Tennessee News

West Tennessee Feels Small Earthquake But No Damages Reported

Earthquake researchers say a small quake occurred last Friday in West Tennessee but no damages from it were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 40 miles north of Memphis and measured a magnitude 2.8. Such …

Nebraska Could Be Next State for Fire-Safe Cigarette Law

Nebraska has fallen out of the mainstream when it comes to smoking-related laws, but that could change. Thirty-seven states have passed laws requiring that all cigarettes sold in their states be fire-safe. Nebraska is not among them, but the state …

People

Jim Johnstone has joined Westbrook, Conn.-based The Gowrie Group of Cos. as a producer in the Boat/Yacht department. Jim brings deep marine and sailing industry expertise that will enable Gowrie to broaden its reach into the boating market and the …

Business Moves

Editor’s Note: For a comprehensive report of mergers and acquisitions for 2008, see Special Report: Agency Mergers in 2008 in the Dec. 22, 2008, edition of Insurance Journal. Euclid Insurance, Illinois American Insurance Agency Euclid Insurance Services Inc., has acquired …

Declarations

Insufficient Warning “I think all three agencies have been irresponsible in not accurately warning citizens.” —Stephen Smith, executive director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, criticizing federal, state and Tennessee Valley Authority officials for their handling of safety concerns …

Texas, Oklahoma Among States Requiring Fire-Safe Cigarettes

Laws mandating stores only sell cigarettes that are slow-burning and fire-safe went into effect in five states on New Year’s Day, including Texas and Oklahoma. Those two states, plus Delaware, Iowa and Pennsylvania, joined 17 others in mandating the fire-safe …

States Rate Poorly on Consumer Insurance Information on Web

A national consumer group says state insurance departments vary in the quality of the information they provide consumers online, with differences in the usefulness of information such as the rates and practices of individual insurance companies. According to the Consumer …

Private, Independent and Free

Ohio-based The Hylant Group Has 12 Locations But Only One Philosophy — Give Customers and Staff What They Need to Succeed Top 100 Agency Profile RANKING: No. 7 Agency Name: The Hylant Group Headquarters: Toledo, Ohio Year Founded: 1935 Additional …

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. Top 10 Most Unusual Searches on MyNewMarkets.com in 2008 Exotic Snake and Reptile Breeding Operation …

Spokane Residents Cope With Record Snow

More than 6 feet of snow in the past three weeks has left Spokane residents frustrated. Tempers are so frayed that a man was arrested for shooting at a snow plow operator. This unusually harsh winter has disrupted schools, traffic, …