Category Archives: Client News

AAMGA Votes to Expand Membership

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Members vote to amend bylaws, broadening representation of the wholesale insurance market

AUG. 27, 2013 – King of Prussia, Pa. – The American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) announced today its members have voted to amend the association’s bylaws and expand membership to include all wholesale insurance professionals who have underwriting or binding authority and meet other minimum standards of the association.

Balloting occurred between July 26 and Aug. 26 with more than 63 percent of eligible members voting. The proposed bylaw amendments passed with an overwhelming majority.

“This is a significant moment in AAMGA’s continued evolution and development in line with our 87 year history,” explained Frank Mastowski, CPCU, CIW, president of AAMGA’s Board of Directors. “Our members recognize the wholesale insurance landscape continues to change. The revised strategic focus of the association will broaden members networking access to markets and other industry practitioners. It will support technical underwriting and other professional educational development through the AAMGA University, and further the strength of our advocacy with regulators and legislators domestically and internationally.”

According to the AAMGA Executive Director Bernie Heinze, the board of directors will now take additional steps to implement the new by-law changes. The board will also expand curriculums for AAMGA University, the group’s professional education and training arm.

“These new bylaws were designed to ensure those market professionals working in the wholesale insurance space with binding or underwriting authority have a place to go where peer networking, education and advocacy resources are available,” said Heinze. “By broadening our membership, we’re strengthening and advancing the importance of the entire wholesale insurance marketplace.”

The AAMGA board of directors proposed the by-law changes to members in May 2013 after a two-year strategic review. Without the Association changing its core values, membership will now be open not only to MGAs, but also to MGUs, program administrators, aggregators and other wholesale insurance professionals who meet stringent membership standards. Among the standards are minimums for years in business, annual written premium, and underwriting or binding authority.

ABOUT AAMGA
The American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) is the wholesale insurance community’s international trade association. Founded in 1926, the AAMGA today represents over 500 corporate members and is respected as a leader in and voice of the wholesale and excess and surplus lines insurance industry. Membership in the AAMGA is highly selective and therefore the wholesalers admitted to the ranks are those who annually subscribe to a Code of Ethics and demonstrate the highest standards of excellence, experience, integrity and insurance company representation. Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, the nonprofit Association and its University Foundation provide substantive benefits and service to its members throughout the year. Learn more at www.aamga.org

American Modern Launches Claims Management and Training Firm

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Specialty Insurance Services (SIS) features hands-on claims training and a national network of claims adjustors for property and casualty products

Amelia, Ohio – August 5, 2013 – American Modern (www.amig.com)), a leading provider of specialty property and casualty insurance products, today announced the launch of a new claims management and training firm, Specialty Insurance Services Corporation (www.siservices.com). The new firm will offer property and casualty claims adjusting and training services to companies across all segments of the insurance industry, including retail and wholesale brokerage firms, MGAs and MGUs, insurance companies and insurance-related services.

View video footage of SIS here: http://bit.ly/14VjYuq

“SIS is built on the claims expertise of American Modern, which has insured and managed claims for specialty property and recreational products for the past 45 years,” said Manny Rios, president and CEO of American Modern. “SIS claims training offers a unique, hands-on training experience in our 32,000 square-foot facility, while featuring a national network of experienced claims adjusters in 170 locations nationwide – all with a focus on P&C products.”

SIS claims management will provide first- and third-party specialty claims services, including complete claims administration, desk and field adjusting, catastrophic claims management, and support to insurance providers and their policyholders.

SIS claims training features real-world repair shop settings for P&C products. “SIS promotes the true hands-on experience of tearing down then repairing damaged property and vehicles,” said Kevin Morreale, senior vice president of SIS. “Students learn, first-hand, the real cost and length of time it takes to complete the repair.”

About American Modern
American Modern (www.amig.com) is a national specialty insurance carrier with approximately 1.7 million policyholders. Licensed in all 50 states, the company delivers flexible, specialty coverage across the property and recreational markets. A subsidiary of Munich Re, one of the world’s leading risk carriers, American Modern is rated A+ Superior by A.M. Best Company and has been ranked one of Ward’s top 50 performing insurance companies since 1999.

Glatfelter Risk Control Receives Public Sector Safety Award

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Department head and team recognized for contribution to ASSE technical literature

July 29, 2013 — Daniel Mahoney, CIH, CSP, Vice President of Risk Control at Glatfelter Public Practice (GPP) was the recipient of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Public Practice Specialty Safety Professional of the Year Award. This award program recognizes safety professionals who have made a significant contribution to advancing the profession.

The award was announced on June 26th at ASSE’s Safety 2013 Professional Development Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas.

Mahoney and his team at the GPP Risk Control Department are active ASSE members. This award recognized the entire department for their consistent publication of valuable technical articles in the ASSE Public Sector Practice Specialty Newsletter.

Mahoney has been a part of the Risk Control team at Glatfelter Public Practice for 9 years. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and holds a bachelors of science from The Pennsylvania State University. As Vice President of Risk Control, he consults with clients to reduce risks, helps policyholders respond to employee concerns and provides management guidance in industrial hygiene, health, safety, transportation and property risk management.

About Glatfelter Program Managers
Glatfelter Program Managers (GPM) is a strategic business unit dedicated to Glatfelter Insurance Group’s program business. Based in York, Pa., GPM is one of the premier managers and recognized specialists of niche markets in the country. GPM manages and markets several specialty programs, including VFIS for fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads, and 911 centers; Glatfelter Public Practice for educational institutions, municipalities, independent school bus contractors and water/sewer entities; Glatfelter Healthcare Practice for skilled care, assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), personal care and group homes, hospice, home health care agencies and other private homecare agencies; and Glatfelter Religious Practice for churches, synagogues and other religious institutions.

Innovative Office Products Hires New Marketing Director

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Marian Watkins joins Lehigh Valley manufacturer

EASTON, Pa. – July 25, 2013 – Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com), today announces Marian Watkins has joined the Easton, Pa.-based company as its new marketing director. Previously, Watkins spent more than four years with Dorman Products in Colmar, Pa., where she most recently served as marketing manager.

“Innovative continues to roll out new products that help workplace environments adapt to the ergonomic and space-saving needs of today’s workforce,” said Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “Marian is an excellent addition to our team, and her experience with product marketing will prove valuable to the new product launches we’re planning in the months ahead.”

In her new role, Watkins will be responsible for leading the company’s marketing strategies across all platforms, developing customer marketing programs, and launching integrated product marketing plans. She will report directly to Tosolt.

“With the recent launch of the Easton Lean Tools brand and a number of new products in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time to join Innovative Office Products,” said Watkins. “I’m eager to contribute to the forward momentum of the company and its success.”

Watkins, a resident of Emmaus, Pa., earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the LIM College in New York.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.lcdarms.com) blends function and style that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative office mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desk and wall.

Brownyard Group Introduces Revamped Website

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Site redesign provides a better user experience for customers and agency partners

Bay Shore, N.Y. — July 22, 2013 — Brownyard Group is pleased to announce the launch of their redesigned website www.brownyard.com. The specialty program administrator has refreshed the design and content of their site to make it more accessible for all users, from current and prospective insureds to agents and industry partners.

The intuitive interface and easy navigation, as well as the updated program information and visuals deliver an enhanced user experience. These features will assist agents in evaluating products for their clients and in accessing the library of customizable marketing materials.

Though its look has changed, the web address remains the same — visit www.brownyard.com to view the new site.

About Brownyard Group
Brownyard Group is a program administrator that has developed and provided specialized insurance programs for select industries for more than 60 years. These industries include security guards, pest control operators, cosmetics manufacturers, alarm systems, private investigators and security consultants and the beauty industry. In 1993, Brownyard established Brownyard Claims Management, a loss prevention and full-service insurance claims facility.
The company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y.

KidsPeace Launches Online Resource for Military Kids

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‘Growing Up Military’ provides anonymous counseling and support
to aid teens raised in military families

Schnecksville, Pa. – June 26, 2013 – As U.S. troops continue withdrawal from foreign theaters, military families across the country are adapting to family members who are returning, and those who, unfortunately, are not. To support the children of these families, KidsPeace today announces the launch of “Growing Up Military.”

This new community – part of TeenCentral.Net – provides children of military families with free access to trained counselors, relevant information, gaming interaction and peer support.

“There’s been a lot of talk about and media coverage on troops returning and reintegrating into their lives,” says Julius Licata, Ph.D., director of TeenCentral.Net. “What we don’t hear about are the children. Be it through a parent or sibling, these kids have experienced multiple deployments, faced uncertainty, loss, multiple relocations and much more. ‘Growing Up Military’ gives them an outlet; a forum; a safe place to ask for help or advice.” According to Licata, “Growing Up Military” allows children 11 to 18 years old to share their questions and concerns. Answers or guidance are provided within 24 hours from a master’s or doctorate level counselor.

Users log into “Growing Up Military” and are identified publicly only by pseudonyms. Other features include simple games, shared stories from other children of military families, searchable topics related to life as a child of a military family and more. All of this is designed to encourage these military kids to return as often as possible to the community.

“Because June is National PTSD Awareness Month, we wanted to begin the discussion of military kids and their families at a time of heightened awareness for our troops,” says Licata. “Our hope is to raise the same kind of awareness for the kids dealing with their own kinds of stress as members of military families.”

In 1998, KidsPeace helped pioneer online support services for teens by launching TeenCentral.Net to provide a safe and accessible place for kids. The site is free, anonymous and allows teens to log on, submit their stories and receive professional counseling within 24 hours, along with advice from their peers.

About KidsPeace
For 130 years, KidsPeace has been building on its expertise to give hope, help and healing to children, families and communities throughout the United States. Through its comprehensive range of residential treatment programs; accredited educational services; unique psychiatric hospital and foster care and community-based programs, KidsPeace is dedicated to helping people connect, transform and overcome their challenges to ensure a stable future, transition to adulthood and gain independence. Since its doors opened in 1882, more than
200,000 children have participated in one of the multitude of programs KidsPeace offers. For additional resources or more information on how to get involved, become a foster parent or make a donation, please visit www.kidspeace.org. Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter.

Switch is Highly Configurable Multi-Monitor Mounting System

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Innovative Office Products introduces Switch at InfoComm 2013; enables A/V communications professionals to easily add monitors and adjust viewing angles

Orlando – June 12-14, 2013 – Innovative Office Products, Inc., introduces the Switch™, a highly configurable solution for multi-monitor applications at InfoComm, June 12-14, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., Booth 5458.

Switch is a multi-monitor mounting system that makes it easy for audiovisual communications professionals and other users to configure monitors and easily adapt later to meet future needs.

“This new product makes it easy to convert monitor configurations with little time or effort required, often without even having to purchase additional components,” said Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “It is perfect for the multi-monitor needs of audiovisual professionals today and as they grow with additional monitors.”

Switch features a quick-install VESA that saves set-up time, and easy slide and pivot capabilities so users can:
•Position monitors in either portrait or landscape
•Accommodate most monitors up to 24-inch widescreen and up to 15 pounds per monitor.
•Configure up to four monitors per mount. Combine multiple mounts for monitor arrays of unlimited size.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) blends function and style in products that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative office mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desk and wall.

Busby is First Desktop Accessory to Add USB Hub to Monitor Mount

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Innovative Office Products unveils Busby tm USB Mount At Neocon 2013, offering convenient access to charge and connect all USB-enabled devices from the desktop monitor mount_

CHICAGO – June 10-12, 2013 – Innovative Office Products,Inc. , unveils Busby tm, the world’s first flat panel monitor mount with built-in USB ports, at NeoCon, June 10-12, 2013, at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Booth 7-3022B.

Busby integrates four USB ports into a flat-panel monitor mount, providing convenient access for charging and connecting all USB-enabled devices without consuming additional desk space.

“Many computer users are forced to crawl under their desks to plug into a USB port on their PC, or add an additional hub to their laptops,” said Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “Busby eliminates this inconvenience by putting USB ports at their fingertips and, when combined with a flexible mounting arm, maximizes computing ergonomics and desktop flexibility.”

The mount includes power cord and computer connections in the back, and four USB ports in front. It is compatible with most flat panel monitor arms made by Innovative.

According to Tosolt, Busby is a logical step in the company’s continuing development of products that improve modern desktop function, while saving space and enhancing ergonomics. “We task our engineers to thoughtfully consider a variety of office workspaces to find small improvements that make a big difference,” said Tosolt.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) blends function and style that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative office mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desk and wall.

New Dual EVO® Mount Provides Desktop Flexibility

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Innovative Office Products introduces Dual EVO® Mount at NeoCon, enabling users to mount two flat panel arms from one desktop point

CHICAGO – June 10-12, 2013 – Innovative Office Products, introduces the Dual EVO® Mount at NeoCon, June 10-12, 2013, at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Booth 7-3022B. The new mount enables users to mount two EVO LCD arms from a single point on the desktop.

The dual mount is the latest addition to the award-winning EVO LCD arm family, which was recently redesigned and reengineered with Better Balance Technology to be sleeker and easier to use.

“The Dual EVO Mount provides greater flexibility to the growing number of people using two flat panel monitors on their desktop,” said Joe Tosolt, president of Innovative Office Products. “With separate arms inserted into one sleek, space-saving mount, users can move their monitors independently for a broad range of working options.”

The Dual EVO Mount is 10.4 × 18.6 inches and holds monitors up to 20 pounds each. It can be clamped to desk edge or grommet, or bolted through the desk.

Along with the dual mount, the full line of reengineered EVO LCD arms will be featured at NeoCon. The arms are comprised of 99 percent recyclable material, and feature:
• Sleep and modern design to complement the workspace.
• Better Balance^tm^ Technology, a newly invented counterbalance mechanism that provides true constant force across the arm’s entire range of motion.

About Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Innovative Office Products, Inc. (www.LCDarms.com) blends function and style in products that improve ergonomics, save space and increase the flexibility of the modern office. Based in Easton, Pa., Innovative office mounting solutions that range from flexible radial arms to space-saving mounts for desk and wall.

Glatfelter Service Center Honored in 2013 HDI CSAT Elite 50

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York, Pa. — May 22, 2013— The Service Center at Glatfelter Insurance Group has been recognized as #17 out of the top 50 support centers in the 2013 HDI CSAT Elite 50 – and is the top ranked service center in the insurance sector. HDI is the world’s largest professional association and certification body for technical service and support professionals.

“Providing service beyond the expectations of our clients is one the founding pillars of Glatfelter Insurance Group,” said Wayne Umland, CIO of Glatfelter Insurance Group. “This honor from HDI is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and knowledge of all the associates in our Service Center.”

HDI uses the HDI Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Service to track and trend customer satisfaction ratings from year to year. Based solely on the data collected over a twelve-month period, participating technical service and support centers are identified as leaders in the industry. The 50 support centers with the highest scores are then recognized by HDI as members of the HDI CSAT Elite 50. Teams that qualify for the HDI CSAT Elite 50 ranking are recognized at the HDI Annual Conference & Expo, where they are lauded as industry leaders in front of their peers and other organizations.

Support teams can qualify for the HDI CSAT Elite 50 ranking each year, as long as they have received a minimum of 500 survey responses over a six-month period. The support centers’ overall customer satisfaction ratings are based on 12 months of data, to allow for accurate trending.

About Glatfelter Insurance Group
Founded in 1951, Glatfelter Insurance Group (www.glatfelters.com) is an all-lines, full-service insurance broker marketing property, casualty, life, accident and health insurance products and risk management services on both a retail and wholesale/specialty basis throughout the United States. The company is headquartered in York, Pa., with five marketing offices across the country and a network of more than 4,500 independent agents and brokers. An employee-owned company, Glatfelter has more than 500 associates serving the insurance needs of more than 30,000 clients in all 50 states, placing it among the top 25 privately owned insurance brokers in the U.S.

About HDI
HDI is the professional association and certification body for the technical service and support industry. Facilitating collaboration and networking, HDI hosts acclaimed conferences and events, produces renowned publications and research, and certifies and trains thousands of professionals each year. HDI also connects solution providers with practitioners through industry partnerships and marketing services.

Guided by an international panel of industry experts and practitioners, HDI serves a community of more than 120,000 technical service and support professionals and is the premier resource for best practices and emerging trends. For more information about HDI, visit http://www.ThinkHDI.com or call 800.248.5667.