LOCATION: James R. Larson Forum Building, 605 11th Ave SE, Suite 205, Olympia, WA 98501

MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 134, Olympia, WA 98507

TELEPHONE: (360)943-3880 1-(800)491-9322 FAX: (360)664-0415

EMAIL: wfca@wfca.wa.gov WEB SITE: www.wfca.wa.gov

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID OLYMPIA WA

PERMIT NO 268

WASHINGTON

FIRE COMMISSIONERS

ASSOCIATION

POST OFFICE BOX 134

OLYMPIA WA 98507

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Join us at the Tulalip Resort for the

71st Annual Conference.

Register today!

Name: Title:

Representing:

Please check here if you are a first time attendee:

Email address (for registration confirmation/billing):

If you wish to register for the entire conference (including meals), complete OPTION 1 below. If you wish to

register for a portion of the conference, complete OPTION 2 below. (Please fill out EITHER Option 1 or Option

2, not both.) Please include information on any special dietary needs with your registration. Questions? Contact

the WFCA office at (800)491-9322.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM

(Registration is available online! Visit www.wfca.wa.gov)

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $ ________________________

CHECK ENCLOSED BILL DISTRICT/RFA VISA/MASTERCARD (Billing/Authorization form will be emailed

to address listed above)

Advance Registration must be received by the WFCA office no later than Friday, October 18, 2019

Please make checks payable to the WFCA. No refunds on registration after October 18, 2019 WFCA, PO Box 134, Olympia, WA 98507

Questions? (360)943-3880 or (800)491-9322 FAX: (360)664-0415 Email: wfca@wfca.wa.gov

Member Registration One day ...................................... $170.00 Day attending: _______________________________________ Two days .................................... $275.00 Days attending: ______________________________________ Three days .................................. $325.00 Days attending: Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Non-Member Registration One day ...................................... $460.00 Day attending: _______________________________________ Two days .................................... $585.00 Days attending: ______________________________________ Three days .................................. $710.00 Days attending: Thursday, Friday & Saturday

(daily registration fee does not include meals—meals may be purchased below)

Member Registration Prior to October 18, 2019 ..................................................................................................................... $340.00 After October 18, 2019 ......................................................................................................................... $390.00

Non-Member Registration Prior to October 18, 2019 ..................................................................................................................... $790.00 After October 18, 2019 ......................................................................................................................... $840.00

(full registration fee includes a Thursday Lunch, Friday Banquet and Saturday Breakfast ticket)

Thursday Lunch Ticket: #_______ @ $32.00/ea. = $

Ticket Recipient: Ticket Recipient:

Friday Banquet Ticket: #_______ @ $50.00/ea. = $

Ticket Recipient: Ticket Recipient:

Saturday Breakfast Ticket: #_______ @ $25.00/ea. = $

Ticket Recipient: Ticket Recipient:

(extra ticket recipient name required)

LODGING OPTIONS: To receive the group rate, please mention you’re with the WFCA when making reservations.

TULALIP RESORT, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271 Room rate: $159 (Group Rate available until October 3, 2019)

For reservations call (360)716-6000 or (866)716-7162

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES, 8606 36th Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98270 Room rate for studio suite or double queen: $113 (Oct. 23 & 24) and $129 (Oct. 25)

For reservations call (360)530-1234

The WFCA Board of Directors invites you to attend the 71st Annual Conference of the Washington Fire Commissioners Association, being

held Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26 at the Tulalip Resort. This brochure contains a complete schedule of events,

class descriptions and registration form (you may also register online by visiting www.wfca.wa.gov).

Thursday morning will kickoff the official start to conference with a buffet breakfast sponsored by Rice Fergus Miller Architecture &

Planning, ESIP, and DA Davidson & Company. The opening ceremonies will feature a keynote address by Ms. Kat Perkins, a finalist on The

Voice television program and a nationally recognized speaker. Her inspiring presentation will set the tone for this year’s event. The WFCA

appreciates the support of Enduris in helping to bring Ms. Perkins to the Tulalip. Educational programs will feature relevant topics such as

implementing a wellness program, legal and legislative issues, surviving a lawsuit, cyber intrusion, bond issues, leadership and an

opportunity to discuss issues with representatives from several state agencies.

Prior to the official opening of conference, a WFCA Health Care Workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, for current

participating fire service organizations as well as non-participants interested in the program. This workshop will cover the latest

information on benefits, rates and federal mandates, and time will be allotted for questions and answers.

The popular Legal Committee Meeting and Vendor Exhibit Tables will also take place on Wednesday afternoon as well as the “Welcome to

Conference” reception. The WFCA appreciates the support of several west side fire commissioner associations as they join together to

welcome attendees to the Tulalip Resort. Make your plans today to attend the WFCA Conference—it’ll be a whale of a time!

Now is the time to make your room reservations—see below for lodging venues, room rates and telephone numbers. To receive the group rate, please mention you’re with the WFCA.

A Health Care Workshop featuring the latest information regarding the WFCA-sponsored program will be held Wednesday, October 23rd at 3:30 pm. All interested parties can register to attend by visiting www.wfca.wa.gov.

Commissioners that have served for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 years are eligible for an honorary service award. Please contact the association office for more information or an application.

Several west side Fire Commissioner Associations will host a “Welcome to Conference” event on Wednesday, 4 pm, at the Tulalip Resort. Please be sure to stop by and say “Hello!”

Be sure to support associate members at conference. Their participation in the vendor exhibit tables, sponsorships, and Suppliers’ Luncheon is an important component of a successful conference!

Please contact the WFCA office if you know of any commissioner, secretary or chief that has passed away during the year so that they may be included in the memorial service during Opening Ceremonies.

An educational grant program is available to member districts/RFAs whose assessed value is less than $75 million. A limited number of complimentary conference registrations are available. To apply, contact the WFCA office.

Management Excellence Awards (MEA) will be presented during the Friday evening banquet. All fire districts/RFAs that enter will have a dinner table reserved for their group. Deadline for entry is September 2nd.

PROXY AUTHORITY

NAME:

Commissioner RFA Elected Official Secretary Fire Chief Attorney

is authorized to serve as proxy for: (Name & Title) of (Fire District/RFA)

The active member unable to attend the business meeting must obtain the signatures from the majority of his/her governing board:

PROXY AUTHORITY

ARTICLE 2 —VOTING RIGHTS Each active member* in attendance at the annual meeting shall be entitled to one vote in person and one vote for each proxy (if any) carried by the member, on each matter submitted to the vote of the members. No other class of members shall have voting rights. Each active member unable to attend a membership meeting may authorize such member's vote to be cast by proxy. The proxy vote may be cast by the active member, secretary, fire chief or attorney of a member district or regional fire authority if authorized in writing by the governing board of the proxy voter's member district or regional fire authority. Proxy authorizations must be submitted to the association seven (7) days prior to the membership meeting at which such proxy vote may be cast. No individual may serve as proxy for more than two active members. The Proxy Authority form below must be returned to the WFCA office by Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Mail to: WFCA, PO Box 134, Olympia, WA 98507

or Fax to: (360) 664-0415

or Scan form and email to: wfca@wfca.wa.gov

*Active member “is an individual who holds elected office of a member fire protection district or regional fire authority that has paid its annual district or regional fire authority membership fee to the association.“ Article 1, Section 2, WFCA Bylaws

WASHINGTON FIRE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION Schedule of Events

October 23rd October 24th October 25th October 26th

TIME WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

8:00 am Conference INSTALLATION

8:30 Kickoff Breakfast Surviving a BREAKFAST

9:00 WFCA sponsored by Rice Fergus Lawsuit

Board Meeting Miller Architecture, ESIP & or REINVENT

D.A. Davidson & Company Successful Tax Measures YOUR

9:30 OPENING CEREMONIES & Bond Market Update LEADERSHIP!

10:00 Introductions Presented

10:30 Memorial Lawsuit (continued) by

1st Call for Nominations or Jim Mathis

Kat Perkins, Keynoter What’s New?

Sponsored by Enduris State Agency Panel

12:00 pm SUPPLIERS’ LUNCHEON Eye-to-Eye Exposition

12:00-3:00 pm

1:30 WFCA Hot Button Legal &

Legal Committee Legislative Issues Business Meeting

or 1:30 pm

2:30 Firefighter Wellness Board Elections

3:00 2:00-2:30 pm

3:30 WFCA Health Care Hot Button Legal &

Program Presentation Legislative Issues

4:00 Vendor Exhibit Tables (continued)

Welcome to Conference or

Reception Protecting your

WFCA Registration Agency from Cyber

Desk Opens Intrusion

5:00 Suppliers' Hospitality

6:00 Rooms Open No-Host Social &

6:30 SNURE SEMINAR BANQUET

(Separate registration will be Honorary Life Members

mailed by Snure Law Office) Service Awards

MEA Presentation

Entertainment

CONFERENCE RUNDOWN (for date & time see Schedule of Events)

WFCA Board Meeting Members are invited to attend the WFCA Board meeting on Wednesday at 9 am. 2019 Board Members are: Gerry Gustafson, Graham Fire & Rescue (President), Brad Lothspeich, Clark 6 (Vice President), Dan Rankin, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (Secretary/Treasurer), Jack Hensley, Spokane 4 (Region 1), Brad Langdell, Walla Walla 5 (Region 2), Dwight Vander Vorste, Grant 10 (Region 3), Les Riel, Yakima 4 (Region 4), Larry Kibbee, Skagit 13 (Region 5), Chris Elwell, King 2 (Region 6), Gene Dobry, Lacey Fire District 3 (Region 7), Dean Bloemke, Clark 6 (Region 8), and Gene Carmody, Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue (Region 9).

WFCA Legal Committee Meeting A panel of legal experts will discuss “hot topics” and field your questions on Wednesday afternoon during this informal general session.

WFCA Health Care Workshop A workshop featuring the latest information on the association’s Health Care Program will be held mid-afternoon on Wednesday. Anne Marvin, WFCA Health Care Manager and representatives from Parker, Smith and Feek (broker) and Trusteed Plans Service Corporation (claims administrator) will be on hand to provide updates and answer your questions. Program participants, as well as non-participants, are welcome to attend. Please pre-register at www.wfca.wa.gov.

Vendor Exhibit Tables Please plan to visit the vendor exhibit tables on Wednesday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to say “hello” to associate members and find out about the latest products and services our vendors have to offer.

“Welcome to Conference” Hospitality, sponsored by Sno-Isle, Skagit, Whatcom, Pierce, & Thurston County Fire Commissioner Associations On Wednesday afternoon, several west-side Fire Commissioner Associations have joined together to sponsor a “Welcome to Conference” reception to welcome conference attendees to the Tulalip Resort. Be sure to stop by to renew acquaintances and meet new friends!

Registration Desk The WFCA registration desk will be open for conference packet pickup on Wednesday at 4 pm, at 7:30 am on Thursday and 8 am on Friday.

Snure Seminar In conjunction with the WFCA conference, Attorney Brian Snure will present the 31st Annual Laws Update Seminar on Wednesday evening. Registration is separate from the WFCA conference; visit www.snurelaw.com or contact the Snure Law Office directly at (206) 824-5630.

“Conference Kickoff” Breakfast Delegates are invited to the “Conference Kickoff” breakfast Thursday morning, hosted by Rice Fergus Miller Architecture, ESIP, and D.A. Davidson & Company. The WFCA Board and Staff appreciate the generous support of these associate members!

Conference Opening Ceremonies Members will assemble Thursday morning at 9:30 to officially open the WFCA’s 71st annual conference. President Gustafson will introduce distinguished guests followed by a welcoming address from a local dignitary. Fire commissioners, chiefs and district secretaries that have passed away during the year will be recognized and honored during the memorial service.

Refreshment Break Sponsors Please take some time to visit refreshment break sponsors whose generous support provides funding for the WFCA educational grant program. The grants, which offer several complimentary conference and seminar registrations each year, are available to member fire districts and RFAs whose assessed value is $75 million or less. On behalf of the individuals who receive these grants each year, the Board and Staff thank all of the break sponsors who make this important program possible.

Suppliers’ Luncheon Enjoy a plated meal and have some fun at Thursday’s luncheon sponsored by several WFCA Associate Members. You may hold a lucky ticket and win a door prize!

Suppliers’ Hospitality Rooms Associate Members provide attendees the opportunity to network and meet other fire service personnel in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Please visit hospitality suites on Thursday evening to support companies that support you!

Business Meeting & Board Elections Friday’s annual business meeting will feature an overview of the association’s financial and operational status as well as committee

reports. Board elections will take place from 2:00-2:30 pm.

Installation Breakfast On Saturday morning, a plated breakfast will be served during which the 2020 Board of Directors will be installed and administered the oath of office.

SEMINARS

Keynote Address—Kat Perkins KAT PERKINS has learned to live a fearless life. Fearless in the pursuit of her dreams, fearless in doing and standing up for what’s right, and fearless in her efforts to make a positive impact on the world. Hear about her struggles, triumphs, and how she perseveres as she pursues her dreams. Kat is a nationally recognized motivational speaker who will deliver an inspiring message about finding your passion, working with others and being a leader, developing a positive attitude and working towards your dreams—learn steps to live fearlessly in your life!

“Hot Button” Legal & Legislative Issues Fire service attorney Brian Snure will moderate a panel of legal experts discussing issues such as the new bid limit laws, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), long term care, and discrimination laws, just to name a few. Fire districts and regional fire authorities are created in statute and must operate under various laws and regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to review new and current laws that impact elected officials.

Implementing a Firefighter Wellness Program Back by popular demand, Dr. Guy Earle, Fire Commissioner at Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, will provide an informative session on implementing a firefighter wellness program. This 1-1/2 hour presentation will include a discussion of the “Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative” and “Healthy In, Healthy Out” recommendations. Dr. Earle will review a plan for determining a cost-effective program based on your agency’s needs and available funds while using best practices for implementation.

How to Protect your Fire Service Agency from Cyber Intrusion Computer hacking and cyber crime is a growing concern for individuals and businesses as well as federal, state and local governments. Fire districts are not immune to this growing problem. The question becomes, “How do we protect ourselves?” Cyber security experts will be on hand to present an informative and valuable program on how to protect not only your district’s confidential material, but to secure your personal information as well.

Surviving a Lawsuit Clark County Fire District 6 went through a lengthy employment litigation case which was resolved in December 2018. After a six-week jury trial, the fire district prevailed with a full defense verdict. Attorneys Charles Lind and Megan Starks of Patterson, Buchanan, Fobes & Leitch will present a historical case analysis of what the district went through and will provide insight on how best practices can be utilized to manage the far-reaching impact of litigation on your organization. This seminar will emphasize the importance of topics such as maintaining confidentiality, preparing employees for depositions, responding to public disclosure requests and addressing legal issues such as collective bargaining agreements and public meeting laws within the context of tort claims and lawsuits. This is a “must attend” for fire service agencies with paid employees.

Successful Tax Measures & Bond Market Update Jim Nelson, Vice President of D.A. Davidson, will begin this workshop with an overview of Bond Election Results and Bond Market Updates. Following Jim’s presentation, this 1-1/2 hour session will feature a panel of Fire Chief Executive Officers who will provide case studies that have led to successful passage of bond measures. The case study analysis will provide a winning blueprint on how to communicate with voters on much needed capital projects. Don’t miss this informative and interactive workshop!

What’s New? A State Agency Interactive Workshop with Fire Districts & RFAs This panel presentation will focus on current issues and programs offered by the Washington State Auditor’s Office and the Department of Natural Resources. How can we communicate and interact with these and other state agencies? Have questions for the Auditor? How about finding out what’s new at DNR? Discover what issues will be in the forefront in 2020. Bring your questions and be prepared for lively interaction with our state agency partners!

Eye-to-Eye Exposition The popular Eye-to-Eye Exposition offers attendees an opportunity to interact one-on-one with representatives from a variety of state, federal, and non-profit organizations. Participants will also have a chance to win a prize, so be sure to check out the agencies represented at the Expo! Reinvent Your Leadership You can’t manage people and work with governments today like you could just a few years ago; but you can reinvent your thinking, your leadership style and the basics of what you do to be more effective. Mr. Jim Mathis, a bestselling author and certified speaking professional, will work with attendees to identify community values, zero in on outdated policies or programs that have become “dinosaurs” in your districts, and help you to recognize what is changing in organization management. Participants will be engaged in an energetic, entertaining, interactive presentation that will allow them to develop ideas and discover what is needed to move forward in their management style.