Insurance companies are adding new independent agents to theirNew Jersey operations in record numbers, according to an agents'trade group.

That finding was reported by the Professional Insurance Agentsof New Jersey Inc., which keeps track of the companies each of itsmembers represents.

Shirley Albright, PIANJ Industry Resource Center Director, said,"Generally, we find company representation is fairly stable fromyear to year, varying by only a few percentage points from the yearbefore. But this year, the changes reported by members who updatedtheir data resulted in double-digit year-over-year increases almostacross the board."

According to PIANJ figures representation by agents wasincreased by at least 10 percent at the following companies orcompany groups: AIG, Andover Cos., The Chubb Group, CNA,Cumberland, Foremost, Franklin Mutual, Greater New York, TheHartford, Mercury Group, Ohio Casualty, Palisades, PhiladelphiaGroup, Preserver Group, Proformance, Quincy Mutual, St. PaulTravelers and Zurich.

Responding to the surge in interest by carriers, PIANJ willrepeat an earlier seminar on how to land a company appointment."Company Appointments: The Art of Gaining New Markets" will betaught by John D'Agostino Jr., PIANJ's past president, providingthree New Jersey continuing education credits.

The seminar will be held Nov. 1 at the Ramada Inn in EastBrunswick, N.J. The charge is $65 for members, $115 fornonmembers.

Registration and additional information is available bycontacting the Education and Conference Department at (800)424-4244 or www.piaonline.org, and typingED14994 in the Quick-Link box.