| An Independent Approach To Car Insurance
(NAPSI)-Many consumers are finding they can drive down the cost of car insurance-and the time it takes to select the right policy-by contacting an independent insurance agent or broker. Because they represent many different insurance companies, independent agents have the flexibility to review rates and coverage from competing carriers and get you the best deal. Plus, they can offer affordable protection for your home, business and other assets. So rather than spending hours gathering quotes from various companies, you can get it done with one simple call or visit to your independent agent or broker. If you're thinking of contacting an independent agent, here are a few things to consider: • What's your lifestyle? Many factors determine auto insurance rates, not just vehicle year, make and model.
Who's Buying What: Recent deals for technology software and services
The disability income insurance area of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), Springfield, Mass., upgraded to version 3.1 of Product Machine, a set of tools designed to enable users to build, design and publish products. Product Machine is distributed by New York-based FJA-U.S., a technology provider with expertise in actuarial science, business and technology. MassMutual licensed the Product Machine in 2001 to support product modeling of disability products. In addition to improving MassMutual's modeling capabilities, this implementation shortened the time and cost of bringing products to market, the company reports. EMPLOYERS DIRECT TO USE NEW PORTAL With the goals of improving customer experience, lowering insurance premiums and improving its bottom line, Employers Direct Insurance Co., a specialty direct writer of workers' compensation insurance will use Liferay Portal 4.1.1 technology, says the company.
Willis Group Sharpens Focus on the Small Business Market
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE:WSH), the global insurance broker, announced today that it is accelerating its effort to grow its business among small companies around the world. As a component of Shaping Our Future, a series of strategic initiatives aimed at continuing the Company's growth, Willis is targeting this segment by partnering with carriers to develop insurance solutions which are highly tailored to small enterprises. Growth will be achieved by developing innovative solutions (including facilities, programs and binders) and expanding the broker's already strong Managing General Agent (MGA) business. This effort will also include using the Internet and other technology platforms to streamline processes. To manage and drive this important program, Willis has named Tom Bartleet as Chief Executive Officer of the Global Small Commercial Business.
Doug Eden Joins The Main Street America Group as Senior Vice ...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Main Street America Group announced today Doug Eden has joined the super regional property-casualty insurance carrier as senior vice president, field operations. Eden will be a member of the company's senior management team based at its corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., and will report to chairman, president and chief executive officer Tom Van Berkel. "Doug, who has an extensive background managing independent agent networks, will add great value to our organization as he develops and leads our customer relationship strategies, and will direct the management of our regional field operations," Van Berkel said. Eden joins Main Street America from The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., Itasca, Ill., where he was regional president, Midwest.
Loss didn't curtail his humor
George R. "Dick" Callaghan of Fresno fought crime, loved the military, lectured about terrorism, survived a nearly fatal road rage assault and endured personal tragedy -- yet reveled to the end in corny jokes.Mr. Callaghan, 77, a one-time Las Vegas police officer, undercover alcohol control agent, veterans advocate, real estate broker, insurance agent and notary, died March 31 of internal bleeding. Friends and relatives recalled a man of incessant gags despite abiding grief over the 1970 death of his 6-year-old son, Timothy, who died of a blood infection.Mr. Callaghan would ask whether you wanted to see his pride and joy, then pull out his photo of bottled Pride and Joy detergents.He would show another photo, saying, "This is my wife." In fact, said daughter-in-law Shari Callaghan, it was "a God-awful shot of a woman, with his head pasted on, climbing out of a shower."Mr.
Laser Treatment For Varicose Veins
It's not just fat that makes people want to cover up in the summertime. Unsightly varicose veins do, too. But those veins aren't just a cosmetic issue; they're a sign of a more serious medical problem. The good news is that they're fixable. "People think it's purely a cosmetic problem, and it's absolutely not the case," University of Pennsylvania Health System Interventional Radiologist Andrew Kwak, M.D. said. "Varicose veins are a sign of poor blood flow and can lead to ulcers and blood clots. A lot of varicose veins are very painful, they hurt. They can become a significant health problem in general." Now, in just one hour, Kwak treats varicose veins with a laser. It's a better, less invasive option than past procedures like surgery or vein stripping. "You are actually looking inside the leg with an ultrasound machine, find out exactly where you need to actually seal the vein off, and correct the problem," Kwak said.
If physician opts out, you're on your own
I have Medicare and a federal retiree health insurance plan. The specialist I want to go to has opted out of Medicare, and I had to sign a contract with her that I would accept the full cost of her services which would ordinarily be covered by Medicare. I agreed to this because I thought my federal coverage would pay the bill for me. However, I was billed a lot of money anyway. Is that right? Because you entered into a private contract with your physician, Medicare will not pay any portion of the charges, and your federal plan, which supplements Medicare, won't increase its payment to the specialist, either. The payment from your supplemental plan will be limited to the amount that would have been paid after the original Medicare plan paid. You are responsible for paying the difference between the billed amount and the amount your supplemental plan paid.
Governor Perdue Announces Executive Appointments
John G. McColskey, 41, Atlanta, 4th Congressional District Representative McColskey is a principal of Homrich & Berg, Inc. He serves as a member of the board of directors of The Alliance Theatre Company and The Theatre of the Stars. He is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and the Rotary Club of Atlanta. McColskey earned a bachelor's degree from High Point University. McColskey and his wife, Lauren, have two children.
State Board of Education
Mary Sue Polleys, Ph.D., 63, Columbus, 3rd Congressional District Representative Polleys is a former assistant professor of leadership and the director of the Servant Leadership Program at Columbus State University. She served as chair of the Muscogee County School Board. She led community service programs for Columbus State University students including work with Habitat for Humanity and the Callaway Gardens Student Leadership Conference.
Release of British Sailors Leaves Unanswered Questions
As VOA correspondent Gary Thomas reports, many analysts believe the heart of the matter lies in the struggle between Iran and the United States for influence in Iraq and the Middle East.
British naval detainees with Iran's President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, 4 Apr 2007 In January, U.S. forces arrested five Iranian men in the northern Iraqi town of Irbil. On March 23, Iran seized 15 British sailors and marines in the Persian Gulf. On Wednesday, Iranian President announced he was, to use his term, pardoning the 15 captured British service members for what Tehran claims was a violation of Iranian territorial waters. Meanwhile, Iran's official news agency, Irna, says an envoy will meet with the Iranians detained in Irbil in January, whom the U.S. says Tehran sent to Iraq to support militants.
Sports in brief
Kim St. Pierre made 22 saves to help Canada beat Finland, 5-0, on Monday night, setting up a 10th straight Canada-United States final in the women's world hockey championships. The game is tonight in Winnipeg, Manitoba. COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Wooden hospitalized Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden has been hospitalized for treatment of a possible recurrence of diverticulitis. Daughter Nancy Muehlhausen said the 96-year-old Hall of Fame coach was admitted to a Los Angeles-area hospital Sunday because of bleeding in the colon. Durant, Wright to go pro .
Ecount Introduces Health Care Incentives Suite
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/05/07 -- Ecount (www.ecount.com), a Citi company, today launched the most comprehensive suite of prepaid health care incentives available. Ecount Health Care Incentives provides insurers, employers and plan managers with a highly effective solution for encouraging healthy living. Domestically, more than $1.8 trillion is spent on health care annually. To fight rising costs and skyrocketing premiums, many insurers and employers are looking to drive participation in wellness and disease management programs -- everything from health risk assessments to smoking cessation to prenatal screenings. Ecount Health Care Incentives, a cash reward delivered onto a branded prepaid Visa® or MasterCard® card, are gaining popularity because of the results they drive.
Database Solutions, LTD. Announces Successful Showing at the LAMP ...
TORONTO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 04, 2007 -- DATABASE SOLUTIONS, LTD. (PINKSHEETS: DBSJ), a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Technology Company for the Insurance and Financial Industry, is pleased to announce today that on March 18th through March 20th Database Solutions successfully exhibited at the LAMP 2007 Conference held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 43 of the top insurance and financial services firms in the world as members, 10 of which are on the fortune 500 list, Database Solutions had the opportunity to demonstrate the company's family of CRM products and Agent Intelligence online on-demand solution to agencies through out the United States, Canada, Mexico and overseas. Due to the overwhelming response from show attendees, Database Solutions has commenced product evaluations with exciting prospects showing excellent business potential worldwide.
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