Minnesota News

Economic Survey Index: Growth Slows in Midwest, Plains States

A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwest and Plains states dipped for the second consecutive month in April, but the survey’s organizer said the index indicates slow growth for the region in the coming three to six months. The …

Minnesota Driver’s License Privacy Breaches Could Cost Millions

Liability claims for improper uses of Minnesota’s driver’s license database could reach several million dollars. Many cities, counties and state agencies involved in recent privacy breaches are backstopped by insurance and rainy-day funds that would soften the blow of potential …

Digital Signs to Warn Minn. Drivers About Tornadoes

Digital billboards in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties will be a new way to warn motorists about tornado warnings. The billboard warnings are a joint venture of the counties, billboard owners ClearChannel Outdoor, and the National Weather Service. The system is …

South Dakota Firm Barred From Insurance Price-Negotiating

A company run by a South Dakota state lawmaker that negotiates contracts between chiropractors and insurance companies has agreed to discontinue that portion of its business after federal regulators said it violated antitrust rules. The Justice Department accused Chiropractic Associates …

MMIC Expands Roles for Lacke, Stafford and Woodward

Minneapolis, Minn.-based medical liability insurer, MMIC, has announced expanded roles for John Woodward, Steve Lacke and Julie Stafford. In October, Lacke was promoted to senior vice president, insurance operations. Now, Lacke’s role expands as he becomes chief financial officer, overseeing …

Survey Shows Growth in Midwest Economy

A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwest and Plains states jumped last month, suggesting improving economic growth for the region over the next three to six months. The Mid-America Business Conditions index hit 58.2 in March, compared with 53.1 …

MMIC Enters Indiana Medical Professional Liability Market

Minneapolis, Minn.-based medical malpractice insurer, MMIC, announced it has begun conducting business in Indiana. This brings the total number of states in MMIC’s core territory to nine. MMIC President and CEO Bill McDonough said the company’s goals for the new …

Minnesota House Passes Health Exchange Proposal

The Minnesota House passed a bill establishing the state’s health insurance exchange, the first step toward enactment of an online marketplace that aims to give more than a million Minnesotans a new place to purchase affordable health insurance. Rep. Joe …

PCG Agencies Named Travelers’ Midwest Personal Lines Agency of Year

PCG Agencies Inc., a personal property/casualty insurance and risk management firm headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., has been named Travelers’ Midwest Personal Insurance Agency of the Year. PCG Agencies was chosen for this award out of a field of more …

Insurers: False Auto Claims on the Rise in Minnesota

Auto insurance companies say false and exaggerated injury claims are on the rise in Minnesota. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says suspicious personal injury claims have tripled since 2008. Minnesota ranked tenth in the nation in 2011 with 53 such …