Three finalists have been chosen in the second annual NationalUnderwriter Award For Excellence In Workers Compensation RiskManagementa program sponsored by the National Council OnCompensation Insurance. Cue the drum roll and read on!

The three finalists (in alphabetical order) chosen by NUs editorialstaff for consideration by a Blue Ribbon panel of risk managersserving as judges are:

Select Staffing Inc.a privately-held staffing company based inSanta Barbara, Calif., providing some 400,000 workers via a networkof 300 branches nationwide. Represented by Fred Pachon, vicepresident of risk and insurance.

ServiceMaster Companyproviding pest control, residentialcleaning and restoration, disaster recovery and other services to10.5 million homes and businesses annually, via 35,000 employees insome 5,500 offices, based in Memphis, Tenn. Represented by DavidHopps, vice president of risk management.

Walt Disney Companya diverse entertainment conglomeratefeaturing theme parks and resorts; TV, movie and theatricalproductions; as well as consumer products, based in Burbank, Calif.Represented by Tim East, director of risk management.

All three finalists will be profiled in NUs Aug. 18 edition. Onewill be named 2008s Champion, with the remaining two winning anHonorable Mention.

The three will be presented with their awards during the WorkersCompensation Educational Conference, held in Orlando, from Aug.17-20, where NU produces an annual National Trends program.

The finalists will share the secrets of their success anddiscuss workers comp challenges facing risk managers during a WCECpanel on Aug. 19, with edited highlights in NUs Oct. 6 edition.

We are proud to be working once again with the Florida WorkersCompensation Institute and NCCI to spotlight excellence in workerscomp loss control. All three finalists have outstanding stories totell, and will serve as role models for their peers.

For more information on the WCEC conference, click here.