The Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) will hold its first Automation Fair in 15 years on January 27 and 28, 1998, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Orlando. FAIA will bring together all of the major agency management system vendors to present live three-hour demonstrations.
Two general sessions will address: "Surviving with Effective Technology" and "How the Year 2000 Problem Adversely Affects Insurance Agencies."
Breakout sessions will include: "Selecting the Right Agency Management System"; "Year 2000 Problems and Solutions"; "The Internet and Insurance"; Tips on Buying Hardware and Software"; Networking Your Agency"; Legal Nuances of Using E-Mail."
Industry experts will present information on how to compete in today's fast-paced environment. Rick Morgan will represent Automation Management Group; Steve Anderson, American Insurance Consultants; Jo Conway-Roberts, ACORD; Bill Hartnet, Microsoft; plus a host of other recognized industry experts.
Technology exhibitors will provide an opportunity to see firsthand how some of the new technology works. Attendees will be able to investigate digital cameras, scanners, computer systems, presentation projection systems, electronic imaging of agency files, the latest in cellular phone technology, Silver Plume, property valuation software, and more.
The fee for the two-day conference is $195. This includes two continental breakfasts and two lunches.
Make checks payable to: Florida Association of Insurance Agents; P.O. Box 12129; Tallahassee, FL 32317-2129; fax: (850) 668-2852 (Visa and MasterCard only).
Virginia
Palmer & Cay names vice president
Linda G. Hammond has joined Palmer & Cay as a vice president in the firm's commercial insurance and risk management division, announced David B. Nichols, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the firm's Virginia operations.
Hammond brings more than 30 years of commercial insurance and risk management experience to her new position with Palmer & Cay. For more than 10 years, she served as a vice president and account executive with a national insurance brokerage firm in the Washington area. She also gained extensive experience in the design, marketing and supervision of risk management programs while serving with two other national brokerage firms in Washington and Richmond.
Palmer & Cay is a regional insurance brokerage firm with offices in 17 cities throughout the Southeast and corporate offices in Savannah, Georgia. The privately held firm first entered the Virginia market in 1995 with the opening of a branch office in downtown Richmond. The Richmond operation now includes 24 associates and is located in Glen Allen, Virginia.
Established in 1868, Palmer & Cay offers commercial and personal insurance brokerage services, employee benefit consulting, loss control and self-insured claims administration. Insurance industry trade publication Business Insurance ranks Palmer & Cay as one of the top 20 brokers in the nation.
Company news
Reliance names regional vice president
Bruce P. Berthelsen, of Alpharetta, Georgia, has been named regional vice president of Reliance Insurance Company's Southern Region. He will be responsible for directing the company's commercial lines operations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma.
Most recently, Berthelsen was president and CEO of Atlanta-based Willis Corroon Corporation of Georgia, a subsidiary of Willis Corroon Group.
A 25-year veteran of the insurance industry, Berthelsen also held numerous positions with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. As its Southeast regional executive, he directed the company's commercial lines operations throughout the South.
North Carolina
State Farm raises homeowners rates
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company raised homeowners insurance rates in North Carolina an average 7.8%, effective November 1 for new policies and January 1 for renewals. Changes will vary by location, with rates remaining level in some areas but rising more than the state average in some others.
State Farm also introduced higher deductibles for the perils of wind and hail. By agreeing to pick up the first $1,000, $2,000 or $5,000 in the event of wind or hail damage, policyholders could save up to 14% in premiums depending on where they live and their current deductible. Currently, a single deductible for all perils is offered, with $250 most often chosen.
State Farm is the largest insurer of homes in North Carolina with 294,333 policies. *
©COPYRIGHT: The Rough Notes Magazine, 1998