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More independent agencies are taking advantage of advances in technology, including improved agency management systems, social media marketing methods and real-time capabilities, according to American Agent & Brokers’ 2010 reader agency automation survey.More independent agencies are taking advantage of advances in technology, including improved agency management systems, social media marketing methods and real-time capabilities, according to American Agent & Brokers’ 2010 reader agency automation survey....

Practicing what they preach in terms of personal risk management, more than 96 percent of independent agents and brokers responding to a recent online survey said they carried errors and omissions insurance....

Although less than a quarter of independent agents and brokers responding to a recent survey are using social networking in their marketing plans, almost 20 percent are considering it....

Holding up a glass filled with white milk, Tyronne Stoudemire, global director of diversity and inclusion for Hewitt Associates, poured in some chocolate syrup—which promptly settled to the bottom until it was vigorously stirred....

Direct insurance regulation is likely to remain a state rather than federal function, Illinois Insurance Director Michael McRaith predicts....

They’re located in Canada, Florida and a Mississippi Gulf Coast town still reeling from Hurricane Katrina. They have as few as 10 employees and as many as 250. ...

In a year when most are satisfied with holding their own in a sinking economy, the Applied Systems Client Network reported growth in a number of key areas thanks to the resilience of its volunteer members, the user group’s outgoing chair says....

As incoming chair of the Applied Systems Client Network, Lisa Parry Becker is targeting more educational opportunities for members and increased engagement at all levels....

Illinois Insurance Director Michael McRaith speaking at an industry conference predicted that insurance regulation is likely to remain a state rather than federal function.Illinois Insurance Director Michael McRaith speaking at an industry conference predicted that insurance regulation is likely to remain a state rather than federal function....

In a year when “growth” has meant “flat” and economic recovery remains frail, the fact that almost 1,000 attended the Applied Systems Client Network (ASCnet) TENCon here is proof of the organization’s success. ...

• Art Seifert, president of Dallas-based U.S. Risk Underwriters, added that sellers can expect higher multiples for “bolt-on” businesses, ranging from six- to eight-times EBITDA—because the buyer is...

Although the red-hot agency acquisitions market has slowed because of shriveling capital and a dwindling pool of candidates, smart buyers and sellers can still work a profitable deal if it’s a...

Although the red-hot agency acquisitions market has slowed because of shriveling capital and a dwindling pool of candidates, smart buyers and sellers can still work a profitable deal if it’s a...

A non-compete is so essential to the transaction that it falls under the category of “Deal 101,” said William Kronenberg, chairman of Professional Underwriters Corp. in Exton, Pa., during a panel...