Rancho Cordova Office Launch Highlights Blue Shield’s Reach

State Senator Tom Berryhill presents proclamation to Blue Shield's Juan Davila and Todd Walthall

BY SEAN BARRY – Hearing from satisfied customers is always a good thing, especially when it’s unexpected.

Yesterday’s ribbon cutting for Blue Shield’s new Rancho Cordova office was a celebratory event for our employees and the community. But it quickly became clear that this was an occasion for members as well.

Dan Skoglund, a member of the Rancho Cordova City Council, spoke yesterday morning in front of the newly-leased building at 3300 Zinfandel Drive. As he stood to address the crowd of several dozen, he lost his footing for a brief moment.

“I am a recipient of a new knee,” he said, quickly adding: “But I am in good hands because I have Blue Shield.”

City Councilman Dan Skoglund shows the crowd his Blue Shield membership card

Councilmember Skoglund’s remark spoke to the fact that Blue Shield is part of the Rancho Cordova community in several ways – as an employer, an economic development partner and a health plan. Several Rancho Cordova city staff members in attendance also receive coverage through Blue Shield, and most employees on-site are members.

State Senator Tom Berryhill, who represents Rancho Cordova in Sacramento, talked up the economic aspect of Blue Shield’s presence. Joking that those responsible for the swiftness of the office opening should “consider working for the government,” Berryhill lauded the 700 jobs that came to the city and said the facility “has been a great investment.”

The speakers reflected the warm welcome Blue Shield has received in Rancho Cordova. Many of the attendees yesterday are affiliated with the local chamber of commerce and own or work at businesses nearby. Steve Millner, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, encouraged employees to explore the community and reminded them that the chamber welcome packets they received can be a helpful resource.

For Salina Wong, a director in Blue Shield’s clinical pharmacy program, the location is ideal. She lives nearby and can walk or bike to work, and if nothing else, reclaim some of her personal time. Blue Shield’s Juan Davila, executive vice president for HCQA, and Todd Walthall, senior vice president for Customer Experience, addressed the interest from Blue Shield employees in the facility as part of their remarks.

Just as Blue Shield is part of the local economy and people’s health-related needs, so too are we as individuals interacting with Blue Shield from many perspectives – as members, neighbors and employees. Yesterday was a good reminder of that.

Sean Barry is a communications manager at Blue Shield of California.