If you own an underwriting agency with a very specialized, quality book of business—and have no plans to sell it—then Stephen Way, CEO of Houston International Insurance Group, may want to talk about making a deal.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed legislation that will allow the formation of captive-insurance companies in the state.

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Joplin, Mo., with members of the State Farm team—witnessing the company’s concerted response to the devastating tornado that ripped through the city, leaving more than 140 dead and 1,000 injured (see my Reporter’s Notebook on page 6).