Any change in contact information for any existing excess, surplus, or specialty lines product or program. Disclaimer (please read)

IMCA “Gets Unwired” at 3rd Annual Creative Forum

Top creative minds from Ogilvy Public Relations, Aon, Zurich and others take on marketing and communications topics from storytelling to mobile marketing in Atlanta Feb. 26-27

Atlanta – November 28, 2011 – The Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) invites insurance marketing and communications professionals to “get unwired” for the Third Annual IMCA Creative Forum at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., February 26-27, 2011.

The intense, one-day immersion into creative trends and issues will focus this year on how to combine fundamental principles of storytelling and creativity with the latest marketing and communications strategies, from mobile marketing to social media. The uniquely different, content-rich event experience is designed to stimulate the creative core within all marketing and communications professionals.

Keynote speaker Mike Hatcliffe, managing director of Corporate US Practice at Ogilvy Public Relations, will open the event with “The Art of Storytelling: Media Relations and Building Reputation,” a discussion of how to effectively convey a company’s story through digital communications and social media tactics, with lessons to be learned from those who are winning in this new media world – and those who are losing.

The conference will also feature:

• Gregg Fraley, entrepreneur, author, speaker and innovation consultant, on how the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) method can solve business challenges.
• Jeff Bair, CIC, executive director of IA operations and strategic marketing at Foremost Insurance, on how to take social media to the next level.
• Regis Coccia, director of marketing and communications at Aon, and Bob Evans, Director of Mobile Insurance Solutions, on understanding current trends of mobile marketing.
• Jill Gaynor, assistant vice president of marketing strategy and execution at Zurich, on how digital marketing has affected the use of traditional media.
• Jon C. Bidwell, chief innovation officer at Chubb & Son, on how to digitally manage personal lines.

The conference will close with Jerry Gentemann, president and founder of Mobilize Worldwide, who will share his insights and show numerous examples of how the insurance industry can best use current technology. Gentemann has clients spanning the globe and created the first augmented reality program (the next level of print and digital interaction) for Coca-Cola.

The Creative Forum is sponsored by The Main Street America Group. Those interested can learn more or register at www.imcanet.com or by calling 206-219-9811.

About IMCA
The Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCAsm) is an international organization of insurance communications professionals specializing in marketing, communications, advertising, sales promotion, public relations and media relations. The oldest insurance marketing and communications association in North America, it began as the Insurance Advertising Conference (IAC) in 1923 and was renamed in 1984 to better depict the evolving roles of insurance communicators. IMCA’s purpose is to promote excellence in insurance marketing and communications, improve the professional skills of members, foster the sharing of ideas and experiences among members and promote a positive image of the insurance industry.

Connect and engage with IMCA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Imcanet), LinkedIn (www.linkd.in/w1bAE2) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/imcanet).

Philadelphia Insurance

Philadelphia Insurance Launches Executive Sponsor Program Unique program puts Company executives a phone call away

Bala Cynwyd, PA, November 28, 2011 - Executives at Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) are picking up the phone to show the company’s commitment to exceeding customer service expectations. PHLY is taking this approach through a new and unique customer service program designed to strengthen relationships and provide unsurpassed customer service.

The Executive Sponsor Program (ESP) matches PHLY executives at a Vice President level or higher with two or more insurance agency executives or policyholders. The intent of the Program is to ultimately create greater retention and drive loyalty with PHLY’s key agents and policyholders.

The Executive Sponsor Program focuses on a dedicated relationship between executives to supplement the attention they consistently receive from PHLY Marketing representatives. This proactive contact will set the bar higher, creating increased value in the relationship each agency has with Philadelphia Insurance.

“For some, this is an opportunity for personal growth as company executives reach beyond their typical day-to-day responsibilities and develop an understanding of the significance each relationship can hold in the service experience,” comments Seth Hall, Vice President of Customer Service for PHLY. “For all, it is a reminder that our paychecks are made possible by these partnerships and the service we provide every day.”

Results from the first three months clearly qualify the Program as a differentiator. PHLY’s Northwest region directly attributes the relationship built within the Executive Sponsor Program as a key driver in obtaining a new account producing a six-figure premium.

According to Morgan West, Jr., President of the Property Casualty division of Seattle-based agency Kibble & Prentice, “The Executive Sponsor Program is another great service that makes it a pleasure to work with PHLY. I appreciate having the opportunity to provide feedback directly to PHLY’s leadership, and look forward to providing PHLY with solid information to continue moving forward together.”

32 PHLY executives are working with 63 agents and four policyholders in the Executive Sponsor Program. As the Program matures, PHLY expects this differentiating personal contact to become a model for all of its agent and policyholder interactions. PHLY’s commitment to service excellence is front and center on the company’s homepage of PHLY.com where is provides an avenue to give feedback to its CEO and lists its customer service results; highlighted by the fact that 97% of its policyholders would recommend PHLY.

“Our goal is to always exceed service expectations,” added Hall. “We’re committed to providing overwhelmingly positive service. It’s what helps separate PHLY from other insurance carriers and builds our mutually beneficial partnerships.”

About PHLY
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 and National Underwriter’s Top 100 (for in-depth financial information, please visit our website at www.phly.com). The organization has 46 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies is the marketing name for the property casualty insurance operations of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp., a Member of the Tokio Marine Group. In the United States, all products are written by insurance company subsidiaries of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to actual policy language. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties.

SIAA Grows by 45 Agencies in October 2011

November 15, 2011 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced 45 new member agencies in October.

Of October's signed members, 32 are liberated "captive agents" new to the independent agency system - bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create over 290 new agencies in 2010 from a total of 420 newly signed members. 282 have been announced in 2011 to date.

"October was a banner month for new member growth." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "This is further evidence of how our model works irrespective of the economic climate."

SIAA members wrote more than $310 million in new business premiums in 2010 and are projected to exceed that volume for 2011. The new business premium for 2010 was up over 27% from 2009's figure of $235 million.

October's new members include:

East:
Cosgrove General Insurance of Towson, MD
PA Insurance Center of Blakeslee, PA
HR Staley Agency of Binghamton, NY
RFG Insurance Agency of Yorktown Heights, NY
Spaulding & Leib Insurance Agency of Leicester, MA
Cynergy Captive Markets of Vineland, NJ
Jeffrey D. Chapman of Penfield, NY
The Genesis Insurance Group of Stroudsburg, PA

Midwest:
Kastyl Insurance Agency of Florence, WI
First American Financial Insurance Agency of Chillicothe, OH
Dan Herbrand Agency of Neillsville, WI
Strategic Business Alliance of Escanaba, MI
Independent Insurance Agency of Ohio of Cleveland, OH
Affordable Insurance Solutions of Madison, WI
Rick D Debe Insurance Agency of Mukwonago, WI
Mindie Freeman Insurance Agency of Westlake, OH
Gold Insurance Group of St. Louis, MO
Frontier Insurance Brokers of Algonquin, IL
Duet Insurance Group of Carpentersville, IL
O'Malley Martin Group of Olathe, KS
Angora Insurance Services of Chicago, IL
Rielly Insurance and Financial Services of Oskaloosa, IA

West:
Kasia Insurance Services of Sacramento, CA
Paul Bird Insurance Agency of Grand Junction, CO
Shadow Insurance of Missoula, MT
Intermountain Insurance Associates of Sandy, UT
Brian Grigg of La Mesa, CA

Southeast:
Bethlehem Insurance Group of Hickory, NC
SourceOne Insurors of Macon, GA
Carli Insurance Agency of Lake Mary, FL
Specialized Insurance Group of Rockwell, NC
Moore's Insurance Group of New Port Richey, FL
Dalton Insurance Agency of the Carolinas of Rosman, NC
Wilkinson Insurance Agency of Milledgeville, GA
The Hendricks Group Risk Management and Financial Services of Jacksonville, FL
Winchester Insurance Agency of Winchester, KY

South Central:
Humphreys Insurance Group of Tomball, TX
Pattillo Insurance Agency of Lancaster, TX
Tailor-Made Insurance of Bastrop, LA

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 3,800 new members.

SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. SIAA provides independent agencies with the company access necessary to become instantly BIG. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

The National Insurance Agency Alliance
For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net or 603-601-1216.

Target Markets Program Administrators Association

Research: Program Business Market Hits $17.5 Billion in Gross Written Premiums

Wilmington, DE-The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) released the report and results of its ground-breaking research to document the size, characteristics, growth and other base-line information about the program insurance market. The first-ever "The State of Program Business Study" was presented at the Association's 11th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ.

Respondents to the survey reported that the program business continues to grow despite falling rate levels as a greater number of program administrators saw premiums rise in the past year. With program administrators seeing increasing value in placing specialized risks, survey respondents are optimistic about prospects for future growth.

The study pegged the program administration market at $17.5 billion in premiums. It is composed of about 750 program administrators and involves an estimated 1,750 individual programs.

TMPAA describes program business as insurance products targeted to a particular niche market or class, generally representing a book of similar risks placed with one carrier. Program Administration may include marketing, underwriting selection, binding, issuing, billing, premium collections, data gathering, claims management/ loss control and possibly risk sharing. Specialists distribute these Programs on a retail or wholesale basis.

Interestingly, program administrators and insurers are in sync when it comes to their view of the components crucial to establishing a successful program. On top of both group's list is underwriting profitability. Other key factors for the two groups are gross written premium, commission rate and growth rate.

The research study and survey was conducted by Advisen, the commercial insurance research and data analytics firm. The analysis included a survey of program administrators, carriers and managing general agents. Additional data and information was drawn from the Advisen databases of retail brokers, managing general agents and underwriters and wholesale brokers.

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. is sponsoring the research effort. Argo Group, a carrier member of TMPAA, is an international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in areas of the property and casualty markets. It operates niche insurance programs in the United States through its Commercial Specialty business segment.

Program Specialists / MGA's interested in learning more about the TMPAA can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com , or contact Executive Director Ray Scotto at ray.scotto@targetmkts.com

A copy of the full report can be accessed on the TMPAA website at http://content.targetmkts.com/files/PB%20Study%20Results.pdf

For Media Inquiries contact:
Jack Roberts
New Street Group
jroberts@newstreetgroup.net
(610) 952-7313

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. (AUI)

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. (AUI) continues to expand, strengthen operations -completes acquisition of Executive Brokers Insurance Services

Oak Ridge, TN - Appalachian Underwriters, Inc., has obtained the assets of Executive Brokers Insurance Services -- a wholesale broker based in St. Peters, MO. The acquisition was effective October 3, 2011.

"The expansion for AUI with an office in Missouri will help with client penetration in the Midwest states. We look forward to working with Rhonda and the staff from Executive Brokers and are excited about the opportunity to service new agents," said Bob Arowood, President of Appalachian Underwriters.

Executive Brokers Insurance Services operated as a full service Managing General Agent and Surplus Lines Broker licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Wisconsin. Office doors of the St. Peters office will remain open, becoming an official AUI satellite office with all former Executive Brokers staff still in place. With the acquisition, AUI strengthens its operations by adding a staff with years of underwriting and customer service experience. Adding an office to in Missouri will increase the availability and efficiency for agents directly appointed with AUI.

"We are very excited with the opportunity to become a satellite office for AUI. Becoming part of this company will allow us to continue to provide exceptional service to the Midwest region, backed with the strength and commitment of AUI," said Rhonda Henze, Vice President of Executive Brokers Insurance Services.

Agents previously appointed with Executive Brokers Insurance Services can be assured that AUI is ready, willing and able to meet the service needs for all business written prior to the acquisition. While business and renewals will continue to be marketed as placed, agents will have the opportunity to remarket as needed through AUI's extensive markets, programs and expertise.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. is a full-service MGA and wholesale insurance brokerage, providing independent agents a national outlet to multiple specialized markets for Workers' Compensation, Commercial Specialty, and Personal Lines of insurance.

To learn more about Appalachian Underwriters, Inc., please visit www.appund.com.

Crump Insurance Services

Crump Seattle Expands Professional and Specialty Lines Expertise Valerie

Surprenant adds brokerage and underwriting experience to sophisticated team Seattle, WA - September 30, 2011. Valerie Surprenant has joined the production team in the Crump Seattle office as Vice President - Broker for Financial Services. Ms. Surprenant brings 19 years of experience in both underwriting and brokering business for financial and professional liability risks. She offers extensive expertise and insight to Crump Insurance Services and will help continue to build the professional lines department in the Seattle office.

Ms. Surprenant's responsibilities will include developing programs for a variety of clients in the area of Directors & Officers Liability, Errors & Omissions, Network Security / Privacy Liability, Employment Practices Liability and other miscellaneous coverages. She may be reached at 425.488.5054 or via email at Valerie.Surprenant@crumpins.com. "Valerie is a wonderful addition to our team and I am glad to be growing our professional business in the Northwest," says Garrett Koehn, President Northwestern U.S. "Her industry knowledge and experience as a broker will help continue to expand our retail and carrier relationships in the financial and professional lines."

Ms. Surprenant previously worked with CNA Specialty as an E&O underwriter. Prior to CNA, she worked as a Client Advisor in the FINPRO department of Marsh, Inc.

Additional information on these companies is available at www.crumpins.com.

NAS Insurance

NAS LAUNCHES NEW ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS DIVISION

Encino, CA - NAS Insurance Services launches new Entertainment and Sports Division

NAS Insurance appoints Jerid Schmickle as Senior Vice President of its newly launched Entertainment and Sports Division. He will spearhead the facility targeting risks within the Entertainment, Hospitality, Media and Sports industries. Jerid joins NAS from Allianz/Fireman's Fund where he was a Director of Underwriting. He has created numerous profitable programs throughout his career, while underwriting unique and unusual risks. NAS will be announcing new product launches in the near future.

Contact: Richard Robin (818) 808-4477

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Completes Acquisition of Specialist Lloyd's Insurer Jubilee Group Holdings Limited

September 23, 2011, Chicago, IL - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of specialist Lloyd's insurer Jubilee Group Holdings Limited (Jubilee). Jubilee currently operates two active Syndicates at Lloyd's, a managing agency and specialist underwriting distribution and insurance service businesses.

RSG also announced a number of new Board and key executive appointments. Max Taylor, a former Chairman of Lloyd's of London and Deputy Chairman of Aon UK, has accepted the role as Non-Executive Chairman of Jubilee's Board. Johnny Rowell, Managing Director of Ryan Specialty Europe Limited, joins the Board and has been appointed Chief Executive. Miles Wuller joins the board as Chief Financial Officer. Jonathan Matthews, previously Chief Risk Officer of Liberty Syndicate Management Limited, has joined the Board and been appointed Chief Operating Officer. Malcolm McCaig, formerly a big four audit partner, has joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of RSG, said, "Completing the Jubilee acquisition represents a significant development in the marketplace, and we are pleased to be part of this major event. Lloyd's and the London market are firmly established as global leaders in the specialty markets. We believe there is a real opportunity in the specialty markets and Jubilee's existing platform focuses on specialty insurance - specialties that we know. This acquisition will allow us to introduce and support new products and programs in global markets in a meaningful way. Jubilee's presence within Lloyd's uniquely enhances the execution of our overall strategy of offering and delivering preeminent providers of specialty products and services to the insurers, brokers and agents we serve."

Johnny Rowell notes, "The Jubilee platform provides an excellent foundation for developing a world class risk-bearing organization. We look forward to building on our long-standing ties in the Lloyd's community to enhance market access to brokers and agents seeking specialty product offerings."

Max Taylor adds, "I am delighted to have been asked to Chair the Board and to work with Pat Ryan again and the outstanding Jubilee team."

For more information on this release, contact: Chelsey Krull, (312)-784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.; Johnny Rowell, 011 44 207 444 4079, jrowell@ryansg.com or Johnny@ryansel.com

SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance)

Assure Alliance Signs 100th Member Agency

Hampton, NH:- SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner Assure Alliance of Spartanburg, South Carolina has signed its 100th Member Agency, adding to the national total that currently exceeds3800 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome Taylors Insurance Agency of Taylors, SC as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced Assure AllianceOwner and CEO, Ben Taylor. "As a newly created independent agency, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners, as well our 58 years of experience in agency operations, 10 as an SIAA Certified Master Agency."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of Taylors Insurance Agency, Assure Alliance has reached a significant milestone for which member Master Agencies across the country strive. On a national level, over 290 new members have been signed in 2011 to this point. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked for over 15 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

Assure Alliance has been a partner Master Agency of SIAA since 2001. With territory covering South Carolina and Georgia, they are the largest independent agency group in the area.

SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its collective strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies.

For more information on SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Vantage Agora

Vantage Agora Expands with New Partnership
Shawn Young Announced as Regional VP of Sales

CLEVELAND, OH - Vantage Agora, a global provider of back-office support services and custom IT solutions, today announced that it will be expanding its service area by adding Shawn Young as the new Regional VP of Sales.

Vantage Agora is expanding its services and products to insurance companies in the North East and Mid-Atlantic regions that want to streamline their business and improve their profitability.

"We are looking forward to this new partnership with Shawn. He is very skilled in working with clients and efficient in his recommendations. He is a great addition to the Vantage Agora team and will lead us into many new ventures with businesses in the New York, North East and Mid-Atlantic regions," said Sudhir Achar, CEO for Vantage Agora.

For over 20 years, Shawn Young has been offering insurance advice to companies and individuals, working with people from local businesses up to large conglomerates. He has a proven record of developing and implementing client-focused programs in niche commercial markets and analyzing the needs of high-risk customers with complex and challenging requirements.

"I am very impressed with the passion for excellence from the leadership team at Vantage Agora. The company has the right products for the right time in this market," commented Shawn Young.

"There will be tremendous expense pressure in any business, what I am focusing on is how to help companies make the best use of its resources without giving up any control - Vantage Agora is a win-win for any size company," Young added.

Visit Vantage Agora online (www.vantageagora.com) for more details about its services.

AIC Holdings

AIC Holdings appoints Robert G. Purdy as president and CEO of AIC Underwriters

Oak Ridge, TN - AIC Holdings announces the appointment of Robert G. Purdy to the position of president and CEO of AIC Underwriters, based in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Purdy will be responsible for leading the underwriting, marketing and operations strategies for the AIC Underwriters' middle market workers' compensations business, including the specialty market of temporary staffing.

The principals of AIC Holdings, Bill and Bob Arowood, are excited to welcome Robert Purdy as the leader of this newly formed company. "Robert's proven leadership, strategic vision and extensive experience in the workers' compensation and middle market arena will be invaluable to the continued growth and development of this key market segment," says Bill Arowood.

With more than 26 years of experience in the insurance arena, Robert joins AIC Holdings from AmTrust Financial. Prior to joining AmTrust, he led the ACE Limited Workers' Compensation for ACE Complete, the online workers' compensation web product and middle market. Previous to ACE, he led the American International Group (AIG) Specialty Workers' Compensation Division. During his twelve years with AIG, Robert held various senior management positions including overall responsibility for the e-wC, Middle Market, Assigned Risk and USL&H segments. Prior to AIG, he spent 14 years with CIGNA Property & Casualty holding a succession of senior-level positions.

Robert has been a member of the Governing Board of the California, Delaware, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania Rating Bureaus. Additionally, he served on the Governing Board of the California Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI). Robert currently serves on the board of directors of the American Society of Workers' Compensation Professional, Inc. (AMCOMP) and was a member of the American Staffing Association Advisory Board. He is a past member of the selection committee for Florida CHOICE Awards® for workers' compensation, presented by Choice Medical Management Services, LLC and serves on the board of trustees for Caldwell College in New Jersey. He is a frequent speaker at insurance industry conferences and has published numerous articles in industry trade publications.

Robert may be contacted at Robert.Purdy@aicunderwriters.com.

AIC Holdings is a multi-faceted group of insurance companies including Accident Insurance Company, Madison Insurance Company, US Administrator Claims and the newly formed AIC Underwriters. AIC Holdings is affiliated with the company Appalachian Underwriters, Inc.

For more information, please visit www.aicunderwriters.com.

SIAA, Inc.

North Florida Agents Network Signs 50th Member Agency - SIAA Growth Continues

Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner North Florida Agents Network of Tallahassee, FL has signed its 50th Member Agency, bringing the national total to 3795 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome Schneider & Associates Insurance Agency of Gainesville, FL as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced North Florida Agency Network President Rod Vaughn. "As a member agency, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners, as well as our 14 years of experience in agency operations as an SIAA partner Master Agency."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of Schneider & Associates, North Florida Agents Network has reached a significant milestone joining 6 other SIAA Master Agencies nationally. On a national level, over 186 new member agencies have been signed in 2011 to this point. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked since 1983 through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

North Florida Agents Network has been a partner Master Agency of SIAA since 1997, consistently and diligently adding new member agencies to their local alliance. With a territory covering 32 counties across Northern Florida, they are the largest independent agency group in the area.

For more information on North Florida Agents Network, visit www.nfanflorida.com.

Schneider & Associates Insurance Agency is a family-owned business with offices in Gainesville and Micco, Florida, providing coverage for a wide variety of personal and commercial interests.

For more information on Schneider & Associates Insurance Agency, visit www.schneider-insurance.com

SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) is a national alliance of nearly 3,800 independent insurance agencies. SIAA utilizes its collective strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies.

For more information on SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

SIAA, Inc.

SIAA Grows by 40 Agencies in June 2011 Hampton, NH:- The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced 40 new member agencies in June.

Of June's signed members, 28 are liberated "captive agents" new to the independent agency system - bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create over 290 new agencies in 2010 from a total of 420 newly signed members. 186 have been announced in 2011 to date.

"We are excited to be able to grow at a steady and aggressive pace." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "This is further evidence of how our model works irrespective of the economic climate."

SIAA members wrote more than $310 million in new business premiums in 2010 and are projected to exceed that volume for 2011. The new business premium for 2010 was up over 27% from 2009's figure of $235 million.

June's new members include:

East:

• Maitland Insurance Group, Inc. of Mansfield, MA
• Dyer Insurance of Bedford, NH
• Revolutionary Insurance, LLC of Marlborough, CT
• Ronald A. Cannizzaro Agency LLC of Buffalo, NY
• Bluco Insurance Agency, Inc. of Alexandria, VA
• Crown Risk Management, LLC of Syracuse, NY

Midwest:

• Berling Insurance Agency of Norwood, OH
• Light House Insurance Group of Paola, KS
• Layton Financial Services of Marne, MI
• Russell & Associates Benefits Solutions of Newburgh, IN
• Butler Insurance Agency of Columbus, OH
• Meridian Insurance & Financial Group of Columbus, OH
• Oak Brook Insurance Agency, Inc. of Oak Brook, IL

West:

• Forest Hills Insurance, LLC of Hillsboro, OR
• Excel Equity, LLC of Orem, UT
• Jordan River Insurance, Inc. of West Jordan, UT
• Foundations Insurance and Financial Services of Lakewood, CO
• ARK Insurance Solutions of Salt Lake City, UT
• Donald Hickling of Oakland, CA

Southeast:

• Weidman Insurance Services, LLC of Waxhaw, NC
• The Larson Insurance Group, Inc. of Dunedin, FL
• Tammie Philips Insurance Group, LLC of Dacula, GA
• Community Insurance Associates, Inc. of Elberton, GA
• Jimmie Nelson Insurance Agency, Inc. of Henderson, KY
• Trinity Insurance Services, LLC of Clarkson, KY
• Alliance Insurance Solutions, LLC of Louisville, KY
• George Ward Insurance Agency, Inc. of Dalton, GA
• Mark Bowery Insurance, Inc. of Kingsport, TN
• Daniel Insurance of Knoxville, TN
• Fearnow Insurance, Inc. of Seffner, FL

South Central:

• Cannon Insurance Services of Elgin, TX
• Buddy Marshall Insurance Agency of Mt. Pleasant, TX
• Dormer Insurance Services, LLC of Kingwood, TX

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 3,750 new members.

SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. SIAA provides independent agencies with the company access necessary to become instantly BIG. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

The National Insurance Agency Alliance For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net or 603-601-1216.

LIG Marine Managers Announces the next CMIP Seminar being held in San Francisco, September 12-14, 2011 !

St. Petersburg, FL, July 16, 2011 - LIG Marine Managers' sister company, LIG Educational & Consulting Services, in conjunction with the International Institute for Marine Insurance Studies, announces the next 2011 CMIP Seminar for those individuals workingtowards earning the Certified Marine Insurance Professional (CMIP) Designation.

The CMIP Designation is designed for agents, brokers, CSRs, Insurance Company Personnel, Underwriters or other insurance industry professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of Commercial Marine Insurance. The CMIP Designation requires attendance at four 2½-day Seminars and passing a short exam at the end of each Seminar.

The next CMIP Seminar, "Commercial Marine Insurance", is being held in San Francisco, CA September 12-14, 2011. Topics for this dynamic seminar include Marine General Liability & CCC Exposures, Advanced Hull Insurance, Advanced Cargo insurance, and Pollution. The seminar will be held at The Fairmont San Francisco.

Dynamic speakers for these seminars include:

• Ian Greenway, President, LIG Marine Managers
  TOPICS: Marine General Liabilities, USL&H/Jones Act
• Ken Baldwin, Regional Vice President, Travelers Ocean Marine
  TOPICS: Hull/P&I
• Richard Hobbie III, President, Water Quality Insurance Syndicate
  TOPIC: Pollution

For more information OR to REGISTER ONLINE, please visit www.IIMIS.org. For assistance with registration, please contact Karen Tischler at KLT@LIGMarine.com or (415) 690-6214.

About LIG Educational & Consulting Services (LIGECS) and International Institute for Marine Insurance Studies (IIMIS) As a division of LIG Marine Managers, LIGECS provides quality education and instruction to insurance professionals, particularly in the areas of Marine and International insurance.

IIMIS is the home of CMIP, Certified Marine Insurance Professional (CMIP), Designation Program.

LIG Educational & Consulting Services
International Institute for Marine Insurance Studies
300 1st Avenue South, Suite 400
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 578-9977 Fax

Media contact:
Karen Tischler
(415) 690-6214
KLT@LIGMarine.com

Vantage Agora Inc

Dallas, TX and Cleveland, OH and July 12, 2011 -- Vantage Agora Inc, a provider of back office processing, systems integration, custom application development to insurance and finance companies, today announced a formal development and marketing partnership with the Springtree Group, a leader in providing a full spectrum of financial services to Agents and Brokers in the Insurance industry.

The agreement calls for the two companies to pool resources and intellectual property to speed the development and adoption of products and services that increase the productivity and profitability of Insurance Brokers and Agents. In addition to this Sam Patterson will serve as a Board of Advisor.

"We are pleased to come together with our new strategic partners at Vantage Agora" stated STG CEO & Founder, Sam Patterson. "Our mutual goal is to provide a unique complement of services that will increase the profitability and competitiveness of Brokers and Agents associated with us.”

Vantage Agora's CEO & Founder, Sudhir Achar, stated, "Our two companies have unique complimentary skill sets that, when merged, will provide our existing customers and companies in the insurance industry the advantage they need to excel in this tough market. “

The current economic upheaval has been especially hard on the insurance and financial industries. To remain competitive, Brokers, Agents, Wholesalers, MGA's and Carriers must become more productive by shifting the labor now dedicated to tedious tasks towards enhanced marketing and improved customer service. The new STG/VA strategic partnership combines existing skills to form a Best-of-Breed service provider to speed transaction time and reduce labor costs.

About the Springtree Group
The Springtree Group (STG) is a private firm that finances, consults, acquires and / or invests in insurance related business service firms. STG is the national leader in providing a full spectrum of financial services and products to Agents, Brokers and insurance support companies. We are committed to providing unique and fresh options to business owners that will not be found with any other organization. Call us now with any questions relating to buying, selling or financing or visit STG online at www.springtreegroup.biz.

About Vantage Agora
Vantage Agora (VA) is a provider of backoffice and IT services to small and medium sized companies. The company's backoffice services are tailored to insurance and finance companies. VA believes that small and medium sized companies should have the same cost advantages that larger companies have traditionally had. The company provides small and medium sized firms with access to low cost, value enhancing services that give them a competitive edge in the market place. Visit Vantage Agora online at www.vantageagora.com.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company

JOHNSON PROMOTED TO REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

Farmington Hills, MI - Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, one of the nation's leading property and casualty insurance companies, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dan Johnson to Regional Vice President. Johnson will be responsible for overseeing field operations in several key Midwest markets, including Core Service Centers (CSC) in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Farmington Hills, MI., as well as a service carrier operations team in Farmington Hills.

"Dan will play a pivotal role in Amerisure's expansion into new markets, including our new operation in the Twin Cities, slated to open later this summer," said Michael Dieterle, Vice President, Field Marketing & Underwriting, to whom Johnson will report. "His ability to execute our Partners for Success® strategy will help Amerisure to continue to deliver exceptional service to our agencies and policyholders throughout the Midwest."

With prior industry experience, Johnson joined Amerisure in 1997, and has held management positions in both Loss Control and Field Marketing Underwriting, serving most recently as Assistant Vice President in the Company's Chicago CSC.

Johnson holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. He will relocate from Chicago to Southeast Michigan for his new position.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, a stock insurer, is a property and casualty insurance group with experience insuring American businesses since 1912. Amerisure targets mid-sized commercial enterprises in manufacturing, construction and healthcare through strategically located Core Service Centers across the United States. For more information, visit www.amerisure.com.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company

FORD PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

Farmington Hills, MI - Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, one of the nation's leading property and casualty insurance companies, is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Ford to Assistant Vice President. In his new role, Ford will be responsible for overseeing Core Service Centers (CSCs) in Charlotte and Atlanta. He will report to Michael M. Dieterle, Amerisure Vice President, Field Marketing and Underwriting.

He has managed the Atlanta CSC since 2006, the same year in which he won the Company's prestigious Marketing Underwriter of the Year award.

"Matt has been a strong contributor to the Amerisure team and has played a key role in building agency relationships in the Southeast," said Vice President Dieterle. "His knowledge of the marketplace and his expertise in marketing underwriting will enable us to continue to deliver exceptional service."

Ford joined Amerisure in 1990. He holds a BS in Insurance from Ball State University's College of Business.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, a stock insurer, is a property and casualty insurance group with experience insuring American businesses since 1912. Amerisure targets mid-sized commercial enterprises in manufacturing, construction and healthcare through strategically located Core Service Centers across the United States. For more information, visit www.amerisure.com.

Crump Insurance Services

Experienced Broker Enhances Dallas Production Team

Crump continues to expand its production team by hiring Deana Crowson. Ms. Crowson has joined the Crump Dallas office as Vice President - Property and Casualty Broker. A former Crump employee, she returns after spending the past 12 years at Swett & Crawford as a commercial broker for in-house GL, property, and excess facilities. Ms. Crowson brings extensive expertise to the Dallas team offering over 30 years of commercial casualty and property experience. She specializes in general liability, environmental, products, aviation, and trucking excess placements.

"Deana's return to Crump adds significant strength and support to our commercial lines department and we are pleased to have her back on the Dallas team," says Dallas office head Phil Hagan.

Ms. Crowson has her CIC designation and may be reached at 214.265.2644 or Deana.Crowson@crumpins.com.

About Crump Insurance Services
Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Crump P&C) is a division of Crump Group, the nation's largest insurance wholesaler. Crump Insurance Services includes Crump wholesale brokerage locations across the U.S. and in Bermuda, Five Star Specialty Programs, Five Star Professional Programs, Target Insurance Services, and Hanleigh Insurance. Additional information on these companies is available at www.crumpins.com.

U.S. Insurance Group

U.S. Risk Insurance Group Names Margaret Zechlin as Senior Broker in the San Francisco Office

San Francisco - U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. (www.usrisk.com), the eighth largest managing general agency and surplus lines wholesaler in the nation, announced that it has named Margaret Zechlin, CPCU, RPLU, ARe, ASLI as Senior Broker.

As Senior Broker, Margaret will work on all lines of property and casualty business and will also have binding authority for commercial lines business in California.

Margaret has over thirty years of underwriting, marketing and sales experience in commercial lines. Most recently, she was Executive Vice President for Swett and Crawford, where she was responsible for underwriting, profitability and growth of MGU, Binding Authority and Program Business. During her career Margaret has also been responsible for marketing, underwriting and process design for other large direct retail and wholesale commercial insurance companies, managing multi-million dollar books of business.

A resident of San Francisco, Margaret holds designations as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU), Associate in Reinsurance (ARe), and as an Accredited Customer Service Representative (ASLI). She is a member of the Northern California CPCU Chapter and the Gnoss Field Community Association- Safety and Insurance Committees. Margaret is also a Certified Private Pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association.

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group
U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. (www.usrisk.com) is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas Texas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, U.S. Risk Financial Services, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Advocate Reinsurance Partners, Oxford Insurance Brokers (London) and Unisource Program Administrators.

Crump Insurance Co.

Jennifer Burcell Named Newest Professional Liability Broker for Crump, CA.

Jennifer Burcell has joined the production team in the Crump California (Spear Street) office as a Professional Liability Broker. Ms. Burcell brings extensive experience and insight to Crump Insurance Services and will help continue to build the professional lines department in the California office. She offers expertise in all areas of professional lines including D&O, EPL, Misc E&O, A&E, Cyber and Security, and Medical Professional including allied health and physicians and surgeons. With Crump, Ms. Burcell will have excellent market access to pair with her knowledge helping retail agents place business in this complex area of insurance.

"We are pleased to have Jennifer as part of our production team," says California office head Peter Scott. Her capabilities and industry knowledge will help expand our retail and carrier relationships in the professional lines field."

Ms. Burcell's previous experience includes 10 years with Bliss & Glennon, Inc. as a broker and the past year and a half in new business production. Prior to focusing on new business, she worked closely with management supporting their book of business and servicing client needs. Ms. Burcell has her AU, CRIS and RPLU designations and is working towards her CPCU. She may be reached at 415.537.2309 or Jennifer.Burcell@crumpins.com.

Media Contact: Mary Jefferson, 301.467.2501, mary.jefferson@crumpins.com

National Interstate Insurance Company

National Interstate Announces Another Milestone

Calypso Passenger Transportation Program Celebrates 10 Years of Consecutive Growth

Richfield, Ohio - National Interstate Insurance Company, a leader in alternative risk transfer (ART) insurance for the transportation industry, reports 10 consecutive years of growth in its Calypso program, an ART insurance solution designed for passenger transportation operations. Since 2001, Calypso has grown from six founding members to its current 58 members.

Calypso was specifically designed for best-in-class passenger transportation companies including charter and tour, transit, student transportation, and limousine. The Calypso group rental captive program primarily serves companies paying in excess of $150,000 in annualized insurance premiums.

In addition to Calypso, National Interstate has established other passenger transportation related programs for insureds with varying premium levels. The Destination program was introduced in 2006 to deliver the benefits of an ART program to mid-sized passenger transportation companies with premiums above $75,000. For the largest passenger transportation companies, ART programs, including custom national account programs, are also available.

"It has been exciting to see the progression of our passenger ART programs over the past decade," said Jim Parks, Vice President of Passenger Transportation. "Calypso's success sparked the launch of Destination in 2006, allowing us to expand our ART offerings to a broader range of companies. We are proud to be able to create an insurance solution that gives operators the potential to lower their expenses and receive unused premiums and investment income returns, in part by running a safety-focused operation. Our historical 98% retention rate is clear evidence that members realize significant benefits from these programs and typically do not leave once they join."

"The foundation of our ART programs is the partnership philosophy that bands these companies together," said Dave Michelson, President and CEO of National Interstate Corporation. "Our semi-annual program meetings provide an excellent forum for interaction and sharing best practices. Most importantly, participating companies have a say in important decisions including those that impact underwriting, loss control and investments. Calypso members also share our enthusiasm about its growth over the years. It seems that at nearly every meeting someone reflects on how the six original members sat around a small conference table in Naples, FL, and now we are filling up large conference rooms with members."

To learn more about National Interstate's passenger ART insurance programs, contact Michael Heramb, at 800-929-1500 x1215, or email michael.heramb@natl.com.

About National Interstate
National Interstate Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Interstate Corporation (Nasdaq: NATL), is a specialty property and casualty insurance company with a niche orientation and focus on the transportation industry. We differentiate ourselves by offering insurance products and services designed to meet the unique needs of targeted insurance buyers. Products include insurance for passenger, moving and storage, and truck transportation companies, alternative risk transfer, or captive insurance programs for commercial risks, specialty personal lines consisting of insurance products focused primarily on recreational vehicle owners and small commercial vehicle accounts, and transportation and general commercial insurance in Hawaii and Alaska. National Interstate and its insurance subsidiaries, which include Vanliner Insurance Company and Triumphe Casualty Company, are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1989, we are headquartered in Richfield, Ohio with operations in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Fenton, Missouri.

Oak Street Funding

Continued growth spurs Oak Street Funding's move to larger office

Carmel, IN, - To accommodate its continued growth, Oak Street Funding (www.oakstreetfunding.com), the nation's top insurance lender, has relocate to the 6th floor at the Fidelity Plaza II building in Carmel, Ind., effective June 24, 2011.

In the past few years, Oak Street has expanded its lending and service businesses having hired more employees to work with its increasing number of clients, many with complex requirements, according to CEO Rick Dennen. Oak Street plans to continue hiring and needs the space to meet the growth demands.

"With our current growth trends, the move to a larger space is essential," said Dennen. "Plus, as more insurance agents and brokers, banks and other clients call on us to meet their multifaceted needs, we'll continue to expand our products and offerings." Oak Street, which innovated commission-based lending, has grown steadily since its founding in 2003-even through the recession-and has solidified its position as the leading insurance industry lender.

Oak Street's new office is at 11350 N. Meridian, Suite 600. For more information, call 888. 625.3863 or email osf@oakstreetfunding.com.

About Oak Street Funding
The Carmel, Ind.-based Oak Street Funding (www.oakstreetfunding.com) is a family of diversified financial services companies that offers commission-based commercial financing exclusively for insurance professionals and third-party loan servicing for financial institutions. Oak Street utilizes industry knowledge, proprietary technology and passion to deliver top-quality service and capital products to insurance and finance professionals nationwide.

Target Markets Program Administrators Association
Wilmington, DE
June 2011

President George W. Bush to Keynote TMPAA Summit

Wilmington DE - President George W. Bush will address the Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) at its 11th Annual Summit this October in Scottsdale, AZ.

“We are tremendously excited to have President Bush coming to speak to our Association,” stated Jeremy Hitzig, TMPAA President. “This President presided over some of the most challenging situations the United States has faced in its history. Insights President Bush can share about leadership in difficult times will provide value that has direct application for the business leaders and entrepreneurs in our group.”

The keynote address by President Bush is sponsored by Zurich North America Commercial’s Programs and Direct Markets business unit, which is one of the largest writers of program insurance in the U.S., and a TMPAA insurance carrier member. “Programs continue to be a core business at Zurich,” said Craig Fundum, president of Programs and Direct Markets. “Target Markets' role in promoting and improving program business is closely aligned with our own strategy in this segment of the insurance industry. Zurich is very excited to continue its strong support of Target Markets by helping to bring President George W. Bush to this important event.”

In addition to President Bush’s presentation, the TMPAA also plans to provide the results of its comprehensive program business study and have industry speaker, William R. Berkley, Chairman and CEO of W.R. Berkley Corporation, address the group about current industry trends and projections.

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 and Distribution, Target Programs (online portal), Industry Studies and two annual Member Meetings.

The Association’s Annual Summit with keynote speaker, George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States and Founder, George W. Bush Foundation, and industry speaker, William R. Berkley is scheduled for October 24-26 in Scottsdale, AZ.

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.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association
4001 Miller Road, Wilmington, DE 19802

Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA)

SIAA Announces Strong Q1 Growth, 33 New Members in May

June 10, 2011 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) continues their proven record of producing new written premium and continually signing new member agencies to the Alliance.

SIAA Member Agencies have written over $81 million in new written premium for Q1 2011. This is over $10 million more than written Q1 of last year, an increase of 13%. In addition, 33 new signed members were announced in the month of May. Of these, 24 are liberated "captive agents" new to the independent agency system - bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create over 290 new agencies in 2010 from a total of 420 newly signed members. 137 have been announced in 2011 to date.

"We are excited to be able to grow at a steady and aggressive pace." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "This is further evidence of how our model works irrespective of the economic climate."

SIAA members wrote more than $310 million in new business premiums in 2010 and are projected to exceed that volume for 2011. The new business premium for 2010 was up over 27% from 2009's figure of $235 million.

May's new members include:

East:

• Insource Insurance Solutions, LLC of Wilmington, DE
• Platinum Protection Group L.C. of Columbia, MD
• Parallel Insurance Group, LLC of Edison, NJ
• Michael N. Siis of Niskayuna, NY
• Barry D. Rosenberg, Inc. of Nanuet, NY
• Fleming Insurance Group, LLC of Towson, MD
• Agent of the People, Inc. of Pittsburg, PA
• Twin Bridges Insurance Agency of Schenectady, NY
• Hawkins Insurance Agency, Inc. of Plattsburgh, NY
• Ever Insurance Agency, Inc. of Rockville, MD
• Hudson Shore Group, Inc. of Red Bank, NJ
• Cornerstone Insurance Agency, LLC of Union, NJ

Midwest:

• L.E. & Bret Brown Insurance Agency of Waterville, IN
• Myers-Ziemke Insurance Agency, Inc. of Monroeville, OH
• Advisor Assurance, LLC of Rogersville, MO
• Elite Insurance Agency of Mansfield, OH
• Engel Agency of Indianapolis, IN
• Adventas, Inc. of Schererville, IN

West:

• Nicola Stallman Insurance of Oceanside, CA
• Risk Managers of West Valley City, UT
• Fort Collins Insurance Agency, Inc. of Fort Collins, CO
• Hsiao Tung Pei Insurance Agency of Fremont, CA

Southeast:

• Turner & Haines, LLC of Morgantown, WV
• Roca Insurance Brokers Co. of Tampa, FL
• Advanced Insurance Brokerage, LLC of Anna Maria, FL
• Johnson Insurance of Harrisonburg, VA
• Anderson Insurance of Knoxville, TN

South Central:

• All Brehm Insurance Agency, LLC of Abilene, TX
• Citywide Insurance Group, Inc. of Oklahoma City, OK
• Mike Mayfield Insurance of Welch, OK
• United Insurers of Oklahoma City, OK

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 3,700 new members.

SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. SIAA provides independent agencies with the company access necessary to become instantly BIG. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

The National Insurance Agency Alliance

For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net or 603-601-1216.

Crump Insurance Services

Workers Compensation Solutions Enhanced Through Crump Acquisition Crump's acquires the assets of Self Funded Alternatives, LLC (SFA)

Melbourne, FL - May 16, 2011 Crump Insurance Services, Inc. (Crump P&C) the Property & Casualty division of Crump Group, Inc., has acquired the assets of Self Funded Alternatives, LLC (SFA). SFA is an insurance intermediary specializing in the development, placement and maintenance of self-insured workers compensation programs for individual and group risks in the public and private sectors. SFA is based in Langhorne, PA and has associates in Las Vegas, NV and Woodland Hills, CA.

SFA's business is highly complementary to the existing workers compensation capabilities within Crump P&C and specifically 5Star Specialty Programs, a division of Crump Insurance Services. The combined solutions for Workers Compensation available through SFA and 5Star create the ability to develop a customized plan to address the individual business needs of each account - including self insurance products and existing programs.

According to Dave Obenauer, president of Crump Insurance Services, "The acquisition of SFA brings a team of dedicated professionals who are experts in assisting organizations on the most innovative, comprehensive and cost-effective self insurance options."

The addition of SFA enhances the Workers Compensation options offered by 5Star. David Tooley, President of 5Star Specialty Programs remarked, "When deciding on a self-insured program, the expertise required to compile the information needed, summarize the data, submit applications and negotiate pricing is phenomenal. The ability to access this expertise at SFA will bring value to our retail agents."

Five Star works with licensed and insured retail property and casualty agents and brokers. Those seeking more information regarding workers compensation products and services can visit www.5starsp.com or contact Gary Uhlemeyer, Senior Vice President of 5Star's Workers Compensation division at (314) 965-7474, or by email at Gary.Uhlemeyer@5starsp.com.

National Interstate

National Interstate Keeps on Trucking Grows From One Trucking Alternative Risk Transfer Program to a Dozen in a Decade

Richfield, Ohio - May 5, 2011 - National Interstate Insurance Company, a leader in alternative risk transfer (ART) insurance for the transportation industry, has delivered 10 straight years of growth in its trucking ART insurance programs. Since 2001, the company has grown its portfolio from one innovative trucking ART option to a dozen unique insurance programs catering to a wide spectrum of trucking companies that serve fleets as small as 40 units to over 1,500 units.

In addition to its original Voyager program, a group rental captive focusing on trucking fleets with between 100 and 250 units, the company now offers industry leading programs for a wide variety of trucking operations, including:

• Intermodal
• For-hire trucking, fleets ranging from 40 to 1,500 units
• Petroleum haulers
• Propane distributors
• Heavy haul operations
• Moving and storage (through its Vanliner Insurance Company subsidiary)

The company's extensive truck ART portfolio also includes custom national account programs for larger companies paying in excess of $2 million in annualized insurance premiums. "It's amazing to see the evolution of our truck ART programs," said Bob Bernatchez, Vice President of Transportation. "Over the past decade we have gone from offering one ART truck solution to multiple programs designed to meet the specialized needs of the trucking industry. Every day we are exploring new ways to expand and creatively serve new niches in the trucking world."

"Perhaps the best way to illustrate our truck ART success is by taking a walk down memory lane," said Dave Michelson, President. "Back in 2001, we started with just two pioneering ART members in our Voyager program, and now that number has grown to over 500 members and 12 unique programs. These ART programs really foster a partnership mentality, and we enjoy watching our customers grow their businesses as well. In fact, our founding truck ART program member is still with us, and over the span of our relationship their fleet size has gone from 130 vehicles to over 1,000. We are proud of our ability to provide our customers with a risk management approach that brings stability throughout all market cycles and economic conditions."

National Interstate's truck ART programs, created for best-in-class companies, offer an excellent opportunity to share risk and reward with similar operators. Members can enjoy many benefits including stable premiums, as well as the opportunity for lower expenses and return of unused premiums and investment income. Customer retention in these programs has historically been over 98%.

To learn more about National Interstate's truck ART insurance programs, contact David Slisz, at 800-929-1500 x1329, or email david.slisz@NATL.com.

Ryan Specialty Group LLC

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Specialist Lloyd's Insurer Jubilee Group Holdings Limited

May 18, 2011, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of specialist Lloyd's insurer Jubilee Group Holdings Limited. Jubilee Group Holdings owns Jubilee Managing Agency Limited and the distribution and administration businesses Lutine Assurance Services Ltd., Jubilee Service Solutions Limited and Amsterdam-based Jubilee Europe BV. Jubilee benefits from substantial financial strength: Lloyd's currently enjoys an A rating from A.M. Best and A+ ratings from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's. RSG was advised by Aon Benfield Securities, Inc. Under the transaction, RSG does not intend to acquire the existing Corporate Members for the three Jubilee Syndicates 779, 5820 and 1231. The sale is subject to Lloyd's and FSA approval.

Johnny Rowell, Managing Director of Ryan Specialty Group, responsible for Europe, says, "The Jubilee team has a strong track record of delivering results over a number of underwriting cycles. We look forward to Jubilee's addition to the RSG family of companies and also to its role as a significant contributor in our effort to introduce and support new products and programs in the London and European markets in a meaningful way."

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman, and CEO of RSG, adds, "Jubilee is a strategically important acquisition for RSG. It provides us with direct access to the Lloyd's market and represents a key cornerstone of our strategy to provide specialty expertise and commitment to insurance underwriters, brokers and agents across a single, unique platform."

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

Willis Group

SEAPASS HUB PARTNERS WITH INSURANCE NOODLE TO PROVIDE REAL-TIME COMMERCIAL LINES INSURANCE QUOTING

Robust Hub enables Insurance Noodle's network of agents to receive real-time commercial lines quotes, including excess and surplus lines, from numerous leading insurance carriers

New York, NY - May 23, 2011 -SeaPass Solutions, Inc. (insuranceconnect.seapass.com), a leading independent provider of web-based insurance distribution solutions to the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry, today announced that Insurance Noodle, a unit of Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings Limited the global insurance broker, is now in production with the SeaPass Hub to enable Insurance Noodle agents and sub-agents to quote and submit business online for BOP, workers' compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, and excess and surplus lines of business with numerous leading insurance carriers.

The Insurance Noodle provides web-based processing of small commercial accounts, to retail insurance agents, through its carrier partners. When it launched in 2001, the Insurance Noodle online portal revolutionized the way small commercial business was processed by allowing agents to submit applications, quote, bind and manage accounts completely online.

The partnership between SeaPass and Insurance Noodle brings together the two market leaders in web-based account processing. The combined SeaPass/Insurance Noodle offering now provides agents and sub-agents fully automated online access to the widest selection of small business commercial lines markets and carriers in the United States. SeaPass/Insurance Noodle connected carriers have instant access to both providers' clients, representing over 10,000 agents selling small commercial lines.

"This combination of Insurance Noodle and the SeaPass Hub sets a new paradigm for the industry," said Ralph Blust, Executive Vice President, Willis Commercial Network. "The system is currently in beta-test with a small number of agents. In July, through the SeaPass Hub, our 5700 agencies will be able to access the most comprehensive online offering for agents and carriers with a level of service and speed never before seen in the industry. We are now able to provide more real-time quotes from more markets than all other platforms combined. We look forward to offering this access to the retail marketplace, very soon."

Tim Attia, Senior Vice President Sales, SeaPass, added, "We are excited about the market potential in terms of access to markets for agents, and access to channels for carriers. Our respective teams worked extremely well together during the implementation, enabling us to successfully deliver a product that makes it very easy and efficient for the agents to submit business. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Willis Commercial Network team, as well as the connected carriers, as transaction volume through the Hub increases over time."

For more information about Insurance Noodle, visit www.insurancenoodle.com or call 888-466-8868.

For more information visit www.seapass.com or call 212-608-4646.

Contacts: Mahalia (Maggie) Maria; SeaPass Solutions, Inc., mahaliam@seapass.com, (212) 981-4680 ; Jana Rucker, Willis Commercial Network, jana.rucker@willis.com (312) 714-3019

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, one of the nation's leading property and casualty insurance companies, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sean Penermon to Manager, Minneapolis Core Service Center (CSC). In his new role, Penermon will be responsible for the implementation of Amerisure's marketing plans for the Company's newest CSC opening in May 2011.

Penermon joined Amerisure in 2003 as a Developmental Marketing Underwriter. His prior industry experience as a Claims Adjuster enhanced his understanding and application of underwriting practices, and he soon advanced to a senior underwriting position. In 2008, he was promoted to Field Marketing and Underwriting (FMU) Manager in the Dallas Core Service Center (CSC).

"Sean has been a valued team member and leader within the Dallas Core Service Center," Dan Johnson, Amerisure Regional Vice President, stated. "His strong technical and leadership capabilities will be a tremendous asset as we establish our service standards in Minnesota."

Penermon has a business degree from the University of Missouri, as well as an MBA from Lindenwood College.

About Amerisure
Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, a stock insurer, is a property and casualty insurance group with experience insuring American businesses since 1912. Amerisure targets mid-sized commercial enterprises in manufacturing, construction and healthcare through strategically located Core Service Centers across the United States.

For more information, visit www.amerisure.com. Contact: Linda DeSimone, 248.615.8533