Agency Management

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation last week extending the expiring National Flood Insurance Program yet again--this time until March 31, 2010.

Arthur J. Gallagher has reached a nationwide agreement with the Illinois attorney general and insurance department permitting the brokerage to once again accept contingent commissions.

Laura Toops, editor of American Agent & Broker, ponders the potential implications of Gallagher getting permission to accept controversial contingency fees again. See her blog at www.Agent-For-Change.com.

Grady B. Campbell, vice president, property and casualty marketing for Motorists Mutual Insurance Company, was named chairman of The PIA Partnership.

Willis Group Holdings reported second quarter net income rose 123 percent over the same period last year primarily on last year's acquisition of Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs, but organic growth grew only 1 percent as the soft market and recession took a toll.

The Illinois action allowing insurance brokerage Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to resume charging controversial contingent commissions could mean the commission ban will be lifted for other larger brokers, a RIMS executive said.