Galveston Capital Tourism and Marketing - Seven Reasons to FALL for Galveston This October

 

With cooler weather, Galveston comes alive in the fall with its popular outdoor events and festivals – some popular traditions and activities that both locals and visitors look forward to every year. As the leaves turn colors and as the beach crowds wane, the focus is now more on the arts, theater, music, dining, sightseeing, bike-riding and walking along the Seawall to enjoy the cool breezes. And then there are the holiday events – from the spooks and ghosts of Halloween to the island’s longstanding “Dickens on The Strand” festival.

 

Here are seven highlights of just some of the things you can do in Galveston this fall:

 

Harvest Moon Regatta (Oct. 5)

 

Come out and watch as hundreds of sail boats take to the Gulf of Mexico for the annual Harvest Moon Regatta. This year, the race will start and finish in Galveston, with the start of the race located at 25th and Seawall Blvd. The boats will race on a distance established before the start between 100 and 170 miles.

 

ArtWalk (Oct. 14)

 

For over 25 years, the Galveston Art Center has produced an ArtWalk on Saturday nights in the heart of the historic district. Now spreading to other parts of the Island, ArtWalk occurs approximately every six weeks. Not a street festival, ArtWalk takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and what are called "other walls" — restaurants and retail stores. One of the Galveston Arts Center's largest programs, ArtWalk promotes visual art and supports our arts-based community, offering alternative places to see and learn about art.

 

Galveston Greek Festival (Oct. 14-15)

 

Galveston’s lively Greek Festival brings together top Greek dishes along with a variety of Greek ornaments, icons, jewelry and artwork that will please the most discerning shoppers. In its 34th year, the festival will include traditional foods like beef souvlaki, gyro, pastitsio, tiropites (cheese puff triangles) and favorites spanakopita (spinach triangles), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and keftedes (meat balls). And don’t forget the Greek salad with olives and feta cheese.

 

Galveston Heritage Day (Oct. 21)

 

This annual event is a celebration of Texas immigration in Galveston. Enjoy music, food and entertainment from numerous cultural groups and associations throughout the day while learning more about the early days of Galveston's immigration movement. Admission is absolutely free from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hendley Green for fantastic live music,  delicious food trucks, captivating craft beers and much more!

 

20th Annual ARToberFEST (Oct. 21-22)

 

Sponsored by the The Grand 1894 Opera House, ARToberFEST is the island’s biggest art event bringing together more than 125 artists from all over the country, each showcasing their creations – paintings, sculptures, drawings and more. Enjoy the bursts of colors from the artistic works while “sipping and strolling.” Have children? ARToberFEST offers a wonderful kids area that encourages them to create their own paintings and other works of art.

 

36th Annual Galveston Island Oktoberfest (Oct. 27-28)

 

Oktoberfest has been bringing Galvestonians, visitors of German heritage and those who just enjoy a great time together for 36 consecutive years. This fun, family festival weekend will feature continuous live entertainment on two stages, authentic German food and libations, Cake Wheel, fine arts, crafts and gifts; an exciting auction, exciting family and children's activities and much more. Oktoberfest will be held on the grounds of and streets adjacent to First Lutheran Church, 24th and Winnie - in historic downtown Galveston. Admission is free. German costumes encouraged.

 

Mini-Monster Bash (Oct. 28)

 

Saengerfest Park will be the central location for fun. There will be games, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and a costume contest. Contestants will compete for Cutest, Scariest, and Most Creative for age groups 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11. The festival will be free to the public and include Trick or Treat Stops at local businesses throughout Downtown Galveston.

Galveston Capital Tourism and Marketing Review Island Hotels - Where to Stay

 

People flock to Galveston year-round for lots of reasons. They enjoy the beaches, attractions and wildlife for weeks at a time, or for just a night or two before setting off to cruise the Caribbean. Fortunately, the island offers a wide variety of accommodations, from swanky resorts and beach houses to budget-conscious lodging and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Choosing the place that’s right for you may seem like an overwhelming task, but the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is happy to help! Call their toll-free visitor line (888-GAL-ISLE) for suggestions.

 

Hotels for Every Need

 

Whether you want luxury or just a clean place to crash after a day on the beach, Galveston has dozens of hotel options, most near the center of the island and major attractions.

 

Charming Bed and Breakfasts

 

Quaint and cozy, bed and breakfasts shouldn’t be overlooked. They offer all the comforts of home and are particularly suitable for couples seeking romantic getaways or picture-perfect places for weddings.

 

Family-Friendly Houses and Condos

 

These range from upscale condos with luxury amenities to beachfront homes that sleep entire families. Though situated all over the island, those on the West End offer a bit more privacy, as well as plenty of room (typically) for large groups.

 

Moody Gardens Offers New Attractions, Discounts for Spring Break

 

Spring break is almost here and Moody Gardens is offering new attractions, experiences and discounts to provide an enjoyable daytrip or extended vacation at one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.

 

Galveston's Pier 21 - An All Day Affair

 

Galveston’s Pier 21 has restaurants, an exclusive hotel, marina, theater, harbor tours and attractions.

 

#LoveGalveston Photo Contest - A Chance to Win Cash, and Be the Face of Galveston

 

There’s nothing like spending “island time” with your family, taking in the Galveston coast while making memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. While your memories may be priceless, capturing them in a photograph could lead to some extra bonuses.

 

10 Reasons You Should Get On "Island Time" in Galveston

 

The advent of spring in the Lone Star State heralds the arrival of warm weather, vibrant blue skies and blooming bluebonnets.

 

Exploring Galveston's Past through Museums, Attractions and Historic Buildings

 

When visiting the beach or relaxing at one of Galveston’s renowned resort hotels, the island’s historic past might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

 

First of 1 Million Cubic Yards of Sand Has Been Pumped Onto the Beach

 

The first of 1 million cubic yards of sand has been pumped onto the beach in a $19 million project to replenish over 3.5 miles of beach along Galveston's seawall.

 

Planning a Meeting? Why Not in Galveston?

 

Most visitors come to Galveston to relax on the beaches, stroll the Strand, maybe visit museums and to dine at some of the island’s most popular restaurants. Yet despite it being a vacation destination, Galveston is also a great place to hold meetings.

 

Rosenberg Library Presents Its January 2017 Treasure

 

On January 1, 1999—New Year’s Day—thousands of emotional Galvestonians gathered to witness the implosion of the Buccaneer Hotel—a beachfront icon which stood for more than 70 years on Seawall Boulevard.

 

Galveston.com Announces 2016 Best of the Island Winners

 

After weeks of nominations and tens of thousands of votes, we at Galveston.com are thrilled to present the Winners of the 2016 BEST OF GALVESTON AWARDS, "the Oscars of the Gulf Coast" according to The Houston Chronicle.

 

Home and Other Short-Term Rentals a Good Choice When Planning an Island Visit

 

Thinking about where to stay when spending time in Galveston? Why not try something new!

Galveston Financial Capital: Services

For help starting or expanding your business, connect with the Galveston County Small Business Development Center.

 

Consulting -

GC SBDC’s professional business consultants help you develop business plans and strategies, identify financing options, prepare loan packages and conduct financial check-ups using ProfitCents, a financial analytical software.  Our consultants have extensive, practical experience in varied fields including marketing, finance, retail and management. Most have been business owners themselves, many have advanced degrees. A Spanish to English translator is available upon request.

 

Workshops & Seminars -

GC SBDC’s affordable workshops and seminars cover business topics including marketing, finance, management, computers, taxes and executive skills enhancement. Our instructors share their real-world experience with you in our state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs. Our training seminars are designed to help broaden your business knowledge and improve your skills, whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned entrepreneur.

 

Specialty Programs -

Sell your products and services to federal, state and local government agencies, pursue international markets, receive free technical engineering assistance, or obtain discounted professional services through our specialty programs.

 

Business Library -

Whether you are starting, operating, or growing your business in Galveston County, our business research librarian can help you find the information you need to be successful.  Our business information services include access to our business library -- a comprehensive research and reference library offering extensive online and print business tools and resources -- and general reference assistance in conducting industry and market research.

Bricon Associates Pte Ltd - Travel Insurance

Whether you are travelling on vacation or for business, have a peace of mind for yourself and your family with our travel insurance. Our travel insurers are from the leading insurance providers in Singapore, AXA and Tenet. In collaboration with Tenet and AXA, we are pleased to offer you flexible and comprehensive travel insurance, which allows you to not pay for whatever you do not need.

 

AXA Travel Insurance

 

Tenet Travel Insurance

 

We have two different types of basic cover, annual policy and single-trip policy, both having options in covering yourself and family. If you are a frequent traveller, you will save more with the annual policy. This covers you for throughout a year.

 

Our Travel Insurance provides you with coverage that even starts 3 hours before your trip begins, and even after your trip.

 

With little exclusions, our travel insurance provides help with just a phone call, even covering for natural disasters and emergency medical evacuation and support.

Dr. Richard Isaacs LinkedIn Profile

ADDRESS:

6600 Bruceville Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823

 

Phone:

(916) 688-2000

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

Richard Isaacs joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and he has Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. His specialties include: orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Additionally, Rich is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery.

 

As Physician-in-Chief, Rich functions as the Medical Director of operations, including all inpatient and outpatient arenas. He also functions as the Chief Medical Officer for the 290 bed Acute Care Hospital and ACS Level II Trauma Center. In addition, he provides leadership for the 450 physicians and 3000 nurses and support staff.

Source: http://www.bagtheweb.com/b/m4eM3v

Dr. Richard S. Isaacs

 

Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor

#6 of 63 Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctors in Sacramento, California

 

EDUCATION:

  • Wayne State Univ Sch Of Med, Detroit Mi 48201 (Grad. 1988)

Joe Moore & Company, Inc. - Ceramic Fiber Insulation

We sell and install a variety of industrial ceramic fiber insulation, including ceramic fiber blanket, ceramic board, ceramic paper, and Pyro-Bloc modules. We stock ceramic blanket, board, paper, and Pyro-bloc in our warehouse in Raleigh, North Carolina. We can easily ship materials to your site, or, if you are local, we can arrange for local pickup.

 

Joe Moore & Company is an authorized Pyro-bloc dealer, and we are factory-trained installers. For 25 years, we have specialized in installing ceramic fiber linings in RTOs, gasifiers, brick kilns, heat treat furnaces, and boiler doors. We can install new Pyro-bloc linings in new equipment, and we can repair and replace existing ceramic fiber linings. Since we own all of the specialized guns and equipment for installing Pyro-bloc, we can respond quickly to your immediate needs. Furthermore, we have the welding and fabrication abilities to repair steel vessels lined with fiber, including RTO cans.

 

If you have any questions or would like pricing for ceramic fiber insulation, please call us at (919) 832-1665.

 

  • • Ceramic Fiber and other High Temp Insulation Inventory
    • Kaowool (Thermal Ceramics)
    • Ceramic fiber blanket
    • Ceramic fiber board
    • Ceramic paper
    • Low temperature board
    • Mineral wool
    • ETR blanket
    • 1900°F mineral block insulation
    • Pyro-bloc (various sizes and hardware options)
    • Insulating cement
    • Superwool (non-RCF)

Philip D. Backman Q.C: Corporate Borrower and Lender Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

With financing experience in North America and internationally, Phil acts for both corporate borrowers and lenders involved in syndicated credit agreements, public and private debt issues, cross-border financings, leveraged loans, project financings, debt restructurings, derivatives and other types of financings in oil and gas, oil sands, utilities, pipelines and other industries.

 

Select Experience

 

** North West Redwater Partnership in connection with its $3.5 billion credit facility and $1.0 billion bond offering, the proceeds of which will contribute to the funding of the construction of North West's $8+ Billion bitumen refinery in the Alberta Heartland. The project is supported by 30-year tolling commitments of the Government of Alberta and Canadian Natural.

 

** Husky Energy Inc. in connection with $3.2 billion of credit facilities.

 

** Acted as lead counsel to Canadian Natural Resources Limited in connection with $4.5 billion syndicated credit facilities with Royal Bank of Canada and other Canadian and international banks.

 

** Veresen Inc. in connection with Cutbank midstream acquisition which included a C$500 million bridge financing, C$550 million credit agreement and C$500 million senior notes.

 

** Cenovus Energy Inc. in a $5 billion term and bridge financing commitment from Royal Bank, the largest commitment in the history of the bank at the time, which was subsequently reduced to $2.5 billion as a result of a successful US$3.5 billion bond offering.

 

** Encana Corporation in connection with a C$4 billion credit agreement.

 

** Precision Drilling Corporation in connection with a US$1 billion credit facility with a group of Canadian and US banks.

 

** Acted as counsel to Precision Drilling Corporation in connection with a $650 million high yield note offering in the U.S. led by Credit Suisse.

 

** Acted as counsel to Precision Drilling Corporation in connection with a $200 million high yield note offering in Canada led the Royal Bank of Canada.

 

** Acted as lead counsel to Flint Energy Services Ltd. in connection with a $175 million syndicated credit facility led by Bank of Montreal.

 

** Acted as counsel to Flint Energy Services Ltd. in connection with a $175 million unsecured high yield note offering led by Credit Suisse.

 

** Clowhom Power LP, a subsidiary of Veresen Inc. in connection with a project financing for a BC hydro project.

 

** Acted as lead counsel to Royal Bank of Canada in connection with a $1 billion credit facility for ARC Resources Ltd.

 

** Acted as counsel for Calfrac Well Services in connection with its $300 million credit facilities and high yield note offerings.

 

 

** Acted for a public oil sands company in a project financing led by Alberta Treasury Branches and Bank of China (Canada).

 

** Acted for Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline in a $180,000,000 bond offering for its pipeline project.

 

** Riverstone Holdings LLC / Niska Gas Storage Canada ULC in connection with an offering of US$800 million of unsecured notes and a US$400 million secured operating facility.

 

** Alberta Ethane Gathering System LP, in connection with its $110 million issue of series A senior notes.

 

** Deer Creek Pipelines Limited and Deer Creek Energy Limited (now Total EP Canada Limited), in connection with the establishment and structuring of project financing for Joslyn Oil Sands Project.

 

** Nexen Inc., and its U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries, in connection with an aggregate of US$3 billion revolving term credit facilities.

 

** Nexen Inc., in connection with a US$500 million offering of 7.875 percent notes due on March 15, 2032.

 

** ATCO Group, in connection with the sale of its retail energy business to Direct Energy Marketing Limited.

 

** Shell Canada, in connection with Terasen Pipelines (Corridor) Inc.'s $525 million refinancing of the Corridor Pipeline System.

 

** A Canadian company working in oil sands development, in connection with seven credit agreements with Canadian and international banks totalling more than $2 billion.

 

** BNP Paribas, in connection with the completion of a cross-border US$180 million term loan B facility and a US$15 million working capital facility for Connacher Finance Corporation, the proceeds of which were used to finance the construction of Connacher's oil sands project in Northern Alberta and finance the operation of a refinery in Montana.

 

** Northwest Capital Appreciation, Inc., in connection with a $58 million leveraged buy-out of Northern Crane Services and with respect to the debt and equity financing for the acquisition.

 

** Canadian Natural Resources Limited, in connection with a $3.85 billion loan transaction for the purpose of assisting with the acquisition of Anadarko Canada Corporation.

 

Tokyo Mothers Group: All about Parties

Tokyo Party Fun

A popular party supply site and party consultation service!

Cake Fairy

Amazing, custom-made cakes for all occasions!

Bellas

An authentic English cake and cupcake bakery providing cakes for all occasions!

Mr Magicio

Children's birthday party entertainment!

Supagaijin

Entertainment for the whole family for any occasion as well as corporate events!

Planning a birthday party or other event?

From cakes, party supplies, and entertainment, the following websites can help you put together any party! If you have any ideas to add, please email us at coordinators@tokyomothersgroup.com

Williams Connolly Consulting Group Attorneys Practices

Williams & Connolly LLP is not organized into formal departments or practice groups. Litigation is the focus of the firm's attorneys. Advocacy is their skill. And good advocacy can be brought to bear in any kind of case. That is the firm's conviction, and that is one of the secrets of the firm's success.

 

Of course, individual lawyers develop knowledge and experience in particular areas of practice, and the firm draws on that knowledge and experience as it is needed. The firm's principal areas of practice are below.

 

Civil Litigation and Trial Practice

- Administrative Law

- Antitrust

- Arbitration

- Bankruptcy

- Class Action

- Commercial Litigation

- Directors and Officers Liability

- Employment and Labor

- False Claims Act and Qui Tam

- FDA Regulation

- Federal Programs, Aerospace and Defense, and Government Contracts

- Financial Services Litigation

- First Amendment and Media

- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

- Intellectual Property Litigation

- International Arbitration

- International Litigation

- Product Liability, Torts, and Medicine

- Professional Liability

- Real Estate

- Securities Enforcement

- Securities Litigation

- Sports

- Tax Controversy

- Trade Secrets

- Trademark and Copyright

 

Criminal Defense and Government Investigations

- Congressional Investigations

- Criminal Antitrust

- Economic Sanctions

- Environmental

- False Claims Act and Qui Tam

- Federal Programs, Aerospace and Defense, and Government Contracts

- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

- Health Care Fraud

- Public Corruption

- Securities Enforcement

- Tax

 

Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation

Transactions and Business Counseling

 

Margaret A. Keeley concentrates on complex civil and criminal trials.  She has represented corporations, law firms, and individuals in a wide range of issues throughout the United States, including securities fraud, accounting fraud, professional liability, and fiduciary duty matters. 

Elliott Electric Supply: Contacts Us

Contacts for Customers

 

Account Receivables

Have a question about a statement, invoice, or past payment? Our account receivables representatives are here Monday through Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm (CST) to assist you with any account-related inquiries you may have.

- Receivables Menu (Payments)

- Phone: (936) 715-4008

- Toll-Free: (888) 569-7943

- Fax: (936) 560-0074

 

Sales and Products

Looking for an Elliott Store near you? Or, maybe you want to find out if we can accommodate a special order? Our best-in-industry sales associates are available 6 days a week to assist in any way necessary (open 7am-5:30pm M-F and 8am till noon on Saturdays).

- Contact an Elliott Store

- 24/7 Emergency Service Numbers

- Your Sales Contacts (requires login)

- Purchasing Menu

 

Contacts for Vendors

 

Account Payables

We strive to accommodate our quality vendors in every possible way. We offer a specifically designed Vendor Portal to assist in managing vendor accounts. To begin using our Vendor Portal, call the Payables department:

- Phone: (936) 715-4013

 

Purchasing & Marketing

We're always interested in hearing about special promotions or new products from our vendors. Manufacturers of the products we distribute can reach our Inventory and Marketing departments Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:30pm (CST).

- Inventory Control: (936) 715-4004

- Marketing: (936) 715-4005

The Lexington Islington's Finest New Music Venue and Lounge Bar - Reviews

Bar Reviews

 

From The Guardian

"north London's Lexington now caters to hungry, cowboy-booted customers with an expanded menu"

 

From Party Earth

"what might seem like a laid back bar with a cosy atmosphere with great food.... is not all it seems, head upstairs to see some of the best new and old acts playing rock and punk with a cheeky dash of singer songwriters. you won't be disappointed visiting this bar."

 

From Fluid London

"one of the best Sunday roasts in London!"

 

Live Reviews

 

Review of the Lydia Lunch show all-dayer

"London. Brilliant.

Ignore all that stuff you hear about people not talking to each other on the rattling old underground or the overpriced beer in anywhere not called Wetherspoons."

 

Sleaford Mods at The Lexington

"The crowd pours out of The Lexington, muttering, “Fucking hell”, and “That was intense.” They’re not wrong. The Sleaford Mods have been declared the voice of Britain in the 21st century, if that’s the case I’m afraid we may all be just a little bit fucked."

North American Training Group: Insurance Fraud Certified Professional Designation

 

NATG offers a professional certification for insurance & investigative professionals geared towards insurance & insurance fraud. Why send your staff out in the field and not train them to recognize and understand insurance or fraud? Investigation training itself is only part of a well-rounded base of knowledge and understanding needed to create an effective defense. Lack of training means more time wasted more liability for your company, and in the end, frustrated clients and loss of capital.

 

This certification is defined by a curriculum designed to close the knowledge gap between investigators and the insurance professionals who utilize them. The courses make an excellent enhancement to the training programs many companies already have in place, providing the last puzzle piece in the professional's knowledge and know-how. Our courses are developed by industry experts and professionals.

 

The IFC will provide three levels of certifications to include basic, intermediate, and advanced.  However, the course materials are designed in such a way that every investigator, from the novice to the most seasoned professional can benefit from this learning program.

 

The IFC is driven and defined by a Voluntary Independent Board of Advisors, consisting of Insurance Professionals representing all lines, and all methods of administration.  The mission of this Board is to create and offer a learning program that will have a measurable impact on the quality and cost-effectiveness of outsourced insurance investigations.

 

The IFC Board reviews and qualifies curriculum, decides on prerequisites, and serves as your connection and key to meeting the expectations and objectives of your clients: the SIU and Claims communities.  Ensuring that the Certification consistently meets the ever changing demands of claims investigations, the Board serves to establish a training standard that will dramatically change the way this industry fights fraud.

 

Some states have begun legislation requiring that anyone investigating an insurance claim must have training specifically focused on insurance fraud.  More states are expected to follow suit in the future.  As Fraud Plan statutes, rules, and regulations become more refined, focused, and detailed, so will the training requirements for all integral personnel. Many companies are taking a proactive approach, in anticipation of the legislative trend, and are utilizing fraud training programs not only for future compliance, but because it makes perfect sense.

 

It's being implemented, and even mandated by a growing number of your clients. They already have training mandates for their physicians, their lawyers, their agents ‘and yet until now there has been no measuring stick for private investigators, no training standards for those who play such an important role in an industry that financially affects every single American.

 

IFC Certified Investigators will be included in our IFC Investigator Data Base. The data base will list each investigator and the name of their firm in ranking order by the level of training; ranking them in order from Level III, Level II and Level I. The search is utilized by a Zip Code Search. This search is free to all clients.

The Fraud Practice: Consulting Solutions

Fraud Assessment "Fraud Check Engagement". A one week engagement that will assess the effectiveness of a fraud solution and provide feedback and guidance on methods, techniques, tools, workflow and solutions to improve results.

 

Fraud Strategy Engagement. Typically a two to three week engagement focused on the design of a fraud solution and strategy to include defining the rules, policies, techniques, recommending vendors and business process flow to manage fraud risk.

 

Account Takeover (ATO) Audit. The Fraud Practice offers an account takeover (ATO) audit to quickly inspect 80-points of vulnerability, exposure and best practice protection as it relates to account takeover business risk in the e-commerce channel.

 

Solution/Service Market Assessment. Typically a two to three week engagement focused on the competitive positioning of a companies' services and.solutions.

 

Workflow Automation Assessment. A one week engagement focused on optimising operational efficiencies related to taking and processing orders from online and telephone channels.

 

Payment Type Optimisation Strategy. A one to two week engagement focused on the review of a company's current and proposed go-to-market strategy to determine best practice and optimal payment options that would maximise sale conversion while minimizing processing costs.

 

Cross Border International Payments & Fraud Strategy. A one to three week engagement focused on the review and optimisation of payment types and merchant account configuration related to taking international orders.

 

Data Analytics "Deep Dive Engagement". A one to four week engagement focused on performing detailed data analytics related to root cause analysis and or customer profiling for fraud and payment acceptance.

PA Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority: Fighting Insurance Fraud

About IFPA Fraud

 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (IFPA) was created by an Act of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1995. This Act established IFPA as an independent Commonwealth agency whose sole purpose is to combat insurance fraud throughout the state.

 

Mission

 

Since the IFPA’s inception, the organization has evolved into a highly collaborative network that enlists the talents of some of our Commonwealth’s most experienced fraud-fighting professionals.

 

The IFPA mission is three-fold. The Authority helps provide law enforcement and prosecutors the necessary resources to fight insurance fraud in the Commonwealth, works to prevent consumer fraud through public awareness, and advises the Governor and the General Assembly on the nature and scope of the insurance fraud problem in Pennsylvania.

 

Strategy

 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Protection Authority is funded by annual assessments levied on all insurance companies that write policies within our state. While the IFPA’s work benefits all citizens of Pennsylvania‚ no taxpayer dollars are used to support its efforts.

 

The majority of the IFPA’s budget is directed toward funding fraud–fighting units that investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Currently‚ the IFPA commits $12.5 million annually to the support of 14 law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The IFPA also invests a half-million dollars each year in fraud prevention initiatives‚ such as public education to discourage instances of opportunistic fraud before they even occur.

 

Effectiveness

 

The IFPA’s strategic allocation of resources has paid dividends in the fight against insurance fraud in Pennsylvania.

 

The Authority’s support of enforcement efforts has had a significant impact in identifying and prosecuting those who commit insurance fraud. Since 1996‚ IFPA–funded units have been responsible for:

 

• 6,224 arrests

• 3,713 convictions

• 1,681 Accelerated Rehabilitative Dispositions (ARD)

• over $2.6 million in court–ordered fines

• $2.4 million in civil penalties

• $56.4 million in restitution

 

(Information presented is current through December 2013)

 

The IFPA’s public outreach and educations have also been beneficial to the Commonwealth. Research has been undertaken to track public awareness of the issue of insurance fraud and identify pockets of opportunity within our state’s population where opportunistic fraud can be effectively discouraged. In June 2009‚ the IFPA developed and launched a new prevention campaign which is being monitored for its effectiveness toward this end through regular follow-up research.

 

Investigative Units

 

The IFPA’s rationale for supporting law enforcement is simple‚ yet strategic. This funding supports the professionals who aggressively investigate and prosecute insurance fraud criminals. That’s precisely why the selected insurance fraud units receive financial resources from the IFPA for personnel‚ training‚ equipment and expenses.

 

These include an Insurance Fraud Section in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and an insurance fraud unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office‚ as well as other state and local level fraud prosecution and fraud prevention programs.

 

Grants fund insurance fraud units in Allegheny‚ Cumberland‚ Delaware‚ Erie‚ Lehigh‚ Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties‚ as well as a Lackawanna County task force covering eleven northeastern counties. The IFPA also extends grants to the Pennsylvania State Police and the Dauphin County District Attorney to support arson investigations and to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to support examinations of the anti–fraud programs of insurers.

Coalition Against Insurance Fraud Statistics

Measuring insurance fraud is an elusive target. No single national agency gathers omnibus fraud statistics. Insurance fraud data thus are relatively piecemeal, making our understanding of insurance fraud an ongoing work in progress.

 

Insurance companies and diverse state and federal agencies each gather fraud data related to their own missions. But the kind, quality and volume of data they compile vary widely.

 

Independent watchdogs, academics, insurance industry groups and other organizations also conduct research on a variety of fraud topics. Some is national in scope, and some is state-specific.

 

Jump to:

 

  • Auto insurance
  • State insurance fraud bureaus
  • Contractor fraud
  • Employment & education
  • Health insurance
  • Medicare fraud
  • IRS enforcement
  • Older statistics
  • Workers compensation
  • Anti-fraud legislation
  • Consumer attitudes
  • Drug diversion
  • FBI enforcement
  • Medicaid fraud
  • Medical identity theft
  • Slip & fall injuries
  • Whistleblower lawsuits
Source: http://www.insurancefraud.org/statistics.htm#.U9MEkONdXHv