The Insurance Marketplace Cybercast - January 2013

Volume 61, January 2013

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New Products Enhancements Contact Changes Misc Company Info Archive

NBIS and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association announce contract extension

On December 31st, 2012, NBIS and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, (SC&RA) extended their Endorsed Sponsorship Agreement for another three years, expiring December 31, 2016.

NBIS has been the SC&RA endorsed property casualty insurance provider since January 1996. Over the past 17 years in partnership, NBIS has provided superior service and expertise in risk management, underwriting and claims services to our insured’s and to members of the SC&RA.

Together, NBIS and the SC&RA have developed a unique risk management program to reduce the risk of loss and save lives. As in the past, the partnership is sponsoring future educational sessions and webinars to benefit the Association members, develop risk management and loss control benefits, as well as sponsoring other SC&RA events throughout the coming years.

Working together as partners will allow the SC&RA to increase membership and the number of members insured through NBIS. Through these efforts and with the continued support of the Association, NBIS believes the company grows stronger through its relationship and appreciates the support of the SC&RA and its members.

NBIS delivers premier construction and transport insurance programs, as well as unique risk management products and services. Our proven loss prevention, risk management support, reliable claims service, highly competitive rates and broad coverage allow us to deliver more options for your business than any other insurer. We are also dedicated to helping you manage the challenging risk of your business with the added security of an "A-" (Excellent) rated carrier.

Mountain Empire Agency Alliance Signs 50th Member Agency

January 29th, 2013 - Hampton, NH & Kingsport, TN: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner Mountain Empire Agency Alliance has signed its 50th Member Agency, adding to the national total of over 4300 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome Jim Embree Insurance of Bristol, Tennessee as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced MEAA Vice President Beth Roe. "As a member agency, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners, as well our decades of experience in agency operations including 4 as an SIAA Certified Master Agency. Our retail shop, Price & Ramey, has serviced the insurance needs of this region since 1914 and is licensed in 9 states. We are dedicated to providing local independent insurance agents with the opportunity to flourish by opening access to benefits typically available only to large regional agencies producing significant volumes of insurance business."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of Jim Embree Insurance, MEAA has reached a significant milestone to which our Master Agencies across the country strive, and at a record-breaking pace. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked for 17 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

Mountain Empire Agency Alliance became an SIAA Master Agency in 2008. With territory spanning 46 counties in Eastern Tennessee, Northern Virginia, and Western North Carolina, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the region. For more information on MEAA, visit www.meaa4u.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels, as well as an online insurance presence for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to offering significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,300 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Senior Banking and Insurance Executive Joins OSC as Chief Operating Officer

Atlanta - Financial risk management and lender-placed insurance services firm OSC named veteran banking and insurance executive John Dangoia as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Tracey Carragher, CEO of OSC parent company Breckenridge Insurance Group, said Dangoia "will position OSC for aggressive growth this year with the expansion of our lender protection product lines and our initiatives in the technology, compliance and financial risk management markets."

Dangoia said "With Dodd Frank now in place, OSC's insurance products and risk management services backed by our proprietary tracking technology meet the growing and complex needs of our customers."

Dangoia will guide the company's senior management team working with OSC founder and CEO Larry Overby. Dangoia comes to OSC from CUNA Mutual Group where he held positions as lender product executive and chief credit officer for commercial and consumer insurance products.

Before joining CUNA Mutual Group, Dangoia spent more than 20 years with Wells Fargo & Company where he held a variety of progressively senior management roles. At CUNA Mutual Group he was part of the leadership team that successfully transformed the company's lending-related insurance products for credit unions throughout the United States.

"With his experience John understands the needs of our customer, both large and small," Carragher said. "Our customers face more and more complex regulatory challenges and lending risks, especially as the housing market continues to strengthen," she added.

In 2012 OSC announced it was one of the first financial risk management and collateral protection firms to complete the SSAE16 SOC1 audit, the successor to SAS 70 standard. The audit documents that the OSC systems and processes meet the industry's highest standards.

Dangoia said, "OSC has completed a series of initiatives that places the company in the forefront of compliance and technology leadership in the insurance and lending markets."

About OSC
OSC, a specialist in insurance and risk management services and products for lenders offers a comprehensive range of portfolio protection and financial risk management services to both large and small institutions. OSC, with its parent company Breckenridge Insurance Group, augments its traditional collateral protection insurance coverage options with additional lending, insurance and risk management products.

Cyber Threats among issues to be addressed by Former US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman at TMPAA Mid Year Meeting

Wilmington DE - Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (Ret.) will address The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) at their Mid Year Meeting and discuss his belief that the nation's financial health is directly related to our national security. Mullen will discuss the range of threats that the U.S. faces, including the vulnerability to cyber attacks that could significantly impact business as well as the nation's critical infrastructure.

David Springer, TMPAA President, stated, "One of our missions is to educate and inform our members about matters that will impact their operations. Admiral Mullen's unique insight on these issues will provide our group with important information about the security of our businesses and data."

Admiral Mike Mullen served at a critical juncture in our nation's history. He was America's top military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense through two administrations, and a key influencer in shaping the future security of our nation. The TMPAA's Mid Year Meeting is scheduled for May 6-8, in Baltimore, MD.

In addition to Admiral Mullen's presentation, the TMPAA also plans to conduct their second annual Program Administrators Town Hall Meeting to address issues specific to program administration. Industry Keynote, Seraina Maag, Chief Executive North America P&C of XL Group is scheduled to address the group regarding the state of the industry.

Admiral Mullen's keynote presentation is sponsored by TMPAA members, York Programs and Wilson Elser.

Program Administrator / MGA's interested in learning more about the TMPAA, can visit the Association Website at www.targetmarkets.com or call 877-347-5700. Meeting registration forms as well as an agenda for the event is available on the website.

Wilson Elser can be found at www.wilsonelser.com ; York Programs can be found at www.yorkclaims.com

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 recognition, Target University, Program Marketing and Distribution, Industry Studies and two annual Member Meetings.

For additional information, contact Ray Scotto - Executive Director - at (877) 347 - 5700 E-mail address: ray.scotto@targetmkts.com

2012 An Outstanding Year for SIAA

January 21, 2013 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance has released their 2012 numbers, and is proud to report another year of significant growth as members wrote over $680 million in premium growth, 57% of it with Strategic Partner Insurance Companies. Total written premium for SIAA member agencies now exceeds $4.0 billion.

CEO Jim Masiello cites membership growth as a large factor. "SIAA's growth continues at an astounding pace. We added 432 new members in 2012…that's our fourth consecutive year signing over 400 new member agencies," continued Masiello, "bringing our total signings to over 4300."

The National Insurance Agency Alliance
For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net or Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer at dougc@siaa.net.

New Underwriting Management Partnership for Converging Risk Coverage Announced by Ryan Specialty Group's ThinkRisk and Aspen US Insurance

January 17, 2013, CHICAGO, IL - Ryan Specialty Group's (RSG) ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency (ThinkRisk) and Aspen US Insurance (Aspen) announced today that they have entered into a new underwriting partnership. ThinkRisk will transition its existing Converging Risk program - specialized errors and omissions insurance for media, advertising, technology, privacy and network and security risks - to Aspen in the capacity as their MGU for this product in the US.

RSG Chairman Patrick G. Ryan said, "The convergence of media, technology and privacy exposures across a wide range of diverse industries requires particular underwriting expertise. ThinkRisk is an acknowledged industry leader in this segment. Aspen's reputation as a leading global insurer with a keen focus on developing innovative specialty insurance products, and their strong interest in and commitment to this segment aligns perfectly with ThinkRisk's long-term strategic plans. We believe strongly that this partnership between ThinkRisk and Aspen will offer tremendous value to our brokers and clients."

ThinkRisk President Nicole Haggerty noted, "Technology is a double-edged sword. While it has helped us become more efficient, it has had unintended consequences that require a diverse and comprehensive range of liability products to manage the associated risks. By partnering with Aspen, we will be able to respond to these emerging risks quickly and efficiently with innovative E&O products and risk management services for our clients."

Bruce Eisler, Aspen's Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriter of the Professional Liability division added, "We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Ryan Specialty Group-specifically, ThinkRisk. Aspen is able to offer both surplus lines and admitted capabilities which are anchored by our financial strength and "A" rating from A.M. Best. The converging risk liability offering with ThinkRisk provides a strong complement to Aspen's existing stand-alone professional liability products, and reflects our commitment to selectively expanding our product offering in our target market segments."

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

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

About Aspen US Insurance
Aspen US Insurance, which is part of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen"), writes property, casualty and specialty insurance in the US on both a surplus lines and admitted basis through Aspen Specialty Insurance Company and Aspen American Insurance Company. Our underwriting teams have a specialized focus on opportunities in Inland Marine and Ocean Risks, Professional Liability, Management Liability and Directors and Officers Insurance which are underwritten in addition to established lines of Property, General Casualty and Environmental Liability. Further information about Aspen can be found at www.aspen.co Application of the Safe Harbor of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains written, and Aspen's officers may make related oral, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws regarding its execution of its business plans. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "seek," "will," "estimate," "may," "continue," and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature. All forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions, estimates and data concerning future results and events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Aspen's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, including changes in market conditions and their impact on our business. For a detailed description of uncertainties and other factors that could impact the forward-looking statements in this release, please see the "Risk Factors" section in Aspen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012.

Call for Entries for 2013 IMCA Showcase™ Awards

Entries now being accepted for the insurance industry's longest-running creative awards for marketing and communications professionals

Oak Park, Illinois - January 15, 2013 - The Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) is pleased to announce a worldwide invitation for entries into the prestigious IMCA Showcase™ Awards, the longest-running creative awards competition for insurance marketing and communications professionals.

The 2013 IMCA Showcase Awards competition, now in its 55th year, offers awards in 35 categories spanning electronic, print, social and broadcast media, as well as internal and external communications, corporate communications, and marketing communications. Entries are electronically accepted from IMCA members and nonmembers alike, and all submissions are eligible for Best of Show and Award of Excellence awards.

IMCA's top Showcase recognition, the coveted SAMMY award, is presented to the overall best submission as voted on by attendees during the IMCA Annual Conference. Last year's top winners included Safeco, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford, and Farmers Insurance. For more information about last year's Showcase Awards please visit: http://www.imcanet.com/index.php?q=node/316.

This year's Showcase Awards will be presented at the Showcase Awards Gala on June 25. The gala is part of IMCA's 2013 Annual Conference, taking place June 23--26 at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia.

The deadline for Showcase entries is March 29, 2013. Insurance marketing and communications professionals can electronically enter at www.imcanet.com. For more information, contact IMCA Executive Director Tom Wetzel at 708-524-4944 or twetzel@imcanet.com.

In addition, for the third consecutive year, IMCA has teamed up with the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) and the Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) to offer members of the associations formally judged marketing campaign competitions. The same IMCA Showcase Award judges will judge entries for the NAPSLO Marketing Campaign Award and TMPAA Program Marketing Campaign Award. Awards are presented at each association's respective event.

About the Insurance Marketing and Communications Association 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.

Change in Direction Announced by Ryan Specialty Group's
ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency and Great American Insurance Company

January 14, 2013, CHICAGO, IL -ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency (ThinkRisk), part of Ryan Specialty Group, and Great American Insurance Company (Great American), part of Great American Insurance Group, have mutually agreed that due to increasing channel conflicts within Great American, ThinkRisk will pursue a change in carrier partnerships for its Converging Risk program which has been supported by Great American for the past three years.

RSG Chairman Patrick G. Ryan says of the change, "At RSG, our goal is to build strong underwriting management companies that focus on growth and innovation. We respect and appreciate the support and contributions made by Great American to the growth of ThinkRisk."

ThinkRisk President Nicole Haggerty added, "We are grateful for our relationship with Great American, and for the support they have provided for the Converging Risk program. We are optimistic about the new opportunities and products that ThinkRisk will deliver to our producers and clients in the future."

Bruce R. Smith, President, Great American Insurance Group's Executive Liability Division, noted, "We value our relationship with ThinkRisk and are committed to working with their team to ensure an orderly transition of this program. We are looking forward to pursuing other opportunities to work with RSG in the future. Great American's Executive Liability Division has been serving the insurance marketplace for 26 years, and we look forward to continuing to be a carrier of choice for our producers and insureds."

ThinkRisk will continue to manage the Converging Risk Program, on behalf of Great American, until April 30th 2013.

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

Scottsdale Insurance Company® Named Steve Franke VP of Contract Underwriting

Scottsdale, AZ-Scottsdale Insurance Company©, a leader in the Excess & Surplus and Specialty Lines arena, named Steve Franke as vice president, Contract Underwriting-West Region. Franke will oversee the Northwest, Southwest, and Pacific regions and will report to Gary Tiepelman, senior vice president, Contract Underwriting. Franke is replacing Dave McDermid, who retired from Scottsdale Insurance in December 2012.

"With Steve's many years in the industry, he has deep underwriting knowledge," Gary said. "He understands how we can best serve our customers because he knows our general agents so well. And they know and trust him. I'm excited to have Steve in this new role and anticipate he'll positively impact our partnerships and our bottom line."

Franke is an experienced insurance executive with 32 years in the specialty lines business. He most recently served as vice president of Agency Management and Business Development for eight years at Scottsdale Insurance. Prior to that, Franke served in management roles at various E&S firms.

"Franke brings agency management expertise into his new role," said Mike Miller, president of Scottsdale Insurance. "He has an excellent reputation in the industry and understands how to lead while reading shifts in the market. We're confident Franke will continue to contribute greatly to Scottsdale's growth in the western regions and to our success overall."

Franke proudly serves as a board member of the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA and the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas. He graduated with a BS in business administration from Arizona State University. He has his Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) designation as well as a CPCU certification.

About Scottsdale Insurance
A wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide®, Scottsdale Insurance Company® (www.scottsdaleins.com) benefits from the backing of one of the largest insurance and financial service providers in the United States, an A.M. Best rating of A+XV (superior), and a Standard & Poor's "A" rating. As an industry leader with impeccable financial strength and stability, Scottsdale Insurance Company® provides its customers with exceptional experiences based on mutual respect and trust.

Contact:
Scottsdale Insurance Company
Tom Tirone, 480-365-2283, tironet@scottsdaleins.com

SIAA Grows by 25 Agencies in December 2012

January 9th, 2013 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced the signing of 25 new member agencies in December.

"We are excited to be able to grow at a steady and aggressive pace." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "After a first quarter announcing the most new members in any first quarter in our history, 432 new Member Agencies joined our ranks in 2012 - our 5th consecutive year with over 400 members signed. Captive agents looking to break free and open their own independent agency as well as established small to mid-sized agencies continue to recognize the value of access to major reputable carriers and the agency development resources that SIAA membership provides. Over the past thirty years we have developed a model that works regardless of the economic climate, signing over 4300 members along the way."

Masiello went on to say, "Agencies that see value in development & education, access to program and specialty markets, marketing assistance (including lead generation), automation discounts, and more recognize SIAA as the total solution to the challenge of agency success. We've spent three decades getting it right and our new member agencies reap the benefits."

SIAA members created more than $680 million in new premium growth in 2012.

December's new members include:

East:
Webb Financial Services of Dover, DE
PYT Insurance of Lehighton, PA
Germain Family Insurance Agency of Manchester, NH

Midwest:
Heritage Insurance Services of Coldwater, OH
Nick Pizano Insurance of Maple Grove, MN
Cason Agency of Versailles, MO
Max Pizano Insurance of Albertville, MN
Lincolnway Insurance Services of Schererville, IN
Brian Jacobi Agency of Howards Grove, WI

West:
BCBR Insurance Agency of Springville, UT
Pickett Insurance & Financial Services of Chandler, AZ
First Option Insurance of Heber City, UT
Massive Insurance & Financial Services of Pasadena, CA
M.L. Peterson Insurance of Ventura, CA
Golden Hope Financial Services of Santa Clara, CA
GLJ Insurance Group of Mesa, AZ
Colorado River Insurance of Fort Mohave, AZ

Southeast:
Seguro Insurance of Homewood, AL
Cromley & Associates of Sarasota, FL
Cornerstone Insurance Services of Nashville, TN
Rentz & Rentz Insurance of Baxley, GA
Commercial Insurance Associates of Winter Park, FL
Commonwealth Benefit Administrators of Williamstown, KY
Premier Financial Group of Chattanooga, TN
Burkholder Company of Campbellsville, KY

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

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

HIIG REORGANIZES DOMESTIC UNDERWRITING OPERATIONS

HOUSTON – January 7, 2013
Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG) announced today the reorganization of its domestic underwriting operations which going forward will be re-branded under the symbol HIIG.

The following divisions have been created to better identify our specialty products offered:

HIIG Construction – Crane & Rigging; Underground Contractors; and Heavy Transport
HIIG Energy – Mining; and Oil & Gas
HIIG Professional – Community Banks; Allied Health; and in the future E&O and D&O
HIIG Specialty – Hospitality; Security Guards; Texas WC / Non-Subscription

These Divisions will underwrite directly on behalf of HIIG subsidiary insurance companies, which are rated A- (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best:

Houston Specialty Insurance Company – Surplus Lines
Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company – Surplus Lines (Texas only)
Imperium Insurance Company – Admitted
Great Midwest Insurance Company – Admitted

HIIG underwriting agency subsidiary Bunker Hill Underwriters has been renamed HIIG Underwriters and represents non-affiliated insurance companies and Lloyds Underwriters in certain classes of business that compliment overall underwriting operations.

Stephen L. Way, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HIIG, said, "As we expand the products we offer, the HIIG brand will be synonymous with creative solutions and efficient service."

HIIG is an insurance holding company based in Houston, Texas with offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas.

Contact:
L. Byron Way, SVP / Mark Rattner, SVP
Houston International Insurance Group
(713) 935-4800

HIIG ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF AXIOM INSURANCE MANAGERS

HOUSTON – January 7, 2013
Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG) announced today that they have completed their acquisition of Axiom Insurance Managers.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Axiom is an underwriting manager specializing in the hospitality industry including restaurants, clubs, bars, taverns, hotels and family entertainment centers. With the added resources that HIIG will provide, annual premium is expected to grow to more than $50 million over the next few years.

Effective immediately, Axiom will be merged into HIIG Specialty and continue to write on Houston Specialty Insurance Company paper. Dan Djordjevic, the founder of Axiom, will stay on as Executive Vice President of HIIG Specialty.

Dan Djordjevic said, “The team at Axiom is pleased to join HIIG, a dynamic and highly-rated specialty carrier and we are excited about the benefits this transaction will bring particularly for our brokers and clients.”

Stephen L. Way, Chief Executive Officer of HIIG, said, "Dan and his very experienced team will bring a seasoned book of hospitality business that will help us expand the specialty products that we offer.”

HIIG is an insurance holding company based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas.

Contact:
L. Byron Way, SVP / Mark Rattner, SVP
Houston International Insurance Group
(713) 935-4800

Insurance Wholesaler Russell Bond & Co.

Insurance Wholesaler Russell Bond & Co., Inc. has acquired nationwide insurance Purchasing Group: Independent Garage and Towing Contractors Services, Inc. (IGTC) also of Buffalo. The purchasing group specializes in coverage for the Garage and Towing Industry and is admitted and available in most all states.

Most all members of the staff of IGTC have joined Russell Bond operating as a separate underwriting unit, including Ms. Jeanne Allaire, Vice President; Skip Mulvey, Senior Account Executive; Christie Miller, Account Executive and new assistant Jill Gmitrowski.

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.

Agency Network of Kentucky Celebrates 15th Anniversary

November 26th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Agency Network of Kentucky of Lexington, KY as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With fifteen years of successful growth, Agency Network of Kentucky has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Agency Network of Kentucky Vice President Ben Cowan. "Our members have the opportunity to earn profit sharing, avail themselves of vendor discounts and marketing tools, and utilize years of agency expertise. We continue to be selective in accepting new members but welcome the opportunity to talk with all agencies including captives, whether existing or start up, to see how we can help each other be successful. This approach has served us well and will continue to do so in the future."

Agency Network of Kentucky continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captive agencies that have terminated their direct relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 1997. With a 68-county territory encompassing eastern Kentucky, they are one of the more significant independent agency groups in the region. For more information about Agency Network of Kentucky, please visit www.ankonline.com.

The SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance) concept originated in New England in 1983 where many local insurance agencies were finding it difficult to receive carrier appointments, start new insurance agencies, compete against larger insurance agencies, and receive profit sharing.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,300 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

DVIC partners with The National Alliance

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2012) - Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers, dedicated to helping disabled U.S. veterans by providing new opportunities for training and employment in the insurance industry, has partnered with The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research to help educate and train disabled veterans for meaningful insurance careers.

The National Alliance, based in Austin, Texas, will provide technical training materials and instruction in the areas of personal lines insurance, agency management operations and risk management, leading to one or more of the distinguished designations - Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). With 44 years of experience and leadership in insurance education, The National Alliance is most qualified to provide comprehensive, relevant and practical training. An emphasis on cross-selling, up-selling and personal lines account review will be included in this instruction.

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is a pioneer and early adopter of the unique distance learning format of providing blended learning for insurance and risk management professionals. The company advances the profession by providing insurance and risk management professionals of every experience level with integrated, practical continuing education, timely research and designation opportunities. For additional information, visit www.TheNationalAlliance.com.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers is a nonprofit organization with the mission to educate-train and generate meaningful employment opportunities for physically disabled veterans who will excel at proactively cross-selling personal lines insurance products on behalf of leading independent insurance agencies. For additional information, call 239-433-8523 or visit www.DVIC.us.

Target Markets Awards first CPL Designations

Wilmington, DE - November 2012 - The Target Markets Program Administrator Association (TMPAA) announced today that it had awarded 9 of its members the first Certified Programs Leader (CPL) Designation during their 12th Annual Summit held October 29-31, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Recipients of the Designation completed and passed 12 required Target University courses, and met program and industry experience expectations set out by the Association. "The mission of Target University and the CPL Designation is to further promote Best Practices in program administration, and recognize the specialized skill sets of Program Administrators," stated Jeremy Hitzig - TMPAA President. "The University was developed through the efforts of the TMPAA Board and committee of TMPAA members who served as advisors on course development."

CPL Designation recipients included Greg Thompson - THOMCO, Kim Ayala - Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Joseph Peloso, Penelope Thomas, Michael Bachman and Deborah Francis from Liberty International Underwriters, and Jeffrey Gauthier, Carolyn Miller, Julie Roberts from Great American Insurance Company.

Greg Thompson, Past President and University Dean discussed the merits of the CPL Designation, "The Association's Board is very excited to see the completion of our University culminating in awards for the first CPL Designations. The required university courses all deal with crucial aspects of successful program administration. The coursework is rigorous, but presented in a unique and engaging format by experts currently working in this industry segment. Our first 9 recipients demonstrated their mastery in these areas, and are also individuals who have a solid resume of work in programs. It was an honor to be associated with this effort and to award the designation to this group of Association Members."

Photograph of the 2012 Inaugural Class of CPL Designees is available on the Association website www.targetmarkets.com

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA's mission is to help Program Administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, best practice information and recognition, Target University, Program Marketing and Distribution, Target Programs (online portal), Industry Studies and two annual Member Meetings.

Program Administrator / MGA's interested in learning more about the TMPAA, can visit the Association Website at www.targetmarkets.com or contact Ray Scotto - Executive Director - at (877) 347-5700 E-mail address: ray.scotto@targetmkts.com

Acquisition of GUARD by National Indemnity Company

(a Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) Completed

On October 25th, GUARD Insurance Group, Inc., was acquired by National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A and BRK.B). All necessary regulatory approvals, including that of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, were received in advance of the closing.

According to GUARD CEO and President Sy Foguel, “We are very proud that such a well-respected, world-class Group was interested in purchasing us. With the operational and financial support of our new parent company, we believe that GUARD can become a national presence within the marketplace within a few years.”

GUARD is a long-time specialist in providing workers’ compensation insurance to small- to mid-sized businesses and currently insures over 60,000 in 29 states. The organization is licensed to write policies in 46 jurisdictions. Over the past few years, GUARD also began offering additional complementary property and liability lines for that same targeted market niche. Specifically, the Company provides Businessowner’s Policy (BOP), Commercial Umbrella/Excess, and Commercial Auto coverage in select states.

Chief Operating Officer Carl Witkowski has noted, “GUARD was very successful and profitable during some difficult years in the recent past. Despite a long and deep recession and challenging period within our industry, we managed to expand and produce good financial results. With the economy slowly turning around and a strong parent company to assist us, we are very optimistic about our prospects for profitable expansion and growth.”

In 2012, GUARD was named a “Ward’s Top 50” performer – a prestigious distinction that places the Group among the top property and casualty companies nationally. GUARD’s A- (Excellent) A.M. Best Company rating was placed under review with positive implications when the sale to National Indemnity Company was announced in late August. At that time, A.M. Best Company stated, “Post completion of the acquisition, A.M. Best believes NICO [National Indemnity Company] will provide substantial operational and financial support to GUARD.”

Headquartered in northeastern Pennsylvania, GUARD was founded in 1983 and operated as an independent carrier until being acquired by Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd. in 2007. GUARD’s new parent, National Indemnity Company, was founded in 1940 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. National Indemnity Company is a worldwide provider of specialized insurance and reinsurance coverages. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a holding company owning a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. Warren Buffett is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

GUARD is projected to write $400 million in premiums in 2012 and is represented by over 700 independent agents. The Company currently employs over 300 people with approximately three quarters of them working out of the home office.

Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

November 13th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance of Allentown, PA as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With fifteen years of successful growth, Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help independent insurance agents grow and succeed in a very competitive business." said Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance President Eric Blew. "We provide them the opportunity to partner with outstanding insurance companies who are committed to serving personal and business insurance customers with innovative products, services, and competitive prices. Along with our agency management experience on the local level, SIAA provides valuable resources to help the members of PIA to continue or start their independent insurance agency by making them instantly big as part of a respected national organization."

Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captives that have terminated their captive relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 1997. With territory covering 7 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the region. For more information about Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance, please visit www.piasiaa.com.

Utah Insurance Agency Alliance Celebrates 10th Anniversary

November 15th, 2012 - Hampton, NH and Lehi, UT: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Utah Insurance Agency Alliance as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With a decade of successful growth, Utah Insurance Agency Alliance has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Utah Insurance Agency Alliance President Derick Wolsleger. "We provide the tools and help them navigate through the difficulties that often prevent a smaller or new independent insurance agency from succeeding. Along with our own agency management experience on the local level, SIAA's national resources help P&C Agents, direct writers/captive agents, and producers continue or start their independent insurance agency by making them instantly big as part of our organization."

Utah Insurance Agency Alliance continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captives that have terminated their captive relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 2002. With territory covering over 93% of the state, they are the largest independent agency group in Utah. For more information about Utah Insurance Agency Alliance, please visit www.uiaa.net.

Insurance Agency Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

November 19th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Insurance Agency Alliance of Pottsville, PA as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With fifteen years of successful growth, Insurance Agency Alliance has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Insurance Agency Alliance Vice President Ed Winkelbauer. "From direct writers, life and financial services agencies, and producers without a vesting in their book looking to open their own independent agencies, to established agencies in need of markets and stability, Insurance Agency Alliance membership provides the tools for success. Along with our own agency management experience on the local level - Our retail agency, Richard B. Ryon Insurance, has serviced the insurance needs of this area for over 65 years - SIAA's national resources help agents continue or start their independent insurance agency by making them instantly big as part of our organization."

Insurance Agency Alliance continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captives that have terminated their captive relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 1997. With territory covering 20 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the region. For more information about Insurance Agency Alliance, please visit www.insuranceagencyalliance.com.

Ironshore, Distiguished Programs & NSU Acquistion

New York, NY, November 1, 2012–IDP Holdings LLC (“IDP”) announced the acquisition of the hospitality business of National Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“NSU”), the Bellevue, Washington-based specialty commercial insurance program manager. As part of the transaction, IDP also purchased NSU’s Certus Claims Administration, which is the company’s specialized hospitality claims handling division. IDP is a joint venture acquisition vehicle of Ironshore Holdings (U.S.) Inc. (“Ironshore”) and Distinguished Programs Group LLC (“Distinguished Programs”) that focuses on the Managing General Underwriter and Program Manager segments of the commercial insurance distribution business.

“NSU’s leading reputation in the hospitality sector made this an outstanding initial investment for IDP” said Jeremy Hitzig, CEO of both IDP and Distinguished Programs. “The strength of NSU’s professional team, product lineup and carrier support is unrivalled in the hospitality industry. We look forward to bringing additional value through the distribution and underwriting capabilities of IDP’s joint venture partners, Distinguished Programs and Ironshore.”

Shaun Kelly, President of Ironshore and Chairman of IDP, noted that the NSU acquisition underscores IDP’s mission of building a premier specialty program manager dedicated to meeting the unique coverage needs of niche markets within the U.S. “We believe this will reaffirm our positioning as the solution of choice for other program managers needing growth capital or seeking an exit strategy” he added.

Chris Randall, CEO of NSU commented, “We see IDP as being an ideal home for our hospitality business. Through its joint venture partners, the company has a strong track record and an exceptional reputation for understanding and meeting the needs of brokers and niche markets. We are confident that our clients will be well served by this organization.” Following the sale of its hospitality operations, the specialty healthcare division of NSU will continue to operate independently under Randall’s ongoing leadership.

NSU provides brokers with a powerful combination of hospitality-specific coverage, risk management and claims administration through Certus. Eligible classes of business include limited, full-service and luxury hotels, resorts and casinos. NSU is the longest running program of its kind in the hospitality sector and is known for its casualty and umbrella program with market leading limits up to $300 million provided by a consortium of carriers rated “A-” or above.

About Ironshore
Ironshore provides broker-sourced specialty property and casualty insurance coverages for varying risks on a global basis through its multiple international platforms. The Ironshore group of companies is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M.Best with a Financial Size Category of Class XIII. Ironshore’s Pembroke Syndicate 4000 operates within Lloyd’s where the market rating is A (Excellent) by A.M. Best and A+ (Strong) from both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. For more information, please visit: www.ironshore.com

About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance program manager focused on niche products for select business segments, including real estate, construction, small mercantile and museums. Distinguished Programs subsidiary companies include ReSource Pro, the leading business process outsourcing company for the insurance industry. For information, visit: www.distinguished.com

SIAA Grows by 40 Agencies in October 2012

November 9th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced the signing of 40 new member agencies in October.

Of October's signed members, 29 are "start-up" or "scratch" agencies new to the independent agency system, many of them former "captive" agents, bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create 299 new agencies in 2011 from a total of 412 newly signed members. 241 have been created so far in 2012.

"We are excited to be able to grow at a steady and aggressive pace." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "After a first quarter announcing the most new members in any first quarter in our history, we are pacing for continued record-breaking growth. This is further evidence of how our model works irrespective of the economic climate."

SIAA members created more than $780 million in new premium growth in 2011 - their third straight year over $750 million - and reached their 4000th signed Independent Strategic Member earlier this year.

October's new members include:

East:
Farah A. Evenson Insurance of Wethersfield, CT
Pioneer City Insurance of Carbondale, PA
Richard Schrade of Saratoga Springs, NY
Montemarano & Schwartz Group of Mineola, NY
GL Kreiner Insurance of Spring Grove, PA
K D Smith Insurance of Allentown, PA
Northern Chesapeake Insurance Services of Bel Air, MD

Midwest:
Insurance Services Corporation of Fenton, MI
The Wright Agency of Grantsburg, WI
F&S Diversified Services of Omaha, NE
McEldowney Agency of Flossmoor, IL
Premier Insurance Associates of Edwardsville, IL
Empson Insurance Agency of Scottsburg, IN
Multiline Insurance Agency of Indianapolis, IN
South Haven Insurance Agency of Burnsville, MN

West:
Andrea Edmundson of Valencia, CA
Centurywide Insurance Services of San Diego, CA
Onpoint Insurance Group of St. George, UT
Allen Insurance Services of Pueblo, CO
Way West Insurance Agency of Cody, WY

Southeast:
Affordable Secure Insurance of Fort Myers, FL
Donovan Insurance of Jacksonville, FL
The Wicker Agency of Birmingham, AL
Mark A. Demont Insurance Agency of Tallahassee, FL
Business Insurance Solutions of Louisville, KY
Michael Gray Agency of Birmingham, AL
All Axcess Insurance of Lakewood Ranch, FL
Insurance Dealer Connect of Naples, FL
Jones & Taylor Insurance of Gaffney, SC

South Central:
O'Neal Insurance Agency of Ratcliff, AR
Precept Insurance Services of Flower Mound, TX
The Gregory Agency of Van Buren, AR

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 4,250 new members.

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

Hudson Valley Agency Alliance Signs 50th Member Agency

November 9th, 2012 - Hampton, NH & Rye Brook, NY: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner Hudson Valley Agency Alliance has signed its 50th Member Agency, adding to the national total of over 4250 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome TransAtlantic Financial Group of Mamaroneck, New York as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced HVAA Vice President Carla Moccia-Paribello. "As a newly created independent agency, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners, as well our decades of experience in agency operations including 14 as an SIAA Certified Master Agency. Our retail shop, The Rollins Agency, has serviced the insurance needs of New York since 1910, and with a staff of over 40 is now one of the leading insurance agencies in the metropolitan area. We are dedicated to providing local independent insurance agents with the opportunity to flourish by opening access to benefits typically available only to large regional agencies producing significant volumes of insurance business."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of TransAtlantic Financial Group, HVAA has reached a significant milestone to which our Master Agencies across the country strive. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked for 17 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

Hudson Valley Agency Alliance became an SIAA Master Agency in 1998. With territory covering Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland counties, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the Northeast. For more information on HVAA, visit www.hvaallc.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels, as well as an online insurance presence for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to offering significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,250 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Philadelphia Insurance, Tokio Marine Group donate $195,000 to Sandy Relief

PHLY and CEO Jamie Maguire join four Group companies to support Red Cross relief

Bala Cynwyd, PA, November 6, 2012 - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) and Chairman and CEO Jamie Maguire are partnering with four other Tokio Marine Group companies to donate $195,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

PHLY and Mr. Maguire are each donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other assistance to victims of disasters. Mr. Maguire serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

“Seeing the images of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy bring the devastation I saw first-hand in Haiti closer to home,” shared Mr. Maguire, who was part of a relief mission to Haiti following the earthquake there in 2010. “On behalf of Philadelphia Insurance Companies, I extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. I’d also like to salute all of the Red Cross volunteers, as well as the first responders and everyone helping victims of this storm.”

“Whenever the Red Cross is in need, Philadelphia Insurance Companies and Jamie Maguire always step up. Whether it is to provide disaster relief for Haiti, for Japan, for Hurricane Sandy and here locally, we can always count on their support,” said Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

Tokio Marine Holdings, the parent company of Philadelphia Insurance, is donating $50,000. PHLY’s sister companies in North America are also pledging support. Tokio Marine Management, Inc., based out of New York, is donating $25,000 and will match employee donations. Delaware-based Delphi Financial Group is donating $50,000 and First Insurance Company of Hawaii is donating $10,000 and will match employee contributions up to $5,000.

PHLY’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus James J. Maguire, will also donate $10,000 from the Maguire Foundation. The contributions from PHLY, four Tokio Marine Group companies, and the Maguire Foundation total $195,000.

As a leading provider of insurance to the non-profit and human service industry, PHLY has a long history of supporting disaster relief. The Company and its employees raised $129,000 for the Red Cross Haiti relief fund and more than $195,000 for the Red Cross Japan tsunami and earthquake relief fund. Since 1980, Philadelphia Insurance Companies has donated more than ten million dollars to various charitable organizations and missions.

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 and National Underwriter’s Top 100. The organization has 45 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. To locate the office nearest you or for more information, visit us on the web at www.phly.com.

Program Business Market Hits $24.7 Billion in Gross Written Premiums

Wilmington, DE-The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) released the results of its annual research to document the size, characteristics, growth and other base-line information about the program insurance market. The "State of Program Business Study" was presented at the Association's 12th Annual Summit in Scottsdale, AZ.

The study pegged the program administration market in 2011 at $24.7 billion in premiums up from $22.6 billion in 2010. The 2010 market figures were revised to reflect the higher level of response in the survey and research completed this year. The survey identified a potential 950 program administrators administering an estimated 2,000 individual programs.

Premium revenues increased 5 percent. Program Administrators reported an 84 percent renewal rate in 2011, unchanged from 2012. The research consisted of two surveys - one distributed to Program Administrators and a second distributed to insurance carriers that use the program distribution channel.

Response from program administrators more doubled this year with 190 program administrators responding to the survey. The question topics for the 2012 survey were designed and reviewed by a committee of TMPAA member Program Administrators and Carriers, the TMPAA Board, Advisen and the New Street Group (TMPAA Special Consultant for the Program Business Study).

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

The key results of the study were:

The program space continues to be a booming business despite the significant headwinds faced by the overall P&C industry.
Program administrators and carriers are optimistic about prospects for future growth.
There is mismatch in the merger & acquisition picture as there are more buyers than sellers.
Program administrators and insurers are one in their view that underwriting profitability is what matters most when establishing a successful program.

The TMPAA defines "Program Business" as insurance products targeted to a particular niche market or class, generally representing a group of similar risks placed with one carrier. Administration is done through Program Specialists who have developed an expertise in that market. Administrative responsibilities are negotiated between the Specialist and Carrier, but would include underwriting selection, binding, issuing, billing, and often times marketing, premium collections, data gathering, claims management/loss control and possibly risk sharing. Program Specialists typically target their niches through differentiation either in product, risk management services, delivery mechanism or price. Specialists can distribute these programs on a retail or wholesale basis.

The research was sponsored by TMPAA member companies Scottsdale Insurance Company and Western Heritage Insurance Company.

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

An Executive Summary and power point presentation of the report will be available on the TMPAA website, www.targetmarkets.com.

Potomac Insurance Network Celebrates 15th Anniversary

October 16th, 2012 - Hampton, NH and Baltimore, MD: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Potomac Insurance Network as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With fifteen years of successful growth, Potomac Insurance Network has achieved a significant milestone for which our members strive. As one of our earliest signed Master Agencies, their membership longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Potomac Insurance Network President Jon Pappas. "Our members are small to large agencies in need of markets and stability. However, direct writers, life and financial services agencies and producers without a vesting in their book have all found Potomac Insurance Network membership beneficial. We provide the tools and help them navigate through the difficulties that often prevent an independent insurance agency from succeeding. With SIAA's national resources, agents and producers can continue or start their own independent insurance agency by becoming instantly big as part of our organization."

Potomac Insurance Network has been a partner Master Agency of SIAA since 1997, consistently ranking as a Top Performer in recent years. In 2011 they signed their 100th member agency. With territory covering the Greater Metro Washington, D.C, Baltimore region and Delaware, they are the largest independent agency group in the area. For more information on Potomac Insurance Network, visit www.pinsiaa.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,250 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

NIF Group, Inc.

Manhasset, New York (10-12) - NIF Group, Inc., a leading Program Administrator and MGA, announces that Vince Terlaje has been named President of NIF Pacific, NIF’s Bothell, WA office. Gordy Phelps, formerly President, will serve as Managing Director for NIF in the Pacific office. This change is effective immediately.

“NIF Pacific serves as an anchor for NIF’s nonprofit social service agency program on the west coast. Since the office’s opening in 2007, it has experienced exceptional growth in the nonprofit segment, increasing NIF’s footprint in the western US,” explained Mark Maher, President of NIF Group, Inc.

NIF Group, Inc. is privately held and operates out of six branch offices countrywide.

BRECKENRIDGE INSURANCE GROUP NAMES EICHHORN CEO OF PROPERTY CASUALTY OPERATIONS

KENNESAW, GA -- Breckenridge Insurance Group regrouped its property casualty insurance operations naming Michael Eichhorn, CPCU, as president and chief executive officer of Breckenridge Insurance Services, its brokerage division. Eichhorn will direct strategic initiatives and oversee day-to-day operations of its ten offices.

"Mike has 25 years of industry expertise with a record of consistently high results in the insurance brokerage industry. His career includes brokering and underwriting of both tough and standard risks, with high focus on adding unexpected value for the client," said Tracey Carragher, CEO of Breckenridge Insurance Group. "Mike knows how to introduce, drive, and manage innovation, in addition to continuous development of new products and services which clients demand to succeed in difficult economic climates."

"I am enthused about Breckenridge's business model and recent growth, and commit to advancing the already strong culture established," Eichhorn said. "The organization's advances and industry standing in the three years since I joined it, is remarkable. Our team's expertise is as strong as I've seen in the brokerage industry, and I am proud to lead them".

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

"Clients want inventive answers quickly," Eichhorn commented. "Our state of the art operational center is 100% focused on service and exceptional solutions. I am committed to delivering this to all clients and internal resources."

Eichhorn has extensive background and experience in insurance law, marketing and client contact, information technology, licensing, and well versed in all lines of commercial insurance. A Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter since 1995, he remains an active participant in many local and regional insurance organizations including the St. Louis Chapter of the Society of CPCU. Mike is also past president of the St. Louis Insurance Association, and holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from St. Louis University.

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

Michael Eichhorn, President of Breckenridge Insurance Services, can be reached at meichhorn@breckis.com, or by phone: (314) 725-8394.

NIF Group, Inc.

NIF Group, Inc. is privately held and operates out of six branch offices countrywide.

WRM America Holding Company, LLC Changes Name to The Wright Insurance Group, LLC

(Uniondale, NY) As a result of significant growth and market expansions as well as multiple acquisitions during the past four years, WRM America Holding Company, LLC is renaming itself and several of its subsidiaries. “We decided it was time to simplify and unify branding for our family of companies,” stated William Malloy, President. “All of our subsidiaries provide specialized risk management solutions to complex issues. Each adheres to a successful business model that emphasizes high value through extraordinary service for our producers, our insurance company partners, our risk management clients and our policyholders. Although our names are changing, our way of doing business is not.”

Effective September 17, 2012, WRM America Holding Company, LLC, changed its name to The Wright Insurance Group, LLC. The Wright Insurance Group, a portfolio company of Aquiline Capital Partners, provides a variety of specialized insurance and risk management services to the public and private sectors in the U.S. through its various subsidiaries. Building on the success of Wright Risk Management Company, LLC over more than three decades, The Wright Insurance Group was established as a holding company in 2008 by Aquiline. Wright Risk Management will retain its current name as a member of The Wright Insurance Group. WRM America will now be Wright Specialty Insurance. Other members of The Wright Insurance Group that have changed their names include:

WRM America Managing General Agency, LLC to Wright Specialty Insurance Agency, LLC,

RMI Consulting, LLC, Port Washington, NY to Wright Risk Consulting, LLC,

RPG Management, LLC, Port Washington, NY, to Wright Program Management, LLC, and

Fidelity National Insurance Services, LLC to Wright National Flood Insurance Services, LLC.

Subject to approval by the Texas Department of Insurance:

Fidelity National Indemnity Insurance Company, St Petersburg, FL, will become Wright National Flood Insurance Company.

For more information about The Wright Insurance Group and its subsidiaries, visit www.wrightinsurance.com

About Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC
Aquiline Capital Partners, a global financial services private equity firm led by Jeffrey Greenberg, invests in financial services enterprises across industries such as property and casualty insurance, banking, securities, asset management, life insurance and financial technology.

Aquiline seeks to add value to its portfolio companies through strategic, operational, and financial guidance.

SIAA Grows by 34 Agencies in September 2012

October 2, 2012 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced 34 new member agencies in September.

Of September's signed members, 18 are new or "scratch" agencies new to the independent agency system, many of them former "captive" agents, bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create 299 new agencies in 2011 from a total of 412 newly signed members. 212 have been created so far in 2012.

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

September's new members include:

East:
Holzer Insurance Group of Latrobe, PA
Monument Insurance Agency of Saratoga Springs, NY

Midwest:
Booher & Taylor Agencies of Aurora, IN
Pesko Insurance Group of Youngstown, OH
Priority Risk Management of Fishers, IN
MGM Insurance Agency of Sioux Falls, SD
Magic One Insurance Group of Kalamazoo, MI
Home Insurance Agency of Leland, MS
Elite Insurance Group of Indianapolis, IN
B Parks Insurance Agency of West Chester, OH
Red One Insurance of Omaha, NE
Potter Agency of Eau Claire, WI
The Champagne Agency of Riverview, MI
Mark F. Jochum Insurance of Cleveland, OH

West:
Proguide Insurance Services of Los Angeles, CA
Advantage Service Insurance of Lafayette, CO
American Transportation Administration Services Corp of San Diego, CA
Union Colony Insurance of Greely, CO
John McLaren Insurance Agency of Huntington Beach, CA
Amy Souza Insurance of Clovis, CA

Southeast:
Bryan Insurance Agency of Arcadia, LA
Blue Ribbon Insurance of Shelbyville, TN
Putney Insurance of Tallahassee, FL
Alta Vista Insurance Solutions of Tampa, FL
HH Underwriters of Louisville, KY

South Central:
J C Roberts Insurance of Fort Worth, TX
Hoftin of Irving, TX
Consolidated Insurance Consultants of North Little Rock, AR
PK Sales Town & Country of Greenville, TX
HJC Insurance Group of Conway, AR

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 4,250 new members.

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

Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas Celebrates 10th Anniversary

September 28th, 2012 - Hampton, NH and Austin, TX: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With a decade of successful growth, Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas President of East Texas Rodney Watkins. "We provide the tools and help them navigate through the difficulties that often prevent a smaller or new independent insurance agency from succeeding. Our retail agency, Watkins Insurance Group, has serviced the insurance needs of Central Texas since 1949, and with eight locations and a staff of over 100 is now the largest and fastest growing independent agency around. Along with our own agency management experience on the local level, SIAA's national resources help P&C Agents, direct writers/captive agents, and producers continue or start their independent insurance agency by making them instantly big as part of our organization."

Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captives that have terminated their captive relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 2002. With territory including Central and East Texas, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the area. For more information about Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas, please visit www.iaatx.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,250 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Partners Specialty Group LLC

Maureen Caviston, President and Chief Operating Officer of Partners Specialty Group LLC (PSG) announces the following: Marc Rotter, Mark Patterson and David Grafstein are currently Executive Vice Presidents of PSG. Each will be responsible in the future for additional strategic projects involving retailer and carrier relationships. “I am proud to have this seasoned team of professionals to steer our organization in to the future. They continue to provide value to retail brokers countrywide as top brokers in their field. Their strong carrier relationships and unique skill sets are incredibly valuable to me and my colleagues at PSG. Their presence in three key regions of the country, Western States, Midwest and East Coast provides the local, on the ground perspective critical to our business.”

Marc Rotter, based in Santa Monica California, was a founding broker of PSG; established in November of 1999.

Mark Patterson, CPCU established the Kansas City branch of PSG in August of 2000 and continues in his role of Branch Manager.

David Grafstein joined PSG in January of 2001 and assumed responsibility of the Stamford branch in July of 2012.

Partners Specialty Group LLC is a nationwide, independent wholesaler with twelve offices providing specialty insurance solutions to over 2000 retail agencies.

Michele Tran joins National Specialty Underwriters as production underwriter

Bellevue, WA – Sept. 25, 2012 – National Specialty Underwriters Inc. (NSU) welcomes Michele Tran as production underwriter. Tran will be responsible for expanding the small-account and binding-authority facility for the NSU Healthcare Division. “Michele brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the insurance industry and will play an integral role in building our program while strengthening NSU relationships in core territories,” said Chris Randall, company chief executive officer.

Tran started her insurance career working for retail agents in account management roles. Most recently, she has served as production underwriter at several binding authority and underwriting brokerage facilities in Houston including Bunker Hill Agency, Myron F. Stevens Agency, U.S. Risk and, most recently, IMS London American. She has specialized in program relationships with well-known companies within the insurance industry and has a broad range of insurance knowledge handling healthcare professional, miscellaneous professional as well as standard lines commercial auto, package, workers compensation and umbrella coverages.

About National Specialty Underwriters:
National Specialty Underwriters Inc. is a privately held commercial insurance program administrator and specialty wholesale broker based in Bellevue, Washington. The company also has offices in Chicago, Atlanta and New York. NSU operates three distinct divisions dedicated to a specific industry or type of risk: healthcare, hospitality and property. For more information, visit www.nsui.com.

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC reaches agreement to buy Direct Group to strengthen MGA and TPA capabilities

September 18, 2012, Chicago, IL - Ryan Specialty Group (RSG) will significantly strengthen its MGA and third party administration (TPA) capabilities in the UK through an agreement to acquire leading insurance services provider Direct Group for an undisclosed consideration. This is subject to regulatory approval.

Direct Group has been a partner to specialist Lloyd's insurer Jubilee, part of the Ryan Specialty Group, for a number of years. The acquisition will build on Jubilee's existing TPA operation, Jubilee Service Solutions, and enable the company to access a wider range of complementary services to strengthen its offering to brokers and clients.

Based in Doncaster, Direct Group delivers a range of MGA and TPA services across the insurance industry and provides solutions to financial institutions, corporates and affinities. These include underwriting, proposition delivery, policy administration, premium collection, distribution services, insurer and captive reporting and comprehensive claims handling services. Following the acquisition Direct Group's directors will remain with the business and play an active role in its future development.

Pat Ryan, founder and Chairman of RSG said: "Ryan Specialty Group's acquisition of Direct Group represents an important milestone in the development of our company and Jubilee and furthers RSG's expansion into the global community."

Johnny Rowell, CEO RSG Europe Ltd commented: "The acquisition of Direct Group significantly enhances Jubilee's capabilities in the core consumer products area in the UK and provides growth opportunities for both Jubilee and Direct Group."

Derek Coles, CEO of Direct Group said: "We are delighted to be joining the Ryan Specialty Group at this important stage of its development. Having already worked closely with Jubilee we can be certain that the combined offering will deliver great benefits both internally and to our brokers and clients."

For further information contact:
Alex Wise
Concise PR
T 020 7100 3960
M 07710 665 615

About Jubilee
Ryan Specialty Group, LLC (RSG) completed the acquisition of specialist Lloyd's insurer Jubilee Group Holdings Limited (Jubilee) on 24th September 2011. Jubilee currently operates two active Syndicates at Lloyd's, a managing agency and specialist underwriting distribution and insurance service businesses.

Jubilee Group Holdings Limited includes the businesses of Jubilee Managing Agency Limited, Lutine Assurance Services, Jubilee Europe B.V. and Jubilee Services Solutions Limited.

www.jubilee-insurance.com/Jubilee-at-Lloyds.

About Direct Group
Direct Group (www.directgroup.co.uk) aims to be a leading insurance services provider to the UK financial services marketplace. This vision is based around a philosophy of "treating customers and partners as we would expect to be treated ourselves". The high quality of service offered by Direct Group is supported by a scalable and robust business platform which not only provides Clients' and Insurers' with unparalleled quality of management information but also provides the basis for expansion into new products and new market sectors.

Direct Group currently operates on a business-to-business basis by offering products to financial institutions, corporates and affinities plus a range of services across the insurance industry. The services typically offered by Direct Group include product design, proposition delivery, policy administration, premium collection, sales and service, insurer and captive reporting. Plus comprehensive claims handling service including First Notification of Loss (FNOL), desk, inspection, validation and reinstatement.

Direct Group Limited is authorised by the FSA no. 307332.

Debby Paris, FLMI, ACP, Elected to Secretary of AICP’s Heartland Chapter

The Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP) announced election results for various positions. Debby Paris, FLMI, ACP, was elected Secretary of the Heartland Chapter. Debby is Senior Compliance Specialist and Consulting Assistant at First Consulting & Administration, Inc. Francine D. Fetyko, President and CEO of First Consulting said that all associates at First Consulting were delighted for Debby being nominated and elected by industry members. AICP has over 1,500 members that serves the insurance compliance community by promoting relationships, exchanging information, and providing learning opportunities within a dynamic regulatory environment. The Heartland Chapter has over 200 members in seven states. “It’s a great recognition for Debby by her peers in the insurance community,” said Fetyko.

Sean Cox, Associate Consultant at First Consulting serves as Regional Director on AICP’s Board of Directors representing the Heartland Chapter. “It’s an honor to be recognized by others and First Consulting is pleased to provide its own talent in leadership positions in the insurance industry,” said Fetyko.

Stu Korn Joins Tapco Underwriters As New Marketing Representative For New Jersey, Pennsylvania And New York’s Hudson Valley

BURLINGTON, N.C., September 13, 2012 – TAPCO Underwriters, Inc. (TAPCO), a Burlington, N.C.-based managing general agent specializing in high-volume, middle-market excess and surplusinsurance lines, announced they have hired Stu Korn as a marketing representative for New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York’s Hudson Valley where he will be responsible for business development and distribution. TAPCO President Tap Johnson III made the announcement.

Prior to joining TAPCO, Korn worked for Preferred Mutual Insurance as a business development analyst. There he spearheaded the company’s efforts to create more effective, profitable relationships with key agencies throughout the State of New Jersey.

In addition to being an active member of PIA of New York/New Jersey and Big I of New Jersey, Korn currently holds the Association of Risk Management (ARM) and Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designations. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is a licensed Property and Casualty Agent in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“Stu’s years of experience in the insurance industry make him a great addition to our team,” said Johnson. “His wealth of industry knowledge and expertise will be a vital asset as we continue to expand our marketing presence throughout the northeast.”

TAPCO was founded in 1983 in Burlington, N.C., by Tapley O. Johnson Jr., and specializes in the timely placement of Excess & Surplus lines business for both commercial and personal lines insurance accounts. TAPCO has in-house binding authority to write more than 1,000 classes of business, through A-rated carriers for a wide range of risks, including all types of Property; General Liability; Inland Marine; Dwelling and Homeowners; miscellaneous Professional and D&O; Vacant and Builder’s Risk; Liquor Liability; and General, Specialty, and Artisan Contractors; Personal Umbrella, and other lines. Thecompany began with just three people but has since grown to five offices that employ 180 people, service 18,000 agencies and currently write in 25 states and Washington D.C.

Freberg Environmental Insurance Announces New Underwriting Agreement With Berkley Custom Insurance Managers, LLC

DENVER, COLORADO – August 27, 2012 Freberg Environmental Insurance (FEI) today announced an agreement to underwrite environmental insurance coverage with Berkley Custom Insurance Managers, LLC, a newly formed member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation.

In addition to writing core environmental programs for site-specific pollution liability and environmental consultants and contractors, FEI is enhancing their product offering to include lender liability, general liability with products pollution, and stand-alone excess liability. All products will be underwritten on behalf ofW. R. Berkley Corporation member insurance companies, all of which are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.

Inmaking the announcement, Stacy Brown, president andmanaging partner of FEI commented, “We are excited to collaborate with Berkley Custom. We feel strongly that this new relationship will best serve our clients’ needs with an expanded product offering and access to an A+ rated carrier. Our move to Berkley Custom was a natural next step in FEI’s evolution.”

Michael Fujii, president and chief executive officer of Berkley Custom added, “FEI is a leader in the environmental specialty market segment that has provided superior service to its customers for over twenty years. We are pleased to join with FEI to expand our offerings in the specialty marketplace.”

FEI is a Denver-basedmanaging general agency specializing in environmental insurance coverage. For over 21 years, it has provided excellent customer service and a wide range of insurance products for property owners, autos owners, consultants and contractors. FEI is a wholly-owned subsidiary ofWillis, N.A. Detailed information about or products and services can be found at www.feiinsurance.com

Beacon Hill Associates Welcomes Bob Varnes as Senior Account Executive

Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. has announced the hiring of Bob Varnes as Senior Account Executive. He will assist with the increased production demands in their brokerage division and will be managing new business brokerage opportunities in CO, WY, UT, NM, ID, CA, AZ and NV. Bob has over 35 years of experience in the wholesale E&S community. Most recently, he has worked with construction General Liability and environmental contractors, consultants, and engineering accounts.

"We are very pleased to have a professional of Bob's stature join our team," said Bill Pritchard, Beacon Hill's President. "His background in brokerage and underwriting, with a focus on environmental opportunities, makes him a perfect fit for our office. We are excited to have Bob help develop and grow our Southwestern region."

For the past twenty-two years, 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.

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.

Ivy Riggs Joins PartnerOne Environmental® as an Executive Underwriter

PartnerOne Environmental has announced that Ivy Riggs has joined their Denver, CO office as an Executive Underwriter. Riggs started her career as an environmental consultant and has worked in the environmental insurance industry for many years as an underwriter for a wide variety of products. PartnerOne Environmental continues to successfully expand, both in its home office in Charlottesville, Virginia as well as into other parts of the country.

"We are very excited to welcome Ivy to the PartnerOne Environmental team," said Amanda Duncan, Senior Vice President of Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. and Manager of BHA's underwriting division, PartnerOne Environmental. "Her product knowledge and underwriting experience are wonderful assets to PartnerOne as we continue to expand our capabilities and product offerings."

PartnerOne Environmental® is Beacon Hill Associates, Inc.'s underwriting division, a fully integrated source for environmental insurance products. This division provides coverage for a variety of small- to middle-market contractors, consultants, and property owners and managers. All products are quoted, bound, and issued in-house, enabling PartnerOne Environmental to provide fast turnaround times and excellent service. PartnerOne Environmental coverages are offered by carriers rated "A+". www.partneroneenvironmental.com

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.

Consolidated Underwriting Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

August 30th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Consolidated Underwriting Alliance of Livonia, Michigan as an SIAA Master Agency.

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With 15 years of successful growth, Consolidated Underwriting Alliance has achieved a significant milestone for which our Master Agencies strive. Their longevity affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere alliance of independent insurance agencies across the country. Our model has worked for nearly 30 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

"Our alliance is designed to help insurance agents at all stages." said Consolidated Underwriting Alliance President Denise McHenry. "Along with our own agency management experience on the local level, SIAA's national resources help P&C Agents, direct writers/captive agents, and producers continue or start their independent insurance agency by making them instantly big as part of our organization."

McHenry went on to say, "We provide the tools and help them navigate through the difficulties that often prevent a smaller or new independent insurance agency from succeeding. Consolidated Underwriting brings our member agencies strong company relationships and offers all of our agencies over 80 years of combined underwriting experience which helps them focus on growing a profitable and well-balanced book of personal and commercial business."

Consolidated Underwriting Alliance continues to grow by mentoring new independent agency owners and transitioning captives that have terminated their captive relationships realizing the limited opportunities for growth. They have been a Master Agency partner of SIAA since 1997. With territory including six counties in southeastern Michigan, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the area. For more information about Consolidated Underwriting, please visit www.cualnetwork.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,000 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Agents Helping Agents Signs 100th Member Agency

August 23rd, 2012 - Hampton, NH & Louisville, KY: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner Agents Helping Agents (AHA) has signed its 100th Member Agency, adding to the national total of over 4200 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome Commerce Insurance Group of Newburgh/Boonville, IN as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced AHA Network President Tim Hyland. "As a member, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners as well our fifteen years of experience mentoring agency growth as an SIAA partner Master Agency. As our network grows, we continue to focus on working from the 'inside out' with our members to help them maximize their efforts - and success."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of Commerce Insurance Group, AHA has reached a significant milestone to which our Master Agencies across the country strive. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked for 17 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

Masiello went on to say, "It was clear early on that Tim Hyland and his team at Hyland Insurance would create a great Master Agency partner. This is an organization that has been named a Top Agency by Travelers Insurance Company 5 times and is an Inner Circle Agent with State Auto Insurance. Further, AHA is on the Insurance Journal's list of Top 100 P&C Agencies in the country. These types of recognition are indicative of the quality organization that is AHA."

Agents Helping Agents became an SIAA Master Agency in 1997 and has since achieved the coveted Master Top Performer designation by signing over 75 member agencies. With territory covering Western to Central Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Western Tennessee, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the Southeast. For more information on AHA, visit www.ahainsurancenetwork.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to offering significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,200 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

Glatfelter Religious Practice Names Shawn Yingling as President, Adds New Large Account Market

York, Pa. – Aug. 22, 2012 – Glatfelter Program Managers (GPM), a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business, today announced Shawn T. Yingling has joined the company as president of Glatfelter Religious Practice.

Yingling has worked in the insurance industry for 24 years, with all 24 years in program business. He began his career at Glatfelter in 1988 as a commercial underwriting specialist for the VFIS program, and then joined the Claims Department as a liability claims representative. Yingling later was promoted to regional marketing representative for Glatfelter’s Ambulance Insurance Services, served as a producer for VFIS and then was promoted to Pennsylvania marketing and sales manager. Most recently he served as vice president for a New York-based program manager.

“Shawn understands the Glatfelter culture and has deep experience in ramping up national programs,” said Art Seifert, president of Glatfelter Program Managers. “He is a go-getter with great marketing and sales instincts, and he is the right person to help build Glatfelter Religious Practice as a successful national program.”

Licensed in all states, Yingling’s insurance designations include: Associate in Underwriting (AU), Associate in Claims (AIC), Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Customer Services (ACS) and Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA). He is working toward his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Management (AIM) designations. A resident of Hanover, Pa., he has a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Glatfelter Religious Practice also announced a new relationship with Church Mutual. Glatfelter will market Church Mutual nationally on an open brokerage basis. “We are looking for larger religious organizations that generate an estimated $50,000 in all lines including workers’ compensation written premium. We don’t need to have $50,000 of estimated premium to bind the account; the account needs $50,000 in estimated written premium to be eligible,” Yingling said.

Agents and brokers seeking more information should contact Shawn Yingling at syingling@glatfelters.com or 800-233-1957 Ext 7471.

About Glatfelter Program Managers (GPM)
GPM (www.glatfelters.com/specialty_insurance_programs.asp) is a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business. Based in York, Pa., GPM is one of the premier managers and recognized specialists of niche markets in the country. GPM manages and markets several specialty programs, including VFIS for fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads, and 911 centers; Glatfelter Public Practice for educational institutions, municipalities, independent school bus contractors and water/sewer entities; Glatfelter Healthcare Practice for skilled care, assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), personal care and group homes, hospice, home health care agencies and other private homecare agencies; and Glatfelter Religious Practice for churches, synagogues, temples and other religious institutions.

BGI Agency Network Signs 50th Member Agency

August 20th, 2012 - Hampton, NH: SIAA, Inc. - the largest Alliance of Independent Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies in the country - is proud to announce that Master Agency partner BGI Agency Network has signed its 50th Member Agency, bringing the national total to over 4200 signed members.

"We are proud to welcome Matt Armstrong Insurance Agency of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho as the newest Independent Strategic Member of our Alliance," announced BGI Agency Network Vice President Lee Koehler. "As a newly created independent agency, they stand to benefit from access to our strategic partners, as well our dozen years of experience mentoring agency growth as an SIAA partner Master Agency."

According to SIAA Chairman & CEO Jim Masiello, "With the signing of Matt Armstrong Insurance, BGI Agency Network has reached a significant milestone to which our Master Agencies across the country strive. It's this model of locally-based growth that affirms SIAA's standing as the premiere Alliance of independent insurance agencies in the country. Our model has worked for over 15 years now - through soft and hard markets, economic downturns, extreme competition - virtually all conditions."

BGI Agency Network has been a partner Master Agency of SIAA since 2000. With territory covering Washington, northern Oregon, and northern Idaho, they are one of the largest independent agency groups in the Pacific Northwest. For more information on BGI Agency Network, visit www.bginetwork.com.

SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its stability and strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. This national alliance of insurance agencies has engaged more than 4,200 members. For additional information about SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

SIAA Grows by 40 Agencies in July 2012

August 16, 2012 - Hampton, NH: The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) announced 40 new member agencies in July.

Of July's signed members, 29 are new or "scratch" agencies new to the independent agency system, many of them former "captive" agents, bringing new premium dollars and new people into the system. SIAA helped create 299 new agencies in 2011 from a total of 412 newly signed members. 176 have been created so far in 2012.

"We are excited to be able to grow at a steady and aggressive pace." said Jim Masiello, SIAA's CEO. "After a first quarter announcing the most new members in any first quarter in our history, we are pacing for continued record-breaking growth. This is further evidence of how our model works irrespective of the economic climate."

July's new members include:

East:
DeGiulio Insurance Group of Warwick, RI
Help U Insure Insurance Agency of Fairhaven, MA
Leitzel's Insurance Agency of Herndon, PA
James D. Hoffman of Monroe, NY
Runyon Insurance Agency of Lenore, WV
Mark Weidenfeller of Woodbridge, CT
Bennetti Holmes Insurance of Dover, DE

Midwest:
Steven M Brown Insurance Agency of Loveland, OH
TST Insurance of Papillion, NE
Waggoner Insurance Agency of Wapello, IA
United Agency of Northville, MI
Waters Edge Insurance Agency of Fort Gratiot, MI
Bauder & Associates of Omaha, NE
Denbrock Insurance Agency of Coldwater, MI
Assurity Insurance Agency of Harper Woods, MI
Alan Langley of Maryville, MO
Hardy Insurance Group of Versailles, IN
Paradise Insurance Agency of Okemos, MI
Precision Insurance Agency of Wyoming, MI
Sandstone Insurance Group of Amherst, OH

West:
Supp Insurance Agency of Wells, NV
Financial Network Insurance Agency of Draper, UT
Accurate Insurance Agency of Fountain Hills, AZ
Aldridge Insurance Services of Lake Havasu City, AZ
S B Smith & Co of Bothell, WA

Southeast:
Freeman Baker Insurance Services of Largo, FL
Hometown Village Insurance of Lady Lake, FL
Appalachian Community Insurance Agency of Gray, TN
Choice Insurance Group of Jasper, GA
AP Hill of Fort Meyers, FL
Hucks Financial Services of Greenville, SC
Nation Insurance Agency of Ocala, FL

South Central:
Tilghman Insurance & Financial Services of Edmond, OK
Legacy Risk Management of Tulsa, OK
Premier Choice Insurance of San Angelo, TX
Johnie Brown Agency of Sapulpa, OK

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 4,000 new members.

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

McGowan Purchases Assets of CGA Associates, Inc.

To Our Brokers:

We are excited to announce that The McGowan Companies has purchased the assets of CGA Associates, Inc. (“CGA”). Effective immediately, CGA will begin operating under the McGowan Program Administrators brand.

Founded in 1997, CGA is a nationwide commercial insurance brokerage agency with “pens” for A&H, Flood, Workers Compensation, and Real Estate Umbrellas. It also has expertise in Hotels/Motels, Condominium Associations, Restaurants, “Main Street” BOPs; Package Risks, Builders Risk, Liquor Liability, and Commercial Auto.

The purchase of CGA is consistent with our corporate mission of empowering our brokers with aggressive, flexible, and creative products that allow them to distinguish themselves from their competition.

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

Please note: • Your contacts will not change. • Your current commission structure will not change.

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Mullahy – Director of Marketing, The McGowan Companies at either: 440.333.6300 (x3619) or bmullahy@mcgowanins.com.

Cordially,

Thomas B. McGowan, IV	Nicholas B. Campanella
President & CEO	President
The McGowan Companies	CGA Associates, Inc.
P: 440.333.6300 (x3609)	P: 732.845.1441
E: t4@mcgowanins.com	E: nick@cgaassociates.com

2011 CONTRIBUTORS TO THE INSURANCE MARKETPLACE CYBERCAST

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NBIS and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association announce contract extension

Mountain Empire Agency Alliance Signs 50th Member Agency

Senior Banking and Insurance Executive Joins OSC as Chief Operating Officer

Cyber Threats among issues to be addressed by Former US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman at TMPAA Mid Year Meeting

2012 An Outstanding Year for SIAA

New Underwriting Management Partnership for Converging Risk Coverage Announced by Ryan Specialty Group's ThinkRisk and Aspen US Insurance

Call for Entries for 2013 IMCA Showcase™ Awards

Entries now being accepted for the insurance industry's longest-running creative awards for marketing and communications professionals

Change in Direction Announced by Ryan Specialty Group's ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency and Great American Insurance Company

Scottsdale Insurance Company® Named Steve Franke VP of Contract Underwriting

SIAA Grows by 25 Agencies in December 2012

HIIG REORGANIZES DOMESTIC UNDERWRITING OPERATIONS

HIIG ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF AXIOM INSURANCE MANAGERS

Insurance Wholesaler Russell Bond & Co.

Agency Network of Kentucky Celebrates 15th Anniversary

DVIC partners with The National Alliance

Target Markets Awards first CPL Designations

Acquisition of GUARD by National Indemnity Company

(a Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) Completed

Pennsylvania Insurance Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Utah Insurance Agency Alliance Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Insurance Agency Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Ironshore, Distiguished Programs & NSU Acquistion

SIAA Grows by 40 Agencies in October 2012

Hudson Valley Agency Alliance Signs 50th Member Agency

Philadelphia Insurance, Tokio Marine Group donate $195,000 to Sandy Relief

Program Business Market Hits $24.7 Billion in Gross Written Premiums

Potomac Insurance Network Celebrates 15th Anniversary

NIF Group, Inc.

BRECKENRIDGE INSURANCE GROUP NAMES EICHHORN CEO OF PROPERTY CASUALTY OPERATIONS

NIF Group, Inc.

WRM America Holding Company, LLC Changes Name to The Wright Insurance Group, LLC

SIAA Grows by 34 Agencies in September 2012

Insurance Agents Alliance of Texas Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Partners Specialty Group LLC

Michele Tran joins National Specialty Underwriters as production underwriter

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC reaches agreement to buy Direct Group to strengthen MGA and TPA capabilities

Debby Paris, FLMI, ACP, Elected to Secretary of AICP’s Heartland Chapter

Stu Korn Joins Tapco Underwriters As New Marketing Representative For New Jersey, Pennsylvania And New York’s Hudson Valley

Freberg Environmental Insurance Announces New Underwriting Agreement With Berkley Custom Insurance Managers, LLC

Beacon Hill Associates Welcomes Bob Varnes as Senior Account Executive

Ivy Riggs Joins PartnerOne Environmental® as an Executive Underwriter

Consolidated Underwriting Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Agents Helping Agents Signs 100th Member Agency

Glatfelter Religious Practice Names Shawn Yingling as President, Adds New Large Account Market

BGI Agency Network Signs 50th Member Agency

SIAA Grows by 40 Agencies in July 2012

McGowan Purchases Assets of CGA Associates, Inc.

2011 CONTRIBUTORS TO THE INSURANCE MARKETPLACE CYBERCAST

Companies/Brokers/MGAs

Change in Direction Announced by Ryan Specialty Group's
ThinkRisk Underwriting Agency and Great American Insurance Company