Amy O'Connor
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Articles by Amy O'Connor
Insurance Leader Paul Hammack Remembered for Industry Passion, Vision
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Friends, family and insurance colleagues of Paul Hammack gathered in Sacramento, California, in May to honor the life of the 30-year industry veteran, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Dec. 14, 2022. Nearly 500 people packed two ballrooms at the Arden Hills Club to pay their respects to Hammack, president of California-based Professional Insurance Associates, one day before he would have turned age 54.
Hotel Industry Pushes Through as Insurance, Economic Uncertainty Builds
A busy summer travel season provided a much-needed boost to the hotel industry but rising insurance costs and other economic factors threaten to undermine the sector’s ongoing recovery. After nearly three years of losses related to COVID-19, hotel industry revenue and occupancy may actually exceed pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).
Green Building Investments Reach New Heights But Can Carrier Capacity Keep Up?
Increased interest in creating more energy efficient, resilient buildings is expected to fuel growth in the green construction industry, particularly as the government looks to spur investment in these projects through new incentives. But insurance specialists in the space say supply chain disruptions and a lack of qualified labor, as well as the unknown exposures of newer construction materials, could limit coverage capacity, as well as hinder or delay projects.
Piecing Together Coverage in Live Events Tough Insurance Market Remains as COVID Restrictions Ease
The upcoming summer months promise to bring a resurgence of festivals, concerts, and community events after the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down the live entertainment industry for the past two years. Pent-up demand for in-person events is fueling cautious optimism among specialists in the entertainment and event space, who say they are busier than ever trying to secure adequate coverage for their clients.
How Talent Chiefs Led Through the Pandemic
For insurance leaders tasked with managing their organization’s human capital, the COVID-19 pandemic presented myriad challenges around employee safety and wellness, and transformed their workplace responsibilities in ways they never anticipated. From navigating the shift to fully remote work, to return-to-office uncertainty, to mask and vaccine mandates, and employee burnout, as well as maintaining company culture, there’s been a lot for top talent leaders to handle over the last two years.
10 Emerging Risks to Watch
Insurance Journal examined industries experiencing changes and a few challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic forces and tough insurance market conditions in 2021. Here are 10 industry sectors that could see new and emerging risks in 2022 and beyond. Cyber Like the risk itself, the cyber insurance market is constantly changing and keeping carriers on their toes thanks to new threats, exposures and government regulations.
WSIA’s Diversity, Inclusion Director Sees Industry Progress, Commitment to Change
In its commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the insurance industry, the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) recently hired Vanessa Sims as its first director of DE&I. According to the association, Sims will help support and develop diversity initiatives and programs, and be a resource to the board of the WSIA Diversity Foundation, which launched in the fall of 2020 and has raised more than $2.6 million for its efforts.
WSIA’s Diversity, Inclusion Director Sees Industry Progress, Commitment to Change
In an effort to continue its commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the insurance industry, the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) recently hired Vanessa Sims as its first director of DE&I. According to the association, Sims will help support and develop diversity initiatives and programs, and be a resource to the board of the WSIA Diversity Foundation, which launched in the fall of 2020 and has since raised more than $2.6 million for its efforts.
Wholesale Brokers Look to Continue Offering Value While Addressing Talent Gap
The wholesale insurance market continues to grow premiums while providing value to retail agents and important options to their customers, according to a report commissioned by the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). But the segment must face the challenge of sustaining that growth by addressing the ever-growing talent gap, says the association’s executive director Brady Kelley.
Attention Young Professionals: Wholesale Insurance Is ‘Where the Magic Happens’
According to wholesale insurance executives, their segment of the property/casualty insurance industry is more exciting and fulfilling than other sectors of the industry. It’s also full of potential for young insurance professionals starting out in the current hard market and looking to build long-term careers, these executives told attendees at the recent Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association’s (WSIA) annual convention.
Wholesale Brokers Look to Continue Offering Value While Addressing Talent Gap
The wholesale insurance market continues to grow premiums while providing value to retail agents and important options to their customers, according to a report commissioned by the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). But the segment must face the challenge of sustaining that growth by addressing the ever-growing talent gap, says the association’s executive director Brady Kelley.
Interview with Florida Commissioner Altmaier: Private Flood Market and NFIP’s 2.0
Florida has 90,000 private flood insurance policies in force now — a 300% increase since passing legislation to encourage private insurers to offer the coverage in 2014, according to Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.
Florida Governor to Sign Property Insurance Measure But Says State Needs to Do More
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that he will sign recently-passed legislation addressing property insurance costs and roofing contractor practices while adding that he believes that the state needs to do more to curb excess litigation and improve the insurance market. The measure he said he will sign attempts to solve some of the issues plaguing the state’s homeowners insurance market in which insurers lost more than $1.5 billion last year.
Florida’s Altmaier Sees His State’s Private Flood Insurance Market Helping Others
Florida has 90,000 private flood insurance policies in force now– a 300% increase since passing legislation to encourage private insurers to offer the coverage in 2014, according to Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.
Too Little, Too Late? Breaking Down Florida’s Latest Property Insurance Reforms
A bill passed by the Florida Legislature to address the state’s property insurance crisis has created optimism among some stakeholders, while others say it will not reduce rates over the next 18 to 24 months or stop the state’s out-of-control claims litigation. This year’s effort to pass property insurance reforms came down to the wire with the passage of Senate Bill 76 on the last day of session.
Atlanta Insurance Agents Look to Expand Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Through Coalition
A group of Atlanta insurance professionals motivated by the racial justice movement in the wake of the murder of George Floyd exactly one year ago have formed a nonprofit with the mission of improving diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the region and the insurance industry overall. The Atlanta Insurance Coalition for Change (AICC)’s vision is to be a “beacon of change for inclusiveness and racial equality in our workplace, industry and community,” the group states on its website.
Investigators Seek Cause of House Boat Explosion on Tennessee River
A woman was killed and a man was injured when a house boat exploded on a Tennessee river Sunday afternoon, according to the state Wildlife Resources Agency. The explosion happened shortly after the 38-foot (12-meter meter) vessel refueled near the Montgomery County Conservation Club on the Cumberland River, news outlets quoted the Wildlife Resources Agency as saying. Photos from the scene released by Clarksville Fire and Rescue showed the boat completely engulfed by flames.
Homeowner Seeks $5M in Lawsuit Over ‘Rotten Egg’ Smell from S.C. Mill
A pulp and paper mill in South Carolina emits fumes that smells like rotten eggs and which nearby residents say have caused headaches and sore throats, a North Carolina homeowner says in a lawsuit. Kenny White, who lives in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte not far from the South Carolina border, filed the private-nuisance, class-action lawsuit against New-Indy Containerboard of Catawba, South Carolina, in federal court in Rock Hill last week, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Tennessee Insurance Data Security Law to Take Effect July 1
A law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in its latest session will give insurance consumers in the state new protections for their personal, medical and financial information, according to the Tennessee Department of Insurance. The Insurance Data Security Law was signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee earlier this month takes effect July 1, 2021.
Tennessee Dept. of Insurance Enables Remote Testing for Insurance Producers
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) has announced that Tennesseans seeking certification as insurance producers can now take their insurance exams remotely. Starting May 21, 2021, exams for prospective insurance producers can be taken at home, at the office or any secure location via TDCI’s third-party testing partner Pearson VUE in addition to ongoing in-person testing at locations across Tennessee. The exam is conducted through OnVUE online proctoring.
Florida Construction Co. Owner Arrested for Evading Payment of Workers’ Comp Premium
The owner of a Florida construction business has been arrested for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $718,000 in workers’ compensation premiums, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).
Mississippi City Receives $492K Federal Grant to Map Contaminated Sites
A Mississippi city is getting a $492,000 federal grant to list and assess contaminated and abandoned industrial and commercial sites and to get local residents interested. Target areas are downtown Natchez and the Adams County Industrial Park, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release announcing the grant on Tuesday.
Anderson Benson of Tenn. Appointed Lloyd’s Coverholder for Media Liability E&O Program
Anderson Benson, a Nashville-based independent insurance and risk management broker, has been appointed as a coverholder by Lloyd’s of London for a worldwide media liability errors and omissions (E&O) program that specializes in the music industry.
Arrowhead Launches E&S Program, Names Murray as President
Arrowhead General Insurance Agency Inc. has launched a new excess & surplus lines program and named Bill Murray as its president. The new E&S program operates as part of the National Programs division of Brown & Brown Inc., and initially will focus on excess casualty risks. Tom Kussurelis, Arrowhead EVP and COO, said Arrowhead E&S is building a property and underwriting platform with a management team experienced in multiple E&S and specialty underwriting segments.
Environmental Groups Sue Feds Over W. Virginia Mine Reclamation Program
Environmental groups are seeking to force the federal government to address an underfunded program in West Virginia whose purpose is to help cover the costs of coal mine reclamation. The lawsuit said the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement needs more stringent requirements for the state’s surface mining program to ensure coal companies fully fund reclamation bonds.
Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Garner & Glover Co. of Georgia
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Rome, Georgia-based Garner & Glover Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1874 and operating under its current name since 1926, Garner & Glover is an independent agency offering business and personal property/casualty, life and benefits products, as well as athletics, wellness and risk management services, to clients throughout the United States.
Timing of Young Driver Learner’s Permit Cut in Half Under North Carolina Bill
Young drivers whose attempts to get their North Carolina provisional license were stymied by COVID-19 pandemic delays in the past year would get a timing break under legislation headed to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk. The Senate agreed unanimously Monday evening to House changes to a bill that would cut the amount of time drivers must hold a learner’s permit before seeking a license that lets them drive unsupervised.
ISC Launches General Liability Program for Gig Economy Contractors
Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC), a multi-line program administrator that builds end-to-end insurance products with artificial intelligence (AI) engineering and data analytics, has launched a new general liability policy program for gig economy contractors. The program provides contractors “by the job” flexibility, offering customizable coverage options and competitive rates.
Hasner, Knight, Telemaco Join Board of Citizens Property Insurance
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed three new members to the board of governors of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., his office said in a statement. Jillian Hasner of Boca Raton currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Take Stock in Children. She has been involved with the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Leadership Florida, United States Global Leadership Coalition and the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Southern District.
New CFC Reps & Warranty Product Supports Transatlantic Mergers, Acquisitions
CFC has enhanced its transaction liability services with the launch of a new product designed to support North American buyers purchasing a UK or European target business. CFC’s transatlantic suite of transaction liability insurance products can bridge the gap between North American coverage and UK/European/International M&A practice, allowing North American buyers access to the representations and warranty (R&W) cover and process with which they are familiar.
Lawsuit Filed by Business Over Mississippi City’s COVID Restrictions Dismissed
A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit a fitness gym filed against a Mississippi city claiming the city violated business owners’ rights when it forced non-essential businesses to close to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves issued executive orders in April 2020 that temporarily shut down non-essential businesses, including fitness gyms, spas, salons and barbershops.
Teams Assess Damage After Fire on Overturned Cargo Ship in Georgia Port
A salvage team assessed damage Saturday after a fire was ignited inside the remains of an overturned cargo ship that is being dismantled along the Georgia coast. “The assessment is likely to take several days,” the multiagency command overseeing the demolition of the Golden Ray said in a statement. The wreckage caught fire Friday as workers used torches to cut into the hull. Crews extinguished the blaze, which burned for several hours and sent up black smoke. No one was injured.
Tortoise Movers Sue Florida Commission for $500K for Moving Too Fast to Revoke License
Two men who relocate gopher tortoises are suing Florida’s wildlife commission, saying they should be awarded at least $500,000 in damages because the agency violated due process by prematurely revoking their company’s license for less than three weeks. The lawsuit names the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and one of its employees, Claire Sunquist Blunden.
EPA Says Water OK to Drink in Miss. Capitol City as Treatment System Struggles
Environmental Protection Agency officials met with Jackson leaders Tuesday to discuss severe issues with the water system in Mississippi’s capital city. They said fixing the system will take years and cost millions of dollars, but for now, it’s OK for people to drink the water. “The water is safe to drink in the immediate time frame,” said Carol Kemker, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division for the EPA, according to the Clarion Ledger.
Data Expert: Distributors Increased Drug Potency in West Virginia
A data expert testifying at a landmark opioid trial in West Virginia said Tuesday that the potency of prescription drugs sent to local communities increased over time, but the three large drug distributors being sued tried to discredit his analysis. Cabell County and the city of Huntington argue that AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson Corp.
Florida Man Accused of Failing to Pay $193K in Workers’ Comp Premium
A Florida man has been arrested for workers’ compensation premium fraud and additional charges for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $193,000 in workers’ compensation premiums, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Florida Declares State of Emergency After Pipeline Shutdown
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Tuesday evening in response to gasoline shortages caused the shutdown of a major pipeline by hackers. The executive order signed by DeSantis activates the Florida National Guard, as needed, and directs state emergency management officials to work with federal and local officials.
Black Ex-Officer Sues Kentucky Police Department Over Firing
A former Kentucky officer who was fired from the Lexington Police department is alleging in a lawsuit that a culture of racial discrimination plagues the department and contributed to his dismissal. Jervis Middleton, who is Black, was fired in February after being accused of providing information to racial injustice protesters in Lexington. The city had small but daily protests in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd in Minnesota and Breonna Taylor in Louisville.
8 Alabama Counties Approved for Federal Disaster Aid from March Storms
President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster aid for eight Alabama counties where tornadoes and strong winds caused damage over two days in March, the White House said. Biden approved assistance that can include grants for repair and temporary housing; loans for property losses; and other aid to individuals and businesses that were affected on March 25 and 26 in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, and Shelby counties. Gov.
First Indemnity to Offer Excess Professional Liability Coverage for Law Firms
First Indemnity Insurance Group, a specialty insurance agency providing professional liability products for lawyers and law firms, has launched Excess Protect insurance coverage for law firms of one to 750 attorneys. Excess Protect, which was created in response to shrinking capacity and higher rates in the professional liability market, is designed to help protect law firms that may be carrying inadequate coverage or are seeking higher limits.
3 Florida Insurers to Drop Thousands of Policies, Make Moves to Stay Afloat
More than 50,000 Florida policyholders will soon be looking for a new carrier for their homeowners insurance after three Florida-based companies were approved by the state regulator to drop the policies. The moves come just a few weeks before the official start of hurricane season and as legislation designed to target the state’s insurance market issues awaits the governor’s signature.
South Carolina Plant Draws 17K Complaints Over ‘Noxious’ Odor
A South Carolina cardboard factory has found itself in the middle of a stinky situation as environmental regulators order it to lower emissions after receiving thousands of complaints relating to a “noxious,” rotten egg-like smell coming from the plant.
People Moves: Chubb’s Goldie Joins IAT; Diaz-Padron Appointed to LAAIA Board; Comer to Lead MEMIC’s Southeast Region
Chubb’s Goldie Joins IAT Insurance Group as SVP, Moving & Storage, Distribution Strategy Bobbie Goldie IAT Insurance Group, a provider of specialty property/casualty and surety products, has hired Bobbie Goldie as senior vice president of the company’s Moving & Storage division as well as Distribution Strategy. She will also serve as a member of IAT’s Management Committee.
Miami Construction Co. Owner Arrested in $88K Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme
A construction company owner was arrested in Florida this month for workers’ compensation premium fraud and grand theft for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $88,000 in workers’ compensation premiums, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis said Yoni O. Martinez, president and owner of LAMX Construction Company Corp.
Multiple People Hurt in Boat Explosion on Georgia’s Lake Lanier
Multiple people were hurt, some seriously, when a boat exploded Sunday on Lake Lanier, authorities said. Game wardens responded around 2:45 p.m. to the Margaritaville gas dock after getting reports that a boat exploded while fueling up, Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Mark McKinnon told WXIA-TV.
Highland Insurance Solutions Launches Admitted Builders Risk Coverage
Managing general agent Highland Insurance Solutions has launched a builders risk product available on admitted paper for construction owners, contractors, developers and homeowners. Available in 26 states, the coverage is written through American National Insurance Co. Highland Insurance Solutions offers a suite of insurance products and specialty risk management services for residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.
Oakbridge Insurance Agency Partners with The Greer Agency of Georgia
Oakbridge Insurance Agency LLC, an independent insurance and risk management advisor, has formed a partnership with The Greer Agency, Inc of Georgia. Oakbridge and Greer closed the transaction on May 3, 2021, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combination of the two firms will provide clients with enhanced employee benefits offerings, and supports Oakbridge’s continued expansion in Georgia and throughout the Southeast, the company said in a statement.
North Carolina Insurance Dept. Warns of Door-to-Door Insurance Scams
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is warning people to be on alert for insurance scams after the North Carolina Department of Insurance received a report of scam artists going door-to-door claiming to be from department. In a statement, NCDOI said two impostors saying they were with NCDOI demanded to speak with a homeowner but would not provide their names, show identification or state the reason for their visit. Causey said NCDOI employees do not show up to homes unannounced.
Insurer Sues West Virginia Gov.’s Company for Failure to Pay Deductibles
An insurance company alleges in a federal lawsuit that a company run by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and his adult children owes $166,000 for workers’ compensation and employers’ liability coverage claims. Starr Indemnity & Liability Company said in the suit filed Tuesday that Justice Family Group LLC failed and refused to pay deductibles for policies that covered its liabilities between June 2018 and June 2020, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reports.
4 People Killed When Plane Crashes into Mississippi Home
A small plane crashed into a house in Mississippi late Tuesday, killing a man inside as well as a toddler and two adults from Texas who were on board, authorities said. Two National Transportation Safety Board investigators were on the way to Hattiesburg, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of Jackson, to investigate the crash of the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, the agency said Wednesday.
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