Iowa News

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. Campgrounds, Dude Ranches & Other Outdoors Risks Market Detail: Hull & Company Inc. has availability …

Unemployed Face Higher Healthcare Premiums Without COBRA Extension

Millions of unemployed U.S. workers face sharply higher health insurance premiums and loss of coverage as temporary federal subsidies expire, a healthcare advocacy group said Tuesday. With the U.S. unemployment rate topping 10 percent, FamiliesUSA is urging Congress to extend …

Bill Would Extend Tax Relief for Midwest Disaster Victims

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley wants Midwest disaster victims to have more to time to benefit from tax relief intended to help with the repair or replacement of damaged homes. Grassley has introduced legislation that would extend the deadline for applying …

Barfels Promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer at ARAG

Erin Barfels has been appointed chief human resources officer at Des Moines, Iowa-based ARAG, which specializes in legal insurance. In her expanded role, Barfels provides leadership and direction for the people strategies of the organization including workforce planning, compensation and …

Tour Bus Crashes in Minnesota; Company Says Driver Had Aneurysm

A tour bus driver suffered a ruptured aneurysm before a crash on a southern Minnesota interstate that killed two people and injured 21 others. That’s according to a spokesman for Strain Bus Line, the company that runs the trips to …

Aschenbrenner to Retire as Principal Financial Group Division President

Des Moines, Iowa-based Principal Financial Group announced that John Aschenbrenner, president of its insurance and financial services division, will retire at the end of 2009 after more than 37 years with the company. Aschenbrenner joined The Principal in 1972 and …

New Jersey Lawmaker: Gay Marriage Bill Might Not Get Vote

A New Jersey bill to allow gay marriage might not go to a vote in the Legislature before the session ends in January and Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, who supports the measure, is succeeded by Republican Chris Christis, who does …

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. Commercial Construction Liability Market Detail: Insurance Specialty Group presents PrimeSTARR, an ISO-based commercial construction general …

American Alternative Insurance Partners with PersonalUmbrella.com

PersonalUmbrella.com of Emeryville, Calif., announced that American Alternative Insurance Corp. (AAIC) will be the insurer of its online personal umbrella program. AAIC is a subsidiary of Munich Re America Corp. and an affiliate of Munich Reinsurance America Inc. The company …

Groups Call for Balance in Immigration, Worker Protection Law Enforcement

Workplace immigration raids during the Bush administration interfered with ongoing labor investigations and allowed employers to exploit workers who complained about conditions on the job, labor groups said in a report. The stepped-up immigration enforcement came at the expense of …