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2015 IMCA Showcase Awards Now Open For Submissions

Receive Recognition for Outstanding Creative Work in Insurance Industry

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Feb. 19, 2015 - The Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) announced its 2015 Showcase Awards program is open for submission through March 31, 2015.

"IMCA's prestigious Showcase Awards recognizes the most effective and innovative work from insurance industry marketing and communications professionals," said Mark Friedlander, president of IMCA and head of corporate communications at The Main Street America Group. Award categories range from television advertising to interactive employee communications to public relations campaigns to social media.

"For 56 years, our Showcase Awards have been identifying outstanding marketing and communications work in the insurance industry while promoting higher standards of excellence," Friedlander added. The awards are open to IMCA members and non-members.

All entries receive feedback from the judges to help improve the effectiveness of future marketing and communications efforts. Entry fees for the 2015 competition are $100 per entry for members and $250 per entry for non-members.

All entries that win an Award of Excellence or Best of Show in one of the 37 categories are eligible for display at the 2015 IMCA Annual Conference, June 21-24, 2015. Winners will receive their awards at the Showcase Gala Banquet on June 23, 2015 at The Hutton Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

Award of Excellence-Presented to as many as two qualified winners in each category assuming an overall minimum score has been met (based on total number of entries in the category).

Best of Show-Awarded to one entry in each category receiving the highest score assuming the threshold scores are met.

AMMY Award-Awarded to the entry voted to be the best overall work among all entries on display at the 2015 IMCA Annual Conference. Attendees present at the Annual Conference can cast one vote for their choice of the SAMMY Award winner during the conference. More detailed information about the entry guidelines, requirements, categories and judging criteria are available via the IMCA website. Questions can be directed to the IMCA management office at (952) 928-4644 or via email at info@imcanet.com.

About the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association
IMCA (www.imcanet.com) is the oldest association for insurance marketing and communications professionals in North America with roots tracing back to 1921. Membership includes leading international and domestic multiline insurance companies and brokerage firms, regional and specialty companies, general agencies, and prominent industry suppliers. The organization represents over 120 companies, including the industry's top five property/casualty writers. Members include senior level management and professional staff working in the areas of corporate communications, advertising, public relations, marketing communications, marketing and sales promotion, marketing research and technology.

Connie Bedaw Appointed Senior Field Representative for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently added Connie Bedaw as a Senior Field Representative to address targeted growth in New England. Specifically, Bedaw will serve producers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont - three of the longest tenured territories in the company's operating area. In her new capacity, she is responsible for identifying prospects for appointments while providing information about available resources and new developments to existing members of the distribution network. She will also function as agents' field liaison with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD's underwriting, loss control, and claims staff.

Bedaw has been part of the insurance industry in New England for over 35 years and has extensive experience with all lines of coverage while working with a variety of agency groups. According to Assistant Vice President of Regional Sales Larry Weinert, "Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is anxious to increase our presence and our market share in the region. We've enjoyed a long history of success in New England, and we believe the addition of Connie Bedaw to serve Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will help us further expand and develop our presence in that part of the country." Weinert added, "We have agency appointments available; as a long-term, experienced insurance field person in the area, Connie is the right person to help us fill those openings."

A specialist in writing workers' compensation insurance (particularly for small- to mid-sized risks), Berkshire Hathaway GUARD recently accomplished an ambitious geographical expansion plan and is now able to write workers' comp policies nationwide. The organization works with a carefully selected group of independent agents and was named a Ward's Top 50 Property and Casualty Performer for 2012. In October of 2012, GUARD was acquired by National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD wrote approximately $500 million in premium in 2013 for about 70,000 businesses.

Agents interested in learning more can contact the company on-line at www.guard.com/apply or by phone at 1-800-673-2465 (extension 4567).

Organic Growth Drives SIAA Premium to $5.7 Billion in 2014

More than 80 percent of $901 million annual premium growth comes from existing member agencies

Feb. 9, 2015 - Hampton, N.H. - SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) today announced it grew premium $901 million in 2014 to $5.7 billion, with 80 percent of its growth coming from existing member agencies. Premium growth with SIAA's Strategic Partner Companies was up $576,741,559 in 2014.

Along with this strong organic growth, SIAA signed 410 new member agencies in 2014, totaling more than 5,300 member agencies signed since its inception in 1995. This growth marked the sixth consecutive year that SIAA has added more than 400 member agencies in one year.

"Our integrated model with multi-level partnering continues to be a proven solution to help agencies grow, with strong production in both premium and profitablity for our member agencies," said SIAA CEO Jim Masiello. "Not only did we sign our 5,300th member agency in 2014 while experiencing strong organic growth, but we added value to members through professional development and education, access to program and specialty markets, lead generation and more."

In 2014, SIAA was involved in several successful initiatives designed to help member agencies grow and improve profitability:

• Business Insurance Advantage, an educational program that gives personal lines member agencies the ability to start or grow a profitable book of small commercial lines business, launched and had 125 member agencies actively participating by year end.
• Agency Foundation, a program designed to assist new member start-up agencies get writing quality business sooner than might otherwise be possible, rolled out nationally.
• A new website with an enhanced member area offering greater interactivity between its multiple online channels.
• SIAA Training & Learning Center had more than 1,000 member agencies register in 2014 with a dramatic increase in the use of content, such as a series of proprietary ACORD form lessons and Business Owner Policy training.
• Alliance MarketFinder, SIAA's member agencies website for placing difficult-to-write excess and surplus lines and specialty market business continues at a growth rate exceeding 20 percent.
• Insurancedeals4u (ID4U), the consumer-facing web portal SIAA rolled out in 2004 to provide consumer access to all SIAA member agencies, had more than 25,000 site visits providing 4,500 consumer leads to member agencies in 2014.

About SIAA
SIAA is a national insurance agency alliance dedicated to the creation, retention, growth and continued success of the independent insurance agency distribution system. SIAA has signed more than 5,300 member agencies through 48 master agencies across the country since its inception in 1995. Of that member number, SIAA and its Master Agencies have created over 3000 brand new start-up agencies coming predominantly from former captive agents. An estimated 13 percent of all independent agencies in the U.S. are or have been signed members of SIAA. SIAA brings profitable premium growth and quality relationship integration between its member agencies and strategic partner companies, and provides a wide range of resources to help agencies increase sales, retention, revenue and value. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

Markel honors youth Camps and Boys & Girls Clubs with distinguished Safety 1st award

Richmond, VA, January 22, 2015 – Markel announced today that 61 youth camps and 5 Boys & Girls Clubs of America have received the prestigious Safety 1st designation for 2014.

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

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 2014 are:

10+ year camp recipients
AO Camps
Camp Bear Track
Camp Fern for Boys and Girls
Camp Marimeta for Girls
Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake
Pompositticut Farm Day Camp
Setebaid Services, Inc.

6-9 year camp recipients
4-H Camp Middlesex
Camp Aranzazu
Camp High Rocks, Inc.
Camp Howe
Camp Nicolet for Girls
Camp Odayin
Camp Olympia
Camps 'R' Us
Camp Ton-A-Wandah
Camp Watonka
Evans Creek Retreat Upward Bound Camp for Special Needs, Inc.
Galileo Learning
Happy Acres Ranch
Living Well Village
Melody Pines Day Camp, Inc.
Our Kids Day Camp
Princeton University Sports Camps
Sandy Hollow Day Camp
Sports Plus Day Camp
Summer's Edge Day Camp & Tennis School
Tamarack Day Camp
Youth Camps For Christ, Inc.

2-5 year camp recipients
Boys & Girls Club of Northwest MS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California
Camp Coyote
Camp Doodles
Camp Gilbert
Camp Holiday Trails
Camp Longfellow
Camp Mont Shenandoah Ltd.
Camp Natoma
Camp Taum Sauk
Coyote Trails Schools of Nature
Green River Preserve
Greenbrier County Youth Camp
HappyLand Day Camp
Inside Out – Stop. Look. Listen. Learn.
Kingston's Camp, Inc.
Kostopulos Dream Foundation
Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center
Longacre
Outpost Summer Camps
Rainbow Camp
Red Pine Camp for Girls
Summer Art Academy
Summerkids
Tate's Day Camp
The Ballibay Camps
Theatre Arts Center NY
Wonderland Camp Foundation

First year camp recipients
Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, Inc.
Boys & Girls Club of Pike & Surrounding Counties
Camp Kinneret Summer Day Camp
Camp Tekoa
KG Beach Camps
Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures, Inc.
The Road Less Traveled

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 markelcorp.com.

Glatfelter Promotes John Solari to Pres. of Underwriting Services and Jim Partridge to Pres. of Insurance Company Operations

York, Pa. - January 21, 2015 - Glatfelter Insurance Group (GIG), an all-lines, full-service insurance broker, today announced the promotions of John Solari to president of Glatfelter Underwriting Services and chief underwriting officer for Glatfelter Programs, and Jim Partridge to president of Insurance Company Operations. Both promotions were effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Solari and Partridge succeed Mark Schmidt, who served as chief underwriting officer for Glatfelter Programs and president of insurance company operations. Schmidt has been with Glatfelter for more than 40 years and announced his phased retirement in 2014.

John Solari had served as chief underwriting officer for Glatfelter Public Practice, a division of GIG. A GIG associate since 2008, he previously held positions at BK3, LLC/Professional Underwriters Company, CIGNA Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Foley Insurance Agency and AETNA Life & Casualty Company.

"John's underwriting knowledge, expertise and understanding of strong market relationships with both our carriers and brokers makes him the obvious choice to succeed Mark Schmidt," said Tony Campisi, Glatfelter Insurance Group president and CEO.

Solari earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, and earned his MBA from St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia. He holds his Associate in Risk Management (ARM-P) and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations. He currently resides in York, Pa.

Jim Partridge most recently served as GIG's senior vice president of operations and chief actuary. A GIG associate since 2000, he previously held positions at GEICO and Penn National Insurance. He graduated from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va., with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. Partridge is an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS) and is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). Licensed in P&C insurance, he resides in York, Pa.

"Jim's knowledge and expertise in leading the actuarial, product development and management, business systems, compliance, underwriting support and reinsurance operations makes him an excellent fit for president of insurance company operations," said Campisi. "In this position, he will have a larger role in reinsurance operations, corporate results monitoring and lead GIG's enterprise risk management (ERM) program."

About Glatfelter Insurance Group
Founded in 1951, Glatfelter Insurance Group (www.glatfelters.com) is an all-lines, full-service insurance broker marketing property, casualty, life, accident and health insurance products and risk management services on both a retail and wholesale/specialty basis throughout the United States. The company is headquartered in York, Pa., with five marketing offices across the country and a network of more than 4,500 independent agents and brokers. An employee-owned company, Glatfelter has more than 500 associates serving the insurance needs of more than 30,000 clients in all 50 states, placing it among the top 25 privately owned insurance brokers in the U.S.

Media Contacts: Nichole Giedzinski; Glatfelter Insurance Group; (800) 233-1957 (ext. 7571); ngiedzinski@glatfelters.com

Gary Kimball; Group Kimball Communications; 610-559-7585 ; gkimball@kimballpr.com

Finkelstein to join Russell Bond

David R. Finkelstein CPCU CIC has joined Russell Bond as Vice President of Distribution & Programs. He will be responsible for management and expansion the existing business development efforts, as well as several existing and new programs and the creation of new ones.

He earned a BBA in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, an MBA with concentration in Economics and Corporate Strategy from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and completed the Advanced Insurance Executive Education program and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

He began his insurance career in 1988 serving in many underwriting and management positions with insurers Aetna Life & Casualty, St Paul and CNA. He spent three years as a Manager of Business Consulting for Arthur Anderson and a short time managing a retail insurance agency. He most recently served as Vice President-Sales and Marketing for the Madison WI based Capitol Insurance Companies.

Mr. Finkelstein will operate from the suburban Chicago IL area.

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, with additional staff in Utica NY and Nashville TN.

Belinda Seitzer Appointed Senior Field Representative for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently added Belinda Seitzer as a Senior Field Representative to address targeted growth in the Midwest. Specifically, Belinda will serve producers in Wisconsin and Minnesota - two new states added by the insurer in 2014. Seitzer is responsible for identifying prospects for agency appointments while offering a wide range of services to existing members of the company's distribution network, including providing information about available resources and new developments, monitoring production, and serving as a field liaison with underwriting, loss control, and claims staff. Belinda has been part of the Workers' Compensation industry in the Midwest for over 15 years and has extensive experience at the executive level in marketing and business development.

According to Director of Regional Sales Jim Lewis, "Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is anxious to increase our presence and our market share in the region. We've enjoyed success in our original Midwest states, and we believe the addition of Belinda Seitzer to serve Minnesota and Wisconsin will help us further expand and develop our distribution network in that part of the country." Lewis added, "We have agency appointments available; as a long-term, experienced insurance field person in the area, Belinda is the right person to help us fill those openings."

As a specialist in writing workers' compensation insurance (particularly for small- to mid-sized risks), Berkshire Hathaway GUARD recently accomplished an ambitious geographical expansion plan by entering over a dozen states in a two-year period. The organization works with a carefully selected group of independent agents, does business in 45 jurisdictions, and was named a Ward's Top 50 Property and Casualty Performer for 2012. In October of 2012, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD was acquired by National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best, the company wrote approximately $500 million in premium in 2013 for about 70,000 businesses.

Agents interested in learning more can contact Berkshire Hathaway GUARD on-line at www.guard.com/apply or by phone at 1-800-673-2465 (extension 4567).

HIIG PROMOTES BYRON WAY TO GROUP EVP & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

HOUSTON - December 17, 2014
Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG) announced today that the Company has promoted L. Byron Way to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Group. He will also be a member of the Executive Management Group and a Director of various Insurance Company Subsidiaries.

Mr. Way has been with the Company since its establishment in 2007. Prior to that, he was more than 9 years with HCC Insurance.

Mr. Way said, "HIIG has grown its operations while building a strong platform for long term success. I am very excited about this new role and expanding our infrastructure to keep pace with our continuing growth organically and by acquisition."

HIIG is an insurance holding company based in Houston, Texas with offices in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Morristown, NJ; Oklahoma City, OK; and a representative office in London, England.

HIIG has underwriting Divisions focused on Construction; Energy; Professional Liability; Transactional Property; and other Specialty business.

HIIG has assets of more than $1 billion and shareholders' equity of more than $250 million. HIIG's insurance company subsidiaries consist of Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, Great Midwest Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A/A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

For more information go to www.hiig.com

NSM INSURANCE ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF SPECIALTY AVIATION PROGRAM

NSM Insurance Group, the national leader of industry-specific insurance program administration, announced that Larry Mattiello joined the company as the Director of Specialty Aviation Underwriters (SAU) on Dec. 1, 2014. Founded more than 20 year ago, SAU is one of the premier providers of aviation products. The Addison, TX based company was acquired by NSM on Oct. 1, 2014.

Mattiello began his aviation insurance career 35 years ago and is considered an industry expert in general aviation insurance, safety and risk management. The Brooklyn, NY native has worked with some of the top aviation insurance companies in the country as an underwriter and broker. Most recently, he held the role of President of AirSure Limited in Plano, Texas.

Mattiello is also an active member of the aviation community. He is a commercial/instrument pilot and serves a Lt. Col. in the Civil Air Patrol. Additionally, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Helicopter Association International for more than 16 years and is the cofounder of PalMatt Aviation Safety and Risk Management Consulting.

"We are pleased that Mr. Mattiello will be joining out team and bringing his expertise, as well as his enthusiasm and passion for aviation, to SAU," said Geof McKernan, CEO of NSM Insurance Group. "Larry will be responsible for expanding SAU's capacity, underwriting appetite and territorial reach. We are confident that under his leadership, SAU will continue to expand and grow more deeply into the aviation industry."

About NSM Insurance Group
For more than 25 years, NSM Insurance Group has been an industry leader in the development, implementation, marketing and underwriting of industry-specific insurance programs and has grown to over $500,000,000 in annual premium. NSM Insurance group is aggressively seeking to acquire additional Program Managers and niche specific insurance businesses. For more information, contact Bill McKernan at 800-970-9877 ext. 111.

Beacon Hill's Denver Office Moves

Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.'s Denver area office has moved to a new location to better service its agents in the Rocky Mountain region. The new office will also accommodate the internal growth in both the company's brokerage and underwriting divisions. The new address is 6455 S. Yosemite Street, Suite 960, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Now in its 25th year, Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has been a leader in providing environmental liability insurance 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.

For information on PartnerOne Environmental, please visit www.p1enviro.com or call (800) 596-0172.

For information on Beacon Hill Associates, please visit www.b-h-a.com or call (800) 596-2156.

Technical Risk Underwriters announces partnership with RLI Insurance Company

November 19, 2014 AUSTIN, TX - Technical Risk Underwriters (TRU), a division of RSG Underwriting Managers, LLC, has announced an underwriting partnership with RLI Insurance Company. This partnership marries TRU's well-respected and rapidly expanding Course of Construction ("Builders Risk") underwriting capabilities with RLI's highly-rated capacity and proven expertise in catastrophe management.

Targeted classes include the entire span of U.S. construction including multi-family residential, commercial/mixed-use, hospitals, infrastructure and heavy civil works. Coverage will be written by RLI's non-admitted surplus lines insurer, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company. The addition of the RLI catastrophe capacity further entrenches TRU as the leader in providing these coverages to the Builders Risk marketplace.

TRU's President and CEO, Michael J. Pilla, says of the RLI partnership, "We are extremely pleased to announce this important partnership with one of the flagship insurance providers here in the U.S. It represents an important step toward our goal of enhancing our underwriting capabilities and providing to our clients capacity that goes well beyond that available from traditional providers. Our partnership with RLI is integral to TRU's overall strategy of providing market leading capacity to our customers and creating unique risk management solutions for the evolving challenges they face."

For more information on this release, contact Ryan Scheinfeld, (404) 387-6954, rscheinfeld@truins.com

About Technical Risk Underwriters
Technical Risk Underwriters (TRU) is a specialty underwriter of insurance products for complex property and construction risks. Brokers rely on TRU to provide market-leading service and expertise for aligning policy-coverage and customized loss-control programs with each client's unique exposures. www.truins.com.

About RLI
RLI (NYSE: RLI), a specialty insurance company, offers a diversified portfolio of property and casualty coverages and surety bonds serving niche or underserved markets. RLI operates in all 50 states from office locations across the country. RLI's insurance subsidiaries - RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, RLI Indemnity Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company - are rated A+ "Superior" by A.M. Best Company.

RSG hires Mark Peeters to head up new London MGA

November 12, 2014, LONDON - Ryan Specialty Group (RSG), the global specialty insurance services business based in Chicago, has announced the appointment of Mark Peeters as CEO of a new London-based D&O MGA.

Mr Peeters, who was previously chief professional liability underwriter at Argo Re in Bermuda, will join a newly formed subsidiary of RSGUM (Europe), on 15 November, 2014, reporting to Mike Rice, Sr., chairman of RSG Underwriting Managers.

Mr Rice explained that the new MGA will focus on writing excess layers of Fortune 1000 companies' policies and primary cover for smaller public companies, as well as privately held companies. He said that capacity will be in place shortly after Mr Peeters takes up his role.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome Mark to RSG to oversee this important new initiative for our business. We believe there are significant opportunities for RSG in the D&O market segment, and Mark's experience and market knowledge will be instrumental in driving forward our growth plans in the United States and beyond.

Mr Peeters said: "After a 30-year career as an underwriter specialising in professional liability cover, it's an exciting time to be joining RSG, and I am looking forward to fulfilling our ambitious plans in the London insurance market.

Mr Peeters, a British national, spent five years at Argo in Bermuda, where he was also the CEO of ArgoGlobalSE, a Malta-domiciled European insurer. Previously, between 1998-2008, he undertook a variety of senior underwriting roles at XL Insurance, including the role of chief underwriting officer for professional liability. During his career he has also worked for Marsh, Aon and Johnson & Higgins (before and after its acquisition by Marsh).

London office address: 1st Floor, 40 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0BT
Mark Peeters cell: + 441/300-3724

For more information on this release, contact
Ben Welsh (UK) 07568 382040
Angie Tegan; 312/339-4970; angie.tegan@ryansg.com

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

Ryan Specialty Group's RT Specialty Acquires Tennessee Underwriters, Inc.

NOVEMBER 4, 2014, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group's wholesale brokerage, R-T Specialty, LLC (RT) today announced that it has acquired the assets of excess and surplus broker, Tennessee Underwriters, Inc. (TUI).

TUI is one of the southeastern region's most trusted surplus lines markets, with strong relationships and binding authorities from respected carriers in the domestic and international marketplace. A family-owned business, TUI was formed in 1980 to provide property and casualty insurance products to independent insurance agents in Tennessee.

RT President & CEO, Timothy W. Turner says, "TUI is highly respected in the brokerage and carrier community. Their existing operations and experience will be the basis for expanding RT's presence in that area as well as our binding authority capabilities. This growth will enable RT to continue to provide best-in-class service to customers and carriers."

Tennessee Underwriters owner and president, Donna Guest, adds, "TUI is known for our strong relationships and binding authorities with respected carriers. As a result, we are a valuable resource to Tennessee's independent agents. We look forward to joining with RT and expanding our existing capabilities. This is a win-win for clients."

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 London operation and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com

About Tennessee Underwriters, Inc.
A family-owned business, Tennessee Underwriters, Inc. was formed in 1980. TUI provides property and casualty insurance products to Tennessee insurance agents and brokers. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, TUI is one of the region's most trusted surplus lines markets. It has strong relationships and binding authority with respected carriers in the domestic and international marketplace.

Clarion Associates, US Assure Awarded TMPAA Best Practice Honors

Wilmington, DE (October 2014)– The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) awarded two of its member agencies, Clarion Associates and US Assure the Association’s Best Practice Designation at their recent 14th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ.

Dave Springer, TMPAA President and President/COO of NIP Group, Inc. stated, “The TMPAA continues to serve the unique needs of program specialists. Our Best Practice Designation and the recognition of our most accomplished member organizations is at the core of the professionalism that the Association strives to promote across all of our program administrator membership. It is through the Best Practice Designation that we celebrate the achievements of our members who function at the highest – demonstrating expertise in all phases of program administration. We are pleased to recognize Clarion Associates and US Assure as our newest Best Practice Designation recipients.”

"It is always rewarding to have external validation of what you work so diligently to ensure and achieve every day. Combined with the organizational review involved in the designation process, this was a very beneficial undertaking for US Assure," said Ryan Schwartz, Chief Marketing Officer, US Assure.

“Clarion’s professional staff and their commitment to excellence is the driving force behind our earning the distinguished ‘Best Practices’ designation. While past and present carrier partners are familiar with our high performance, now those who have not done business with us will also have this information. Validation that you are a leader in program business is priceless,” said Dan Schoenfeld, CEO of Clarion Associates, Inc.

The Association’s 14th Annual Summit was attended by close to 800 Program Business Professionals including 185 agencies and the group’s 53 carriers. Keynote presentations were provided by former FBI Director, Robert Mueller and Stephen Catlin, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman, Catlin Group Limited. Both shared their insights on leadership and current world affairs.

The TMPAA’s 2015 Mid Year Meeting is scheduled for May 4-6 in Atlanta, GA. Program specialists/MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA Best Practice Designation or the Association can find information at www.targetmarkets.com or by calling 877-347-5700.

Information about Clarion Associates can be found at www.clarionins.com and US Assure at www.usassure.com.

175,000 Submissions Processed Through Appulate

Leading Insurance Automation Company Achieves Major Milestone

Agoura Hills, CA – October 29, 2014 Appulate, Inc., the leading provider of submission automation to the property and casualty sector of the insurance industry has announced that its technology has now been used to process nearly 200,000 submissions between retail agents and carriers.

Since launching its state of the art, “Submission Management” portal in 2011, retail agents have made more than 175,000 submissions using Appulate, nearly 100,000 of which were completed in 2014. As a fully functional portal (offering rate, quote, bind and issuance), carries and MGA’s use Appulate to make it easier to do business with retail agents. The program offers agents upload directly out of their agency management system to save data entry time, provides real-time quote and allows agents to bind policies with ease.

“This milestone is a confirmation that the industry is embracing automation,” said Vanessa Duliere, Director of Customer Development at Appulate, Inc.

The automation that Appulate provides was initially developed for a single line of business (Workers’ Comp) and primarily used in Appulate’s home state of California. Today, the product serves the needs of more than 15 lines of business and has usage nationwide.

“There is no better feeling than to know that the work you do has a positive impact and we take tremendous pride from knowing we are helping agents, brokers, MGAs and carriers operate more effectively,” noted Duliere.

About Appulate
Appulate, “The Insurance Automation Company™” offers an unprecedented level of automation to streamline the submission processes through its innovative abilities to bridge data between insurance systems. Today, Appulate technology is used by more than 14,000 retail agents and has been recognized by key industry groups and analysts for its contribution to time and cost savings. The combination of Appulate’s advanced technology, outstanding level of service and high value proposition has made them one of the fastest growing technology companies that serve the insurance industry.

Ryan Specialty Group makes senior London hire

October 28, 2014, LONDON, UK - Ryan Specialty Group (RSG), the global specialty insurance services business based in Chicago, has hired Peter McKenna into a new senior role to oversee the development of the company MGA strategy in the UK market.

McKenna, who has joined RSG from AIG, will be based in London and report to Mike Rice, Sr., chairman of RSG Underwriting Managers.

Mr Rice said: "I am delighted that someone of Peter's calibre and experience is joining our UK team. He will be responsible for the formation and management of MGAs in the UK insurance marketplace and help us achieve our goals of providing products and services to a wide number of carriers, brokers and agents."

Mr Rice explained that while the Group's new foothold in London will "help expand our presence in Europe and the Middle East initially, in the longer term we may also look to Latin and South America and Asia." He added: "London remains one of the world's most dynamic insurance markets, and through Peter's appointment, we look forward to tapping into the many opportunities which exist here."

Mr McKenna said: "Mike painted a compelling picture of the strategic opportunity for RSG in this market, and I am keen to play my part in delivering profitable growth and meeting the long term strategic aims of the business."

Before joining RSG, Mr McKenna spent 12 years in a variety of senior roles at AIG in the USA, Canada and the UK, most recently as head of financial lines, EMEA, where between 2012-2014 he led a significant and successful change programme.

For more information on this release, contact:
Ben Welsh; 07568 382040
Angie Tegan; + 1 312/339-4970; angie.tegan@ryansg.com (USA)

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes a wholesale brokerage, highly-specialized underwriting companies, a Lloyd's insurer and specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

Roger Sitkins and Larry Linne Launch New Ventures

Embracing the Challenge of Change

Announcing -- the successful perpetuation of Sitkins International to InCite Performance Group. Perpetuating a consulting business with Roger's market presence and brand was a daunting challenge. Roger's commitment to doing what he teaches has made it happen.

What Does Perpetuation of Sitkins International Mean?
Roger has sold the business to Larry Linne (current CEO) and a group of investors that includes several current employees. Roger knows that working in the company after you sell it is always tough on the former owner and the organization. So he and Larry came up with a creative way for him to stay engaged and stay in the industry but not be an employee at the company he sold.

So what is Roger up to? He’s immersed in his own new venture, an online agency consultancy called Sitkins Select, aimed at helping small and mid-sized agencies achieve big-agency results in sales and retention. Roger will assist over the next year or so transitioning clients and relationships as a consultant to InCite Performance Group. This will provide a strong perpetuation transition for the Members.

Why Did We Do This?
You’ve probably heard Roger say several times, "Everyone eventually leaves their business." The important element of this is deciding when. Roger is convinced the timing is right to perpetuate the business and create new opportunities for employees, clients, and existing leadership. Additionally, Roger wants to give back to the industry. He will do this through Sitkins Select.

The Members of Sitkins have voiced concern about the perpetuation of the firm for several years. This change eliminates that concern and allows everyone to focus on the work at hand knowing it will have a long life.

The employees of Sitkins (now InCite Performance Group) will have opportunities for continued perpetuation and growth. They will also have certainty of a long term future.

Why the Name Change?
Roger will be operating the new online business as Sitkins Select. Operating two businesses with the same name would be confusing to the market. It is important that both companies develop a unique brand.

InCite will always be reflective and ingrained with the Sitkins name. It is our foundation as are the teachings and intellectual property that we purchased.

What is Different?
Not a lot! This company has been a leader in the insurance industry for a long time. We will continue to do what we do well.

We currently provide training, custom advisory services, and networking opportunities. We are now going to add "resources" to the product offering. These resources will be insurance products, captive insurance training and certification, services to provide insurance agency clients that will support the insurance products, presentation skills training, and more.

New Advisors - We have new consulting specialty in the employee benefits industry with the addition of Mark Lacher. Mark has been recognized as one of the top EB Producers in the US. We also have plans to add other specialty Advisors in critical areas where agencies need support

Jim Lewis Appointed Director of Regional Sales for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently promoted Jim Lewis to Director of Regional Sales to address recent and planned growth in the central region of the country. In his new capacity, Lewis will oversee sales operations in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and Wisconsin. Prior to his current position, Lewis served three years as a Senior Sales Representative.

According to Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Vice President of Sales Dave Simmons, "With our significant growth and expansion into new states and our addition of several Field Representatives, we recognized the need for more management personnel to help oversee our sales activities and ensure that existing agents are well served and that available appointments are filled with the best possible candidates." Simmons further noted, "Jim Lewis was carefully chosen both for his excellent track record with us and his nearly 30 years of industry experience in the area. He knows his marketplace extremely well."

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD has been a specialist in writing workers' compensation coverage for small- to mid-sized accounts for over a quarter century. In recent years, the company has also begun writing complementary Businessowner's Policy (BOP), Commercial Umbrella/Excess, and Commercial Auto in select states with plans to eventually offer those additional lines throughout a national geographical footprint. That product (BizGUARD Plus) was introduced in Illinois this past summer and in California during the last quarter of 2013.

According to Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Vice President of Property and Casualty Sales Tom Denis, "Our goal is to offer one-stop insurance shopping for small- to medium-sized businesses. The fact that annual sales of these newer lines have grown to over $50 million in just a few years suggests our excellent market acceptance."

In October of 2012, GUARD Insurance Group was acquired by National Indemnity Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway - an international holding company with diverse interests that include insurance and reinsurance. In 2013, GUARD unveiled a new logo and identity as Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Each of the organization's insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best - a leading source of independent rating information on the insurance industry.

In 2013, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD wrote gross written premium of a half billion dollars for over 70,000 policyholders. Agents interested in learning more can contact the company on-line at www.guard.com/apply.

Philadelphia Insurance Donating $30,000 for ALS Association Ice Bucket Challenge

PHLY’s donation is on behalf of 540 employees who took the challenge at offices across the country. Bala Cynwyd, PA August 27, 2014 – Philadelphia Insurance Companies’ executive team challenged its employees to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, with the incentive of donating $50 to the ALS Association for each employee who accepted the challenge. On Friday, August 22nd, 540 employees from PHLY’s offices across the country filled up their buckets and dumped in the ice to answer the challenge.

PHLY Ice Bucket Challenge
Youtube video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q74IgpIzTyc

“We received emails from employees thanking us, as they had lost loved ones to this hideous disease,” shared President and CEO Bob O’Leary. “I am extremely grateful to our employees who took part. The Ice Bucket Challenge was a fun way to engage our employees in raising money and awareness for ALS research.”

Employees in California got creative due to an extreme drought in the state. They used bird seed in place of water to comply with local restrictions. PHLY is donating $27,000 to the ALS Association for the 540 employees who took the challenge. PHLY is donating another $3,000 to the ALS Association to match contributions already made by employees to support ALS related charities.

Philadelphia Insurance has donated more than $14 million to charitable organizations and missions since 1980. To learn more about the efforts of TEAMPHLY, visit www.teamphly.com.

About PHLY
Philadelphia Insurance Companies, a member of the Tokio Marine Group, 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.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers announces 2014-15 board officers

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers has announced the 2014-15 board officers: James R. Pender, chairman emeritus; Gary V. Trippe, chairman; General James L. Dozier, vice-chairman; and Gay G. Trippe, secretary-treasurer.

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 and chairman; retired insurance agency executive Gay Trippe, co-founder; and John M. Pollock, CIC, BB&T Insurance Services; retired U.S. Army Col. Thomas A. Dials, chairman emeritus of the Armed Forces Insurance Corporation; and Dr. J.R. Harding, The Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

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 create meaningful employment opportunities within the insurance industry for disabled veterans. For additional information, call 239-433-8523 or visit www.DVIC.us.

Heidi Strommen Named TMPAA President Elect

Wilmington, DE (August 4, 2014)– The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) announced that Heidi Strommen has been elected to serve as the TMPAA President following the completion of current President David Springer’s term in January 2015.

Ms. Strommen began her insurance career as a Policy Analyst at the Minnesota Department of Commerce in 1986. During her career at the Commerce Department she also served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association and the Minnesota PetroFund. She joined ProHost USA, Inc. in 1990 as Vice President of Operations. ProHost is a national program administrator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota specializing in restaurant insurance. In 1994, she joined the Board of Directors of ProHost and its parent company. In 2008, Ms. Strommen was named President of ProHost. She is a charter member of the TMPAA where she serves as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Women's Networking Committee. She attained the Certified Programs Leader (CPL) Designation from the TMPAA in 2013. Ms. Strommen has authored articles about insuring restaurant exposures for various industry magazines including Risk & Insurance, Insurance Journal, Agent and Broker and Rough Notes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cornell University.

“The TMPAA has a history of strong leadership provided by past presidents, the Advisory Board and talented staff members, all of whom have helped make the Association the effective organization that it is today,” stated Heidi Strommen. “Dave Springer continued that tradition these last two years and has done a superb job as President. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on Target Market’s strengths by working with all stakeholders to determine the best alignment of the Association’s products and services with their needs. Data-driven strategies will be particularly important in the coming months and we will be working diligently to develop and deliver more offerings that address this crucial area in a useful way. As a charter member, I have enjoyed 13 years of building strategic partnerships which have played an integral role in our company’s program administration success. Helping program specialists build those key partnerships and make those connections will remain the TMPAA’s core mission as we move ahead.”

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, industry benchmarking studies and two annual member meetings.

The Association’s 14th Annual Summit is scheduled for October 20-22 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over 800 Program Business Professionals including decision makers from 54 program markets are expected to be in attendance.

Program Specialists/MGAs interested in learning more about the TMPAA or attending the fall Summit meeting can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com, call 877-347-5700 or contact Ray Scotto, TMPAA Executive Director at ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.