Wilmington, DE — The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) announced at their Mid Year Meeting in Baltimore that 20 entries were received for the third annual marketing campaign competition. TMPAA’s co-sponsor, the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) has sponsored its own marketing and communications “Showcase Awards” for 55 years. IMCA provided a panel of independent judges that reviewed all TMPAA member entries for both creative design and marketplace impact.

The winning member agencies were Venture Insurance Programs from West Chester, PA, K&B Underwriters from Reston, VA and MiniCo Insurance Agency from Phoenix, AZ. Venture’s entry was for its “Suite Life” campaign in support of its hospitality program. K&B Underwriters’ entry featured its multi-media campaign in support of its “DigniCARE” senior living facilities program. And MiniCo’s entry was the launch of its new “Family of Products” campaign featuring a branded icon supporting four of its specialty insurance programs. All three Award of Excellence winners supported their entries with impressive marketplace metrics that achieved desired upfront marketing objectives.

David Springer, TMPAA President, presented the winning award plaques at the recent Mid Year Meeting. The semi-annual association meeting attracted 600 agency, carrier and vendor members. Springer commented, “The TMPAA was thrilled to continue the creative competition in partnership with IMCA. We hope to have even more entries in 2014.”

Additionally, Springer announced that two other member agencies were named runners up in this year’s competition – GMI Insurance from Valley Forge, PA and Willis Programs of Portsmouth, NH.

The Association’s recent Mid Year Meeting was held in Baltimore, MD, May 6-9. Complete details of this event are now on the TMPAA website. The 13th Annual TMPAA Summit is scheduled for October 21-23 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Program Administrators / MGA’s interested in learning more about the TMPAA and the Program Marketing Awards can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com, or contact Ray Scotto, Executive Director, at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

Recipients of the CPL Designation completed and passed required Target University courses, and met program and industry experience expectations set out by the Association. “The mission of Target University and the CPL Designation is to further promote Best Practices in program administration, and recognize the specialized skill sets of Program Administrators,” stated David Springer, TMPAA President. “The University was developed through the efforts of the TMPAA Board and committee of TMPAA members who served as advisors on course development.”

CPL Designation recipients included Dan Schoenfeld, Clarion Associates, Inc.; Tina Brizuela, Liberty International Underwriters; Frank Noyes, Markel Programs; Brian Kenny and David Beighley, Zurich.

“The required university courses all deal with crucial aspects of successful program administration,” indicated Greg Thompson, TMPAA Past President and University Dean. “The coursework is rigorous, but presented in a unique and engaging format by experts currently working in this industry segment. All of our CPL Designation recipients demonstrated their mastery in these areas, and are also individuals who have a solid resume of work in programs. It is always an honor to be associated with this effort and to see the designation awarded to our Association Members.”

A photograph of the Spring 2013 Class of CPL Designees is available on the Association website.

The Target Markets Program Administrators Association is an organization dedicated to the unique challenges of insurance program administration. The TMPAA’s mission is to help Program Administrators conduct their business more efficiently, with greater proficiency and profitability. The organization provides its membership with an array of business and educational services including access to program carrier decision makers, Best Practice information and recognition, Target University, Program Marketing and Distribution, Target Programs (online portal), Industry Studies and two annual Member Meetings.

The Association’s recent Mid Year Meeting was held in Baltimore, MD, May 6-9. Complete details of this event are now on the TMPAA website. The 13th Annual TMPAA Summit is scheduled for October 21-23 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Program Administrators / MGA’s interested in learning more about the TMPAA and the CPL Designation can visit the Association website at www.targetmarkets.com, or contact Ray Scotto, Executive Director, at (877) 347-5700 or ray.scotto@targetmkts.com.

Survey results demonstrate that the majority of respondents believe that the Transportation market remains consistent to last quarter, indicating we are in a hard market. Participants believe that as a result of significant rate increases in auto liability rates more generalists are re-entering the space compared to last quarter. Over recent quarters we have seen rate increases intensifying: however they may be consolidating at higher levels according to some respondents in this latest report.

The survey also measures premium changes across ten different transportation segments including:

In the fourth quarter of 2012, some participants have noticed no change on select segments, as opposed to rate increases in the previous quarter.

When, looking at the premium changes reported by coverage type it is evident that the majority of participants believe that rates remain up vs. last quarter; however, a few participants reported no rate changes in the Trucking, Intermodal, and Charter/Tour segments.

“TIPS results indicate that we are starting to see a deceleration of rate increases in some parts of the country”, said Richard Augustyn, CEO of NIP Group, Inc. “However, rate levels remain high but are showing some signs of leveling off as both specialist and generalist insurers are increasing their participation in the market.”

Detailed results can be downloaded here

About NIP Group, Inc.
NIP Group, Inc. is a specialized business insurance and risk management intermediary, ranked among the largest 100 in the United States and providing a wide range of brokerage, underwriting and risk management services to select market segments.

CONTACT:
Alyssa Hewitt
PHONE: 1-800-446-7647 ext. 285
EMAIL: ahewitt@nipgroup.com

I embrace the opportunity to serve as the Association’s 6th President and look forward to driving the TMPAA on its path of growth and expanded services for members of the group. The TMPAA is fortunate to have a wealth of extraordinarily talented members and it is the collective influence of this forward thinking group that drives the innovative spirit to provide even greater benefit to our membership. In the recent past our group has implemented a new Certified Programs Leader Certification in connection with Target University, completed its second annual Program Business Study, and retooled both the Association website and commercial site, “Target Programs.” I expect to be busy in helping to expand the current set of Program resources, and want to thank our outgoing President, Jeremy Hitzig for the tremendous job he has done over the past two years.

– David Springer

“LightScapePro was developed to meet the unique insurance needs of contractors engaged in outdoor lighting design and installation,” says Donna Jantzen, President of NIP Programs. “In the past, outdoor lighting was typically handled by landscaping contractors.” She adds, “However, the market has evolved, and outdoor lighting projects are now frequently handled by specialists in the field. And with the unique exposures that accompany these kinds of projects, standard landscaping insurance policies are proving to be insufficient in providing contractors with the protection they need. LightScapePro was designed specifically to provide coverage that’s essential to this evolving class of business.”

The LightScapePro program offers standard business coverages, such as General Liability, Business Auto Liability, Property, Inland Marine, Umbrella Liability, Crime, and Workers’ Compensation, along with a variety of special coverage options including a Limited Pollution Liability Extension Endorsement, and more. LightScapePro is underwritten in partnership with a carrier partner that’s been rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

“The market has been in need of a competitive and comprehensive program, built from the ground up to meet the unique insurance needs of outdoor lighting contractors,” says Jantzen. “The combined effort of rigorous research in the class, and continuous input from our broker partners has enabled us to provide that product.”

NIP Programs provides independent brokers and their clients with custom-tailored coverage and stability through all market cycles. Backed by A.M. Best “A rated” insurance carriers, NIP’s LightScapePro offers a terrific product at an affordable price, while delivering the industry’s best claims-paying ability. For more information on the LightScapePro program or to obtain a Broker Kit, contact Megan Peterman at (800) 446-7647 x433 or via email at mpeterman@nipgroup.com. Submissions can be sent to NIProSub@nipgroup.com or faxed to (732) 791-4097.

“InteriorScapePro is the first of our many program launches for the new year,” says Donna Jantzen, President of NIP Programs. “Indoor landscaping and plant maintenance contractors carry unique exposures that differ greatly from those of outdoor landscaping risks.” She adds, “Standard landscaping business policies are bound to leave gaps in coverage. InteriorScapePro bridges these gaps, providing better security to our insureds and a greater value to our brokers. NIP’s deep experience in serving the insurance and risk management needs of a variety of business types enables us to deliver the appropriate coverage, at prices sure to be appreciated by our insureds, and all with exceptional support for our broker partners.”

The InteriorScapePro program offers standard business coverages, such as General Liability, Business Auto Liability, Property, Inland Marine, Umbrella Liability, Crime, and Workers’ Compensation, along with a variety of special coverages including Workmanship Error Endorsement, Pesticide or Herbicide applicator coverage, a Limited Pollution Liability Extension, and more. InteriorScapePro is underwritten in partnership with a carrier partner that’s been rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

Says Jantzen, “InteriorScapePro was built from the ground up to provide the most competitive and comprehensive coverage on the market.” She adds, “We’ve taken a very close look at the state of the industry; and by combining our research, the needs of our broker partners, and our more than 20 years of expertise in these classes, we’ve developed a product that provides stellar coverage, service, and value.”

NIP Programs provides independent brokers and their clients with custom-tailored coverage and stability through all market cycles. Backed by A.M. Best “A rated” insurance carriers, NIP’s InteriorScapePro offers a terrific product at an affordable price, while delivering the industry’s best claims-paying ability. For more information on the InteriorScapePro program or to obtain a Broker Kit, contact Andrew Behrens at (800) 446-7647 x 245 or via email at abehrens@nipgroup.com. Submissions can be sent to NIProSub@nipgroup.com or faxed to (732) 791-4097.

“MenuPro is NIP Programs’ latest addition to our program offerings, providing comprehensive coverage options that are designed to address the unique risks associated with restaurants and other dining establishments,” says Donna Jantzen, president of NIP Programs. She adds, “Restaurants have unique exposures that can add complexity to the underwriting process, and MenuPro helps address them, while providing better value to our independent brokers, along with greater security to our insureds. NIP’s deep experience in serving the insurance and risk management needs of a variety of business types enables us to deliver the appropriate coverage, at prices sure to be appreciated by our insureds, and all with exceptional support for our broker partners.”

The MenuPro program offers standard business coverages, such as General Liability and Property, along with a host of optional enhancements, including Liquor Liability, Equipment Coverage, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), and more. The program even offers Umbrella Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage (in most states). MenuPro is underwritten in partnership with a carrier partner that’s been rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Currently eligible states include Alaska; Arizona; California; Colorado; Delaware; Idaho; Indiana; Iowa; Maine; Maryland; Minnesota; Montana; New Hampshire; New Mexico; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oregon; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Utah; Vermont; Virgina; Washington; Wisconsin; and Wyoming

Jackie Mersereau, Program Underwriter, says “MenuPro was designed to provide the most competitive and comprehensive coverage available today, for these types of businesses.” She goes on to say, “We work closely with our broker partners to custom-tailor a policy that perfectly fits the needs of their client’s operation, so that their clients can focus on what they do best: providing service and value to their customers.”

NIP Programs provides independent brokers and their clients with custom-tailored coverage and stability through all market cycles. Backed by A.M. Best “A rated” insurance carriers, NIP’s MenuPro offers a terrific product at an affordable price, while delivering the industry’s best claims-paying ability. For more information on the MenuPro program or to obtain a Broker Kit, contact MenuPro Program Manager Jackie Mersereau at (800) 446-7647 x 388 or via email at jmersereau@nipgroup.com. Submissions can be sent to NIProSub@nipgroup.com or faxed to (732) 791-4097.

Survey results demonstrate that the majority of respondents believe that the Transportation market remains consistent to last quarter, indicating a hard market. Participants also acknowledge that fewer non-specialty carriers are chasing transportation premium and respondents generally believe that generalists are leaving the space. Over the past several quarters we have seen rate increases intensifying and spreading across all major market segments and account sizes.

The survey also measures premium changes across ten different transportation segments including:

■   Trucking Operations                          ■   Intermodal Carriers

■   Messenger/Courier Services              ■   Ambulance/Paratransit

■   School Bus Contractors                    ■   Bulk Transportation

■   Airport Ground Transportation           ■   Charter/Tour Bus Operators

■   Specialized Carriers & Riggers          ■   Limousine Services

In the third quarter of 2012, with the exception of the Umbrella line, rate increases of at least 10% have been reported across all transportation segments.

Similarly, when looking at the premium changes reported by coverage type it is evident that the majority of participants believe that rates remain up vs. last quarter. However, Motor Truck Cargo, Umbrella, and Workers’ Comp coverage lines have not been affected as much.

“While TIPS results indicate that rate increases are slowing, rates continue to increase, adding validity to the belief that the market is hardening.”, said Richard Augustyn, CEO of NIP Group, Inc. “For an industry that has struggled with declining rates and over-capacity, this is a good sign that the market is moving in a favorable direction.”

About NIP Group, Inc.

NIP Group, Inc. is a specialized business insurance and risk management intermediary, ranked among the largest 100 in the United States and providing a wide range of brokerage, underwriting and risk management services to select market segments.

CONTACT:

Alyssa Hewitt

PHONE: 1-800-446-7647 ext. 285

EMAIL: ahewitt@nipgroup.com

“We’re very pleased to introduce the C-StorePro program,” said Donna Jantzen, President of NIP Programs.
“Convenience stores have unique exposures, especially those engaged in retail gasoline sales. These exposures can add complexity to the underwriting process, and C-StorePro provides more value to our independent brokers, along with greater security to our insureds.” Jantzen goes on to say, “The C-StorePro program covers property, business automobiles, and a variety of specialized equipment that is used within these businesses. This is a high-quality, specialized and customizable insurance solution for these unique businesses, and provides the insured with enhanced protection while saving them money.”

The C-StorePro program offers standard business coverages, such as General Liability and Property, along with a host of optional enhancements, including Liquor Liability, Equipment Coverage, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), and more. The program even offers Umbrella Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage (in most states). C-StorePro is underwritten in partnership with a carrier partner that’s been rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. Currently eligible states include Alaska, Arizona, California (No Workers Comp), Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (No Workers Comp), Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

“C-StorePro was designed to be the most competitive and comprehensive coverage available for convenience
stores,” says Jantzen. “We help brokers to custom-tailor a policy that perfectly fits the needs of their client’s operation, so that their clients can focus on what they do best: providing service to their customers.”

For more information on the C-StorePro program or to obtain a Broker Kit, contact C-StorePro Program
Manager Jackie Mersereau at (800) 446-7647 x 388 or via email at jmersereau@nipgroup.com. Submissions
can be sent to NIProSub@nipgroup.com or faxed to (732) 791-4097.

Woodbridge, NJ – Nov 20, 2012 – NIP Programs, a division of NIP Group, Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of LawnCarePro^TM, a specialty business insurance program designed specifically to serve lawn care professionals nationwide. This program provides important coverage for lawn care services, particularly those engaged in the application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and organic lawn treatments, segments that have traditionally been difficult to insure. NIP Programs is a leader in the design and management of specialty business insurance programs, ranked among the top 100 in the nation.

“We’re pleased to be able to introduce the LawnCarePro program,” said Donna Jantzen, President of NIP Programs. “Lawn service providers have unique exposures, especially those engaged in the application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and organic lawn treatments. These exposures add complexity to the underwriting process, and LawnCarePro provides more value to our independent brokers along with greater security to our insureds.” Jantzen goes on to say, “The LawnCarePro program covers property, business automobiles, and a variety of specialized equipment that is used within this industry. In addition, it also provides limited pollution liability coverage for qualified risks. This is a high-quality, specialized and customizable insurance solution for these unique businesses, and provides the insured with better protection while saving them money.”

The LawnCarePro program offers standard business coverages, such as General Liability and Property, along with a host of optional enhancements, including Business Auto, Equipment Coverage, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), and more. The program even offers Umbrella Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage. LawnCarePro is underwritten in partnership with a carrier partner that’s been rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

“LawnCarePro was designed to be the most competitive and comprehensive coverage serving green industry service providers,” says Jantzen. “We can help brokers to custom-tailor a policy that perfectly fits the needs of their client’s business, so that their clients can focus on what they do best: providing service and support to their customers.”

For more information on the LawnCarePro program or to obtain a Broker Kit, call 1 (800) 446-7647 ext. 249 or email LawnCarePro Program Manager Monique Evans at mevans@nipgroup.com. Submissions can be sent to NIProSub@nipgroup.com or faxed to (732) 791-4097.