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RT SPECIALTY ACQUIRES A.J. RENNER & ASSOCIATES

September 1, 2015, CHICAGO, IL - R-T Specialty, LLC (RT Specialty), the wholesale brokerage unit of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, today announced that it has acquired the assets of A.J. Renner & Associates, a leading wholesale specialty insurance broker in the Life Science arena. Following the close of the transaction, the core of the life science team of A.J. Renner will be joining RT Specialty.

A.J. Renner & Associates was founded in 1985 as an excess and surplus lines broker specializing in insurance products for life science, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, clinical trials, medical devices, healthcare and long-term care. A.J. Renner also offers exclusive programs for product liability in the generic and specialty pharmaceutical industry through an integrated platform of risk management, claims management and experienced underwriting.

RT Specialty President & CEO, Timothy W. Turner says, "This transaction advances our strategy in the Life Science field in a meaningful way and represents RT Specialty's continued commitment to providing cutting- edge risk management solutions to our Life Science clients."

Alison Renner, CEO of A.J. Renner & Associates, says, "We are excited to join the dynamic group at RT Specialty that Pat Ryan and Tim Turner have built over the past few years. The strong platforms at RT Specialty give us unique opportunities to expand the solutions that are available to Life Sciences clients."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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 Vista Insurance Partners of Illinois /dba/A.J. Renner & Associates
A.J. Renner & Associates is the trade name used by Vista Insurance Partners of Illinois, Inc. A.J. Renner & Associates is a leading wholesale specialty insurance broker with a passion for developing unique insurance solutions through creative problem solving. Best known as the leaders in the Life Science insurance arena A.J Renner has exclusive programs for pharmaceuticals product liability. A.J. Renner has been providing specialty insurance products and services for a broad range of industries for 30 years. www.ajrenner.com.

For more information on this release, contact Angie Tegan, (312) 339-4970: angie.tegan@ryansg.com RT Specialty R-T Specialty, LLC (RT), a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, provides wholesale brokerage and other services to agents and brokers. RT is a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois. As a wholesale broker, RT does not solicit insurance from the public. Some products may only be available in certain states, and some products may only be available from surplus lines insurers. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516.© 2015 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC.

CONCORD SPECIALTY RISK HIRES LIDORE DeROSE AS SENIOR UNDERWRITING COUNSEL, R&W INSURANCE

New York City, NY. August 28, 2015 - Concord Specialty Risk, a managing general underwriter and/or underwriting agent for a number of carriers and a series of RSG Underwriting Managers, LLC, specializing in providing transactional risk insurance, today announced that it has hired Lidore DeRose as Senior Underwriting Counsel, R&W Insurance effective immediately. R&W Insurance covers buyers or sellers (and lenders) in connection with representations made in an extraordinary transaction. It often allows for a reduced escrow, reduced indemnity cap, a policy period that is lengthier than the escrow period, etc.

Prior to this position, Ms. DeRose was an Associate, Corporate Practice for Kirkland & Ellis LLP M&A practice in New York and an Associate, Corporate and Securities Practice for DLA Piper LLP. Lidore received a Master of Science in Engineering at the University of Michigan before studying law at New York University, where she received her law degree.

"Lidore offers 10 years of sophisticated M&A experience at top law firms that have frequently directed their clients to use R&W Insurance. Her experience with M&A and R&W Insurance solutions is a great addition to Concord. It further bolsters the level of in-house professionalism and further assures Concord's ability to timely meet the expectations of our insureds and brokers in this current environment of high volume demand for R&W Insurance," said Kenneth W. De Berry, President of Concord Specialty Risk.

Lidore is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey and District of Columbia. She will report directly to the President of Concord.

Lidore's contact information is shown below:

Lidore Alexandra DeRose
Senior Underwriting Counsel
Concord Specialty Risk
347 W. 36th Street, Suite 203
New York, NY 10018
t: 646.612.7824
e: lidorederose@concordspecialtyrisk.com

RT Specialty's Retired Directors Assurance Underwriting Services (RDAUS) Announces Full Underwriting Authority for Retired Directors Assurance

August 3rd, 2015, CHICAGO, IL - R-T Specialty, LLC's Retired Directors Assurance Underwriting Services, a division of R-T Specialty, LLC, announced today a new binding authority for the Retired Directors Assurance (RDA) policy, which provides contingent liability coverage for individual retired Directors (Side A Coverage) on a six year basis.

The RDA policy coverage is underwritten by Retired Directors Assurance Underwriting Services (RDAUS), a Managing General Agent for QBE Specialty Insurance Company, the policy carrier.

Philip L. Blais, President and CEO of RDAUS says of the new binding authority, "We are pleased to be in a position to offer this very important coverage to retired directors of public, private and non-profit organizations in the U.S. Our ability to underwrite, quote, bind and service business from our Dallas, Texas location for all North American retailers will provide trading partners and clients with superior service."

The RDA policy will be underwritten in Dallas, Texas by the RDAUS team that includes Philip L. Blais and Philip T. Blais, both seasoned directors and officers underwriters.

The RDA policy provides:

• Six year runoff coverage;
• Limit options up to $10,000,000;
• No deductible provisions;
• Full prior acts coverage;
• Excess over all other insurance and indemnity agreements;
• Non-cancelable - non rescindable;
• Underlying coverage and exposure assessment feature (each year for six years);
• Stand-alone dedicated limits;
• Non-pyramiding limit provisions;
• Expanded difference-in-conditions (DIC) provisions for ERISA, Pollution, etc.;
• Full punitive damages cover;
• No insured vs. Insured exclusion;
• Spousal-Domestic Partner Liability extension;
• And more

For more information on this release, contact Tara Shertenlieb, (816) 412-7564, tara.shertenlieb@rtspecialty.com

For more information on RSG and its subsidiaries, contact Chelsey Krull, (312) 784-6043, ckrull@ryansg.com.

About R-T Specialty, LLC and Retired Directors Assurance Underwriting Services (RDAUS)
Retired Directors Assurance Underwriting Services (RDAUS) is a division of R-T Specialty, LLC. R-T Specialty, LLC is an independent wholesale brokerage concentrating on tough property, casualty, transportation and professional liability risks, RT does not solicit insurance from the public. Some products may only be available in certain states, and some products may only be available from surplus lines insurers. R-T Specialty, LLC (RT) is a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG), a global holding company which includes highly-specialized underwriting companies through RSG Underwriting Managers, LLC, a London operation, wholesale brokerage and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516.

For more information on RSG and RT, visit www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com.

Appulate Now More Than 18,000 Retail Agencies

Roughly Half Of All Independent Retail Agencies Use Appulate For Upload To Insurance Markets

Agoura Hills, CA – August 3, 2015 Appulate, Inc. announces that it has seen dramatic growth to its network of independent retail agencies. As of the end of July, 2015, Appulate Uplink™ is now used by 18,255 retail agencies nationwide.

Appulate Uplink™ is used by retail agencies to bridge ACORD and other submission data from their agency management system to insurance markets. The technology is provided for free to retail agencies and removes the need for them to re-key data into carrier websites to obtain quotes.

Recent industry data shows that there are roughly 36,000 independent retail agencies in the United States and more than half are now using Appulate. “This adoption far exceeds our expectations,” said Dimitri Nikouline, Co-Founder of Appulate, Inc. “The network of retail agencies we now proudly serve has more than doubled this year,” stated Nikouline.

Appulate makes it easier for retail agencies to do business with their markets by removing much of the tedious data entry in the submission / quoting process. The technology is the only upload solution in the marketplace that offers connectivity from any retail agency management system.

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 18,000 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.

Visit Appulate at www.Appulate.com

Freberg Environmental, Inc. Appoints Renee Miller, Senior Vice President

Denver, CO., July 28, 2015 -- Freberg Environmental Insurance (FEI) has named Renee Miller to lead its environmental consultants and contracting program. Renee will be based in Denver and lead Freberg's flagship environmental program providing general liability, contractors' pollution and professional liability for environmental firms across the U.S. Renee joins Freberg from Zurich where she was a Senior Account Executive within the international construction and environmental divisions.

"We are very pleased to have Renee join Freberg as part of our executive team," said Stacy Brown, President and Managing Partner. "She brings with her the experience, ideals and knowledge of the environmental insurance industry that will allow us to continue to further expand our customer base with the fast, friendly and knowledgeable service we have been known for since 1991."

Founded in 1991, FEI is an insurance program manager specializing in the development and marketing of insurance programs nationwide. Underwriting on behalf of leading insurance carriers, FEI has become a comprehensive, flexible and responsive market for brokers serving environmental and other niche markets. Since its inception in 1991, FEI has earned a solid reputation with agents, insurance carriers and reinsurers for its ability to identify and quickly respond to market needs with innovative, financially sound products. As an insurance program manager, FEI does all underwriting and pricing, provides quotations and binds coverage. FEI also prepares policies, maintains endorsements and handles loss control activities.

For additional Information, please contact:
Stacy D. Brown
President, Managing Partner
Freberg Environmental Insurance
2000 South Colorado Blvd o Tower II, Suite 800 o Denver, CO 80222
Telephone: 303.534.1171 o Toll Free: 800.377.4152 o Fax: 303.623.8101

First Financial Bank Expands Service Offerings with Acquisition of Oak Street Holdings Corporation

CINCINNATI, July 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --First Financial Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) (collectively "the Company" and "First Financial"), signed a definitive agreement to acquire Oak Street Holdings Corporation ("Oak Street") for $110 million in cash.

Oak Street, a nationwide lender based in Indianapolis, Indiana, was formed in 2003 to provide commission-based loans to help insurance agents and brokers maximize their book-of-business value and grow their agency business. Oak Street had total assets of $242 million and total loans of $238 million as of June 30, 2015. Oak Street is majority owned by Angelo, Gordon & Co., a privately-held registered investment advisor dedicated to alternative investing. Upon completion of the acquisition, Oak Street will become a subsidiary of First Financial Bank, with Rick Dennen, Oak Street's founder and President, continuing in his current position.

"We view a combination with Oak Street as a tremendous opportunity to expand and diversify our service offerings and also provide Oak Street's team with the balance sheet and funding capacity necessary to continue to grow the business," said Claude Davis, Chairman & CEO of First Financial Bank. "We are very excited by the cultural and business fit between the two organizations and the growth and profitability profile of Oak Street. This acquisition will complement our existing nationwide franchise finance business which currently has over $500 million of loans outstanding. We look forward to welcoming Oak Street's associates and clients to First Financial."

"We are excited about our partnership with First Financial Bank, one of the most respected community banks in the country," said Rick Dennen, President of Oak Street. "Like Oak Street, First Financial has an entrepreneurial culture and is a nimble organization that will provide a very supportive environment from which to build on our success. We look forward to joining First Financial Bank and leveraging our combined strengths for continued growth."

"The success of our partnership with Oak Street, which commenced in 2010, has exceeded our expectations," said Art Peponis, Head of Private Equity at Angelo, Gordon & Co. "Oak Street, the premier commercial finance platform focused on insurance industry financing, has achieved significant growth in both portfolio balances and profitability over the last five years. In First Financial Bank, Oak Street has found a strong, high quality partner to help the company fully realize its growth potential."

The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the transaction. Completion of the acquisition is expected within 30 days.

First Financial estimates the following financial impact from this acquisition in the first full year of operation:

• Operating earnings per share accretion of $0.16 -$0.20,
• Net interest margin expansion of more than 0.20% related to Oak Street's portfolio yield of approximately 9.0%,
• Return on average tangible common equity increase of more than 270 basis points,
• Excellent risk-adjusted returns with expected annual net charge offs to total loans of approximately 0.50% and
• Tangible book value dilution earn back between 4 -5 years

RBC Capital Markets, LLC acted as financial advisor to First Financial and Frost Brown Todd LLC acted as its legal advisor. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor to Oak Street and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP acted as its legal advisor.

Alesha Hyatt-Lanuto Hired as Internal Broker at Worldwide Facilities, Inc.

Hartford, CT (June 17, 2015) - Worldwide Facilities, Inc. is pleased to announce that Alesha Hyatt-Lanuto will take on the role of Internal Broker at its new Connecticut office.

Hyatt-Lanuto has worked in the excess and surplus lines market for more than eight years. She spent three years as Assistant Vice President for a national real estate program, and has recent experience as a binding authority underwriter. In this role, she will be responsible for production in brokerage and binding throughout the Northeast region.

"Alesha has such diverse experience, on both the brokerage and retail side," says Senior Vice President/Branch Manager Patricia Roth. "We're confident she'll bring an in-depth understanding of the needs of agents to the role."

"Service is extremely important to me, and it's crucial to my relationship-building efforts," says Hyatt-Lanuto. "I'm looking forward to developing relationships with agencies in the Northeast."

Contact Patricia Roth
Senior Vice President and Branch Manager
(860) 990-2431
proth@wwfi.com

About Worldwide Facilities, Inc.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale broker and managing general agent with twelve offices nationwide. In business since 1970, our seasoned team of brokers and underwriters leads the industry in providing specialized expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, as well as extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

Media Contact: Erika Guerra, EGuerra@wwfi.com, Direct: (213) 236-4509

Worldwide Facilities, Inc., Welcomes Stacy Labbe as Senior Associate Broker

Hartford, CT (June 17, 2015) - Worldwide Facilities, Inc., a leading nationwide wholesale broker and managing general agent, announced today that Stacy Labbe will be taking on the role of Senior Associate Broker at its new Connecticut office.

Labbe brings over 17 years of both agency- and carrier-side experience in excess and surplus lines insurance to the position. She plans on playing a critical role in expanding the new office's book of business throughout the New England region.

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity," Labbe says. "I'm looking forward to helping make Worldwide Facilities the top wholesaler in the excess and surplus lines market throughout New England."

"Stacy will be a strong asset to our New England office," says Senior Vice President/Branch Manager Patricia Roth. "She has an in-depth understanding of the wholesale platform, and has the expertise to navigate the proper industry channels to provide excellent service to our clients."

Contact Patricia Roth
Senior Vice President and Branch Manager
(860) 990-2431
proth@wwfi.com

About Worldwide Facilities, Inc.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale broker and managing general agent with twelve offices nationwide. In business since 1970, our seasoned team of brokers and underwriters leads the industry in providing specialized expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, as well as extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

Media Contact: Erika Guerra, EGuerra@wwfi.com, Direct: (213) 236-4509

Suzanne Averill Takes on Role as Senior Associate Broker for Worldwide Facilities' New Connecticut Office

Hartford, CT (June 25, 2015) - National wholesale broker and managing general agent Worldwide Facilities is pleased to welcome Suzanne Averill as Senior Associate Broker at its new office in Connecticut.

Averill brings 32 years of experience in both retail and wholesale brokerage, with a history of success building key relationships both internally and with external partners.

"Suzanne is going to play an important client-facing role at the new office," says Senior Vice President/Branch Manager Patricia Roth. "We're looking forward to having the benefit of her expertise in maintaining strong relationships with both carriers and clients."

"I'm thrilled to be part of the new Connecticut office," Averill says. "We have a great team of professionals and I am excited to be part of Worldwide Facilities with all of the markets, products and exclusive programs that we have to offer."

Contact Patricia Roth
Senior Vice President and Branch Manager
(860) 990-2431
proth@wwfi.com

About Worldwide Facilities, Inc.
Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale broker and managing general agent with twelve offices nationwide. In business since 1970, our seasoned team of brokers and underwriters leads the industry in providing specialized expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, as well as extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas.

Media Contact: Erika Guerra, EGuerra@wwfi.com, Direct: (213) 236-4509

Worldwide Facilities, LLC Receives Significant Investment from Lovell Minnick Partners

Los Angeles, CA and Radnor, PA - July 6, 2015 - Worldwide Facilities, LLC, a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent, has received a significant investment from Lovell Minnick Partners, a private equity firm specializing in financial and related business services companies. Following the transaction, Worldwide Facilities will continue to be majority-owned by its employees. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1970 and based in Los Angeles, Worldwide Facilities is one of the largest wholesale insurance brokerage companies in the U.S. As a national wholesale broker, Worldwide Facilities places excess and surplus lines insurance on behalf of retail agents and brokers, and their insureds. The company also has been successful in growing its proprietary program and managing general agency businesses. Worldwide Facilities has more than 190 employees across 11 offices in major metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Irvine, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle.

"We are enthused about our next chapter of growth and the capital base that we have put in place to support it. We look forward to continuing to invest in the development and growth of our company by creating new products, adding to our team of capable and seasoned producers, and making strategic acquisitions," said Davis Moore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Facilities. "Lovell Minnick Partners has a strong track record in helping financial services companies such as ours advance their businesses. They share our vision for the future of Worldwide Facilities, and they have the resources and expertise to support our plan. We are excited to partner with them."

"Worldwide Facilities is clearly a market leader, and has achieved impressive, consistent organic growth while developing deep expertise in specialized insurance solutions. Their strong relationships with retail agents and brokers and insurance carriers, and their dedication to client service, have put them in a position to further grow and thrive" stated Robert Belke, a Managing Director at Lovell Minnick Partners, which has made investments in a variety of brokerage businesses. "We look forward to working with this management team, led by Davis Moore and Ron Austin, to support and drive execution of their growth strategy."

Waller Helms Advisors, LLC served as financial advisor, and Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP acted as legal counsel to Worldwide Facilities. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc served as financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Lovell Minnick Partners.

About Worldwide Facilities
Worldwide Facilities LLC is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent. In business since 1970, the seasoned team of brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing specialized products in a wide range of specialty lines, as well as having extensive relationships with domestic and international carriers. For more information please visit, http://www.wwfi.com.

About Lovell Minnick Partners
Lovell Minnick Partners LLC is a private equity firm focused on the financial and related business services sectors. Lovell Minnick provides developing companies with equity capital to support private company recapitalizations, leveraged buyouts, and pursue growth initiatives. Since its inception in 1999, Lovell Minnick Partners has raised over $1.3 billion in committed capital and has completed investments in over 30 companies. Targeted investment areas include asset management, financial product distribution, insurance, banks, specialty finance, and related technology and business services. For more information, please visit www.lovellminnick.com.

Media Contact: Anita Nevins, anita@webdcmarketing.com, Direct: (707) 429-0877

Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA)

Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) Installed new officers and board members, and gave thanks to its outgoing board members during its Business & Awards Breakfast, held in conjunction with the 111th Anniversary Convention & Education Symposium, on June 20, 2015.

New Officers

•Chip Greene, president and CEO of Jacksonville-based Greene-Hazel Insurance Group, was elected chairman;

•Brian R. Scarborough, CIC, REBC, vice president and co-owner of Scarborough Insurance in Gainesville, was elected chairman-elect; and

•Douglass F. Wiles, CPCU, president and owner of Herbie Wiles Insurance in St. Augustine, was elected vice-chairman.

Chip Greene, President & CEO of Greene Hazel Insurance Group, manages all of the firm’s business activities and leads the company’s Management & Executive Committee. Chip is also associated with Dreams Come True- Board of Directors, University of Florida Foundation- Jacksonville Advisory Council ,Tom Coughlin Jay Fund- Volunteer ,Sebastian Ferrero Foundation- Volunteer, Jacksonville Oceanside Rotary, and Gator Bowl Association- Standing Committee Chair. He has been recognized as Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 under 40, People on the Move, and Up & Comers in 2009 and will continue to expand in each area in the years to come.

Commercial Leads Provider Insurance Xdate Announces Vendor Partnership with Iroquois Group

Iroquois' newest Vendor Partner Insurance Xdate provides a prospecting and lead database for commercial insurance agencies to simplify the new business sales process, increase the efficiency of agencies' production efforts and increase new business revenue.

With a focus on data, commercial agencies join Insurance Xdate to identify their target market using robust search criteria including policy expiration date, location, industry, current carrier and premium size indicators.

Included in the data is contact information such as phone #, name/title of an executive and link to the business's website. Additionally, Insurance Xdate maintains class code Loss Costs' and carrier filed LCM's so an agent knows the approximate rate the prospect is paying.

Currently available in 9 states, subscriptions start at just $100 a month and Iroquois' agencies receive a 25% discount on the base level subscription.

To sign up for a free trial and view their service visit: www.InsuranceXdate.com

For more information or any questions contact:
Rob Gifford
Co-Founder, Sales Director
rob@insurancexdate.com
o) 215-839-9991

NAS Insurance Announces New Leadership Team for Specialty Reinsurance and Programs

Encino, CA: NAS Insurance today announced the expanded capabilities and leadership of its Specialty Reinsurance and Programs division. David Lloyd, NAS' Chief Operating Officer, will continue to helm the team as Joseph Reitzel joins as Senior Vice President.

"We continue to see strong demand for our reinsurance programs including our cyber liability insurance solutions," remarked Lloyd. "Joe brings a wealth of experience in building reinsurance relationships and we're thrilled to have him on board. Joe will help expand NAS' national footprint adding a new operational center for us in Minneapolis." NAS, headquartered in Los Angeles, has recently expanded operations to Atlanta, Boston and Chicago, as well.

As a core component of its specialty insurance business, NAS provides its market-leading cyber liability insurance solution to a broad range of mutual insurance carriers. NAS' recent promotional video demonstrates how uniquely NAS integrates and supports cyber liability programs with its carrier partners.

"Providing outstanding service to our clients is our number one priority," stated Richard Robin, CEO of NAS Insurance. "Expanding our Specialty Reinsurance market presence brings us closer to our customers and enables us to rapidly deliver the highest quality of service."

NAS Insurance is a full-service specialty insurance underwriting manager that provides innovative product development, underwriting, marketing, risk management, and claims handling services for a broad range of specialty insurance products.

For more information about NAS Insurance and the expansion of Specialty Reinsurance and Programs, please contact:

Jeremy Barnett, Senior Vice President Marketing
NAS Insurance Services
818.382.6116

GMI Celebrating 35 Years of Auto Expertise

Second Generation MGA Continues Commitment to Clients

June 15, 2015, Valley Forge, PA - GMI Insurance is proud to announce the company is celebrating 35 years in the commercial auto business. Founded in February, 1980 by Norman Trudel, this family-owned insurance company is operated by the second generation of Trudels; Mark, Karen, Carter and Michael. Launched as an innovative provider of rental car fleet insurance program, GMI Insurance has expanded to a broader range of commercial auto insurance products including business auto, auto lease and recently, specialized auto for commercial pilot vehicles.

Commenting on this company milestone, GMI President Mark Trudel said, "Our family is extremely proud to carry on our father's dream for 35 years and counting. Looking back we have been through many market cycles and industry challenges, but we remain a consistent, committed company to the industry. We believe our energy and commitment to client service is best summarized in our signature tagline, Driven by Auto Expertise."

"We are so pleased with GMI Insurance. Our office writes a lot of transportation accounts and GMI has helped us place some difficult accounts with great coverages." stated Dirk DeJong, CEO of Frank H. Furman, Inc. "GMI is a professional operation with very knowledgeable underwriters. We look forward to continued profitable growth with them."

GMI's Chief Operating Officer Karen Trudel adds, "One of company's greatest achievements was establishing a long-term relationship with our commercial auto claims partner, Corporate Claims Service. We have maintained this partnership largely due to their track record for responsive claims investigations, resolution and, importantly, timely claims reimbursement."

Michael Dubyk, VP of Operations at Corporate Claims Service captures the essence of GMI's devotion to its collective clients in the following statement: "We believe in collaboration on every claim. Our team delivers prompt and accurate claim data entry and follows every claim from receipt right through resolution. Like our partner GMI, we sincerely care about our customers."

About GMI Insurance
GMI Insurance Services, founded in 1980, is one of the fastest growing specialty insurance Managing General Agency in the country. The company's suite of transportation related programs includes Business Auto, Rental Auto, Auto Lease and Contingent Auto Physical Damage. To learn more about GMI's 35 Year Celebration, please visit www.gmi-insurance.com.

Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc.'s (ISA) Private Client Group (PCG)

Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc.'s (ISA) Private Client Group (PCG) division recently met a long-term goal set for them by both AIG and ISA. To celebrate this accomplishment, members of AIG management visited the ISA PCG division. "ISA's partnership with AIG continues to grow stronger as does our success with the program. Our success can also be greatly attributed to the amazing family of brokers we've come to build relationships with" says Mark Madsen, AVP of ISA's PCG Division.

In addition to premium goals, the PCG division is constantly raising the bar with regards to the standards for service they provide to their brokers and insureds. They have been praised for their breadth of knowledge and understanding with regards to the coverage, loss prevention, and other unique needs of affluent clients.

"We are elated with the ongoing success of the PCG Division. Since the division started, they have met and exceeded their goals in premium, while providing superior service and coverage to our brokers and clients." Howard Siegel, CEO

ABOUT IRWIN SIEGEL AGENCY
In addition to Supporting Those Who Support Others™ by providing insurance and risk management solutions to social and human service providers, Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. offers tailored solutions for high net-worth individuals. With an exclusive range of products through major carriers, access is available to independent agents and brokers - without typical production requirements. Learn more about the company, products and services at www.isapcg.com and www.siegelagency.com

Leff Joins Jimcor Agency, Inc. Management Team

MONTVALE, N.J. - Joseph M. Leff has joined Jimcor Agency, Inc. as Branch Manager of the Saratoga Springs, NY office. He brings with him over 15 years of industry experience with wholesalers and carriers. "Joe has grown up in the insurance industry and brings with him both the underwriting and leadership skills needed for the branch manager position," stated John George, Senior VP and Regional Manager. "He will be an excellent addition to the upstate NY office and the Jimcor Agency, Inc. management team."

Headquartered in Montvale, NJ, Jimcor Agency, Inc. is an independent excess and surplus lines wholesaler with seven offices located throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and has the ability to service other states around the country. Jimcor's goal is to provide clients with superior service and access to admitted and nonadmitted markets through its binding authority and brokerage divisions (Jimcor Select Risk) as well as online and phone quoting systems, allowing agents to successfully write more business.

Joseph Leff can be reached via email at jleff@jimcor.com.

Stephen Holcombe Joins Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. as Senior Account Executive

For Immediate Release:
Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has announced the hiring of Stephen A. Holcombe to support its northeast region of the country. Steve will be handling new business brokerage opportunities and growing the company's agent base in this territory. He brings over 8 years of insurance experience, working with both carriers and MGAs, and most recently growing specialty insurance programs.

"We are excited to have Steve join us. His experience working with niche products makes him an excellent fit for our team," said Bill Pritchard, President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. "Steve recognizes the importance of helping our partner agencies understand the opportunities represented by the coverages we offer, and should be a great addition to our Northeast Regional Team."

Beacon Hill continues to successfully expand in all parts of the country and attract leaders in the environmental marketplace, both internally and with its carrier & agent partners.

Now in its 25th year of business, Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. is a leader in providing environmental and energy coverages to agents around the country. They take pride in offering their agents and insureds effective coverage from quality carriers in a fast, efficient manner. Beacon Hill takes a consultative approach to its business, and has developed many resources they make available to partner agencies to help educate their clients about environmental exposures. Beacon Hill currently writes business in forty-eight states, and corresponds with over 4,000 agents regularly. Having handled more than 50,000 accounts since 1990, they have the experience necessary to be successful in today's competitive marketplace.

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.

Brownyard Group Wins 2015 TMPAA Marketing Campaign Award at Target Markets Mid-Year Meeting

Bay Shore, N.Y. - May xx, 2015 - The multi-faceted "Be Sure" marketing campaign has earned Brownyard Group (www. brownyard.com) a Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) Marketing Campaign Award. It was the fifth consecutive year that Brownyard won the award.

Brownyard, a program administrator providing specialized insurance coverage for select industry groups, was presented with the award on May 6 at the TMPAA Mid-Year Meeting in Atlanta.

Brownyard's "Be Sure" campaign included print ads and emails to brokers and buyers across five different industries, including: pest control operators, security guards, private investigator and security consultants, cosmetic manufacturers, spas and salons. The campaign was developed by Vertibrands, a full-service marketing agency specializing in the insurance industry.

"We're honored to have won this prestigious award among our peers at Target Markets," said Tory Brownyard, president of Brownyard Group. "The campaign effectively communicated the security that brokers and insureds feel when working with industry experts at Brownyard."

This was TMPAA's 5th annual Marketing Campaign Competition in conjunction with the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). IMCA is a highly regarded, international organization of insurance professionals who specialize in marketing, communications, advertising, sales promotion and public relations.

About Brownyard Group
Brownyard Group is a program administrator that has developed and provided specialized insurance programs for select industries for more than 60 years. These industries include security guards, pest control operators, cosmetics manufacturers, alarm systems, private investigators and security consultants and the beauty industry. In 1993, Brownyard established Brownyard Claims Management, a loss prevention and full-service insurance claims facility. The company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y.

Appalachian Underwriters, Inc. (AUI) Expands Personal Insurance Division with Formation of Reliance Risk Solutions

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., May 26th, 2015 - AUI has created a new vertical within the Personal Lines Division to focus on the High Net Worth property and casualty personal insurance needs of its 30,000 agency partners. Reliance Risk Solutions (RRS) allows AUI to expand beyond their existing Personal Lines portfolio and place coverage for accounts that are unique, unusual, or require a high capacity. Reliance Risk Solutions is managed by Paul Kountz; who most recently managed five states for Fireman's Fund and previously held a similar role at AIG. "Reliance Risk Solutions is uniquely positioned in the market by affording agents a consultative experience that not only draws upon the depth of knowledge of each placement specialist, but also leverages the technological resources that AUI has been known to provide. This value proposition provides our agency partners a critical advantage in attracting and retaining high net worth clients." said Tagge Stroom, Direct of Personal Lines and Xpress Services.

For more information, please visit www.appund.com/RRS

Contact: Paul Kountz (Director, Reliance Risk Solutions) 865.481.5061, paul.kountz@appund.com

Submissions rrs@appund.com, Fax 888.220.1632

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. AUI's home office is located at 800 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Suite A-1000 - Oak Ridge, TN 37830. With Satellite Offices in: San Diego, CA - Kennesaw, GA - Altamonte Springs, FL - Sarasota, FL - Murfreesboro, TN.

MORE THAN $5 BILLION IN BUSINESS WRITTEN AT 89TH ANNUAL AAMGA MEETING

Association Introduces Its Inaugural Specialty Programs Track

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 26, 2015 – Current estimates are that more than $5 billion in insurance premium was written during the course of the American Association of Managing General Agents’ (AAMGA) 89th Annual Meeting in Maryland between May 17 to May 20. In addition to welcoming 1,120 attendees, the meeting also introduced AAMGA’s inaugural specialty programs track. AAMGA leadership also welcomed a number of newly installed members and prospective members from across the U.S. and Canada, including many of the premier Canadian managing general agents (MGAs) from the provinces of Manitoba, the Maritimes, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

“This was an incredibly successful and productive annual meeting,” explained AAMGA’s new president, Roger Ware of Genesee General in Alpharetta, Ga. “Our members were fortunate to gain a first-hand, global insurance market perspective from our Annual Business Meeting speaker, Chairman John Nelson of Lloyd’s. In addition to Chairman Nelson, we discussed a number of the emerging issues in the industry that our Emerging Issues & Trends Committee continues to monitor as well as welcoming our specialty program members to a number of dedicated break-out sessions focused on their needs. The debate on current political issues between Karl Rove and David Axelrod also gave our members an insight behind the scenes of how our current and prospective leaders are looking at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

According to AAMGA Executive Director Bernd G. Heinze, attendance surpassed expectations with additional walk-ins showing up to take part in the meeting.

“I could point to our packed Agents & Brokers Lounge or our need to bring in additional seating and tables to demonstrate the sheer volume of interest in this year’s Annual Meeting,” noted Heinze. “However, I think the ability of all our members to have access to the entire wholesale and program insurance market, and to network and conduct business with global leaders in our industry, resulting in more than $5 billion in business being written in just four days speaks for itself.”

Brian Molusis, president of Vital Insurance Partners in Glastonbury, CT, who attended the Annual Meeting last week for the first time in nearly 8 years said he was impressed.

“Eight years ago, AAMGA wasn’t catering to the specialty program marketplace. But there has been a sea-change in the association in the last two years to better adapt to the insurance market as a whole,” explained Molusis. “And because there isn’t another not-for-profit out there focusing on the needs of the specialty program market, this is a very welcome change.”

In particular, Molusis pointed to commitments from insurance carriers and other program professionals who attended the 89th Annual Meeting as a sign of good things to come.

“By next year’s [Annual Meeting], this will be one of the biggest specialty program conferences in the program space,” said Molusis.

The AAMGA’s Under Forty Organization comprised of young emerging professionals also welcomed a record number of its members to the Annual Meeting and raised more than $12,000 at the meeting to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.

AAMGA will host its 90th Annual Meeting on May 22, 2016 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

ABOUT AAMGA
The American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) is the wholesale insurance community's international trade association. Founded in 1926, the AAMGA today represents over 500 corporate members and is respected as the leader in and voice of the wholesale and excess and surplus lines insurance industry. Membership in the AAMGA is highly selective and, therefore, the managing general agents admitted to the ranks are those who annually subscribe to a Code of Ethics and demonstrate the highest standards of excellence, experience, integrity and insurance company representation. Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, the nonprofit Association and its University Foundation provide substantive benefits and service to its members throughout the year. Learn more at www.aamga.org.

Gioe to Lead Jimcor's Montvale Brokerage Department

MONTVALE, N.J. - Garrett Gioe has been named Brokerage Manager for Jimcor Agency, Inc.'s Montvale, NJ office. "Garret's relationships with carriers and agents, knowledge of the marketplace, and experience as a brokerage specialist made him the obvious choice for this position," explained Coryn Thalmann, COO, CEO of Jimcor. "Our goal is to continue the growth we have seen over the past few years in the brokerage arena as our agency partners continue to think of us for the larger lines and hard to place risks." Gioe has been with Jimcor since the acquisition of Zaloom Associates which brought the addition of admitted markets to the Jimcor arsenal 7 years ago.

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

Brad Liggett to lead Nationwide Agribusiness

Columbus, OH - Brad Liggett has been named to lead Nationwide Agribusiness. Liggett takes over for Terrance Williams, who recently was named Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide.

"Brad's strong business acumen and ability to execute on a strategic vision have helped him drive profitable growth across multiple channels, functions and geographies at Nationwide," said Mark Berven, President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide Property & Casualty. "His experience and collaborative leadership style make him a great fit to lead Nationwide Agribusiness."

Liggett comes into his new role with 30 years of leadership experience across many areas of Nationwide's business-most recently serving as Independent Channel Regional Vice President for Nationwide's Western Regional Operations in Sacramento, California. During his time at Nationwide, Liggett also spent six years as the Vice President for Underwriting at Nationwide Agribusiness, where he led several key strategic initiatives, including Farm Vision, Farm Agency Certification and Farm Service Center.

Liggett is also passionate about giving back to his community. In Sacramento, he serves on the boards of United Way, where he chairs the Campaign Cabinet Committee, and the Center for Fathers and Families. Liggett is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Mike McGuire Appointed Senior Field Representative for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently added Michael McGuire as a Senior Field Representative to promote targeted growth in the Midwest. Specifically, McGuire serves producers in Iowa and Nebraska. In his new capacity, he is responsible for identifying prospects for appointments while providing information about available resources and new developments to existing members of the distribution network. He also functions as agents' field liaison with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD's underwriting, loss control, and claims staff.

McGuire has been part of the insurance industry in the region for over 15 years and has extensive experience with all lines of coverage while working with a variety of agency groups. According to Vice President of Sales Dave Simmons, "Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is anxious to increase our presence and our market share in the region. We've enjoyed considerable recent success in the Midwest, and we believe the addition of Mike McGuire to serve Iowa and Nebraska will help us further expand and develop our presence in that part of the country." Simmons added, "We have agency appointments available; as a long-term, experienced insurance field person in the area, Mike is the right person to help us fill those openings."

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 identity as Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Each of the organization's carriers (AmGUARD, EastGUARD, NorGUARD, and WestGUARD) are rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best - a leading source of independent rating information on the insurance industry.

In 2014, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD wrote gross written premium of about $635 million and issued 100,000 polices. Agents interested in learning more can contact the company on-line at www.guard.com/apply.

Darcie Winiewicz Appointed Senior Field Representative for Berkshire Hathaway GUARD

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies recently added Darcie Winiewicz as a Senior Field Representative to promote targeted growth in the south. Specifically, Winiewicz serves producers in Arkansas and Louisiana. 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 also functions as agents' field liaison with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD's underwriting, loss control, and claims staff.

Winiewicz has been part of the insurance industry for over 15 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 Steve Franklin, "Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is anxious to increase our presence and our market share in the region. We've enjoyed considerable recent success in the south, and we believe the addition of Darcie Winiewicz to serve Arkansas and Louisiana will help us further expand and develop our presence in that part of the country." Franklin added, "We have agency appointments available; as a long-term, experienced insurance field person in the area, Darcie is the right person to help us fill those openings."

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 identity as Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Each of the organization's carriers (AmGUARD, EastGUARD, NorGUARD, and WestGUARD) are rated A+ ("Superior") by A.M. Best - a leading source of independent rating information on the insurance industry.

In 2014, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD wrote gross written premium of about $635 million and issued 100,000 polices. Agents interested in learning more can contact the company on-line at www.guard.com/apply.

Venture Promotes Chris Anciborenko to Chief Financial Officer

West Chester, Pa. - April 27, 2015 - Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) today announced the promotion of Chris Anciborenko to Chief Financial Officer.

In this new role, Anciborenko is responsible for strategic financial planning and execution, budgeting and forecasting across all financial platforms, and change initiation and management. He also oversees accounting and reporting, finance integration with operational management, as well as mergers & acquisitions and treasury management.

"Since joining Venture 13 years ago, Chris has proven to be a successful executive with a strong record of achievement in financial management," said Phil Harvey, president of Venture. "As CFO, we expect he will help guide Venture's strategic financial planning to support our company's continued growth."

Anciborenko joined Venture in 2002 as director of finance. Previously, he was a regional sales representative at Bankers Life and Casualty, in Allentown, Pa.

A resident of Avondale, Pa., Anciborenko earned a double master's degree in finance and business administration from Northeastern University, and a bachelor's degree in marketing and finance from West Chester University. He also received Six Sigma Green Belt and project management certifications through Villanova University.

He is an active member of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business (IMA), and is currently pursuing CPCU and AIAF designations. Chris holds certifications from the Institute of Financial Management as an Accounts Payable Manager with Distinction and Certified Professional Controller. He also holds A&H and P&C Brokerage Licenses.

About Venture Insurance Programs
Venture Insurance Programs (www.ventureprograms.com) is a leading program administrator that designs, underwrites and distributes industry-specific insurance packages. Based in West Chester, Pa., Venture has underwriting alliances with the world's leading carrier groups, including Chubb, Allied World, RSUI, USLI, Zurich North America, ACE, Monitor and Lloyd's of London. Founded in 1993, Venture provides specialty insurance packages for select vertical industries-including golf and country clubs, golf destination resorts, hotels, resorts, hunting and fishing lodges and city and social clubs.

APIW to Honor Tracey Carragher as APIW 2015 Insurance Woman of the Year

April 14, 2015
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--APIW, Inc. (the Association of Professional Insurance Women) announced that Tracey Carragher, Chief Executive Officer of Breckenridge Insurance Group, has been selected as this year's recipient of the APIW Insurance Woman of the Year Award. A cocktail reception and award ceremony honoring Ms. Carragher will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station in New York.

In announcing this year's award, APIW President Cheryl Vollweiler said: "APIW is proud to bestow this honor on Tracey Carragher. She is an outstanding role model. Her mentoring, gracious management and demonstrated support for insurance professionals is well known. Her leadership and accomplishments, as well as her commitment to supporting and advancing women, are exceptional examples of the qualities that APIW looks for in the recipient of this highly prestigious honor. She has portrayed exemplary professionalism in all of her endeavors and is highly respected in the insurance industry and beyond."

Ms. Carragher has led the swift growth in revenues and profitability of Breckenridge since founding the company in 2009. Earlier this year, her demonstrated leadership resulted in an unprecedented recapitalization of the group with new investors. With more than 250 employees, a dozen offices nationally and an international presence, the dynamic organization continues to realize success. Ms. Carragher strongly believes the diversity of the company drives innovation and she has cultivated a fast-paced, silo-free and lively culture in support of it. From new products that embrace the consumer in the financial services arena to proprietary insurance technologies, she is a recognized and respected industry advocate and change agent.

Prior to founding Breckenridge, Ms. Carragher held a variety of senior executive roles with both national and international responsibilities at some of the largest and most prestigious companies in the financial services industry. At Aon, she exponentially grew the wholesale and facultative brokerage divisions, and handled special projects including M&A and troubleshooting challenged business units worldwide. Before that, she was CEO of Cambridge, the largest third party claims management company, until its spin-off to Scandent. From 1989 to 1992, she was Divisional President at Frank B. Hall, turning around an unprofitable group in a key market, swiftly turning it into that firm's "Operation of the Year."

Earlier in her career, Ms. Carragher was Sr. Vice President at Alexander & Alexander, and a senior research consultant at McKinsey & Company.

Ms. Carragher has been named one of the "Top 50" women by Business Insurance Magazine and currently serves as a judge on an Advisory Panel for Risk and Insurance Magazine's Workers' Compensation Forum. A frequent speaker in different venues, she is an established force in the financial services industry. She has served on many not-for-profit boards, ranging from children's residential and behavioral service organizations to helping support families of those with cancer and the adoption of rescue dogs.

Ms. Carragher is also an extraordinary role model for women in the insurance industry. She conducts mentoring sessions for young women at Breckenridge and encourages flexible work arrangements, recognizing family priorities to both women and men raising children, caring for aging parents and those who care for pets. Ms. Carragher also started the influential Women's Networking Group at Target Markets Program Administrators Association.

The APIW Insurance Woman of the Year Award, first presented in 1976, recognizes an exceptional woman who has achieved prominence in her profession and has made significant contributions to the insurance industry. All nomination forms for APIW Insurance Woman of the Year are sent directly to an independent Woman of the Year Committee appointed by the APIW Immediate Past President. The Committee is comprised of no more than six accomplished professionals representing various segments of the industry.

Founded in 1976, APIW is the leading organization dedicated to advancement of professional insurance women and to the recognition of their contributions to the industry. APIW sponsors programs that encourage professional development and provide opportunities for members to hone leadership skills. The group has more than 300 members who are successful professionals in the insurance industry and have a cross-section of industry skills and knowledge to share. APIW is based in New York, with a network in Chicago. For more information about APIW, visit our web site at www.apiw.org or contact us at info@apiw.org.

New Jersey Agencies Glenn Insurance and Mile Square Insurance Join ANE, Agency Network Exchange

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., April 7, 2015 – ANE, Agency Network Exchange LLC, an exclusive network of independently owned and operated insurance agencies, has added two New Jersey agencies to its network: Glenn Insurance, Inc. with offices in Absecon and Vineland, and Mile Square Insurance Agency of Hoboken.

“We are excited to join ANE and look forward to enhancing our existing carrier relationships as well as working with ANE to meet our growth objectives,” said Jeffrey L. Dunn, executive vice president, Glenn Insurance, Inc.

“The reason I joined ANE is that it offers what we need to grow our business including access to more carriers. This is absolutely the right step to take our agency to where we want to go,” said Michael Blumenfeld, principal at Mile Square Insurance Agency.

ANE was founded in 2009 to give independent insurance agents increased strength in the marketplace. Today ANE includes more than 40 agencies in New Jersey and has recently expanded its network into the mid-Atlantic region.

About ANE
ANE’s innovative and flexible model for independent agencies responds to the individual needs of agencies of all sizes. The group pools premium to increase contingent revenue, provides direct access to market so agents can close more sales and provides active support to help agents be better business owners. Visit ane-agents.com for more information.

Crum & Forster Acquires The Redwoods Group

Morrisville, NC – The Redwoods Group, a provider of insurance to YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers and residential and day camps, announced today, April 1st, 2015, that it has entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which it will join the Crum & Forster family of companies, part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (TSX:FFH)(TSX:FFH.U).

“We chose to partner with Fairfax and Crum & Forster, instead of any of the other potential partners we considered, because there is a strong match in operating principles and values between us and because the transaction accomplishes all of the goals we set out at the beginning of this process,” said Kevin Trapani, president and CEO of Redwoods.

Trapani emphasized that this move will allow Redwoods more leeway to craft insurance and risk consulting products that are specifically designed for the unique needs of child-serving organizations – “This puts us in a position to be more competitive than ever before. It will enable us to scale our work and it will help us to help our customers even more to deliver on their non-profit missions.”

The Redwoods Group will continue to operate out of its current location as an independent brand of Crum & Forster, and Redwoods’ senior leadership team will remain intact. Additionally, all Redwoods staff have been offered a job with their same responsibilities, compensation and benefits.

Together, Crum & Forster and Redwoods will pursue efficiencies in technology, processes, knowledge sharing, and relationship- and business-growth opportunities.

Marc Adee, Crum & Forster’s chairman and CEO, commented, “We view this transaction as an opportunity to expand our direct underwriting operations to include the underwriting, claims handling and risk consulting expertise, and the geographical territory, broker relationships and customer relationships that The Redwoods Group has worked so hard to build.”

Adee continued, “But it’s also an opportunity for us to invest in, and learn from, a leader in the world of social entrepreneurship and using business as a force for good.”

During the past 18 years, Redwoods has made a name for itself through its focus on prevention and has invested heavily in efforts such as the prevention of child sexual abuse and drowning. Redwoods has also been widely recognized for its employee and stakeholder welfare programs, and was named by B Lab on its “Best for Workers” list in 2013 and 2014. The company’s mission and social entrepreneurship model will remain intact through this transition, and Redwoods will continue to be a Certified B Corp and Green Plus Certified operation.

B Lab co-founder Jay Coen Gilbert welcomed the news as evidence of the B Corp model’s efficacy – “Mission doesn’t mean very much if it is abandoned as soon as a company’s ownership changes. From the beginning, we envisioned the B Corp movement as a way to ensure that a company’s social mission can persist. Crum & Forster's acquisition of The Redwoods Group is further proof that major corporations can and will invest in mission-driven enterprises while retaining and even enhancing what makes them special in the first place.”

This acquisition will see The Redwoods Group increase its sphere of influence in promoting business as a tool for positive social change. The company will be working actively with Crum & Forster to assess its new owners’ own social and environmental practices, and to explore the possibility of recruiting them as a certified B Corporation.

For Redwoods’ customers, “This acquisition gives us the operating autonomy, the strategic partnership, the capital and the resources we need to fully support our customers in pursuit of their missions, and it increases our price competitiveness, too,” said Trapani.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ABOUT CRUM & FORSTER
Crum & Forster provides specialty and standard commercial lines insurance products through its admitted and surplus lines insurance companies. C&F distributes products through approximately 1,500 authorized retail and wholesale brokers across the United States. Crum & Forster is rated “A” (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company and shares a Financial Size Category of Class XIII. Crum & Forster is owned by Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (TSX:FFH)(TSX:FFH.U). Fairfax, whose name is derived from their philosophy of “fair and friendly acquisitions,” was founded by Prem Watsa.

ABOUT THE REDWOODS GROUP
The Redwoods Group is a social enterprise that offers insurance and risk consulting services to youth-serving organizations such as YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers, and day and resident camps. Through its insurance relationships, Redwoods works alongside its customers to pursue its social mission of keeping children safe. Through the use of data and its 18 years of serving youth-serving organizations, Redwoods is now a leader in fighting aquatics injuries and child sexual abuse. As a Certified B Corporation, Redwoods seeks to demonstrate that business can and should be used to create social good and benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. At the heart of Redwoods’ business model is its mission: Serve Others. Learn more at RedwoodsGroup.com.

Ryan Specialty Group announces new MGU Windward Specialty

APRIL 1, 2015, CHICAGO, IL - RSG Underwriting Managers (RSGUM) announced today its latest MGU: Windward Specialty. Windward Specialty will underwrite a broad range of property risks exclusively through wholesale insurance brokers.

Windward Specialty is led by President and CEO, Nathan Warde. Previously, Warde has held senior management and underwriting positions in the E&S market for the last 20 years. According to Warde, "After a 30-year career as an underwriter specializing in property coverages, it's an exciting time to be joining RSG. I am looking forward to fulfilling our ambitious plans in the E&S property insurance market."

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman, and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group, says of the announcement, "I am delighted to welcome Nathan to RSGUM to oversee this important role for our business. We believe there are significant additional opportunities for us in E&S property, and Nathan's experience and market knowledge will be instrumental in driving forward our growth plans for MGU business produced by wholesale insurance brokers."

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

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
Windward Specialty is part of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG), a global holding company which includes highly-specialized underwriting companies under the RSG Underwriting Managers, LLC brand, a London operation, wholesale brokerage and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com

IMCA Webcast Features "Best Practices for Marketing Automation"

Presented by Digital Marketing Expert John Reints of CAMICO

MINNEAPOLIS, March 19, 2015 -The Insurance Marketing & Communications Association's (IMCA) April 7, 2015 webcast, "Best Practices for Marketing Automation," will be led by John Reints, Manager of Digital Communications and CRM at CAMICO. Reints will share proven best practices during this one-hour live program which begins at 1 p.m. EDT. The webcast is free for all IMCA members and just $49 for non-members

"Our April 7 webinar will share several best practices for integrating marketing automation and is especially focused for insurers," said Mark Friedlander, IMCA president and Head of Corporate Communications at The Main Street America Group. "Leveraging marketing automation can help increase engagement with both policyholders and prospects. John is an accomplished digital communications marketer who will cover several topics, tips and advice for insurers either considering adopting this powerful tool or those looking to enhance their current marketing automation efforts."

Reints is an award-winning marketing professional with a passion for the "digital." At CAMICO, which is the nation's largest CPA-directed program of insurance products and risk management solutions for the accounting profession, Reints is responsible for the insurance carrier's digital marketing. This includes development of automated programs, marketing campaigns and digital policyholder communications. Prior to CAMICO, Reints served as a sales executive at Allied World Assurance Company in Atlanta, where he led development of nationwide digital marketing strategies for the lawyers' professional liability direct sales unit.

To attend IMCA's April 7 webcast, please visit https://imcanet.com/events/event-registration/.

About the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA)
IMCA (www.imcanet.com) is the oldest insurance marketing association in North America with roots tracing back to 1921. Membership includes leading international and domestic multi-line insurance companies and brokerage firms, regional and specialty companies, general agencies, and prominent industry suppliers. The organization represents over 120 companies, including the 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.

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.