Last year was a watershed for many industries, and the insurance-linked securities market was no exception.

Maria Sheffield plans to throw her hat into the ring to be elected Georgia's next insurance commissioner, looking to succeed her former boss, John Oxendine, who is running for governor next year, the National Underwriter has learned.

Producers should not expect to see discounts on their educational programs despite these tough economic times, but there are strategies they can develop to help save money while getting the most value out of any training experience.

Risk managers must take steps to maintain timely access to key enterprisewide data and resources during such a crisis so that a disruption does not devastate revenue streams, undermine client accounts or prevent government mandates from being met.