Minnesota News

States promise quicker insurance product, filing approval under new system with Interstate Compact

State regulators have reached a milestone in their efforts to streamline product regulation, with a centralized approval system for certain life and financial products on the verge of becoming reality. After three years of lobbying, 27 states have signed onto …

New Markets

Outdoor Sporting Program Nuts & Bolts: Markel’s Outdoors is a niche program for guide and outfitting professionals, private sporting clubs and hunting/fishing lodges. Marketed through select retail insurance agents, this program is available on a licensed and admitted basis in …

People and Places

The Progressive Corp. appointed John A. Barbagallo as the new president of the company’s Drive Group. Barbagallo, who joined the company more than 20 years ago as a claims representative, currently serves as the Drive Atlantic Region general manager. Barbagallo …

States promise quicker insurance product, filing approval under new system with Interstate Compact

State regulators have reached a milestone in their efforts to streamline product regulation, with a centralized approval system for certain life and financial products on the verge of becoming reality. After three years of lobbying, 27 states have signed onto …

Minn. Western National Finalizes Affiliation with Farmers Home Group

Western National Insurance Group, based in Edina, Minn., today announced that it has met all regulatory and legal steps to finalize the affiliation with Farmers Home Group of Bloomington, Minn. Farmers Home companies will continue to operate as separate entities …

Progressive Direct Names Sauerland as President

The Progressive Corporation has appointed an internal candidate, John P. Sauerland, to be the new president of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies. He replaces Alan R. Bauer, who had been president of the direct operations since 2002. Bauer …

Women Wanted: Securian Financial of N.D. Seeks Female Advisors

Flexibility, unlimited earnings potential and the opportunity to positively affect lives make financial advising a great career for women. Securian Financial Services of North Dakota is out to spread the word about this career and recruit more women. According to …

Kan. Commissioner Praeger Attends Interstate Compact Press Conference

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger was among a gathering of other state regulators today at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. for a news conference which outlined plans for the implementation of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact. The …

N.H. Gov. Lynch to Sign Premium Tax Cut Legislation

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is “inclined” to sign a measure cutting the state’s insurance premium tax in half, according to his communications director. Pamela Walsh told Insurance Journal the governor is supportive, adding he would review the bill when …

CIGNA HealthCare Names S.E. Region V.P.

Bloomfield, Conn.-based CIGNA HealthCare has appointed Michael Muchnicki as regional vice president for the Southeast region. Muchnicki will be based in CIGNA’s offices in Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. Muchnicki will support the strategic development and execution of business growth opportunities …