National Insurance Task Force Adds Members

National Insurance Task Force Adds Members

NU Online News Service, June 10, 11:58 a.m. EDT?NeighborWorks National Insurance Task Force, which develops partnerships between insurers and community groups, has added Zurich North America and the Louisiana Department of Insurance as members.

NITF, which was convened by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation in 1994, works to help homeowners reduce risk and improve the safety of their homes and creates better-educated customers for insurers.

NITF said its member organizations work closely with community organizations to address insurance issues of mutual concern.

NITF Director Todd Pittman said the group is confident that its new partners, Zurich and Louisiana, "will make a difference in the lives of low-income and minority homeowners."

Art Albright, diversity officer for Zurich North America, said joining NITF is "is another important way we can have a positive impact in our communities."

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley said, "I believe our Department has a lot to offer on the task force and we're real excited about this opportunity."

The National Insurance Task Force comprises insurance companies, insurance industry trade associations, insurance regulators, educational institutions, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation and the members of the national NeighborWorks network of 220 community groups.

According to NITF, NeighborWorks network has stimulated reinvestment of more than $6 billion and helped 157,796 lower-income families to purchase or improve their homes.