Hurricane Alex became the first hurricane to hit land in the month of June in more than 40 years, but its effect on the U.S. was minimal, according to a catastrophe modeler.

Property-catastrophe reinsurance rates in the United States have significantly decreased despite catastrophe losses from the Chile earthquake and storms in Australia during the first half of 2010, according to three reports on July 1 reinsurance renewals.

OneBeacon Insurance Group said it has completed the sale of its traditional personal lines business to Tower Group, Inc.

John Gibson has been named chief executive officer of AlphaStaff Group, Inc., one of the nation's largest professional employer organizations. He also will serve as a member of the board of directors.