Wisconsin News

People

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I”) has awarded Alex Soto with the Woodworth Memorial Award, the highest honor the association bestows on one of its members. Soto is president and CEO of InSource, Inc. in Miami and …

2007 State Obesity Rates

2007 State Obesity Rates State % Alabama 30.3 Alaska 27.5 Arizona 25.4 Arkansas 28.7 California 22.6 Colorado 18.7 Connecticut 21.2 Delaware 27.4 Washington DC 21.8 Florida 23.6 Georgia 28.2 Hawaii 21.4 Idaho 24.5 Illinois 24.9 Indiana 26.8 Iowa 26.9 Kansas …

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. Livestock Mortality Insurance Market Detail: Chopra Insurance Brokerage Inc. offers an “all risks of mortality” …

Wisconsin Lawmakers Looking at ‘Pre-existing Conditions’ in Policies

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Federal law prevents public programs such as BadgerCare and employer-sponsored group health plans from denying coverage or charging higher rates due to pre-existing …

Wisconsin Chemical Plant Explosions Force Evacuations

A chemical plant fire continued to burn May 12 in the south-central Wisconsin community of Columbus where dozens of neighbors were forced to evacuate their homes. A series of explosions was heard May 11 about 8 p.m. at Columbus Chemical …

Ratings Roundup: Harford Mutual, Hallmark, Rural Mutual, Salem

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A-‘ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of The Harford Mutual Insurance Companies and its two P/C pool members, The Harford …

Wisconsin-Based Broker Caught in Michigan Licensing Snafu

Michigan’s insurance regulator has ordered a Wisconsin-based managing general insurance agency, Vanguard Insurance Placement Inc., to stop doing business in Michigan. According to the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR), the agency violated the Michigan Insurance Code by …

People

The Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio Inc. (PIA) has selected Douglas L. Jackson to serve as director of education. Jackson, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), comes to PIA after working more than six years as director of …

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. Products Liability for Roller Coasters and Rides Market Detail: MarketScout offers agents access to products …

Rader Elected American Association of Insurance Services Chairman

Jack M. Rader, executive vice president and COO of Farmers Alliance Companies in McPherson, Kan., was elected chairman of the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) at the association’s annual meeting held in Half Moon Bay, Calif. Rader succeeds James …