Alaska News

Group Says Canadian Firm Unprepared for Spill Response in Midwest

A lack of equipment and personnel has left TransCanada unprepared to deal with a major spill of crude oil on its Keystone pipeline system, according to a report by a nonprofit environmental group. The 60-page report from Plains Justice says …

Melting Siberian Permafrost Raises Tricky Climate Issue

The Russian scientist shuffles across the frozen lake, scuffing aside ankle-deep snow until he finds a cluster of bubbles trapped under the ice. With a cigarette lighter in one hand and a knife in the other, he lances the ice …

How an E&O Claim Could Affect Agency Employee’s Career

Today’s soft insurance market, reduced commissions and a tough economy for agency owners and their clients might be adding to agency errors and omissions (E&O) exposures. But agency owners are not the only ones in an agency who should be …

Business Moves

Ohio Mutual, Casco Indemnity Ohio Mutual Insurance Group (OMIG) agreed to acquire N.E. Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Casco Indemnity Co., a property and casualty insurer located in Saco, Maine. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end …

Business Moves

Union General Insurance Services Union General Insurance Services of Concord, Calif., opened a Southern California branch office to enhance its service and marketing capabilities to retail producers. The operation will be staffed by Marlena Black, who comes to Union General …

Republicans Gain Control in State Houses, Governor Offices

Republicans were not only victorious in the U.S. House but also in state houses across the country. The new GOP power will give the party its largest number of seats in state legislatures since the Great Depression, according to the …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Hotel/Motel Program Market Detail: Specialty Insurance Agency has expanded its hotel/motel program to California. Program …

White House Panel: Human Errors, Not Safety Cuts, Behind BP Disaster

The White House oil spill commission said on Monday it found no evidence to support accusations that the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history happened because workers for BP Plc and its partners cut corners to save money, mostly …

Western National Insurance Purchases Umialik Insurance

Western National Insurance Group of Edina, Minn., has signed a definitive agreement for the purchase of 100 percent of the stock of Anchorage, Alaska-based Umialik Insurance Co. from UkpeaÄ¡vik Iñupiat Corp. The purchase is subject to the completion of due …

Montanans Pay Highest Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates

Montana has the highest workers’ compensation premium rates in the nation, at $3.33 per $100 of payroll, followed next by Alaska, which has a rate of $3.10 per $100 of payroll, according to a new study. In the “2010 Workers’ …