Agency Management

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. insurance brokerage announced it will donate $100,000 to the Spencer Educational Foundation Inc. to fund a "Robert E. Gallagher and John P. Gallagher Scholarship."

While networking activities between specialty insurers and brokers remain the centerpiece of the annual meeting of NAPSLO, one new item on this year's schedule promises to bring two generations of NAPSLO members together.

Large groups of private educational institutions, hospitals, hotel chains and even officials of Major League Baseball can buy insurance for income losses and extra expenses incurred during a pandemic.

What can Progressive Insurance do to help its independent agents compete in an increasingly virtual insurance market?

Some of the most challenging risks in the event cancellation business are aging performers--whether they're rock-and-roll stars or operatic tenors, according to one managing general agent who specializes in placing contingency insurance for concerts.

While specialty insurers writing coverage for risks ranging from oil platforms, to trucks, to construction projects have reported lower demand in 2009, those working with customers in the sports and entertainment industries still draw crowds.

Former New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo, speaking at an industry conference, said he believes producers' acceptance of contingent commissions from insurers is "a clear conflict."

Producer group representatives said changes made to the proposed New York compensation regulation have improved the rule, but aspects of it could still burden their members.