South Dakota News

Wausau Signature Agency Forms Group Benefits Division Targeting Upper Midwest

Wisconsin-based Wausau Signature Agency has increased its focus on employee benefits by forming a group benefits division in the Upper Midwest states. “As part of our commitment to meet all of the insurance needs of our clients and prospects, we’re …

Lesniak Joins Venture Programs

Los Angeles-based Venture Programs Inc. announced that Joseph Lesniak has joined the company as vice president of sales in its Western Region office. Based in Los Angeles, Lesniak is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and marketing Venture’s packages, products …

‘Cheeseburger’ Bills Fill State Lawmakers’ Plates

Nebraska state Sen. Jeanne Combs used to weigh more than 300 lbs., and she hopes that fact will carry some weight in her campaign to prohibit people from suing the fast-food industry for making them fat. Combs, who represents District …

Donegal Group Reports ‘Solid’ 2004 Results

Pennsylvania-based Donegal Group Inc.reported that net income for year ended December 31, 2004 reached an historic high for the company. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $31,614,269, compared to $18,293,976, for the year ended December 31, …

‘Cheeseburger’ Bills Filling Up Lawmakers’ Plates in 17 States

Nebraska state Sen. Jeanne Combs used to weigh more than 300 lbs., and she hopes that fact will carry some weight in her campaign to prohibit people from suing the fast-food industry for making them fat. Combs, who represents District …

Cyber Risk

Nuts & Bolts: This new program from ISO includes policy contract forms, underwriting rules, loss costs (projections of future claims) and an advisory application supplemented by an advisory underwriting guide. While some cyber risk protection has been available as subcoverage …

S.D. Bills to Cut Lawsuit Damages Killed

Lawyers and insurance companies battled Monday in the South Dakota Legislature, and the lawyers won. The tussle involved two bills designed to reduce damages in lawsuits filed to recover damages for injuries in traffic accidents. One bill, HB1134, would have …

S.D. Panel Endorses Plan Allowing Doctors to Apologize

Doctors and other health care workers should be able to say they’re sorry without having their statements used against them in medical malpractice lawsuits, a South Dakota House committee recommended Saturday. The measure would encourage doctors to talk with patients …

ESURANCE SALES CENTER HEATS UP COMPETITION:

Esurance, a direct-to-consumer auto insurance company is opening a new sales center in Tampa and will hire 25 new sales representatives in 2005. The center will supplement activities at the company’s Tampa Regional Sales Office. It will handle East Coast …

Agent Association Partners to Offer Online Education

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents has announce a partnership with Learn.net to launch a new on-line CE and Professional Skills Education Center for member and non-member agents at: www.PIANET.com/Education. The initial launch will serve Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, …