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McGowan Purchases Assets of Governmental Underwriters of America, Inc.

To Our Brokers:

We are excited to announce that The McGowan Companies (McGowan) has purchased the assets of Governmental Underwriters of America, Inc. ("GUA"). Effective immediately GUA will begin operating under the newly formed "McGowan Governmental Underwriters" (MGU) brand.

Founded in 2006, GUA is known throughout Ohio as the premier provider of Public Entity insurance (municipalities and school districts).

The formation of the "McGowan Governmental Underwriters" brand consolidates all of McGowan's Public Entity operations into one facility. This operation will be headed by Terrence B. Phelan, as its President. David Gosiewski has been named Senior Vice President of the newly-formed company.

All GUA brokers will receive automatic appointments with McGowan and its full range of products and capabilities. Further, all McGowan brokers will now have access to all of GUA's product offerings.

MGU's Umbrella products are available in all 50 states, while MGU's package products initially will be available in OH and PA (with more states coming online soon).

Please note: - Your contacts will not change. - Your current commission structure will remain in place.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Cordially,

Special Markets Insurance Consultants (SMIC) Chicago Office's New Location

To our valued clients and markets:

Special Markets Insurance Consultants (SMIC) in Chicago has recently moved into the AmWINS Brokerage of Illinois office. As many of our long-standing business partners know, we became part of AmWINS Group, Inc. in September of 2012.

The address and main phone/fax number of SMIC's new location is:

10 S. LaSalle Street
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
Main Phone - 312.263.1711
Main Fax - 704.943.9060

All accounts will continue to be serviced as usual, however we ask that you please update your records with our new contact information.

New SMIC Chicago Direct Dials

Rita Linde: 866.439.2088

Natalie Rubino: 312.601.9272

Nate Walker: 312.601.9273

Gail Blanc: 312.601.9274

Lindsey Burkle: 312.601.9271

We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to working with you in the future.

Markel Promotes Greg Thompson to President of Markel Specialty

Richmond, VA, November 9, 2012 — Markel Corporation announced today that Greg Thompson, CPCU, ARM, has assumed new responsibilities as President of Markel Specialty, a division of the Virginia-based specialty insurer, Markel Corporation.

Greg has been in the insurance business for over 30 years. He began his career in the brokerage industry and in 1979, formed Thompson Insurance Enterprises (THOMCO) with his father. Greg led THOMCO for 32 years, growing it from a small wholesale operation to a large program administrator. Markel acquired THOMCO on January 1, 2012.

“One of the primary factors leading to our acquisition of THOMCO was the similar history, culture, and values of the two companies. Both have an excellent reputation for integrity, customer service, and underwriting discipline. Greg’s experience growing THOMCO positions him well to lead Markel Specialty as it continues to expand the distribution of specialty products through organic growth and acquisition,” said Mike Crowley, Markel’s President and Co-Chief Operating Officer.

With Greg taking on the role of President of Markel Specialty, Bob Heaphey has assumed responsibilities for THOMCO as Managing Executive.

Bob has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He joined THOMCO in 1998 as Controller and was later promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer. For the past two years, Bob has served as CEO of THOMCO and will now oversee all aspects of the THOMCO business as Greg assumes his new responsibilities.

Markel Specialty underwrites specialty insurance for a variety of niche markets, providing property & casualty, workers' compensation, accident and health, personal lines, and admitted and non-admitted property & casualty coverages through its program administrator facility. Visit Markel Specialty at markelinsurance.com.

THOMCO, a Markel company, manages over 20 national programs including medical transportation, senior living, child care centers, fitness clubs, pest control operators, tanning salons, and inflatable rental operators, among others. Learn more at thomcoins.com.

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.

NEW EMPIRE GROUP APPOINTS JAMES F. O'NEILL TO HEAD NEWLY FORMED -WHOLESALE DIVISION

New Empire Group, Ltd announced the formation the "New Empire Group Wholesale Division" to be headed by James F. O'Neill, the current Executive VP. New Empire Group, Ltd. is a state-of-the-art managing general agent specializing in insurance programs for the real estate industry.

"For a long time our producers have been asking us to expand our product offerings beyond the real estate programs that we currently administer "says Robert E. Mackoul, CEO of New Empire Group." We are proud of our growth and effectiveness in managing insurance programs, and we're equally proud to have Jim as the head of this division."

Jim O'Neill has broad based experience in underwriting, claims and marketing working for Kemper, The Hartford, Harleysville Insurance and insurance agencies over the past quarter century.

O'Neill joined New Empire Group in 2006 as the Director of Marketing and Business Development and has spearheaded the growth of New Empire from a regional Managing General Agent (MGA) to one with a national focus by building the New Empire producer base throughout the country.

Jim is a Board member for the Long Island Insurance Community (LIIC), a charitable organization that raises money for the United Way of Long Island, and actively supports multiple other charities. His is married with one son and lives on Long lsland.

For more Information:
Jimo@newempiregroup.com
New Empire Group, Ltd
25 Nassau Lane
Island Park, New York 11558
866-431-8100
www.NewEmpireGroup.com

Prime Insurance Company

Chicago, IL and Salt Lake City, UT, February 23, 2012. Prime Insurance Company, a premier excess and surplus lines carrier announced today that Mark Fisher has been promoted from Vice President and General Counsel to President and General Counsel of Prime's parent company. A fifteen year veteran of Prime, Mr. Fisher's team has managed over 20,000 professional, property and liability claims and litigated cases. He is a licensed attorney in California, Utah and Washington D.C.

"Mark has demonstrated leadership and management skills that are not only deserving of the position, but will benefit the entire organization," said Rick J. Lindsey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Prime. "I look forward to working with Mark in his new capacity."

Prime is an excess and surplus lines insurance carrier offering solutions for hard-to-place property and casualty risks. Prime has a track record of performing significantly above industry averages reporting a combined ratio of 70.7% and 68.9% for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Prime is an eligible carrier in 46 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands with offices located in Chicago and Salt Lake City.

For more information about Prime Insurance Company, please visit us at www.primeis.com.

Global Special Risks, LLC (GSR)

Global Special Risks Relocates Calgary Office

HOUSTON, TX - Global Special Risks, LLC (GSR),part of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, announced that their office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is now located at Bow Valley Square 2, Suite 3300, 205 - 5th Avenue, SW, Calgary, AB Canada T2P 2V7. The new telephone number is (403) 538-4768.

Opened in 2010, GSR's Calgary office is under the direction of Selena Halasz. Since the opening of the Calgary office, GSR has seen tremendous growth in Canada and plans to expand further in 2012.In addition to the Calgary office, GSR has offices in New Orleans, Houston and Dallas.

About Global Special Risks
Global Special Risks(GSR) is part of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC. Founded in 1979, GSR specializes in delivering dynamic, innovative solutions for energy, marine, and specialty needs, offering a broad range of products, in-house binding authorities, and worldwide resources. www.globalspecialrisks.com.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG)
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes 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

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

Sitkins International

Please update your records.

Our Fort Myers, Florida office is moving to a new location.

Effective January 23, 2012, our new address will be:

6700 Winkler Road, Suite 4
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Our phone numbers will remain the same.

Park Insurance Company

Park Insurance Company is moving to new, larger headquarters in New York City.

Effective immediately, our new address will be:

475 Park Avenue South, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10016

Our telephone and fax numbers will remain the same:

P 212-905-2604
F 212-905-9608

Park Insurance Co. has moved locations to accommodate an expansion of its Claims and Customer Service departments. The new offices will help the company serve their customers in a more effective and professional manner. This change will not affect any of our current services. In case of any questions regarding the new location and address, please send us an email through info@parkinsuranceco.com.

Founded in 2004, Park Insurance Company is an A.M. Best Rated Commercial Transportation Insurance Company, licensed to do business in New York State.

Contacts:
Thomas Polsinelli, President, 212-905-2604, thomas.polsinelli@parkinsuranceco.com
David Salzman, Marketing Director, 212-905-2604, david.salzman@parkinsurnaceco.com

BRECKENRIDGE INSURANCE GROUP

BRECKENRIDGE INSURANCE GROUP NAMES HILDEBRAND CEO OF PROPERTY CASUALTY OPERATIONS

KENNESAW, GA -- Breckenridge Insurance Group realigned its property casualty insurance operations naming William A. Hildebrand as president and CEO of Breckenridge Insurance Services, its brokerage division.

Michael J. Eichhorn was also named executive vice president and COO of Breckenridge Insurance Services.

Hildebrand will identify and direct strategic initiatives and Eichhorn will manage operations.

"Bill Hildebrand has the acknowledged industry expertise, wide-ranging experience and a record of sustained results in the insurance services industry. His career includes more than 10 years in the financial services industry and 20 years in brokerage services," said Tracey Carragher, CEO of Breckenridge Insurance Group. "Bill will introduce and drive innovation, in addition to adding new products and services that our clients have said they need in the current economic climate."

Before joining Breckenridge, Hildebrand spent three years at wholesale broker Chartwell as executive vice president after a 20-year career at Aon Specialty Group where he was senior vice president.

"I am excited about this opportunity and committed to continuing the strong culture and pace already established within Breckenridge," Hildebrand said. "The organization's tempo and business sense is personified in Mike Eichhorn, and I am excited to work in partnership with him."

Eichhorn managed International Placement Services, the St. Louis wholesale property casualty insurance brokerage which was acquired by Breckenridge Insurance Group in 2010.

"Mike brings so much to the table for our entire group" Carragher said. "He is a terrific talent with exceptional insurance brokerage and underwriting experience matched by a proven record of strong results." Carragher added, "We have with Mike, a professional who can play every position, which makes him the perfect person to run our day to day brokerage operations."

"Clients want creative answers fast," Eichhorn commented. "Our state-of-the-art operational hub is devoted to client service and unique solutions. I am committed to delivering this to all of Breckenridge's operations and clients."

Hildebrand will be based in Irvine, Calif. and Eichhorn will be based in St. Louis.

About Breckenridge Insurance Group:
Breckenridge Insurance Group is a specialty underwriting manager, wholesale broker, program administrator and insurance services firm with offices throughout the United States and in Australia. Additional information is available on our website, www.breckis.com.

For Information Contact:
Bill Hildebrand, president of Breckenridge Insurance Services can be reached at 949-224-3878. His email address is bhildebrand@breckis.com.

Mike Eichhorn, chief operating officer of Breckenridge Insurance Services can be reached at 314-725-8394 ext. 219. His email address is meichhorn@breckis.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Jack Roberts, New Street Group
215-965-7887; 610-952-7313 (cell)
jroberts@newstreetgroup.net

Ryan Specialty Group

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Announces New Leadership at ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency

October 13, 2011, Chicago, IL -Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) announced today leadership changes at ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency, one of RSG's underwriting companies. Nicole Haggerty has joined Ryan Specialty Group, LLC as President of ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency, Reza Khan joins as Executive Vice President, ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency.

Prior to joining ThinkRisk, Ms. Haggerty was Senior Vice President and National E&O Practice Leader for Allied World U.S, responsible for E&O products. She has over twenty years' experience in the insurance industry, most of which have been dedicated exclusively to the professional and management liability lines.

Mr. Khan, formerly with Allied World U.S., is credited with developing its national Business Development practice. He most recently served as Vice President of Allied World's US Programs Division. He has twenty eight years' underwriting and business development experience in the insurance industry, primarily in the professional lines sector.

Leib Dodell, former CEO and cofounder of ThinkRisk, will remain with the company through the end of the year to assist with the transition of leadership.

Jerry Tegan, President and CEO of RSG Underwriting Managers, says "We are thrilled that Nicole Haggerty and Reza Khan, with their experience and knowledge in the marketplace, have joined the team to lead ThinkRisk into the future. We wish Leib success in future endeavors, look forward to working with him through this transition and recognize the role his expertise has played in the founding of this underwriting facility."

For more information on ThinkRisk, contact: Nicole Haggerty, (860)-508-6427, nhaggerty@thinkriskins.com or Reza Khan, (646)-467-4266, rkhan@thinkriskins.com

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

About ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency, LLC
ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency is a Delaware Series limited liability company and a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, specializing in providing underwriting management and other services to insurance companies, whose insurance products are distributed through agents and brokers. In California: ThinkRisk Insurance Agency, LLC License # 0G94453. www.thinkriskins.com

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG)
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company for wholesale brokerage, MGU/MGAs and other specialty services to agents, brokers and insurance carriers. www.ryansg.com

Beacon Hill Associates

Beacon Hill Associates Offers Workers Compensation Product to Environmental Contractors & Consultants

PartnerOne Environmental ®, Beacon Hill Associates' underwriting division, is now able to offer Workers Compensation coverage to a broader range of environmental contractors and consultants. Coverage is provided by a group of "A" rated insurance carriers with an excellent track record of writing and servicing Workers Compensation policies.

"While we have offered workers compensation policies to a limited segment of our book for years, we have had a hard time offering the type of coverage we wanted to our smaller clients. We are very pleased to say that has now changed. We are offering coverage from excellent insurers to a wide range of environmental risks, both large and small," said Bill Pritchard, President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.

PartnerOne Workers Compensation is available in the following states: AL, AR, CT, DC, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, NV, OK, PA, SC, TN, and VA. It can only be purchased if the insured is also securing other lines of coverage. Minimum premiums start as low as $2,500.

For over twenty years, Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has been a leader in providing environmental liability insurance to agents nationwide. Although the company concentrates primarily on environmental 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.

Additional information on Beacon Hill Associates and its products and services can be found at www.b-h-a.com or by calling 1-800-596-2156.

Crump Insurance

Mark Heuer is promoted to VP, National Agency Relations

Crump continues to expand its sales and production team, most recently promoting Mark Heuer to Vice President - National Agency Relations. In this position, Mr. Heuer will work with our larger retail agents helping to match resources, teams and expertise to provide the highest service levels to these accounts. Included in this strategy is working diligently with carriers to identify and create the best products for individual needs. Mark will be helping our retail partners grow according to their strategic objectives. He will be based out of Chicago, IL.

According to Phil Eisenmann, Chief Sales Officer for Crump, "Mark is an exceptional addition to our national sales team. His extensive experience as a broker and a leader throughout the organization, combined with his skills in business development and building partnerships, makes Mark uniquely qualified to hold this position. His understanding of the needs and expectations of our clients, carriers and brokers will provide insight and understanding in matching resources with our retail agents."

Mr. Heuer began his career at Crump in 2005 as Vice President - Casualty Broker. For the past 2 years, he has served as the Vice President of Business Development for the Chicago office. Prior to Crump, Mr. Heuer was Vice President - Casualty Broker with CRC Dallas. He may be reached at 312.879.7124 or via email at mark.heuer@crumpins.com.

2011 CONTRIBUTORS TO THE INSURANCE MARKETPLACE CYBERCAST

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