sullivan & Associates, discussed PAGA developments, employer exposure, and the importance of preserving evidence.
CRMBC Program Updates
CRMBC’s program leaders provided updates on the financial, claims, underwriting, and safety programs that support the group.
- Jerry Laval, President, The PATH Alliance, reviewed CRMBC’s financial results and membership growth.
- Randy Bugg, Senior Vice President, Pacific Claims Management, discussed claims performance, early reporting, communication, and claim-cost management.
- Scott Gaffner, Chief Underwriting Officer, The PATH Alliance, explained CRMBC’s underwriting approach, including member selection and managing long-term costs.
- Jon Wroten, Senior Vice President, The PATH Alliance, outlined CRMBC’s safety and loss prevention program, including safety reviews, regulatory compliance, and member resources.
Thank you to our speakers and to Midwest Employers Casualty for sponsoring the event.
Connecting as a Community
The welcome reception and breaks between sessions gave members and brokers time to reconnect, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges facing their businesses. These conversations are an important part of the Annual Member Meeting and the relationships that support CRMBC.
“This year’s Annual Member Meeting highlighted what makes CRMBC so well positioned for this moment. Our strength comes from an engaged membership, a culture of collaboration, and a program built to deliver long-term stability in an increasingly challenging workers’ compensation market. We have a great deal to be proud of, and I’m excited about what we can continue to build together.”
Kaya Stanley
CEO and Board Chair, CRMBC
Event Photos
Browse photos from the 2026 Annual Member Meeting and welcome reception in our event gallery.
Explore CRMBC Membership
CRMBC is a California self-insured group formed by and for restaurant owners. Contact us to learn how membership works and whether the program could be a fit for your business.
