The first quarter of 2013 is now on the books, and we are off to a great year. In February we successfully completed the conversion of our new claim management system, and we continue to move forward with our policy management conversion scheduled for later this year. We are extremely excited about the implementation of both these systems as they will improve services and response time to our all of our customers. 

We have several industry related events that RAS will attend or sponsor during the second quarter. First is our Minnesota Agents Continuing Education Seminar April 5. This year’s focus is on Trends in the Minnesota Work Comp Industry. In addition to two of RAS’ staff presenting, we are pleased to have Charlie Feenstra, attorney and shareholder of Heacox, Hartman, and Koshmrl share from a legal perspective the Minnesota Work Comp trends. Other upcoming events which RAS supports or attends are the annual SD Work Comp Summit April 17 and 18 in Sioux Falls, as well as the Minnesota WC Symposium on May 8. Also on May 8 is the MIIAB Annual Convention in Minneapolis. If you need more information about these any of these events, please click on the links to the right or contact your RAS Business Development Manager. We hope to see you there.

Don’t forget our 2013 agent new business sales incentive program. Three trips will be awarded to the top three producers of new business in 2013. For rules and details CLICK HERE.

Work with us, there is a difference, at RAS workers’ compensation is WHAT WE DO.

2013 SD Work Comp Summit
RAS is proud to have co-sponsored the SD Work Comp Summit with Howalt+McDowell Insurance once again this year. 2013 boasted a new date, new venue, and record attendance with nearly 450 attendees representing over 200 companies. We would like to thank our new and returning sponsors and exhibitors for allowing the Summit to be such a success yet again. Please visit www.workcompsd.com for additional information.
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Minnesota Continuing Education Materials Available through myRASsm
On April 5th, at the Mendakota Country Club, RAS sponsored its 4th annual continuing education program for our Minnesota Agents. Over 80 RAS agents and insureds attended and received 3 free hours of continuing education which focused on workers’ compensation trending in the state. The speakers this year were Stan Kulzer from RAS, he presented Trends in Ergonomics and the Aging Worker; John Gold, also with RAS, discussed When OSHA Pays a Visit, and Charlie Feenstra from the law firm Heacox and Hartman provided an update on the Legal Trends in Minnesota Workers’ Compensation. Copies of these presentations are available to all RAS agents and insureds through the Resources section on myRASsm To access, CLICK HERE. 
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RAS Sponsors Make-A-Wish Child
RAS was proud to sponsor a local South Dakota child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation which provided a trip to Jamaica for him and his family. To learn more about RAS' Make-A-Wish sponsorship and other local invovlement in our communities, CLICK HERE.
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Opioid Use and Misuse
With workers' compensation claim costs continually on the rise, the insurance industry struggles to identify and control the largest claim costs. This article focuses on the increasing cost of opioid usage in workers' compensation and what can be done to keep these costs in check. CLICK HERE to read the article.
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2013 Agent New Business Sales Incentive Contest
RAS announces a new business incentive contest for our appointed agents! Three prizes will be awarded to the top producers of new business in 2013. CLICK HERE for rules and prize details. Contact your dedicated Business Development Manager with questions and GOOD LUCK!___________________________________________________________________________________