HOME

3,676 People Complete Philadelphia Insurance Companies’ Distracted Driving Course

38% of people who visited PHLY.com/safedriving took National Distracted Driving Month course.

Bala Cynwyd, PA, May 1, 2014 – Throughout the month of April, Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) aimed to help reduce distracted driving accidents by offering a complimentary, 20-minute online training for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The course was completed by more than 3,500 people, including insurance agents, customers, and the general public.

The course explained the major types of distractions, which can occur inside or outside of a car, and steps to take to avoid these distractions. After viewing the course, participants took a survey to help retain the information they learned and receive a certificate of completion. The first 1,500 people who completed the survey will receive a free first aid kit for their car. Throughout the month of April, 38% of people who logged on to PHLY.com/safedriving completed the course to earn their certificate.

“This was the first time we offered an online risk management course like this and word spread like wildfire. The initial feedback from people who took the course was positive and they were excited to share it on social media and forward the course to others,” said Mark Konchan, vice president of Risk Management Services for Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “Dozens of insurance agents shared the course and businesses provided the training to their employees to improve risk management. We hope the training will help people avoid distractions while they’re on the road and reduce the risk of accidents.”

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was created by the National Safety Council (NSC). The NSC says there is an automobile crash every 30 seconds involving a cell phone and texting. Cell phones are just one type of distraction that may have contributed to more than 5.6 million crashes the national Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2012.

For more information about PHLY Risk Management Services, please visit our website at www.PHLY.com/RMS or contact a PHLY Marketing Representative at 1-800-873-4552.

About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated ’A++’ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and ’AA-’ for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company. The organization has 49 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

PartnerOne Environmental® Welcomes Vonnie Nuce as Senior Underwriter

PartnerOne Environmental has announced the hiring of Vonnie Nuce as Senior Underwriter, based in their Denver, Colorado office. She will be responsible for underwriting new and renewal business for all PartnerOne products. Vonnie has over twenty-five years of experience in the insurance industry, working in a variety of capacities, including underwriting, account management, and program development.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vonnie to the PartnerOne team," said Amanda Duncan, President of PartnerOne Environmental. "Her knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset as we continue to expand our presence and product offerings in the environmental marketplace."

PartnerOne Environmental® is a fully integrated source for environmental insurance products. It provides coverage for a variety of small- to middle-market contractors, consultants, and property owners and managers. All products are quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling PartnerOne Environmental to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. Coverages are offered by carriers rated "A+" or better. www.p1enviro.com

Additional information on PartnerOne Environmental and its products & services can be found at www.p1enviro.com, by emailing p1info@p1enviro.com, or by calling 1-800-596-2156.

DVIC looking to hire disabled veterans in Chicago

CHICAGO (May 6, 2014) - Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers, dedicated to helping disabled U.S. veterans by providing new opportunities for training and employment in the insurance industry, is looking to hire and provide meaningful professional career opportunities for disabled veterans in Chicago.

"We are now in the process of identifying qualified disabled veterans for a paid on-the-job training program that will develop long-term sales and customer service skills," said President/CEO Gary Bryant.

"We are pleased to announce that DVIC's training program is now in place," said Gary V. Trippe, co-founder and interim chair. "Our training program is free and we will provide professional career opportunities after the training is complete."

"This training includes licensing and certification necessary for long-term employment in the insurance industry," noted Trippe. "These are meaningful positions in sales and customer service."

The course curriculum was developed by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research in Austin, Texas, and Fort Myers-based sales trainer and consultant Lee Knapp.

"Our training and sales positions provide salary-based employment working with existing customers. DVIC is not a cold calling commission only based organization," said Bryant. "We are hoping to have disabled veterans in our training program in the very near future."

Interested disabled veterans can apply by submitting a current resume to jobs@dvic.us.

DVIC's operating board consists of retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James L. Dozier; Roger C. Mercado Jr., Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.; James R. Pender CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder; Gary V. Trippe CIC, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder and interim chair; retired insurance agency executive Gay Trippe; and John M. Pollock, CIC, BB&T Insurance Services.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers is a nonprofit organization with the mission to educate, train and create meaningful employment opportunities within the insurance industry for disabled veterans. For additional information, call 239-433-8518 or visit www.DVIC.us.

Philadelphia Insurance Adds Environmental Underwriting Vice President

Jon Peeples joins Environmental staff at Tokio Marine Specialty, a division of PHLY.

Bala Cynwyd, PA, April 24, 2014 – Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) announces the hiring of Jon W. Peeples as Vice President of Environmental Underwriting, in its Tokio Marine Specialty Environmental division.

Mr. Peeples will be responsible for the Premises Environmental Coverage (PEC) product which covers pollution legal liability for several industries including, but not limited to, manufacturing, hotels, warehousing, habitation and commercial real estate, medical facilities, brownfields, and waste industry.

“Jon’s talents and extensive environmental underwriting experience adds greater depth and diversity to our growing Environmental division,” shared Susan Doering, vice president and director of Tokio Marine Specialty Environmental. “Jon’s expertise in underwriting environmental insurance products for manufacturing, real estate, construction, public entities, higher education, and redevelopment strengthens our offerings.”

Mr. Peeples brings 25 years of industry experience to Tokio Marine Specialty, after holding consulting, brokerage, and underwriting positions in environmental insurance. He previously served in various leadership roles at ACE USA, Inc., Marsh USA, Inc., and United Capital Insurance.

About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company. The organization has 49 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

Cossio Insurance Agency Acquires Amusement Insurance Resource's Inflatable & Party Rental Customers

Effective April 1 2014, Cossio Insurance Agency has inked a deal to provide inflatable and mechanical bull insurance to Insure AIR (Amusement Insurance Resources) customers. This change will also affect brokers that were working with Amusement Insurance Resources for their inflatables, party rental or mechanical bull accounts. Both companies believe that this agreement will provide the best coverage's and service to existing customers while AIR focuses its business into other areas of the Amusement Industry. Brokers that would like to work with Cossio Insurance Agency will need to visit their website at www.cossioinsurance.com/insurance/brokered-business.html to fill out a sign up form. Current customers of AIR will continue to receive their same coverage and will renew with Cossio Insurance when their policies come up for renewal.

About the Cossio Insurance Agency
Cossio Insurance Agency (also known as the CIA) has been the leader in providing insurance for the amusement industry for the last 12 years and continues to provide the top insurance programs, rates, and services to the amusement industry. Located in South Carolina, the company is able to provide coverage in all 50 states and specializes in insuring hard to place risks. They also offer many perks to their customers such as a mobile app, free digital waiver system, renewal reminders & an interactive safety checklist for inflatables that is now in the works.

On top of Indoor Inflatables & Party Rentals; other programs provided by Cossio Insurance Agency include Family Entertainment Centers, Laser Tag, Product Liability, Paintball & Special Event Insurance to name a few. To learn more visit their website at www.cossioinsurance.com , call 864-688-0121 or email info@cossioinsurance.com.

The Society of CIC recognizes John Pollock for twenty years of leadership

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 15, 2014) - John Pollock, CIC, BB&T Insurance Services' Florida regional insurance president, was recently honored for his ongoing pledge to education, commitment to excellence and dedication to the insurance profession. The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors presented Pollock with a formally inscribed certificate for his continued participation in the CIC Program.

Earning his CIC designation and maintaining all update requirements for twenty years places Pollock in the top one percent of all insurance professionals in the country. "The high standard maintained by Pollock not only benefits BB&T Insurance Services, but the insurance profession as a whole," said Dr. William T. Hold, CIC, CPCU, CLU, president of the Society of CIC.

Pollock oversees 300 employees at five BB&T Insurance Services agencies throughout the state, including BB&T - J. Rolfe Davis Insurance of metro Orlando; BB&T-Iler Wall & Shonter of St. Petersburg; BB&T-Wyman, Green & Blalock of Bradenton; BB&T-Landrum Yaeger of Tallahassee; as well as BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company with offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Miami, Naples, Holmes Beach, Weston and Ocala.

Raised in Fort Myers, Pollock attended Eckerd College where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. After several summer internships at OTC, he joined the agency as a commercial lines processor in 1990. In 1993, he became one of the youngest agents in the U.S. to earn the Certified Insurance Counselor designation. Pollock rose to the position of president of OTC in 2002. He has studied at the Wharton School in Philadelphia and the Disney Institute, and participates regularly in professional development and continuing education programs through The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Florida Association of Insurance Agents and others.

BB&T Insurance Services, the sixth largest insurance broker in the U.S. and the eighth largest internationally, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T. Founded in 1922, it operates more than 100 insurance agencies in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and California. Visit Insurance.BBT.com/ to learn more. BB&T Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking & Trust Company.

The Society of CIC is an organization nationally recognized as a leading continuing education program of insurance professionals. A not-for-profit organization, the Society of CIC is the cornerstone program for The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.thenationalalliance.com.

$50,000 from the George M. and Pamela S. Humphrey Foundation George M. and Pamela S. Humphrey Foundation donates to veterans' organization

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 31, 2014) - Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers, dedicated to helping disabled U.S. veterans by providing new opportunities for training and employment in the insurance industry, has received a $50,000 donation from the George M. and Pamela S. Humphrey Foundation. The gift will be used for support and training.

George M. Humphrey II, of Cleveland, Ohio, is the first honoree of DVIC's newly established No Man or Woman Left Behind Society. The society will help disabled veterans establish and sustain a solid career in the insurance field. Humphrey, who died in 2012, was selected for his lifelong commitment to the ideals of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served from 1967 to 1970, obtaining the rank of captain.

"George was a great American, a civic and business leader, a kind and loving husband and father, and a respected personal friend of mine," said James R. Pender, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, DVIC co-founder and chairman. "When we put Marine Corps values into words, we think of duty, integrity, discipline and love of country; old-fashioned values. George lived his life according to those values."

Humphrey was born in 1942 into a prominent Cleveland family. The family business, Hanna Mining, had its origins in iron ore and steel and was led by his grandfather George M. Humphrey, later Secretary of Treasury under President Dwight Eisenhower and then by his father Gilbert who served in the Navy during World War II. Humphrey attended The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and Yale University where he was captain of the freshman and varsity football teams. He graduated in 1964, received a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in 1967 and then joined the Marines. His service to his country was always a source of great pride. In his business life, he worked in the family company until 1984 and then headed a number of Cleveland area businesses. His civic and philanthropic leadership in the Cleveland community was extraordinary. He led many successful fundraising efforts for university hospitals, United Way and a variety of other area organizations.

The donation will assist DVIC with program capabilities, including the development of state-of-the-art training techniques that will prepare disabled veterans with skills for sales support and cross-selling personal insurance products for careers in the insurance industry.

"In battle, members of the U.S. armed forces make a commitment to each other that they will not leave a fallen comrade behind to fall into the hands of the enemy," added Pender. "DVIC is committed to make sure that no hero or heroine is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity for a meaningful career."

DVIC's strategic board includes James R. Pender, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder; Gary V. Trippe, CIC, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder; Thomas E. Callanan, retired president/CEO of Advantage Workers Compensation Insurance Company; retired U.S. Army Col. Thomas A. Dials, chairman emeritus of the Armed Forces Insurance Corporation; Lee Knapp, Knapp Consultants, founding member; Brady Polansky, Polansky Enterprises, founding member; Jon Bidwell, Chubb Insurance Group, founding member; Walter J. Gdowski, The Rough Notes Company; James R. Hackbarth, Assurex Global; Robert M. Menke, Bankers Insurance Group; George (Shad) A. Steadman III, Rutherfoord, A Marsh & McLennan Agency; retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Gerald J. Sullivan, The Sullivan Group; John Wepler, Marsh Berry; Jeff Grady, Florida Association of Insurance Agents; David M. Howard, AmRisc, LP; Adam DeGraide, Astonish; and Beverly Messer, The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

The organization's operating board consists of retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James L. Dozier; Roger C. Mercado Jr., Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.; James R. Pender CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder; Gary V. Trippe CIC, Oswald Trippe and Company, co-founder; Kathy Pender, Kathy Pender M.A., L.P.C.C.; retired insurance agency executive Gay Trippe; and John M. Pollock, CIC, BB&T Insurance Services.

DVIC's regional directors include Bill Knepper, The Knepper Company Inc.; Kevin McPoyle, KMRD Partners Inc.; Josh Morgan, MarshBerry; Paul T. Murphy, Paul Murphy Insurance Agency; Walter Page, Semans Insurance Group; Chris Paradiso, Paradiso Insurance; Nick San Filippo, American Insurance Services Agency; M. Christopher Scoggins, Cornerstone Insurance Group; Philip L. Tuccy, AAI, AIM, Insurance Group Consulting LLC; and Steven J. White, retired insurance agency executive.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gary L. Bryant is president and CEO.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers is a nonprofit organization with the mission to educate, train and generate meaningful employment opportunities for physically disabled veterans who will excel at proactively cross-selling personal lines insurance products on behalf of leading independent insurance agencies. For additional information, call 239-433-8523 or visit www.DVIC.us.

TMPAA Releases Safe Password Video

Wilmington, DE (March 21, 2014)– The Target Markets Program Administration (TMPAA) released a “Safe Password Video” designed to assist its members in preventing cyber breaches. The video highlights one of the risk management tools available in the newly developed TM Cyber Liability Insurance.

“When former Joints Chief of Staff Admiral Mullen addressed the 2013 TMPAA Mid Year Meeting, he spoke about cyber risks that threaten our nation’s critical infrastructure but also indicated that individual US businesses faced these same threats and may not be adequately protected,” stated Ray Scotto, TMPAA Executive Director. “After listening to Admiral Mullen and our members, we made the decision to develop and provide a risk management and coverage solution specifically addressing the cyber exposures faced by program administrators.”

The TMPAA brought together two trusted members of the Association to develop this policy. Edgewater Holdings celebrated its 20th anniversary pioneering many management liability products. They have developed an expertise in Cyber Risk and created the TM Cyber coverage tailored to our members. The Law Firm of Wilson Elser has an extensive Data Security and Cyber Liability Practice. Wilson Elser is providing the risk management services available exclusively to TMPAA policy holders.

The new Safe Password Video is an example of the risk management services offered in this plan. The video can be found on the TMPAA website along with policy information and applications, or accessed directly at this link.

TMPAA members and attendees of the Association’s 2014 Mid Year Meeting in Baltimore can register to have their agency receive a Cyber Stress Test that will highlight areas of vulnerability in their operations and gaps in their current coverage.

The Safe Password Video was created by TMPAA member Insure Learn.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA’s mission is to help Program Administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, Best Practice recognition, Target University, program marketing and distribution, Industry studies and two annual member meetings.

Program Administrator/MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA, TM Cyber or Mid Year Meeting can visit the Association's website at targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto – Executive Director at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

Markel names Troy Williams, Director, Medical Professional Liability

Richmond, VA, March 20, 2014 — Markel Corporation’s Product Line Leadership group announced today that Troy Williams has joined the medical malpractice team as Director, Medical Professional Liability. Troy is based in the Deerfield, Illinois office, and his responsibilities are countrywide.

Troy is an experienced medical malpractice underwriter, having worked at CNA and St. Paul Companies most recently. His areas of expertise include a broad range of medical risks, including physicians, surgeons, clinics, and other facilities. Troy will report to Fran O’Connell, Managing Director of Markel’s Medical Product Line.

“We are positioning ourselves to expand Markel’s Medical Product Line, and we are excited that Troy has decided to join our team. He brings unique industry insights and positive energy to this high-profile position. Underwriting talent has always been a key ingredient of the Markel value proposition, and Troy will add depth and expertise to our team,” commented Fran.

Markel’s Medical Product Line offers coverage for a broad range of medical risks to Allied Medical entities and professionals, including physicians, surgeons, and more.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.

A.M. Best Upgrades Prime Insurance Company with an A- Rating

Specialty Excess and Surplus Lines Carrier's Financial Stability Affirmed

(Chicago, Illinois and Salt Lake City, Utah) February 28, 2014-As a result of their strengthened risk-adjusted capitalization and improved operating performance, Prime Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Co. has upgraded their financial strength rating from B++ to A- and raised their issuer credit rating to "excellent" with a stable outlook.

The recent upgrade represents a significant jump in Prime's rating. An A- rating from A.M. Best, which is one of the most recognized rating systems in the insurance industry, clearly defines Prime as an outstanding carrier in their field.

"We've worked hard to get the A- rating from A.M. Best and believe that the rating reflects our strong financial position and commitment to success," said Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman and CEO of Prime. "The new rating will help us open our doors to brokers looking for hard-to-place risk coverage who were not able to work with us in the past because of their E&O coverage and stipulations within. We're looking forward to many new successful partnerships."

Prime Insurance Company provides customized specialty insurance solutions in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. Known as a resource for many hard-to-place risks and classes, Prime has provided solutions for businesses that include amusement and recreation, garage services, repossession and recovery, bars, taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, health care facilities, special events, equestrian, aviation and professional liability, among others.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a full-service credit rating organization serving the insurance industry. The company rating is the industry standard reflecting an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. It is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile. For information on the latest rating, go to www.ambest.com.

WILSON JOINS RUSSELL BOND

Philip C. Wilson has joined Russell Bond. He brings over 33 years' experience handling critical insurance coverage's for banks and real estate investors as well as Casualty, Property, Professional and Transportation for large accounts. Operating out of Nashville, TN he will focus on providing solutions for retail brokers located in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Russell Bond & Co., Inc. is an Insurance Wholesaler headquartered in Buffalo NY. Founded in 1950 the firm maintains binding authorities and brokerage access for Standard, Specialty, and Surplus Lines through admitted and non-admitted markets for clients throughout the USA.

The firm also maintains offices in Hamilton, NJ and Westfield, MA.

A.M. Best Upgrades Prime Insurance Company with an A- Rating

Specialty Excess and Surplus Lines Carrier's Financial Stability Affirmed

(Chicago, Illinois and Salt Lake City, Utah) February 28, 2014-As a result of their strengthened risk-adjusted capitalization and improved operating performance, Prime Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Co. has upgraded their financial strength rating from B++ to A- and raised their issuer credit rating to "excellent" with a stable outlook.

The recent upgrade represents a significant jump in Prime's rating. An A- rating from A.M. Best, which is one of the most recognized rating systems in the insurance industry, clearly defines Prime as an outstanding carrier in their field.

"We've worked hard to get the A- rating from A.M. Best and believe that the rating reflects our strong financial position and commitment to success," said Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman and CEO of Prime."The new rating will help us open our doors to brokers looking for hard-to-place risk coverage who were not able to work with us in the past because of their E&O coverage and stipulations within. We're looking forward to many new successful partnerships."

Prime Insurance Company provides customized specialty insurance solutions in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. Known as a resource for many hard-to-place risks and classes, Prime has provided solutions for businesses that include amusement and recreation, garage services, repossession and recovery, bars, taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, health care facilities, special events, equestrian, aviation and professional liability, among others.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a full-service credit rating organization serving the insurance industry. The company rating is the industry standard reflecting an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. It is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile. For information on the latest rating, go to http://www.ambest.com/.

Beacon Hill Associates & PartnerOne Environmental® Launch New Websites

Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. and its underwriting division, PartnerOne Environmental, are pleased to announce the launch of their new websites, which feature a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation. The sites offer the latest educational resources for retail and wholesale insurance agents, as well as information on products and industry trends. Features include claim scenarios, coverage guides, and many other tools for agents looking for information on environmental insurance coverage.

Beacon Hill Associates' website is www.b-h-a.com and PartnerOne Environmental's website is www.p1enviro.com.

Since 1990, Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has been a leader in providing environmental liability insurance nationwide. Although the company concentrates primarily on environmental and energy business, it also works with agencies on other technically challenging specialty coverages. The organization has two divisions; the wholesale brokerage department, tasked with pursuing appropriate coverage for agents from several top insurance carriers; and the PartnerOne Environmental® underwriting division, specializing in assessing risks and offering an array of environmental insurance products.

Information about Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. and PartnerOne Environmental can be found at the websites above, by calling (800) 596-2156, or emailing marketing@b-h-a.com.

ReSource Pro Named to IAOP's Global Outsourcing 100® List for the Fifth Time

NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 17, 2014 -ReSource Pro, a leading provider of business process management solutions for the insurance industry, has been named for the fifth time to the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP) Global Outsourcing 100® list for 2014.

"ReSource Pro's continued ranking on this respected international list is further validation of our professionalism and leading-edge efficiency solutions for the insurance industry," said Dan Epstein, ReSource Pro CEO. "We're honored to have our efforts recognized, and we continue to work to improve productivity growth across our clients operations."

The 2014 Global Outsourcing 100 and The World's Best Outsourcing Advisors recognizes the world's best outsourcing service providers and advisors. These rankings are based on applications received and evaluated by an independent judging panel organized by IAOP. The 2013 panel is led by IAOP managing director of thought leadership, IAOP, JagdishDalal, COP and president of JDalal Associates, LLC.

"At a time when there is a growing need to outsource, The Global Outsourcing 100 and The World's Best Outsourcing Advisors lists have become invaluable reference tools to help companies research service providers," said Debi Hamill, IAOP CEO. "The companies named on these lists and sub lists have demonstrated their expertise following a rigorous, independently judged process and represent the top in the industry."

About ReSource Pro
ReSource Pro LLC, a premier provider of business management process solutions, was named one of the top 100 global outsourcing companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, and has appeared on the Inc. magazine list of fastest growing US companies in the past five years. ReSource Pro is focused on productivity growth for more than 160 of its insurance business clients including retail and wholesale brokers, MGAs, program administrators, carriers, and TPA's. For more information, please visit www.ReSourcePro.com.

About IAOP: The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) is the global, standard-setting organization and advocate for the outsourcing profession. With more than 120,000 members and affiliates worldwide, IAOP helps companies increase their outsourcing success rate, improve their outsourcing ROI, and expand the opportunities for outsourcing across their businesses. To learn more, visit www.IAOP.org.

The media contact for IAOP is:
Kate Tulloch-Hammond
IAOP Manager, Media & Communications
+1.845.452.0600, ext. 122
Kate.hammond@IAOP.org

About The Global Outsourcing 100 The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) is in its eighth year of compiling its annual ranking of the world's best outsourcing service providers and advisors - The Global Outsourcing 100. As part of The Global Outsourcing 100, IAOP also introduced a new list in 2009, The World's Best Outsourcing Advisors.

The Global Outsourcing 100 and its sub-lists are essential references for companies seeking new and expanded relationships with the best companies in the industry. The lists include companies from around the world that provide the full spectrum of outsourcing services - not just information technology and business process outsourcing, but also facility services, real estate and capital asset management, manufacturing and logistics. They include not only today's leaders, but tomorrow's rising stars.

The World's Best Outsourcing Advisors is geared specifically to companies that are outstanding global outsourcing advisors and consultants. In addition to being part of The Global Outsourcing 100, the new list of advisors ranks the top consultant, legal and related advisory firms globally, and is a valuable reference tool for companies needing expert advice and guidance with their outsourcing projects.

The Global Outsourcing 100 for service providers is composed of both today's known leaders and tomorrow's rising stars. The judging category of Leader or Rising Star is based on size criteria, which is a combination of yearly revenue and employee numbers set by the judging panel. The groups are judged separately. The final ranked list is composed of the top 75 Leaders and top 25 Rising Stars. The evaluation criteria is weighted to ensure that small to mid-size companies have as much of a chance to be selected as a large, recognized name. Consultants and advisors applying to the World's Best Outsourcing Advisors list are judged together as a single list. The application process for both The Global Outsourcing 100 and the World's Best Outsourcing Advisors mirrors the customers' request for proposal (RFP) process in many ways. The application is composed of three required parts: Company Information, Company Profile and Evaluation Criteria. The first asks for basic contact and company information. The second allows companies to select their top services provided, industries served and regions where they provide services. These answers are used to qualify them for sub lists. The third part includes numerous questions broken into four sections - Size and Growth, Customer Satisfaction, Depth of Competence and Management Capabilities.

Elliott selected to Safeco Insurance Southeast Region Agent Advisory Council

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2014) - Jerry Elliott, BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company, will help to improve the experience of Safeco Insurance customers after being selected as a participant on the company's Southeast Region Agent Advisory Council. The advisory council program, which consists of eight regional panels along with a national council, gathers feedback from agents across the country to enhance both service and business results for Safeco and independent agencies.

"The Safeco Agent Advisory Council is more than just another industry panel," said Elliott, who has been with BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company since 2006. "It's a chance to help Safeco and my fellow agents continually improve our service. I'm honored to take part."

Agent Advisory Council participants serve three-year terms, with about one-third of the membership rotating annually. Officer elections are held in March.

"Safeco Agent Advisory Councils provide valuable input as we strive for stronger relationships with our agents and customers across the country," said Matthew Nickerson, president of Safeco Insurance. "We are grateful for agents who are willing to add their voice and the feedback of other agents to improve our shared business opportunities and better serve our customers."

Safeco has been using advisory councils for more than 10 years to collaborate with agents on solutions for improving service, products and performance. Approximately 140 agents sit on eight regional councils, all managed by agents. The national council is comprised of officers from the regional councils.

BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company provides comprehensive insurance and risk-management services to families and businesses throughout Florida. The agency offers protection from the nation's leading insurance companies. BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Holmes Beach, Miami, Naples, Ocala and Weston, Fla.

BB&T Insurance Services, the sixth largest insurance broker in the U.S. and the eighth largest internationally, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T. Founded in 1922, it operates more than 100 insurance agencies in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and California. Visit http://Insurance.BBT.com/ to learn more. BB&T Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking & Trust Company.

In business since 1923 and based in Boston, Mass., Safeco Insurance sells personal automobile, homeowners and specialty products through a network of more than 10,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the United States. Safeco is a Liberty Mutual Insurance company.

Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance is a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2012 direct premiums written as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Liberty Mutual Insurance also ranks 81st on the Fortune 100 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2012 revenue.

For more information about Safeco Insurance, go to www.Safeco.com.

QQSolutions Appoints New Executives to its Management Team to Help Drive Company's Continued Dynamic Growth

QQSolutions, the leading provider of cloud-based agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide, has named three new executives to its management team. Jim Garrett was named asSenior Director of Software Development, Dan Lanphere as Senior Director of Sales, and Edward Patience as Director of Marketing.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) February4, 2014 - QQSolutions, the leading provider of cloud-based agency management systems for independent insurance agenciesnationwide,has named three new executives to its management team. Jim Garrett was named asSenior Director of Software Development, Dan Lanphere as Senior Director of National Sales, and Edward Patience as Director of Marketing.

Reporting to Chief Operating Officer, Michael Stebel,the three executives will be responsible for executing QQSolutions' product development,sales, andmarketing strategiesto help drive the company's continued dynamic growth.

Mark Malis, Chief Executive Officer of QQSolutions stated, "Jim, Dan, and Edwardeach bring to QQSolutions extensive and successful experience in tech product leadership. Jim will focus on the continued development of QQCatalyst® and QQWebRater, while Dan and Edward will build and executeeffectivesales and marketing programs to help make independent insurance agencies aware of our superior products and services."

Bios

Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Software Development,is responsible for software development across all of QQSolutions' products. Garrett has over eighteen years of experience leading teams and developing commercial software. Prior to joining QQSolutions, he spearheaded the development of award-winning software now used by over 80,000 customers in the medical, dental, and veterinary industries.He has served as a voting member on committees for the standardization of medical diagnostic imaging and on the curriculum advisory board for two college Computer Science departments. Garrett holds multiple certifications as a developer, systems architect and technical trainer.

Daniel Lanphere, Senior Director of National Sales, leads the QQSolutions sales team and brings to the company over sixteen years of sales leadership experience in technology, software, data, and service solutions. He has held sales and sales management positions at NCR Corporation, WorkFlow One, and LexisNexis. Lanphere has a passion for building customer-focused teams that partner with their clients. He has a diverse background that includes inside and outside sales, sales management, operations management and business resource management within several different industries. Lanphere earned his BA from the University of Dayton, where his focus was Communications and Management.

Edward Patience, Director of Marketing,is responsible for all aspects of QQSolutions' corporate and product marketing communications, as well as its partner programs. Patience brings more than twenty years of technology marketing experience in commercial software solutions. He has a broad background in product marketing, brand development, social media and technology sales, working with established and start-up technology companies in e-commerce, healthcare, mobile technologies and supply chain management. Patience earned his Bachelors of Business Administration degree, with a focus in Information Technology, from Wilfred Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario. For more information, visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com, or call QQSolutions at 1.800.940.6600.

About QQSolutions
QQSolutions is the leading provider of cloud-based agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide. The company'spatent-pending QQCatalyst® agency management system is incredibly easy to learn and to use. QQCatalyst iscompletely Web-based, mobile, and runs on any device with a browser.The QQCatalyst Marketplace provides insurance agencies with easy access to third-party apps that extend QQCatalyst's capabilities. QQSolutions' cloud-based auto insurance comparative rater, QQWebRater, provides real-time quotes from over 100 carriers in Florida and Texas. The company is committed to delivering easy-to-use, innovative solutions that help agencies increase revenue and retention, as well as to become more productive and efficient. QQSolutions backs up its products with the best customer service in the industryand consistently earns customer satisfaction scores of over 92%. The company is based in Deerfield Beach, Florida and has been recognized as one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal.

To learn more about QQSolutions and its products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com.

QQSolutions Expands Presence in California and Arizona andAppoints Insurance Industry Veteran Adam Meyersonas Regional Sales Manager

QQSolutions,the leading provider of cloud-based agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide, announced the appointment of Adam Meyerson as Regional Sales Manager for California and Arizona. Based in Los Angeles, Meyerson will focus on the acquisition of new customers for the company's revolutionary cloud-based agency management system, QQCatalyst™.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) January21, 2014 - QQSolutions, Inc, the leading provider of cloud-based insurance agency management systems for independent agencies nationwide, has appointed Adam Meyerson, as Regional Sales Manager for California and Arizona. Based in Los Angeles, Meyerson will be responsible for the sales of the company's cloud-based agency management system, QQCatalyst™ to insurance agencies in California and Arizona.

Born and raised in Southern California, Meyerson has held sales and marketing positionswith leading insurance carriers and insurance software companies, includingFSC, Bristol West Insurance, GMAC Insurance, and MAPFRE Insurance. Additionally, Meyersoncurrently serves as President of the Carrier Counsel as well as Master of Ceremonies for industry trade association, Brokers Independent Group, since its inception in 2009.

"Adam is the right person at the right time to introduce our revolutionary cloud-based agency management system, QQCatalyst, to independent insurance agents in California and Arizona," said Michael Stebel, Chief Operating Officer of QQSolutions. "With over fourteen years experience in the insurance industry,Adam'scareer spans the agency, carrier, and technology segments of the industry. He has an excellent understanding of the challenges facing insurance agents, what they need to do to grow and prosper, and how our industry-leading solutions can help."

For more information, visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com, or call QQSolutions at 1.800.940.6600.

About QQSolutions:
QQSolutions is the leading provider of cloud-based agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide. The company's patent-pending QQCatalyst™ agency management system is incredibly easy to learn and to use. QQCatalyst is completely Web-based, mobile, and runs on any device with a browser. The QQCatalyst Marketplace provides insurance agencies with easy access to third-party apps that extend QQCatalyst's capabilities. QQSolutions' cloud-based auto insurance comparative rater, QQWebRater, provides real-time quotes from over 100 carriers in Florida and Texas. The company is committed to delivering easy-to-use, innovative solutions that help agencies increase revenue and retention, as well as to become more productive and efficient. QQSolutions backs up its products with the best customer service in the industry and consistently earns customer satisfaction scores of over 92%. The company is based in Deerfield Beach, Florida and has been recognized as one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal.

To learn more about QQSolutions and its products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com.

Markel honors child care centers with distinguished Safety 1st award

Richmond, VA, January 15, 2014 - Markel announced today that 40 child care centers have received the prestigious Safety 1st designation for 2013.

Each year, Markel's Safety 1st program recognizes policyholders who have shown an exceptional commitment to the safety of their employees and customers.

Michael Swain, Senior Loss Control Specialist for Markel Specialty, stated, "Child care centers must meet stringent criteria to qualify for the Safety 1st designation. They must have a proven safety record, undergo formal assessments and inspections, and participate in continuing education and certification programs. These facilities deserve to be recognized for keeping safety a top priority." The Markel Safety 1st Award recipients for 2013 are:

Little Texans Child Development Center
Carlton Academy Day School
Kidacious Academy Inc.
The Learning Center Preschool in Ocean View, LLC
Little People Learning Center, LLC
Lambs & Ivy School
Latchkey Child Services Inc.
Everything Grows Childcare and Learning Center, LLC
A Child's Center of Wonder & Discovery
Oakdale Academy
All 4 Kids
Cathy's Nursery School
Early Start Children's Center
Enrichment Workshop for Children, Inc.
Acorns to Oaks Day Care, Inc.
Johnston Child Care Center, LLC
Loving Care Children's Learning Center
Skylands Child Care Center
Galaxy Ranch School LLP
Ivy Hill Preschool
Bundles of Care
Peppermint Stick Preschool of Round Lake Inc.
Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund
Webster Child Care Collaborative, Inc.
Coppell Child Development Center
Moldovan Academy
Spell Well Montessori School
Play Groups School
St. David's Episcopal Day School
Noah's Ark Christian Academy
Jack in a Box Daycare & Learning Center
First Choice for Children
ABC Learning Center
Montessori Learning Center of Asheville
A+ Childcare & Learning Center
On My Way Childcare Center, LLC
Hopes Christian Child Care Services, Inc.
Williams After School Club, Inc.
Kiddie Ranch School
Exeter Day School

About Markel Specialty
Markel Specialty, a division of Markel Corporation, provides innovative insurance solutions for both commercial customers and individuals. Types of insurance offered include property & casualty, workers' compensation, accident, and programs featuring industry or risk-specific coverage packages.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markelcorp.com.

Markel honors youth camps and Boys & Girls clubs with distinguished Safety 1st award

Richmond, VA, January 15, 2014 - Markel announced today that 66 youth camps and 6 Boys & Girls Clubs of America have received the prestigious Safety 1st designation for 2013.

Each year, Markel's Safety 1st program recognizes policyholders who have shown an exceptional commitment to the safety of their employees and customers.

Michael Swain, Senior Loss Control Specialist for Markel Specialty, stated, "Camps and clubs must meet stringent criteria to qualify for the Safety 1st designation. They must have a proven safety record, undergo formal assessments and inspections, and participate in continuing education and certification programs. These facilities deserve to be recognized for keeping safety a top priority." The Markel Safety 1st Award recipients for 2013 are:

10+ year recipients
Camp Bear Track
Camp Highroad
Camp Ronald McDonald
Pompositticut Farm Day Camp
Setebaid Services, Inc.

6-9 year recipients
4-H Camp Middlesex
Alltogether Outdoors Summer Camps
Camp Fern
Camp Howe, Inc.
Camp Nicolet for Girls
Camp Odayin
Camp Watonka, Inc.
Camp Willow Run
Children's Association for Maximum Potential
Galileo Learning
Living Well Foundation
Melody Pines Day Camp
Our Kids Day Camp
Princeton University Sports Camps
Summer's Edge Day Camp & Tennis School
Tamarak Day Camp
Upward Bound Camp for Persons with Special Needs
Whippoorwill Farm Day Camp

2-5 year recipients
Boys & Girls Club of Northwest MS
C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California
Camp Aranzazu
Camp Coyote
Camp Doodles
Camp High Rocks
Camp Kostopulos
Camp Magical Moments, Cancer Camp for Kids
Camp Ma-He-Tu
Camp Olympia
Camp Ton-A-Wandah
Camps 'R' Us
Creative Themes Day Camp
Greenbrier County Youth Camp, Inc.
Happy Acres Ranch
HappyLand Day Camp
Inside Out, Inc.
Kingston's Camp
Longacre
Outpost Summer Camps
Rainbow Camp, Inc.
Red Pine Camp Foundation, Inc.
Sandy Hollow Day Camp
Sports Plus Day Camp
Theatre Arts Center NY
Tumbleweed Day Camp
Wonderland Camp Foundation

First year recipients
Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort County
Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County
Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan
Camp Fire Inland Southern California
Camp Gilbert, Inc.
Camp Holiday Trails
Camp Marimeta for Girls
Camp Mont Shenandoah
Camp Natoma
Dreamcatcher Educators, LLC
Galena Lodge
Green River Preserve
Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center
Longfellow Sports Club
Mahomet Area Youth Club
Strong Rock Camp
Summer Art Academy
Summerkids
Tate's Day Camp
The Ballibay Camps
Variety The Children's Charity of Texas

About Markel Specialty
Markel Specialty, a division of Markel Corporation, provides innovative insurance solutions for both commercial customers and individuals. Types of insurance offered include property & casualty, workers' compensation, accident, and programs featuring industry or risk-specific coverage packages.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markelcorp.com.

QQ Solutions Receives Vendor of the Year Awards from Global Insurance Industry Standards Organization, ACORD

QQ Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide, has receivedVendor of the Year awards from ACORD, the insurance industry standards organization. The company was awarded ACORD's "2013 ACORD AL3 Download Vendor of the Year Award, Percentage Growth" and "2013 Early Adopter Award - Forms."

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) January7, 2014 - QQ Solutions, Inc, the leading provider of cloud-based insurance agency management systems for independent agencies nationwidewas recently recognized by ACORD® as a 2013 Vendor of the Year, receiving two awards. QQ Solutions received the "2013 ACORD AL3 Download Vendor of the Year Award, Percentage Growth" and "2013 Early Adopter Award - Forms" awards from the global insurance industry standards organization.

"We are honored to be recognized by ACORD for our growth," said Mark Malis, CEO of QQ Solutions. "QQ Solutions is committed to implementing ACORD standardsin our insurance agency management systems, including AL3 carrier downloads and ACORD forms. Our incredibly easy-to-use cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst™, supports downloads with hundreds of insurance companies, eliminating data entry and increasing productivity. Furthermore, QQ Catalyst generates hundreds of ACORD forms, and was designed from the outset to automate the processing of forms to streamline agency workflow."

For more information about QQ Solutions, its cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst, and its support for ACORD standards, visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com, or call QQ Solutions at 1.800.940.6600.

About QQ Solutions, Inc.:
Named one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity and operate more efficiently. One of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent insurance agencies, QQ Solutions supports over 4,700 agencies, representing over 23,000 users nationwide. The company's mission is to help independent insurance agencies compete in the digital world by leveraging the latest cloud technology, social media, digital marketing and real-time services.

QQ Solutions strives to delight its customers by exceeding their expectations in product quality, customer service, training & support, and by meeting their evolving needs through a program of continuous product development and improvement incorporating the best available technologies.

The company's headquarters is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the company employs 65 people in software development, product management, product support, professional services, marketing, sales, IT, finance, and administration.

To learn more about QQ Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the QQ Solutions website at QQSolutions.com.

NSM Insurance Group acquires American Collectors Insurance, a premier Collector Car Insurance Program.

New York, New York., Jan. 7, 2014 -- The acquisition of American Collectors Insurance triples the collector car business NSM Insurance Group currently insures.

American Collectors Insurance has been insuring Collector Cars and other collectibles for over 40 years. American Collectors has earned the reputation for in depth knowledge of collector cars and other collectibles, offering broad coverage, agreed value, inflation guard protection and unmatched personal service.

"It's always gratifying to advise family owned businesses as they evolve to the next level of their development," said Jason Murgio, CEO, Merger & Acquisition Services. Inc., "It was a pleasure working with NSM's senior management team on their second acquisition of a collector automobile managing general agency." (Merger & Acquisition Services advised NSM on their acquisition of Condon & Skelly Collectible Vehicle Insurance in 2010.)

NSM Insurance Group is the national leader of insurance program administration with 8 offices strategically placed across the country from New Jersey to California. Dynamically growing both organically and via acquisition, completing five acquisitions in the past three years.

"As a collector myself," said Geof McKernan, CEO, NSM Insurance Group, "I am very pleased to be associated with such a top notch business. We are looking forward to growing and expanding American Collectors."

NSM Insurance Group underwrites over twenty admitted and non-admitted insurance programs nationally in very specific niche markets.

NSM Insurance Group's unique model of blending innovative marketing, profitable underwriting discipline, and state of the art back-room processes, creates a corporate culture of profitability and growth. The Company's insurance programs include Collector Cars, Coastal Condominium Associations, Social Service, Hospitality, Professional Liability for Lawyers & Dentists, Construction and Workers Compensation.

Merger & Acquisition Services, Inc. is a specialist investment, advisory and financial services Firm serving the insurance and reinsurance industries, with offices in New York City, Hartford Connecticut and Atlanta Georgia. Founded in 1999, the company provides investment banking and insurance services, including; merger & acquisition advisory, capital raising, valuations, program placements / fronting, and reinsurance advisory*. To learn more about Merger & Acquisition Services, please visit the company's website at http://www.maservices.com.

*All investment banking services are performed by registered representatives of Merger & Acquisition Capital Services, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA / SIPC.

Philadelphia Insurance Hires Vice President to Oversee IT Project Management

Elaine Prutzman brings 25+ years of experience to new position at PHLY

Bala Cynwyd, PA, January 8, 2014 - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leading property and casualty insurance company for niche markets, announces the hiring of Elaine Prutzman as Vice President of IT Service Delivery.

Ms. Prutzman will be responsible for the Project Management Office functions of portfolio management, methodology, project execution and governance for major business/technology change initiatives. She brings more than 25 years of experience to PHLY, most recently serving as Vice President of Project Management Office for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Ms. Prutzman holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Warren National University. She received her Project Management Professional (PMP) license from the Project Management Institute in 2001 and has a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. The organization has 48 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

SIAA Welcomes Steve Tombarelli National Director of Business Insurance Advantage

Tombarelli to spearhead new commercial division at SIAA

January 8, 2014 - Hampton, NH: SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) - the largest alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the U.S. - has created a new management position based in their Hampton, NH headquarters, National Director of Business Insurance Advantage.

"We are pleased to welcome Steve Tombarelli to our organization in this role. His considerable experience with Travelers Insurance and The Hartford, focusing on Small Commercial business, will enable him to succeed as we launch this new division in support of SIAA Member Agencies," stated Matt Masiello, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"We recognize that small commercial lines are becoming the new focus for Independent Insurance Agents, and a continued focus for our Strategic Partner Companies; creating this internal division and bringing Steve on-board reflects SIAA's commitment to Member Agents' success with this target market."

Mr. Tombarelli's career has been concentrated in the insurance industry, most recently with Travelers Insurance where he was Regional Sales Director of Select Commercial Business, responsible for small commercial business lines throughout New England. Mr. Tombarelli had been with Travelers since 2008; prior to that, he maintained responsibility for small commercial business sales throughout most of New England for The Hartford from 2005 - 2008.

Masiello went on to say, "Steve is the right person for this job; he will work with many of our Member Agents across the country to enable them to write more small commercial lines business. He knows the market, he understands how our Strategic Partner Companies operate, and he has worked extensively with Independent Insurance Agents in his positions with Travelers and The Hartford. I look forward to seeing him flourish in this new and dynamic role."

Mr. Tombarelli is a graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. He currently resides in North Andover.

The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) is a national alliance of over 4,700 signed independent insurance agency members generating hundreds of millions in new premium business annually. SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net

Align Financial Forms Catalytic Holdings, LLC to Merge its Property Catastrophe Business with Western RE Managers

Catalytic is combining the property catastrophe businesses of Align General and Western RE to create one of the largest writers of Earthquake/ DIC insurance in the U.S.

SAN DIEGO, JANUARY 6, 2013 - Align Financial Group, LLC. (Align) today announced that it has formed Catalytic Holdings, LLC (Catalytic or the Company); a specialist property catastrophe underwriting manager. Catalytic has acquired the property catastrophe business of Align General Insurance Agency, LLC and 100% of the stock of Western Re Managers Insurance Services, Inc. (Western RE). The Company is merging the existing teams and businesses and plans to acquire additional property catastrophe companies and assets over time to create a major new property catastrophe insurance industry player.

"The Align and Western RE underwriting teams share a desire to create an extraordinary property catastrophe underwriting business that will deliver an enhanced value proposition to our wholesale customers and carrier partners," said Kieran Sweeney, CEO of Align and Catalytic.

"We wanted to take our business to the next level in partnership with like-minded, high integrity people," states Ian Fitt, CEO of Western RE and Vice Chairman of Catalytic. "We are excited that we achieved that goal and, in the process, we have created the most dynamic team in the DIC market. We have combined over 42 years of brand integrity with access to the capital and transactional skills we will need to build an even more significant property catastrophe insurance business going forward," He continued.

Catalytic represents leading syndicates at Lloyd's of London as well as international and domestic carrier partners to write stand-alone Commercial Earthquake DIC and Terrorism risks. The Company has 25 employees and offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois. Former Collins Associates CEO and Guy Carpenter Americas chairman Pat Denzer has joined Catalytic as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

About Align
Align Financial Group, LLC. is a Delaware domiciled insurance holding company headquartered in San Diego, California. The Company owns Align General Insurance Agency, LLC, which began operating as a general agency/ program underwriting manager in early 2005. Align formed Personable Holdings, Inc. as a specialty non-standard auto insurance provider to independent agents in 2011 and currently writes Commercial Property, Construction Risks, Commercial Transportation and Worker's Compensation insurance programs on an admitted and surplus lines basis on behalf of leading commercial lines insurers.

About Western Re
Western RE Managers Insurance Services, Inc. ("Western RE") is a California domiciled insurance agency that was incorporated in 1971. The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an underwriting office in Chicago, Illinois. Western RE has spent more than 40 years building a reputation as a leading specialist Commercial Earthquake DIC market in the U.S. and currently represents leading syndicates at Lloyd's of London and Sirius Insurance Company.

SACCOMANDO JOINS RUSSELL BOND

Paul Saccomando has joined Russell Bond as Operations Manager. He has over 30 years of property and casualty insurance experience in underwriting, operations, management, compliance, project management, marketing, product management and product development at a large and a medium size insurance company.

Paul earned both a Bachelor of Science and MBA in Finance and Management from Canisius College. In addition, he holds the Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate is Underwriting (AU), and Associate in Automation Management (AAM) insurance designations. Paul has also served as Chairman of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) Personal Lines Committee.

Russell Bond & Co., Inc. is an Insurance Wholesaler headquartered in Buffalo NY. Founded in 1950 the firm maintains binding authorities and brokerage access for Standard, Specialty, and Surplus Lines through admitted and non-admitted markets for clients throughout the USA.

The firm also maintains offices in Hamilton, NJ and Westfield, MA.

Jimcor Agencies Admitted Division Appoints Hudson as Brokerage Specialist

MONTVALE, N.J. - Jimcor Agencies Divisional Manager, Alan Belthoff, announced the appointment of Christopher A. Hudson to the position of Brokerage Specialist. "Chris has over 13 years of experience in the industry and is a great addition to the Admitted Team" stated Belthoff.

Previously Hudson has worked with carriers, MGA's and agents as an account executive, vice president, and insurance consultant. A licensed P/C Broker in NJ, Hudson has experience with all Property Casualty lines with a heavy concentration on Umbrella business.

Headquartered in Montvale, NJ, Jimcor Agencies is an Excess and Surplus Lines Wholesaler with seven offices located throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and has the ability to service other states around the country. Jimcor's goal is to provide clients with superior service and access to markets through its Online Systems, Binding Authority, Admitted Markets units or through the Brokerage Division (Jimcor Select Risk), allowing agents to successfully write more business.

Alan G. Belthoff can be reached via email at abelthoff@jimcor.com.

QQ Solutions Launches QQ Catalyst Marketplace, Showcasing QQ Catalyst Compatible Applications For Insurance Agencies Developed By Independent Software Vendors Worldwide

QQ Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of agency management systems for independent insurance agencies nationwide, has launched the QQ Catalyst™ Marketplace. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace is a website that showcases and provides access to software applications for insurance agencies from QQ Solutions' independent software vendor partners, all of which are compatible with the company's cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 9, 2013 - QQ Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of insurance agency management systems for independent agencies nationwide, has launched the QQ Catalyst™ Marketplace. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace is a website that showcases and provides access to software applications for insurance agencies from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), all of which work with the company's cloud-based agency management system, QQ Catalyst. ISVs from the U.S. and other countries are developing applications that interoperate with QQ Catalyst and provide insurance agencies with new tools to help them grow their businesses, provide better customer service, and become more productive. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace provides insurance agencies with easy access to these resources.

First released in early 2013, over 480 insurance agencies with over 1,500 users - all of which are new customers - are now using the revolutionary cloud-based QQ Catalyst agency management system to automate their operations, provide better service to their clients and grow their revenues.

One of the unique aspects of QQ Catalyst is that ISVs can build applications that securely interoperate with QQ Catalyst using its robust API. The API allows software developers to build apps that work with QQ Catalyst and securely access Catalyst's client, policy and other information in the cloud via an extensive set of API methods. An API Web portal and developer sandbox are provided along with complete documentation and sample source code for developers to use in building their apps.

The new QQ Catalyst Marketplace provides an online showcase for ISVs to market their applications, which work with and extend QQ Catalyst's capabilities. Examples of these applications include mobile apps, consumer portals, document management tools, and marketing automation.

Michael Stebel, Chief Operating Officer of QQ Solutions stated, "Through our ISV partners, we're building an ecosystem around QQ Catalyst that will greatly expand the range of solutions available to insurance agencies. By making QQ Catalyst the core of their technology strategy, insurance agencies will be able to select from a broad scope of tools from best-in-class software providers. The QQ Catalyst Marketplace will help them to better compete in today's insurance marketplace."

ISV Partner Quotes:

• Torey Maerz, Founder & CEO of Rocket Referrals said, "QQ Catalyst is an innovative agency management system with a slick API that allows us to quickly build new and creative solutions for our customers. Unlike other agency management systems we have encountered, QQ Catalyst is a leader in providing a solid platform for developers to extend their core offering with unique and powerful tools. By leveraging our partnership with QQ Solutions, our customers can virtually manage Rocket Referral's entire product without leaving QQ Catalyst, saving time, reducing errors, and increasing the value of both Rocket Referrals and QQ Catalyst."
• Matt Aaron, Co-Founder & CEO of the Insurance Agent mobile application said, "QQ Solutions immediately understood how working together could mutually benefit our respective clients. The ability for our product to interoperate with QQ allows agencies to push home & auto policy information, including images of insurance ID cards, directly to customers via the agency branded mobile app. This is huge for agencies. After twenty-five years, QQ Solutions is still entrepreneurial at heart, and eager to execute for the customer. That's the kind of company you want to work with."
• Rolando Milian of Ferret Software, Inc. stated, "Ferret Tools for Outlook allows QQ Catalyst customers to upload and save email and attachments directly from Outlook to a client or policy in QQ Catalyst, even when Catalyst is not running. Through our partnership with QQ Solutions, we can help QQ Catalyst customers minimize E&O risk exposure, improve agent effectiveness, and appropriately track client communications by ensuring that critical information is centrally stored, shared amongst those authorized, easily retrievable, accurate and complete."
• Nathan Waite, Chief Sales Officer of SEMCAT Corporation said, "SEMCAT is proud to support the QQ Catalyst Marketplace. The integration between our two platforms has proven amazingly helpful for our hundreds of mutual clients and we're excited to expand this reach together. QQ Solutions is helping drive insurance industry innovation and we're proud to be considered a valuable and pioneering partner."
• Laird Rixford, Vice President of Products & Marketing for ITC said, "By integrating TurboRater and AgencyBuzz with QQ Solutions' management products, we give our mutual customers the ability to grow their agencies using technology that is the best in its class."

ISVs interested in becoming QQ Catalyst API partners and having their applications showcased in the QQ Catalyst Marketplace should visit the API portal link to: QQSolutions.com/solutions/agencymanagement/qqcatalyst/api.aspx for more information.

About QQ Solutions, Inc.:
Named one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity and operate more efficiently. One of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent insurance agencies, QQ Solutions supports over 4,700 agencies, representing over 23,000 users nationwide. The company's mission is to help independent insurance agencies compete in the digital world by leveraging the latest cloud technology, social media, digital marketing and real-time services.

QQ Solutions strives to delight its customers by exceeding their expectations in product quality, customer service, training & support, and by meeting their evolving needs through a program of continuous product development and improvement incorporating the best available technologies. The company's headquarters is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the company employs 65 people in software development, product management, product support, professional services, marketing, sales, IT, finance, and administration.

To learn more about QQ Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the QQ Solutions website at QQSolutions.com.

Jeff Evans becomes newest member of the GW Global Insurance team as VP of the Southwest Region.

DATELINE: HOUSTON, TX
GW Global Insurance, LLC has recently hired Jeff Evans to lead their team in the Southwest Region of the US. Jeff will be located in their new Houston, Texas office. “Jeff has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry successfully managing products and service operations, says Dan Boisvert, President and CEO of GW Global. “He’s a Texas boy, he grew up there, he knows the area and the people very well. We think having Jeff on board fits perfectly into our culture of personalized products and service.”

“The full suite of products GW Global offers our client’s will help those personally and professionally stay covered. We’ll be able to reach out globally to design a personalized solution for each client. This is nothing like what is being done today”, says Jeff Evans. “The status quo is to put clients into a solution that is already pre-canned, pre-packaged. We look at every problem as a challenge to create a solution that fits exactly what they need. I’m very excited to be on board with such an innovative approach.”

GW Global works with a global network of carriers, reinsurers and service providers to create solutions that have the appropriate structure, are cost efficient and are effective long term. Their products include; Occupational Accident, Personal Accident, Healthcare Cash Flow Protection, Healthcare Risk Transfer, High Limit Disability, Cyber Liability and Professional Services.

Mr. Boisvert and his team have 80 plus years of collective experience in the global insurance markets, with the credibility and relationships to execute the right solutions for the right client. GW Global has offices in Marshfield, MA, Dallas, Austin & Houston, TX and will soon be opening in London, England and San Francisco, CA.

For more information please contact:
Dan Boisvert at 617-834-6008,br> or Jeff Evans at 713-294-5952

R-T Specialty announces completion of merger with Westrope

December 2, 2013, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG), on behalf of R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), is pleased to announce that subsequent to the initial announcement of the Westrope merger on November 1, 2013, all closing conditions and required approvals have been met, the transaction closed effective December 1, 2013. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312) 784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and R-T Specialty, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes wholesale broker R-T Specialty, LLC, a select group of highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com

About Westrope
Westrope ranked 7th in Business Insurance's Top 10 Wholesale Brokers in the U.S. Formed in 1992 by Kevin Westrope, the company is headquartered in Kansas City and has a national presence concentrated in the Midwest, Southwest and Southeast. www.westrope.com

SIAA Names Jeff Chidester Training and Learning Manager

November 21, 2013 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) - the largest national alliance of independent insurance agencies - has named Jeff Chidester as its new Training and Learning Manager.

In this position, Mr. Chidester is responsible for the development and administration of membership training programs through the SIAA Training and Learning Center. He holds over 15 years of experience as a training professional, including the development and delivery of numerous high-quality training methodologies and business analytics.

"We are fortunate to have someone with Jeff's experience and skills to oversee the rapid growth of our recently launched Training and Learning Center," said Matt Masiello, Chief Operations Officer of SIAA. "He brings the highest level of facilitation and communications skills, which will ultimately serve to ready our Member Agencies for success in today's changing and competitive landscape. Bringing Jeff on-board underscores SIAA's commitment to its Member Agencies' profitability and growth."

Before joining SIAA, Mr. Chidester worked with Scribe Software as a training manager, where he was responsible for the redesign and expansion of their online training program. Prior to Scribe, he worked for Newmarket International as an educational development expert, where he was responsible for online course design and delivery for both customers and employees.

A New Hampshire native, Chidester holds a training instructor certificate from the University of Illinois, as well as numerous other certifications related to course design and instruction.

The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) is a national alliance of over 4,700 signed independent insurance agency members generating hundreds of millions in new premium business annually. SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

Industry Leading Features and Innovative Design Result in Over 400 New Customers Now Subscribing to the QQ Catalyst™ Insurance Agency Management System in its First Nine Months

QQ Solutions reports that over 400 independent insurance agencies - all of which are new customers - are now using QQ Catalyst™. The state-of-the-art cloud-based insurance agency management system was first launched in January of this year and combines market-leading features with an innovative design to enhance agency productivity and growth.

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (PRWEB) October 21, 2013 - QQ Solutions, Inc, one of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent agencies, announced that over 400 independent insurance agencies - all of which are new customers - are now using the company's new cloud-based insurance agency management system, QQ Catalyst, since its launch earlier this year. This very high adoption rate demonstrates that the new SaaS based system meets the current and future needs of independent insurance agencies nationwide. The company is also readying a major update to Catalyst, version 2.5, which will be released at the end of this month.

QQ Catalyst is an innovative cloud-based insurance agency management system that has changed the game for independent insurance agencies. Visually engaging and highly intuitive, Catalyst makes everyday agency tasks simple, quick and error-free. With Catalyst, agents can choose to receive step-by-step guidance to complete tasks, from adding a contact and creating a new policy to renewing an existing policy. In addition, its patent pending "Stack" provides an easy way for agents to manage interruptions, pause what they are working on, do something else and then return to it at a later time. When daily interruptions occur, users can pick right back up where they left off, even if they switch to another device. Catalyst works on any device with a modern browser, including PCs, Macs, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Surface tablets, Chromebooks, and other mobile devices. When an agency subscribes to Catalyst, there's nothing to install. Users only need a broadband Internet connection.

Michael Stebel, Chief Operating Officer of QQ Solutions said, "The industry's adoption of Catalyst has been breathtaking. Over 400 new customers have now subscribed to Catalyst. We believe that Catalyst is the best management system for most independent agencies, and, we have backed it up with the industry's best on-boarding and support programs. Starting in November, we'll be migrating existing QQ Evolution and QuickFile customers that want to upgrade. Catalyst is fueling our growth, just as it is for our customers. In response, we're adding more software developers, support technicians, marketing, and salespeople to meet the growing demand."

For more information about QQ Catalyst, visit the company's website at QQSolutions.com, or call QQ Solutions at 1.800.940.6600.

About QQ Solutions, Inc.:
Named one of the "25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies" in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, QQ Solutions is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides feature-rich, affordable solutions that help independent insurance agencies grow revenues, enhance productivity and operate more efficiently. One of the largest providers of insurance agency management systems for independent insurance agencies, QQ Solutions supports over 22,000 users nationwide. The company's mission is to help independent insurance agencies compete in the digital world by leveraging the latest cloud technology, social media, digital marketing and real-time services.

QQ Solutions strives to delight its customers by exceeding their expectations in product quality, customer service, training & support, and by meeting their evolving needs through a program of continuous product development and improvement incorporating the best available technologies.

The company's headquarters is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where the company employs 65 people in software development, product management, product support, professional services, marketing, sales, IT, finance, and administration. To learn more about QQ Solutions products, please call the company at 1.800.940.6600, or visit the QQ Solutions website at QQSolutions.com.

Belthoff Joins Jimcor Agencies as Divisional Manager

MONTVALE, N.J. – Jimcor Agencies’ CEO, Coryn Thalmann, announced the appointment of Alan G. Belthoff to the position of Division Manager early last week.

“Alan brings with him over 25 years of industry experience and leadership in growing and enhancing business,” stated Thalmann. “We are excited to take advantage of his management, marketing and industry experience. His concentration on technology and workflow management is a great fit for where Jimcor is at this time and where we see ourselves going in the near future.”

Belthoff has worked with international carriers in various positions always with increasing levels of responsibility. At Jimcor Agencies, Belthoff will join the management team and work closely with department heads to help maximize production and increase revenue.

Headquartered in Montvale, NJ, Jimcor Agencies is an Excess and Surplus Lines Wholesaler with seven offices located throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and has the ability to service other states around the country. Jimcor’s goal is to provide clients with superior service and access to markets through its Online Systems, Binding Authority, Admitted Markets units or through the Brokerage Division (Jimcor Select Risk), allowing agents to successfully write more business.

Alan G. Belthoff can be reached via email at abelthoff@jimcor.com.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Donates $70,000 for Typhoon Relief

PHLY, Chairman Jamie Maguire, and Maguire Foundation send aid through the Red Cross

Bala Cynwyd, PA, November 13, 2013 - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leading property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets and its leadership are donating $70,000 to the American Red Cross to provide relief to the people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

“We are saddened to hear the news and see the images of devastation and loss in the Philippines,” shared Bob O’Leary, President and CEO of Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “We commend our partners at the Red Cross for their continued commitment to disaster relief and pledge our support to their efforts.”

Philadelphia Insurance is pledging $50,000 and will match all employee donations for relief efforts. PHLY’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus James J. Maguire will donate $10,000 from the Maguire Foundation and PHLY’s Chairman Jamie Maguire will donate another $10,000 to the Red Cross.

“We are grateful for the support Philadelphia Insurance Companies has provided in times of disaster, both close to home and internationally,” said Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania.

PHLY donated $50,000 to the Red Cross in May to aid Midwest tornado victims and in 2012 partnered with members of the Tokio Marine Group to donate more than $195,000 to the Red Cross following Hurricane Sandy. The Company and its employees also raised $129,000 for the Red Cross Haiti relief fund and more than $195,000 for the Red Cross Japan tsunami and earthquake relief fund. Philadelphia Insurance Companies has donated more than $14 million to charitable causes and organizations since 1980.

About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. The organization has 48 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.

New Empire Group Awarded TMPAA Best Practice Honors

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) awarded New Empire Group the Association's Best Practice Designation at their recent 13th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ. Five other administrators were also recognized for their Best Practice recertification.

David Springer, TMPAA President and NIP Group President & CEO stated, "The TMPAA continues to serve the unique needs of program specialists. Promoting best practices in programs is a critical element the Association brings to this industry segment. The Best Practice Designation provides us the opportunity to showcase our members who function at the highest levels, and have demonstrated their expertise in Program Administration. We are pleased to award New Empire Group this designation."

"New Empire Group is honored to be recognized and awarded the TMPAA Best Practices Designation," indicated Deborah K. Mackoul, New Empire Group President & COO. "I highly recommend that my fellow Program Administrators accept the challenge and apply for the designation. It's a very enlightening experience that will benefit your agency, your insured's and your credibility with the carriers with whom you partner. We're proud to be a premier Program Administrator committed to excellence."

ARA Insurance, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Synergy Professional Associates, ORYX Insurance Brokerage and Venture Insurance Programs were also recognized for having recertified their Best Practice status.

The Association's 13th Annual Summit was attended by over 750 program business professionals including representatives from over 190 Agencies and the group's 53 Program Carriers. Attendees had the privilege of hearing a Keynote address from former Hewlett-Packard Chairwoman and CEO, Carly Fiorina and an Industry address by Zurich's CEO North America Commercial, Mike Foley. The Target Markets Program Administrators Association's 2014 Mid Year Meeting is scheduled for May 12-14 in Baltimore, MD.

Information about New Empire Group can be found at www.newempiregroup.com.

Program Administrators / MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA, can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto, Executive Director at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

R-T Specialty, LLC enters definitive agreement to merge with Westrope

November 1, 2013, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG), on behalf of R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement to merge with Westrope, the 7th largest wholesale broker in the U.S. Formed by Kevin Westrope in 1992, Westrope has a national presence with concentrations in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Its long standing strength in property and casualty is complemented by workers' compensation, professional liability, transportation, agri-business and life science expertise. It also offers commercial binding authority through two divisions, WGA and WIMFL.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of RSG says, "This landmark transaction combines the strength of two major forces in the wholesale industry. Westrope enhances RT's presence in important geographies and products, as well as expands its binding authority capabilities. This move substantially strengthens our management team, our intellectual capital and our ability to execute on behalf of our clients. We are delighted to partner with this impressive group, and look forward to many years of success together."

RT President and CEO, Timothy W. Turner, adds, "Westrope's national presence and strong retail and market relationships complement and enhance RT's existing capabilities. With Kevin Westrope and his team of talented brokers and support personnel joining RT, together we will provide best in class service to our customers and carriers."

Kevin Westrope, President and CEO, says, "We look forward to partnering with RT, the fastest growing wholesale brokerage in the country. Our sales culture, producer development expertise and commitment to client service can be leveraged by the combined firm to provide a win-win for clients and carriers everywhere."

The transaction close is subject to normal approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Macquarie Capital acted as financial advisor to Westrope.

For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312) 784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and R-T Specialty, LLC Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes wholesale broker R-T Specialty, LLC, a select group of highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com

About Westrope
Westrope is an independent, privately-owned wholesale broker, ranking 7th in Business Insurance's Top 10 Wholesale Brokers in the U.S. Formed in 1992 by Kevin Westrope, the company is headquartered in Kansas City and has a national presence concentrated in the Midwest, Southwest and Southeast. www.westrope.com

The TMPAA Awards 28 CPL Designations

Wilmington, DE (October 28, 2013)-The Target Markets Program Administrator Association (TMPAA) awarded 28 of its members the Certified Programs Leader (CPL) Designation during their 13th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ last week.

Recipients of the CPL Designation completed and passed required Target University courses, and met program and industry experience expectations set out by the Association. "The mission of Target University and the CPL Designation is to promote best practices in program administration, and recognize the specialized skill sets of program administrators," stated David Springer, TMPAA President. "We are very happy that the Designation has been embraced by our members. The large number of CPLs awarded at our Summit speaks to its value."

CPL Designation recipients included Debra Anglin, Markel; Domenic Antinucci, Liberty International Underwriters; Eric Arthur and Katie Stephens, Fulcrum Programs; Adam Besnard, Besnard & Associates Insurance; Sim Bridges, Chuck Bushong and Faye Leto, Coastal Insurance Underwriters; Jeremy Bryant, Allegiant Programs Group; Bonnie Coverstone, Brieanna Leaken and Jeremiah O'Donovan, O'Donovan & Associates, Inc.; Susan DeCarlo, James Flynn, Erin McBride, Brian Parks and Michael Thabet, Distinguished Programs Group; Laura Gaffney, Liberty Mutual Commercial Insurance Programs; Christopher Fell, K & B Underwriters; Jim O'Connell, B&B Programs; Michael Oliver, Axis Insurance; Dan Rieden, Platinum Program Managers & Ins. Services; John Solari, Glatfelter Insurance Group; Heidi Strommen, ProHost USA; Lisa Tancioco, Blue River Underwriters; William Thompson, National Specialty Underwriters; Alek Turko, 5 Star Specialty Programs and Steve Zastrow, ARA Insurance.

"My involvement with the University and the CPL Designation continues to be a great honor," indicated Greg Thompson, TMPAA Past President and University Dean. "All of our CPL recipients demonstrated their mastery in crucial aspects of successful program administration and have a solid resume of work in programs. I am proud to be associated with them."

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA's mission is to help Program Administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, Best Practice information and recognition, Target University, program marketing, Target Programs (online portal), Industry studies and two annual member meetings.

The Association's recent Summit was held in Scottsdale, AZ, October 21-23. Details of this event are now available on the TMPAA website. The 2014 Mid Year Meeting is scheduled for May 12-14 in Baltimore, MD.

Program Administrator / MGA's interested in learning more about the TMPAA can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto - Executive Director at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

Bryan Sanders to Succeed John Latham as President of Markel Wholesale

Richmond, VA, October 10, 2013 — F. Michael Crowley, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL), has announced that John Latham is stepping down as President of Markel Wholesale effective December 31, 2013 and will be succeeded by Bryan Sanders. Sanders, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of Markel’s Wholesale division, joined Markel with the acquisition of Alterra Capital Holdings Limited. Latham will transition to a consultative role, active with Markel, working out of Markel’s Plano, TX, regional office. This transition marks the next step in a long and distinguished career in insurance. Sanders will remain based in Markel’s home office in Richmond, VA, and report to Crowley.

Bryan Sanders has 32 years of insurance industry experience and has held leadership positions with Alterra Specialty, Max Specialty, Hilb Rogal and Hobbs (HRH) Company, and MacDuff Underwriters, Inc. He graduated from Kent State University and began his career with Aetna Casualty and Surety Company as an underwriter in 1981. Sanders holds both CIC and ARM designations.

John Latham has had two tours with Markel, from 1989 until 1991 and from 2002 until the present. Latham is well known in the excess and surplus lines community, having held executive posts at Gen Re and Colony Insurance Group and as past president of one of the industry’s premier trade organizations, NAPSLO (National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices). Latham has been instrumental in the reorganization and expansion of Markel’s excess and surplus lines business.

“All of us at Markel congratulate John Latham on his long and distinguished career. We appreciate John’s many contributions to Markel’s success and look forward to working with him on a variety of high-impact projects,” commented Mike Crowley. “Bryan Sanders brings energy, experience, and vision to this leadership position. Bryan’s integrity and track record of success reflect the Markel Style, and he and John have done an extraordinary job integrating the Alterra staff and products into the Markel Wholesale operation. Bryan’s appointment should reassure our production partners and policyholders, and confirms Markel’s long-standing commitment to the excess and surplus lines business,” he added.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.

Breckenridge Insurance Group announced the hiring of Stephen Kelley

ATLANTA, GA. -- Breckenridge Insurance Group announced the hiring of Stephen Kelley as a senior vice president - of its Blue River Underwriters program administration division. Kelley will direct business development from Blue River's newly established Chicago operation.

"Steve has over thirty years of industry expertise with a record of consistently profitable results in insurance underwriting. His career includes underwriting and brokering of both tough and standard risks, with high focus on adding unexpected value for the client," said Tracey Carragher, CEO of Breckenridge Insurance Group. "Steve understands how to introduce new products and services which clients demand to succeed in economic climates that are always in flux. Over the last seven years while an executive at Seabright Insurance Company and AmTrust North America, Steve has constantly brought value to buyers and profit to risk takers".

"I am excited about Blue River's business mix and the recent growth of its parent - Breckenridge Insurance Group. The industry is buzzing about how this organization has flourished in the last four years. The expertise of their team is rock-solid, and I am excited to work with this remarkable group of professionals", Steve remarked.

Kelley most recently was Regional Vice President for SeaBright Insurance Company, responsible for the national business development field staff operations, and while with AmTrust North America from 2006-2010, served in various management capacities inclusive of Divisional President.

Prior to AmTrust, Kelley was President of Muirfield Underwriters, a large national workers compensation managing general underwriter, owned by the world's largest broker - Aon. His professional experience with Aon goes back to 1990. Steve has built MGU's from the ground up, and taken small operations and grew them exponentially, always differentiating them with world-class service and a unique perspective.

"Buyers want a placement partner that offers strong service, competitive rates, and attractive coverage options", Kelly commented. "Blue River, Breckenridge and its partners are 100% focused on service and creative solutions. I am committed to delivering this to all clients and stakeholders."

A mathematics graduate of Indiana's Tri-State University, Steve is also past president and remains a member of the Board of Directors of the Cancer Support Center, a not-for-profit organization in Homewood, Illinois. He can be contacted at (312) 415-1897 or skelley@blueriveruw.com.

About Breckenridge Insurance Group:
Breckenridge Insurance Group is a nationally known wholesale insurance broker, program manager, MGA, and outsourced insurance service provider, based in Atlanta, GA. Through more than 14 offices nationwide, the company serves independent agents and brokers, providing access to commercial insurance products and programs, including property and casualty coverages, products liability, professional liability, force placed coverages, and a host of customized binding authorities and exclusive programs tailored to specific industries, business and professionals.

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Announces the Merger of the Assets and Operations of S.H. Smith & Company Inc. into R-T Specialty, LLC

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) today announced that it has reached agreement to merge S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. (SHS) into R-T Specialty, LLC. S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. is one of the largest privately-owned specialty brokerages in the country. Headquartered in Hartford, CT, the company is licensed in 50 states and works through a network of over 2,000 independent retail agents. Formed by Scott Smith in 1982, the company employs more than 90 team members and manages its business across four segments: Professional & Management Liability; Commercial Property & Casualty; In-House Underwriting; and Program Business.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman & CEO of RSG, says, "Scott Smith, the President of S.H. Smith & Company, Inc., is highly respected by the brokerage and carrier community. His existing operations and experience will become a basis for expanding RT's presence in the Northeast, as well as our binding authority capabilities. We are excited Scott is joining RT's senior leadership team."

RT President & CEO, Timothy W. Turner adds, "Scott Smith has built a first-class organization and we are proud to add him to our senior management team. We are equally proud of the talented brokers and support personnel at S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. that will help RT grow and continue to provide best in class service to our customers and carriers."

S.H. Smith & Company, Inc. President Scott Smith says, "Combining our specialty services with RT's strong, national distribution model is a win-win for clients everywhere. We are excited about the opportunity to join our team with the fastest growing wholesale brokerage in the country." www.shsmith.com

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For more information on this release, contact Chelsey Krull, (312) 784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and R-T Specialty, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes wholesale broker R-T Specialty, LLC, a select group of highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com

Markel Global Reinsurance appoints Frank Bigley to underwrite agriculture and crop reinsurance

Richmond, VA, September 9, 2013 — Markel Corporation today announced that Markel Global Reinsurance has appointed Frank Bigley as Underwriting Director for agriculture and crop reinsurance. Jed Rhoads, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Property Reinsurance for Markel Global Reinsurance, commented: "Frank Bigley is a highly respected industry veteran with a successful track record as a reinsurance underwriter specializing in agriculture and crop exposures. We are fortunate that he has agreed to join our team in Bermuda, where, with effect from October 2013, he will assume responsibility for the book of agriculture reinsurance business previously written by Markel in Dublin.” Frank has held various reinsurance underwriting and management positions during a career spanning more than forty years. He was most recently Senior Vice President and Reinsurance Department Manager at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa, where he was responsible for all assumed and ceded reinsurance activities from 2000 until his retirement earlier this year. Frank earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Villanova University and an MBA in Management and Finance from Rutgers University Graduate School of Business Administration. About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markelcorp.com.