May 2024 Newsletter

​Sponsored by:

President's Letter
By John Kemppainen 

Dear NRRDA Members,

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new president of the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA). We have an exciting year ahead, and I wanted to share some key updates and opportunities with you.

First, I am excited to announce that this year's Lighthouse Seminar will be held in Nashville, TN, on October 24. Our Annual Conference is scheduled to take place in the city of Fort Worth, TX on March 3-5, 2025. We hope these fantastic locations will attract new members to join us and attend our sessions, while also continuing to engage our long-time members.

We strongly encourage all members to get involved this year. Whether you are a seasoned member or new to NRRDA, your participation is invaluable. If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We welcome your enthusiasm and ideas!

We are committed to ensuring that you make the most of your membership with NRRDA. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Looking forward to a fantastic year together!

Warm regards,
John Kempainen
President, NRRDA Board of Directors 

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​​Efficiency and Data Security with AI 
By: Mike Murray | Veritext Director of Creative & Technical Solutions​

Artificial intelligence is changing how legal professionals manage cases, conduct research and handle routine tasks. While AI brings increased efficiency and improved outcomes, it also introduces new challenges, particularly regarding data security and privacy. In this article, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping the legal landscape and provide guidance on leveraging these technologies while considering important safeguards for sensitive information. (Read More)

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New Kids on the Block: Embracing Young Professionals to Defuse Nuclear Verdicts®
By: Sitar Bhatt and Rick Somes | Tyson & Mendes

Baby Boomers (1946-1954) and Generation X (1965-1980) have long been the majority of individuals in the workforce in the United States. However, as older generations begin to retire, Millennials and Gen Z (collectively the “New Kids on the Block”) are rapidly entering and leading the workforce with new ideas and fresh perspectives. The New Kids on the Block are also starting to make up our jury pools and serve as judges. Listening to and understanding the voices of the New Kids on the Block in the insurance defense industry will not only be beneficial, but imperative to the success of defending claims in the near future. (Read More)

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Fast-Track Claims and Grift Card Settlements
​By: Gregory LeRoy | Gallagher Bassett

For retailers, the frequency of customer claims is high; however, the complexity is generally low. In fact, about 90% of all retail claims will settle for under $1,000, providing a sound argument for the implementation of a fast-track adjudication approach to claims management.1 If it is possible to settle a claim during the first call (ideally with a gift card), this not only encourages returning to the store but also boosts customer satisfaction and prevents the claim from developing further. (Read More)

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Retail Fraud in America
By: Marci Reading, CFE | Command Investigations
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The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud reports that insurance fraud costs the US over $308 billion annually, across multiple and diverse lines of business. (Read More)

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Uptick in Litigation Increases Importance of In-Store Camera Video System for the Retail Industry

A young man enters a retailer wearing a mask in 2020. In the midst of COVID, that was not unusual. However, in this case the mask was not for health reasons, but for ill intent. He began to grab bottles of liquid soap detergent and squirt it on the floors and merchandise. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter a customer of the store slipped and fell on the liquid soap on the floor. (Read More)

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Program details, logistics and sponsorships coming soon.
2024 Lighthouse Seminar
​When Tech Meets Twang: Exploring Tech Trends in the Music City
October 23-23, 2023
​Nashville, Tennessee