Breaking News: Federal Judge Rules Federal Healthcare Law Must Be Voided

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January 31, 2011 Breaking News Alert Federal Judge in Florida Rules Federal Healthcare Law Must Be Voided A judge in Florida Monday became the second U.S. judge to declare President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law unconstitutional, in the biggest legal challenge yet to federal authority to enact the law. Read the full story Send to a Friend Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Do Your Clients Thank You?

Having trouble reading this email? View it as a webpage. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Bill Whitley, Speaker, Consultant, Author of Art of the Rainmaker In two days - Reserve your seat today. Wednesday, February 2, 2011 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST Increase Sales by Learning How to Ask the Right Questions - One-hour of training and Q&A w/Bill Whitley - Live online training, plus access to archive afterward - Share access with others in your office Students in this class learn: A more valuable discovery conversation. How to make their products easier to understand. How to help clients self-select products that solve their biggest needs. Reserve Your Seat Today! Use code HOWTOASK for $25 off registration * promotional code expires after 100 uses or Feb 1 Your ability to ask the questions that uncover client needs is the most important part of the sales cycle. If you do this well, your customer will truly thank you. During this class, Bill Whitley will teach you how to create a simple, visual diagram called "Your World." This diagram guides you through the questions necessary to uncover needs, educate customers and arrive at the logical next step with any prospect or client. Register today - access to the live online class When you register, you also get: Access to the live class on Wednesday, February 2 Question & Answer session after each class Recording of the webcast, so you won't miss any of the content Audio download of the webcast Presentation slides download Reserve Your Seat Today! Any Questions? If you need help or would like to submit a question to the instructors before the webcast, send an email to webcasts@insurancejournal.com. Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Weekly Reader Picks: Monday, January 31, 2011

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January 31, 2011 Top 10 for the Past Week 1. What Did One Car Say to the Other Car? Jan 27, 2011 -- "Hey, Honda Civic, my friend, stay in your lane. This is a friendly message from the Ford Focus to your right." "Well hello there, Ms. Lexus. How about letting up on the gas a bit? It's dark and the roads are icy and, heck, what's the rush? This ... 2. Courts Allowing Private Facebook Posts As Evidence in Lawsuits Jan 27, 2011 -- It's the latest litigation tactic in the online age: U.S. lawyers are trying to mine the private zones of Facebook and other social-media sites for photos, comments, status updates and other tidbits that might contradict what their opponents are ... 3. Iowa Football Players Hospitalized After Strenuous Workouts Jan 27, 2011 -- The University of Iowa says 12 football players have been hospitalized for symptoms likely related to offseason workouts. The school has declined to release the names of the players being treated. It said in a statement that the players were taken ... 4. What the Financial Crisis Commission Concluded About AIG’s Failure Jan 27, 2011 -- The taxpayer bailout of giant American International Group (AIG) became necessary largely because of AIG's poor risk management of its financial products and because  deregulation of over-the-counter derivatives, including credit default swaps, let ... 5. P/C Insurers Like Some of Obama’s State of Union Promises Jan 27, 2011 -- Property/casualty insurers found things to like in President Obama's State of the Union speech that was largely focused on the economy and business. Medical malpractice reform, regulatory review, and trade agreements— these issues in particular ... 6. National Underwriter, Summit Media File for Bankruptcy Jan 26, 2011 -- Summit Business Media and its affiliates including The National Underwriter insurance publisher have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address more than $250 million in debt and unsecured claims. The company said that it had already worked out an ... 7. Severed Finger Points Way to Suspected Arsonist in Florida Jan 26, 2011 -- A piece of a severed finger inside a glove led police near Titusvillle, Fla. to a suspected arsonist. Investigators found the finger near the door of a burning home along North Dixie Highway latst Friday night. They checked local hospitals and found ... 8. New Jersey Man Gets 4 Years for $20M Insurance Scam Jan 26, 2011 -- A former partner in a New Jersey-based insurance firm is going to prison for four years for his role in a $20 million loan scheme. Gavin Gatta's company, Smith Gatta Gelok, assisted businesses in buying commercial insurance. Gatta admitted that he ... 9. Insurers Form Florida Lobby Group to Change Personal Lines Jan 25, 2011 -- Some of Florida's largest insurance companies have banded together and formed the Personal Lines Insurance Federation of Florida to lobby for changes in the state's regulatory environment in an effort to spur growth in the personal lines market. ... 10. Travelers Sees Insurance Business Improving Jan 25, 2011 -- Travelers Companies Inc. posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit and the largest publicly traded U.S. property insurer said there were early signs businesses were finally willing to spend more on insurance. Despite deep-seated pessimism about ... Popular Videos How November Elections Changed Insurance Power in Washington Fires, Explosions, Spills: EFI Finds the Cause Industry Can Count on Slow Economic Recovery in 2011 Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail

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Tomorrow - Work Comp Series: When to Add Additional States

Having trouble reading this email? View it as a webpage. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Chris Boggs, Director of Education Insurance Journal Academy of Insurance Thursday, January 27, 2011 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST Practical Workers' Compensation Series: When to Add Additional States - One-hour of training and Q&A w/Chris Boggs - Live online training, plus access to archive afterward - Share access with others in your office Potential coverage limit gaps or the complete loss of coverage are possible when employees work in states in which the employer has no specific location. To avoid these gaps or the loss of coverage requires recognition of the problems and knowledge of the available solutions. This session highlights the problems, focuses on the solutions and provides guidelines and rules that should be followed in deciding to name a state. 20 spots left - Reserve Your Seat Today! Join us Thursday, January 27 1:30pm Eastern (10:30am Pacific) Use code WCOMP25 for a $25 discount. * promotional code expires after 50 uses Upcoming Classes in our Workers Comp Series Live call-in February 3 Session 4: The Surprising Importance of Employers' Liability Protection Employers' Liability protection is often overlooked or just plain ignored by many agents and brokers. The gaps filled by this coverage are too important to act carelessly when planning this protection. This session provides a new appreciation for the importance of employers' liability protection. When: Thursday, February 3 Cost: $109 Add to Cart Live call-in February 10 Session 5: How to Read, Understand and Explain the Experience Modification Worksheet Learn the who, what, when, why and how of experience modification. Who is eligible for or required to have an experience modification factor? What is an experience modification factor and why are they used? And the major question, "How are experience mods calculated?" When: Thursday, February 10 Cost: $109 Add to Cart Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Weekly Reader Picks: Monday, January 24, 2011

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January 24, 2011 Top 10 for the Past Week 1. Dead Woman’s Kin to Sue New York City over Blizzard Response Jan 21, 2011 -- A woman who says her mother could still be alive if it weren't for New York's poor response to a Christmas weekend blizzard plans to sue the city. A lawyer for Laura Freeman filed a notice of claim against the city and several agencies Wednesday. ... 2. Cyber Guerillas Present Security Risk with Unpredictable Attacks Jan 21, 2011 -- If anyone needed proof that cyber activists can create havoc in the real world, the last few weeks have provided evidence in megabytes. Rallying behind WikiLeaks, the thousands of internet activists who made headlines in December by bringing down ... 3. Korean Navy Rescues Hijacked Crew; Kills 8 Pirates Jan 21, 2011 -- The latest news reports have covered the successful rescue of all of the 21 crew members of the South Korean-owned Samho Jewelry by Korean navy commandos. The reports indicate that 8 of the Somali-based pirates, who took over the ship on Saturday, ... 4. Republican Strategy: Prune Obamacare ‘Branch by Branch’ Jan 20, 2011 -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday launched a plan to replace President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul "branch by branch'' with measures they say would bring down soaring costs. "The tree is rotten, you cut it down. If we ... 5. Younger Insurance Consumers Expect Online Insurance Options Jan 20, 2011 -- It's not a far stretch to predict that the next generation of insurance consumers will want to purchase more insurance coverages online. But the latest Employers Small Business Opinion Poll confirms that Generations X and Y want to interact with ... 6. House Passes Repeal of Healthcare Law Jan 20, 2011 -- The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would repeal President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare reform law Wednesday in a mostly symbolic move likely to be scuttled in the Senate. The House voted 245-189 to approve ... 7. Agent Group Sounds Alarm Over Federal Insurance Study Jan 19, 2011 -- Congress should refuse to fund a study of insurance regulation that the new Federal Insurance Office is supposed to conduct, an insurance agents' trade group said. The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) also wants Congress ... 8. Insurers Fined More Than $580,000 in Washington Jan 19, 2011 -- Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler fined insurers more than $580,000 in 2010 for violations including illegal telephone solicitation and overcharging customers. Kreidler also revoked the licenses of more than a dozen insurance agents ... 9. PURE to Begin Writing in Massachusetts Jan 19, 2011 -- Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) said it is now offering coverage for high-value homes in Massachusetts. PURE — which is structured as a policyholder-owned firm — already writes coverage in a number of Northeast states, ... 10. Chartis Launches Hospitality Industry Coverage Enhancements Jan 18, 2011 -- Chartis has introduced a series of coverage enhancements, developed by its Commercial Casualty division, to address the unique casualty exposures of the hospitality industry. The coverages are part of a suite of primary casualty solutions for real ... Popular Videos 5 Branding Principles to Live By PT&C Focuses on Catastrophe Causes, Damages Fires, Explosions, Spills: EFI Finds the Cause Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail

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One day and 15 spaces available

Having trouble reading this email? View it as a webpage. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Chris Boggs, Director of Education Insurance Journal Academy of Insurance Thursday, January 20, 2011 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST Employees, Independent Contractors, General Contractors and Contractual Risk Transfer in Work Comp Who qualifies as an "employee?" The answer can depend on statute, contract and the facts surrounding the relationship between the worker and the individual or entity making use of the worker's services. This session dissects employee/employer relationships to avoid surprises following a loss or at audit. Presented by Chris Boggs, author of The Insurance Professional's Practical Guide to Workers' Compensation. Registration includes access to the live webcast and Q&A, plus recording you can watch at your convenience. Register today — only 15 spots remaining! Any Questions? If you need help or would like to submit a question to the instructors before the webcast, send an email to webcasts@insurancejournal.com. Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Your Agency's Story is Worth Hearing

Having trouble reading this email? View it as a webpage. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Bill Whitley Your Agency's Story is Worth Hearing; But How Well are You Telling It? In this two-part course you learn how to craft a marketing message that will quickly position your agency as the trusted advisor to which customers naturally gravitate. Presented by Bill Whitley, author of Art of the Rainmaker, Story Selling in the Connected Economy and Eight Secrets of the Top Performing Agents, a book researched and written specifically for insurance agents. Register today! Use promo code MYSTORY to save $40 Are you able to communicate your quality and value to your prospects? What is the best way for you to communicate quality and value? Bill Whitley, a nationally recognized speaker and writer, answers this and other questions in his two-part series beginning Wednesday, January 19. Watch a video with Bill Whitley A Client Attraction Story is a simple message that makes your value easier to understand and makes you more likely to be selected. Watch Now Join us live, online: Part One: Tomorrow, January 19 Part Two: Wednesday, January 26 Live classes start at 10:30AM Pacific / 1:30PM Eastern Instructions and reminders will be emailed to all registrants Participants learn how to: Immediately position your agency as a trusted advisor and valuable risk manager Create a Client Attraction Conversation that is easy to deliver Develop a Client Attraction Story that effortlessly communicates your value Use these two powerful tools to create authentic enthusiasm about you and your value Transition from selling to helping and advising, the most powerful position in sales When you register, you also get: Access to each live class Question & Answer session after each class Recording of the webcast, so you won't miss any of the content Audio download of the webcast Presentation slides download Save $40 when you register Use code MYSTORY at checkout Art of the Rainmaker If you are like most people, you struggle with your sales message. When someone asks you what you do, your answer is often wordy or a bit confusing... Available at Amazon.com Any Questions? If you need help or would like to submit a question to the instructors before the webcast, send an email to webcasts@insurancejournal.com. Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.

Weekly Reader Picks: Monday, January 17, 2011

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January 17, 2011 Top 10 for the Past Week 1. Report: California’s ‘Other Big One’ Could Cause $300B in Damages Jan 14, 2011 -- California could be subject to a powerful series of storms, capable of costing $300 billion in damages -- three times as much as a severe earthquake in the southern part of the state, according to a new report by the U.S. Geological Survey. The ... 2. Underwriting, Expense Discipline Needed in 2011, Say P/C CEOs Jan 14, 2011 -- The property/casualty insurance industry turned a corner and will show a profitable year for 2010, but underwriting discipline will be more important than ever in 2011, according to property/casualty chief executive officers. "2010 was an acceptable ... 3. Caution: Distressed Commercial Properties Jan 14, 2011 -- The American landscape is littered with partially built, financially distressed or bank owned properties. Whether they are towering condos, gleaming hotel resorts, urban mixed use or suburban office space, many of these are now seeking new ... 4. P/C Executives See Better Profitability in 2011 Jan 13, 2011 -- Leaders of the property/casualty insurance industry believe the worst of the financial crisis is over and that the new year will bring improved profitability. In fact, an overwhelming majority (94 percent) of P/C executives expect better ... 5. Oh, Deer! West Virginia Herd Costing Insurers $44 Million a Year Jan 13, 2011 -- West Virginia deer are causing excessive damage across the state and the Division of Natural Resources' plan to manage the herd is deficient in addressing the problem, says a legislative audit released this week. West Virginia has an estimated 1 ... 6. CNA Makes Changes to Commercial Insurance Team in Chicago Jan 12, 2011 -- CNA Financial Corp. announced it has expanded its Commercial Insurance management team. Pat O'Connor will join the global business insurer as senior vice president of its Mono-line Property unit, with oversight of the equipment breakdown ... 7. Companies Concerned About U.S. Consumer Complaint Sites Jan 12, 2011 -- The U.S. government is intensifying its use of consumer complaint websites with two new outlets for customer gripes that have trade groups for manufacturers and financial firms concerned about smear campaigns and lawsuits. The Consumer Product ... 8. The 2010 Insurance Fraud Hall of Shame Jan 12, 2011 -- Barbara Morris died in a house fire set by an insurance arsonist. Bob Harper bought a fake health policy after urgently needing a pacemaker. A homeless man received a pittance after being rammed by a motorist who bought bogus auto coverage from a ... 9. Chinese Drywall Makers Refusing to Compensate U.S. Homeowners Jan 11, 2011 -- The top U.S. product safety official said on Monday the agency has failed to persuade Chinese makers of defective drywall to compensate American homeowners, in a dispute that threatens to mar strained trade ties. The failure to persuade about 13 ... 10. As Small Business Shrinks, Small P/C Insurers Lose Jan 11, 2011 -- The property/casualty small business sector—those accounts with less than 50 employees—has shrunk substantially since 2007, and there has been a dramatic shift in market share among small, mid-sized and large insurers. The insurance ... Popular Videos 5 Branding Principles to Live By How to Help Insureds Find Housing After a Disaster Fires, Explosions, Spills: EFI Finds the Cause Subscriber Tools Send this to a friend Subscribe Unsubscribe Submit News Contact Us More Newsletters Choose Newsletters Daily Headlines Weekly Reader Picks Magazine Update Insurance Journal TV Classifieds Breaking News MyNewMarkets Daily Claims Daily Enter Your E-mail

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Having trouble reading this email? View it as a webpage. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe instantly. Stories Sell! And You Want to Sell More, Right? In this two-part course you learn how to craft a marketing message that will quickly position your agency as the trusted advisor to which customers naturally gravitate. Are you able to communicate your quality and value to your prospects? What is the best way for you to communicate quality and value? Bill Whitley, a nationally recognized speaker and writer, answers this and other questions in his two-part series beginning Wednesday, January 19. Whitley is the author of several books focused on sells, including, "Art of the Rainmaker," "Story Selling in the Connected Economy" and "Eight Secrets of the Top Performing Agents," a book researched and written specifically for insurance agents. In this two-part course you learn how to craft a marketing message that will quickly position your agency as the trusted advisor to which customers naturally gravitate. Best of all, Whitley teaches you and your team how to effortlessly deliver this messaging to prospects. Homework: Following the first class, students will be asked to develop their unique client attraction story. These stories will be submitted to Bill for use as coaching tools during the second class. Special pricing until Monday, January 17: Regular price: $199 Special price to attend BOTH classes: $139 Regular Price: $199 BOTH classes: $139 Participants learn how to: Immediately position your agency as a trusted advisor and valuable risk manager Create a Client Attraction Conversation that is easy to deliver Develop a Client Attraction Story that effortlessly communicates your value Use these two powerful tools to create authentic enthusiasm about you and your value Transition from selling to helping and advising, the most powerful position in sales When you register, you also get: Access to each live class Question & Answer session after each class Recording of the webcast, so you won't miss any of the content Audio download of the webcast Presentation slides download Join us live, online: Part One: Wednesday, January 19 Part Two: Wednesday, January 26 Live classes start at 10:30AM Pacific / 1:30PM Eastern Instructions and reminders will be emailed to all registrants Special pricing until Monday, January 17: Regular price: $199 Special price to attend BOTH classes: $139 Regular Price: $199 BOTH classes: $139 Any Questions? If you need help or would like to submit a question to the instructors before the webcast, send an email to webcasts@insurancejournal.com. Unsubscribe | Send to a Friend | Contact Us Insurance Journal 3570 Camino del Rio North, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 897-9965 Copyright © 2011 by Wells Publishing, Inc.