Washington News

Google, Facebook Face Heat from Cyber-Bullying Cases

The Internet was built on freedom of expression. Society wants someone held accountable when that freedom is abused. And major Internet companies like Google and Facebook are finding themselves caught between those ideals. Although Google, Facebook and their rivals have …

Losses From Latest East Coast Snow Storm Pegged at up to $300M

Boston-based risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimated that the insured losses from the winter storm that struck the East Coast between February 23 and 28 will be between $150 million and $350 million. Total Insured losses from two prior storms …

Will Gay Marriage Bring Marketing Opportunities for Agents?

In business, change brings opportunity. And when it comes to the wave of states that have recently legalized gay marriage, some see a marketing opportunity in selling insurance products for same-sex couples. And why not? The “gay market” in the …

People

Boston-based medical liability insurer ProMutual Group has hired Diane Corjulo as a risk management consultant. Corjulo, a registered nurse, has broad acute care hospital experience and physician office practice expertise. She has worked at Yale-New Haven Medical Center and the …

People

Thomas J. Schaffler has been named president of Lockton Cos. employee benefits practice in Chicago. He joined Lockton more than 10 years ago as executive vice president and producer and serves on the Chicago executive committee. He is also a …

Insurance Agents Fined for Not Having Written Security Plans

Recent headlines underscore the importance of agents having written security plans to protect the privacy of their clients’ personal information. In the first case, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance fined an agent $1,000 in September for not having a written …

Strong Attitude Backed by Superior Knowledge

Top 100 Agency Profile Agency Name: Mesirow Financial Services Inc. Headquarters: Chicago, Ill. Year Founded: 1937 2008 Total Premium Volume: $1.4 billion Property/Casualty: $397.5 million Other than P/C: $1.0 billion % Commercial: 24% % Personal: 12% 2008 Revenues: $90.5 million …

Countries Raise Security in Malacca Strait after Terror Warning

Malaysia and Indonesia said on Thursday they are stepping up security in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, following the Singapore navy’s warning of possible attacks on oil tankers. The Singapore navy “has received indication …

Washington Lawmakers Approve JUA For Flood Insurance

The Washington State Senate has approved a flood insurance bill that would allow the insurance commissioner to create a market assistance plan and, if necessary, a joint underwriting association if the flood insurance market in state’s Green River Valley collapses. …

Mississippi Insurance Agent Tubertini Honored by Association

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I”) has awarded Mississippi insurance agent Ronnie Tubertini with the Woodworth Memorial Award, the highest honor the association bestows on one of its members. Tubertini, who is CEO of SouthGroup Insurance Services …