• Is a start-up with less than $10 million in 2012 revenue or Series A VC funding
• Is selling B2B or B2C enterprise IT solutions to CIOs or corporate departments
• Shows innovation as well as potential impact on the top and bottom lines

The Innovation Showcase will take place at 5 PM in the Kresge courtyard tent on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at MIT, in Cambridge, MA. The full agenda of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is available at www.mitcio.com/agenda.

About SoceanIQ:
The SoceanIQ 'Insight Out Platform' enables companies to utilize the knowledge they have about customers to provide personalized services fueled through the Amazon cloud.  Our one-to-one marketing capabilities allow customers to interact in the channels they prefer with customizable, two way interactions that enhance customer satisfaction and drive results.  To learn more about the SoceanIQ platform, visit www.soceaniq.com

About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium
The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is the premier global event for CIOs and senior IT executives to become better business leaders. In one day, CIOs and senior IT executives receive actionable information that enables them to meet the challenges of today's changing global economy. The annual event offers a day of interactive learning and thought-provoking discourse on the future of technology, best practices, and business that is not available anywhere else. The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is organized and developed by a team from the MIT Sloan Alumni Club of Boston and the MIT Center for Digital Business. Visit www.mitcio.com for more information and registration.
 
To stay connected to the community developing around the Symposium, please join The Global CIO & Executive IT Group (An MIT Sloan CIO Group), which can be found on Linkedin.com: http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=1719457. Follow Symposium updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mitciosymposium.
 
Journalists interested in a Symposium press credential should contact Derek Beckwith ( derek@warnerpr.com 617-331-3567) or Sadie Furlong ( sadie@warnerpr.com 717-220-1804), Warner Communications.

Contact:
Jan Rimmel, SoceanIQ
j.rimmel@soceaniq.com
508-734-0714

— WebWireID175059 —

Northbrook, Ill.

Allstate Insurance Company is on the ground in Oklahoma assisting customers and residents following the recent rash of tornadoes across the state. Two mobile claim centers are currently set up in Moore and Shawnee. Adjusters are helping those insured with one of the Allstate companies start the claims process.

These mobile claims centers are specially equipped motor coaches designed to go into impacted areas quickly after storms happen. The units are equipped with satellite phones, wireless data access, generators and even bottled water and teddy bears for kids.

By visiting an Allstate Mobile Claims Center, Allstate customers will be able to start the claims process and ask questions about their claim. For an updated list of Mobile Claims Center locations, visit www.allstate.com/catastrophe/Mobile-Response-Units.aspx.

Allstate policyholders whose homes or automobiles have been damaged or destroyed by the recent tornadoes can contact Allstate by visiting their local agent, calling 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676), visiting a Mobile Claims Center, or logging onto Allstate.com.

To help the community recover, Allstate and The Allstate Foundation, together with agency owners and employees, will donate up to $75,000 for relief efforts. The American Red Cross, one of our long-standing partners in disaster recovery, will receive a grant of up to $50,000 to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm. An additional $25,000 grant will support a local nonprofit helping the people of Moore rebuild their lives.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate.com/financial and 1-800 Allstate®, and are widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $29 million in 2012 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

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Sacramento, California, May 21, 2013 - Sams & Associates Inc., the leader in providing quality, consistency and timeliness in independent claims handling, announces the addition of Robert Greth as their new property adjuster in Northern California and surrounding areas.

With over 18 years of experience in adjusting property claims ranging from residential and commercial.  Robert, has a vast knowledge in property claims handling along with construction.  He owned and operated Greth Construction which covered all aspects of commercial and residential construction, estimating, interpretation of plans and specifications, project development, contract administration and supervising personnel.  Prior to Robert pursued his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

'Robert has the professionalism necessary to handle our claims and the personal touch our clients have come to know as Sams & Associates. We are excited to have Robert on board and looking forward to what he will continue to bring to the table as time goes on.' president, Don Sams, stated

Robert Greth, can be reached by phone at (775) 309-3288 or by email at bob.greth@sams-assoc.com   

About Sams & Associates:

Sams & Associates is a leading independent insurance adjusting firm serving California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah. With claims adjusters throughout the Western United States, Sams & Associates investigates, inspects and adjusts all types of commercial and residential property and liability claims. Sams & Associates has the required licensing and experienced staff for SIU insurance investigations and administration. For more information contact 800-566-7267 or on the web at http://www.sams-assoc.com.

Donald K. Sams
President
(800) 566-7267, 103
don.sams@sams-assoc.com

Corporate Contact:
Bob Lund, C.O.O.
(800) 566-7267, ext. 107
bob.lund@sams-assoc.com

Claims Contact:
Chet Davis, CEO
(800) 566-7267, ext. 104
chet.davis@sams-assoc.com

Sales & Marketing Contact:
Bobby Phillips, Business Development Manager
(800) 566-7267, ext. 101
bobby.phillips@sams-assoc.com  

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To celebrate its 20-year anniversary, PLANSPONSOR honored 20 institutions, including plan sponsors, providers, investment managers, trade groups and government entities that have influenced or changed the retirement industry over the last two decades.

According to PLANSPONSOR, Aon Hewitt merited inclusion in the '20 Institutional Leaders' list for its vast breadth of capabilities. 'Aon Hewitt does just about everything: It is a fitting construct for an industry that demands specialist expertise but prefers unitary, or at least deep, relationships. The combination of Aon and Hewitt [in 2010] produced a company that offers a deep bench of solutions—retirement plan administration (it is the third-largest recordkeeper in terms of assets) consulting, retirement and workplace benefits consulting, human resource (HR) business process outsourcing and risk management services—across a significant swath of business sizes.'

Aon Hewitt helps companies navigate the risks and complexities of retirement benefits through a full range of services, including actuarial, investment consulting, pension risk services, traditional consulting and plan administration.

'For more than 70 years, Aon Hewitt has been an innovator in the HR industry, designing and implementing comprehensive talent, retirement and health solutions that address current workplace trends and anticipate the needs of tomorrow's workers while also navigating retirement risk,' said Paul Rangecroft, U.S. Retirement practice director at Aon Hewitt. 'We are truly honored to receive this recognition from PLANSPONSOR and remain committed to serving our clients and helping change the way America retires.'

Click here to see the full list of PLANSPONSOR's 20 Institutional Leaders of the Past 20 Years.

Sign up for News Alerts: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58
Follow Aon Hewitt on Twitter: @AonHewitt

About Aon Hewitt

Aon Hewitt empowers organizations and individuals to secure a better future through innovative talent, retirement and health solutions. We advise, design and execute a wide range of solutions that enable clients to cultivate talent to drive organizational and personal performance and growth, navigate retirement risk while providing new levels of financial security, and redefine health solutions for greater choice, affordability and wellness. Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource solutions, with over 30,000 professionals in 90 countries serving more than 20,000 clients worldwide. For more information on Aon Hewitt, please visit www.aonhewitt.com.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 65,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise. Aon has been named repeatedly as the world's best broker, best insurance intermediary, reinsurance intermediary, captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources. Visit www.aon.com for more information on Aon and www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.

If you elect to comment or engage with our content via third-party social media websites, you authorize Aon to have access to certain social media profile information. Please click here to learn more about information that may be collected when using these tools on Aon.com

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MINNETONKA, Minn. - -UnitedHealthcare has made available to nearly all of its employer-sponsored plan participants nationwide myHealthcare Cost Estimator, an integrated online and mobile service that brings a retail shopping experience to health care that enables people to comparison shop for health care services based on quality and cost.

The tool – free to employers and plan participants at www.myuhc.com and through the Health4Me app – helps consumers find quality care while being able to estimate the cost of more than 450 common services with enhanced accuracy. Estimates are personalized to reflect an individual's own health plan benefits, including their real-time account balances when applicable. myHealthcare Cost Estimator provides plan participants the ability to compare quality and cost information for more than 540,000 physicians and 4,500 hospitals.

There are significant price variations for health care services and procedures at hospitals and doctors' offices nationwide. For example, the total cost for a colonoscopy at hospitals in the Phoenix area can be between $1,540 and $6,020. For a knee MRI in Seattle, the cost ranges from $460 to $2,470 at area health care facilities.

The online and mobile service is more precise than cost estimation tools that may rely only on historical claims data or provide estimates based on geographic average. myHealthcare Cost Estimator draws on the company's actual contracted rates with physicians, hospitals, clinics and other health care providers, giving consumers more accurate pricing information.

If consumers have questions about the estimates, they can call the number on the back of their health benefits ID card, or use the click-to-call feature on their Health4me mobile app, to speak with a customer care professional. The tool is also integrated with additional information and resources, including nurse support.

Consumers and employers are looking for help to understand what it will cost to go to the doctor and have the confidence in making the best use of their benefits. In a recent survey of myHealthcare Cost Estimator users, 67 percent of the people surveyed said the tool gave them confidence to make better cost choices, and 84 percent said they would use it again. Employers have embraced the tool as an important capability to engage employees and more effectively manage health care costs. Some employers are taking steps to encourage employees to use the tool, featuring it through webinars, health fairs, mailing campaigns and other marketing efforts.

"Empowering our employees with tools and information that improve their health is key to Nationwide Insurance, and the myHealthcare Cost Estimator is a perfect example of that," said Kathleen Herath, associate vice president of health and productivity at Nationwide Insurance. "We are taking specific and strategic steps to help our workforce use myHealthcare Cost Estimator, which encourages them to make more informed decisions about the quality and cost of health care services. As a result, we are helping to create happier, healthier and more productive employees."

Since myHealthcare Cost Estimator launched last year, thousands of consumers have used the tool to compare the quality and cost of various treatments and services.

"Expanding the availability of myHealthcare Cost Estimator meets a longstanding consumer need for thorough but simple online comparison shopping for health care by putting personalized, relevant and accurate information right at people's fingertips," said Yasmine Winkler, chief product, marketing and innovation officer, UnitedHealthcare. "myHealthcare Cost Estimator enables people to make better care decisions, by better understanding their treatment options, comparing services and anticipating future costs."

myHealthcare Cost Estimator provides pricing and quality information regarding about 170 "episodes of care," which creates a comprehensive view of what consumers should expect throughout their course of treatment for any health issue, from the time they first visit the doctor to the test or procedure, and all the way through to physical therapy or any necessary follow-up care. Quality and cost information is directly connected to hospitals and physicians that participate in UnitedHealthcare's care provider network, and alternate treatment options are provided so consumers can have an informed conversation with their physician.

Collaboration with care providers is critically important when building cost estimators and other consumer support tools to ensure they enhance the overall patient experience – and accurately portray expected costs and treatment options – rather than putting unnecessary focus on just costs.

UnitedHealthcare plan participants can access the tool online at www.myuhc.com. It is also integrated into Health4Me™, UnitedHealthcare's mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones that helps people with employer-sponsored benefits plans access important health care information on their mobile devices.

A Simple Yet Comprehensive Shopping Experience

myHealthcare Cost Estimator was created based on years of consumer, employer and care provider feedback to ensure a simple, intuitive experience. Key features include:

-cost estimates for more than 165 geographic areas covering more than 170 "episodes of care" that can include 450 individual services, such as surgeries, lab tests, radiology tests and office visits;
-cost estimates that are tailored to a plan participant's specific benefits plan design that identify what will be owed out-of-pocket, costs that will be paid by their employer, and real-time account balances available in an eligible health care account to pay toward the expenses;
-ability to assemble cost estimates by matching physicians with the specific facilities where they practice;
-presentation of common alternate treatment options to educate patients on their choices; and
-educational information about how their benefits work and how costs are determined.

The tool provides estimates based on available fee schedules and actual contracted rates with care providers; if that information is not available, estimates are based on historical claims with the care provider. myHealthcare Cost Estimator builds on the success of UnitedHealthcare's Treatment Cost Estimator, which was created six years ago to help consumers comparison shop for health services and understand how costs differ from doctor to doctor.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with 780,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,900 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 40 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

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Of the 13 regional winners, 8 candidates, including Mr Mogra have been put forward for the national commendation.

The BIBA Young Broker of the Year commendation is awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to broking and excellent performance in the field.  The award aims to encourage commitment to the future professionalism of the insurance industry. 

All brokers who are under 30 years old, and members of the British Insurance Brokers Association, that have demonstrated achievement are eligible for the award.

 Mr Mogra, who also received the Young Broker of the Year commendation in 2012, was required to undergo further stages of team building exercises and interviews in order to receive the regional commendation this year, and be put forward for national commendation.

Mr Mogra said:
"The inclusion of team building exercises and interviews has made this year more challenging than the last.  However, through dedication and perseverance, I am honoured to have been nominated to receive the Young Broker of the Year commendation at a national level."

"The key to success in the insurance industry is to stay up-to-date: keep up with the latest changes and products.  It is important to sell the right product to the right person – a product should meet the needs of a customer."

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will take place on the 15th May at the annual BIBA conference.  The awards will be presented by a host of celebrities, including Hillary Devey.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:
Rapid Cover is the dedicated commercial insurance division of Arkwright Insurance. Arkwright Insurance Brokers offer a range of insurance products, including products which cater to niche requirement, such as ranging from professional indemnity insurance and business insurance to shop insurance and landlord insurance services.  With access to a panel of leading insurers, Arkwright Insurance Brokers are in a position to supply competitive deals on all insurance products.  Arkwright Insurance Brokers specialise in personalised policies that take all of the customer's personal circumstances into account, rather than simply offering a limited selection of 'off-the-shelf' insurance solutions. 

Arkwright Insurance were originally based in the Preston area but are now located in Bolton as a result of steady growth.  The company are proud to uphold the same values and business ethics that underpinned the company from its inception in 2003.  

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Sacramento, California, May 14, 2013 - Sams & Associates Inc., the leader in providing quality, consistency and timeliness in independent claims handling, announces the addition of James Thompson their new property adjuster in Southern California and surrounding areas.

James joined Sams & Associates in 2013 after gaining experience as a Project Manager and Estimator for GE Construction and Able Restoration.  He is licensed in Texas, Mississippi and California.  He also holds a California P&C License.  Prior to starting a career as an Insurance Adjuster, James, received his Bachelor's of Art in History from Millsaps College.

'James has the professionalism necessary to handle our claims and the personal touch our clients have come to know as Sams & Associates.  We are excited to have James on board and are looking forward to what he will continue to bring to the table as time goes on', President, Don Sams, stated.

James Thompson, can be reached by phone at (714) 595-6691 or by email at james.thompson@sams-assoc.com

About Sams & Associates:

Sams & Associates is a leading independent insurance adjusting firm serving California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah. With claims adjusters throughout the Western United States, Sams & Associates investigates, inspects and adjusts all types of commercial and residential property and liability claims. Sams & Associates has the required licensing and experienced staff for SIU insurance investigations and administration. For more information contact 800-566-7267 or on the web at http://www.sams-assoc.com.

Donald K. Sams
President
(800) 566-7267, ext. 103
don.sams@sams-assoc.com

Corporate Contact:
Bob Lund, C.O.O.
(800) 566-7267, ext. 107
bob.lund@sams-assoc.com 

Claims Contact:
Chet Davis, CEO
(800) 566-7267, ext. 104
chet.davis@sams-assoc.com

Sales & Marketing Contact:
Bobby Phillips, Business Development Manager
(800) 566-7267, ext. 101
bobby.phillips@sams-assoc.com 

— WebWireID174670 —

The British Insurance Brokers' Association, or BIBA, is the UK's leading general insurance intermediary organisation an d represents the voice of the insurance industry.  In addition to providing advice, business support and helping maintain industry standards, BIBA recognises the success of young insurance brokers with the annual Young Broker of the Year commendation.

The award recognises young brokers for their excellent performance and contribution to insurance broking.  The award is given to reward the efforts of these young brokers and to encourage commitment to the future professionalism of the insurance industry.

All brokers in the region who are 30 years old or under, BIBA members who have shown achievement in the field are eligible candidates for the award.

Mr Mogra, who also received the commendation in 2012, has also been nominated for the national Young Broker of the Year Award following his receipt of this regional award.

Mr Mogra said:

"Being awarded the Young Broker of the Year award is a great achievement.  I attribute my success to a combination of dedication and perseverance. Beyond this, it is important to stay current, to keep up to date with the latest changes and products.  But most important of all, is to sell the right products to the right people.  A product should always meet the needs of the customer."

The awards ceremony took place at the BIBA head office on Bevis Marks in London.  Andy Homer, the chairman of BIBA presented the award.  The national awards will take place at the BIBA conference on the 15th May.

- ENDS - 

Notes to editors:

Arkwright Insurance Brokers offer a range of insurance products, including products which cater to niche requirement, ranging from fleet insurance, road risk insurance and motor trade insurance services, to warehouse insurance products.  With access to a panel of leading insurers, Arkwright Insurance Brokers are in a position to supply competitive deals on all insurance products.  Arkwright Insurance Brokers specialise in personalised policies that take all of the customer's personal circumstances into account, rather than simply offering a limited selection of 'off-the-shelf' insurance solutions. 

Arkwright Insurance were originally based in the Preston area but are now located in Bolton as a result of steady growth.  The company are proud to uphold the same values and business ethics that underpinned the company from its inception in 2003.  

— WebWireID174650 —

5 Things to Know for Hea​lthy Individuals

1. Under the health care law, insurance companies can no longer drop you when you get sick just because you made a mistake on your coverage application.
   
2. Parents have new options to cover their children . If you have children under age 26, you can insure them if your policy allows for dependent coverage. The only exception is if you have an existing job-based plan, and your children can get their own job-based coverage.
   
3. Job-based health plans and new individual plans are no longer allowed to deny or exclude coverage to any child under age 19 based on health conditions, including babies born with health problems.
   
4. Starting in 2014, if your income is less than the equivalent of about $88,000 for a family of four today and your job doesn't offer affordable coverage, you may get tax credits to help pay for insurance.
   
5. Starting in 2014, if your employer doesn't offer insurance, you will be able to buy insurance directly in the Health Insurance Marketplace that gives you power similar to what large businesses and members of Congress have to get better choices and lower prices.

1. Under the health care law, if you have been uninsured for at least six months and have a health condition, you may be able to get health insurance through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
   
2. If a new insurance plan doesn't pay for services you believe were covered, you now have new, clear options to appeal the decision .
   
3. Insurance companies can no longer drop you when you get sick just because you made a mistake on your coverage application.
   
4. Starting in 2014, job-based and new individual plans won't be able to exclude you from coverage or charge you a higher premium for a pre-existing condition, including a disability.
   
5. Starting in 2014, if your income is less than the equivalent of about $88,000 for a family of four today, and your job doesn't offer affordable coverage, you may get tax credits to help pay for insurance.
   
6. If you have insurance and have problems with your plan or questions about your coverage, get help through the Consumer Assistance Program .
   
7. If you have been rejected for insurance, learn more about your rights and find out how to appeal denied claims .

Reference: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/information-for-you/individuals.html

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— WebWireID174594 —

This year, Diamond Mortgage Group, LLC celebrates its 15th Anniversary by remaining true to those essential attributes, staying at the forefront of industry trends and always providing clients with consistent, accurate and honest business practices.

Sandy and Diane, who mastered their craft during 12 years writing mortgages as part of the 'big banking' industry, created Diamond Mortgage on the premise that a small, nimble, locally-based mortgage brokerage could serve clients better. Leaving corporate constraints and politics behind, they now enjoy the freedom to work with a variety of lenders, providing clients with the best possible rates and terms.

The pair started by creating a name that reflects the personal investment they have in their firm. The word Diamond combines elements of Diane and Montanari, as does every aspect of the firm they created. Partner/mortgage consultant Susan E. Shepherd, another 'big bank' expatriate, joined the firm shortly afterward, and the three have set the tone for Diamond's direction and growth ever since.

Along with serving clients better, the three found that having their own firm created a better quality of life for them and their families. This, however, does not mean fewer hours or less responsibility. There are more of both, but now this is a labor of love.

'We wanted to get away from the corporate politics and just do our own jobs,' says Sue. 'We all do more now because we want to. The difference now is that we have more control of our own time.'

This means working nights and weekends – definitely not conventional banking hours – in order to better respond to clients needs. Working remotely allows them to maintain a home life, and smart phones allow them to keep in touch no matter where they are. You can reach them any time; if you call, they will get back in touch with you.

Like the company, itself, Diamond Mortgage Group, LLC's office in Niantic is the antithesis of a big bank. With its open layout (yes, there is a conference room for private conversations) the office has a relaxed, congenial feel.

'Being a small office of five people, we make sure everyone is involved in each file,' Diane explains. 'We meet once a week to go through each one.'

Of course, you don't need to come to the Diamond office to ask questions or initiate the mortgage or refinancing process. Simply visit their website, www.thediamondmortgage.com, where you will find numerous videos that explain different facets of the home buying and refinancing processes. You can also fill out a secure online loan application and find links to informational websites and service providers. Those who have questions are encouraged to call or contact the Diamond Mortgage Group staff via email, whichever is more convenient for them.
 
'We let the customer establish their comfort level,' says Sandy. 'This is a complex process, but our job is to educate, put clients at ease and relieve the pressure.'

No matter how the process begins, Diamond Mortgage is there with you from start to finish. And with 70 percent of all new customers being referrals from previous clients, it's clearly evident that Diamond Mortgage's unwavering commitment to customer service continues to set the firm apart ... for 15 years and counting.

Contact The Diamond Mortgage Group at 860-739-8197 or 888-387-8884. Visit us online at www.thediamondmortgagegroup.com. We are located at 15 Liberty Way, Niantic, CT.
 

— WebWireID174330 —

NORTHBROOK, Ill.

Allstate launched a new advertising campaign this month to reinforce the message that Allstate is the provider to trust for all homeowner insurance needs. The campaign, featuring celebrity home experts, delivers the message that Allstate and its agents offer more to help customers every day, including a new online experience at Allstate.com/goodlife.

"A home is most often a family's most valuable asset," said Lisa Cochrane, senior vice president, Allstate Integrated Marketing Communications. "Our homeowners campaign supports the company's vision of giving customers more every day: when we put you in good hands, we help bring out the good in life. There's real value in working with an experienced, local agent to be smart when buying your home insurance and to coordinate insurance protection needs overall."

The new commercials end with a strong call to action, as Dennis Haysbert says, "talk to an Allstate Agent and let the good life in." In addition to TV commercials, the campaign includes paid search, online video and online display advertising, print ads, radio sponsorships and social media outreach.

Tapping home experts to spread the word
The ads, which will be rolled out over the next couple of months, feature home experts and popular television personalities who offer relatable home maintenance and prevention tips and showcase helpful Allstate tools.

"We're giving people 'news you can use,' as a sample of the extra value and caring expertise that Allstate agencies provide every day – putting the good in 'good hands,'" Cochrane said. "This campaign shows homeowners how protection from an Allstate agent gives you more and helps you every day."

Featured celebrity home experts include:

• Mike Holmes, professional contractor and inspection expert
• Nicole Lapin, personal finance expert
• Reed Timmer, professional storm chaser
• Carter Oosterhouse, home improvement and design expert

Introducing "Good Life from Allstate"
The company's ad campaign is complemented by a new online experience for customers: Allstate.com/goodlife. The celebrity home experts appear on the site in videos and articles – Holmes on home maintenance, Oosterhouse on DIY topics, Lapin on saving money and Timmer on weather and catastrophe preparation. Plus, Allstate agency owners will appear in videos showcasing their expertise.

Allstate.com/goodlife packages together all the Allstate resources, such as mobile apps like Allstate Digital Locker, home and auto tips, "Made Simple" insurance guides and handy tools like "What's Your Stuff Worth?" and Allstate Maintenance and Weather Alerts. The site also provides a "perks" section where customers can access savings from various companies.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate.com/financial and 1-800 Allstate®, and are widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $29 million in 2012 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

— WebWireID174415 —

The sports event company organise a range of multi-discipline events across the South East including adventure running, triathlons, duathlons, open water swimming, mountain biking, orienteering and sportives. They also put together charity runs and corporate sports events.

Now allabouttriathlons, based in Woking, Surrey, has joined forces with novastris to become an approved Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR). This means when athletes sign up to participate in an allabouttriathlons event they will be offered novastris personal accident insurance. The cover will enable them to protect themselves in the event of an accident that may leave them temporarily injured and unable to work.

novastris offers personal accident cover to employed, self-employed or freelance professionals from as little as just £1.02 per month based on an accidental death benefit of £10,000. But unlike some personal accident insurance products on the market, a policy purchased from novastris, can also include temporary disablement cover for less than £2 per month.

This means that, for example if an employed female accounts assistant earning £25,000-a-year was participating in the Weybridge Running Festival next month, fell and hurt her leg while running and was unable to work she would - based on a personal accident plan with an accidental death benefit of £10,000 plus temporary disablement cover - receive a weekly benefit of £25 or £100 per month based on a four-week month until she was able to return to her employment. This would continue until she returned to work (subject to a maximum of one year) and the accounts assistant would start receiving her payments after 14 days from the accident.

With the addition of this temporary disablement cover to her plan the monthly premium would be £2.71 per month – that is just £1.69 per month more than the accidental death cash lump sum benefit alone. In this case, just one month's benefit equates to just over three times the cost of the policy for the entire year (£32.52) making it insurance cover that is well-worth taking out.

For those wanting even more financial peace of mind, athletes can tailor a plan to suit their own circumstances with cover available up to £250,000 depending on circumstances.

Customers can get a quote and buy novastris personal accident insurance online within minutes by visiting www.novastris.com and following the easy-to-use quote calculator which includes setting up a monthly directly debit.

Once the simple online process is complete, policy documents are sent straight to the policyholder's email address. Cover starts immediately and the first monthly payment comes out of the customer's bank account 15 days afterwards.

allabouttriathlons was founded by race directors Toby Jenkins and Rory Macpherson in 2004 and was set up by the duo to create fun events that would enable athletes of all abilities to participate in outdoor sporting events. Upcoming events include the Weybridge Running Festival on June 1, The Hurt Off-Road Running Race Series in the Surrey Hills which starts on June 8 and the Guildford Aquathlon Series on June 16.

novastris director Steve Nickerson said: 'We're very excited about novastris' new partnership with allabouttriathlons. They have been organising sports events for nearly a decade and have a very good reputation.'

'With thousands of athletes regularly taking part in their events, accidents can and do happen. This can become costly if the individual needs to take a period of time off work whether they are employed, self-employed or freelance.'

'But novastris personal accident insurance gives athletes peace of mind that they are covered in the event of the accident and all for a few pounds per month.'

allbouttriathlons race director Toby Jenkins said: 'allabouttriathlons are excited to announce our new partnership with novastris. Whether taking part in running, biking, swimming or multi-sport events, novastris offer our athletes the best in personal accident insurance.'

ABOUT NOVASTRIS

novastris Insurance Services Limited is a team of experienced insurance specialists providing tailored insurance solutions to the Financial Services and Affinity Group sectors.

novastris Insurance Services is part of the novastris Insurance Group providing insurance solutions directly to personal clients through novastris Insurance Services Limited and to the wider insurance market through Novastris Underwriting Limited.

Our personal mission is to differentiate ourselves by constantly innovating in the field of product development, competitive pricing and quality of service delivery and to treat each client relationship as a long term, mutually beneficial working relationship.

CONTACT NOVASTRIS

novastris Insurance Services Limited, Thorncroft Manor, Thorncroft Drive, Dorking Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8JB.

For further information please contact novastris Insurance Services Limited on 020 3640 6801 or email info@novastris.com

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Reitz, who also serves as President of NAPIA, was acknowledged alongside NAPIA counsel Brian Goodman, Esq., NAPIA Marketing Chair Greg Raab, NAPIA NAIC Liaison Greg Serio, Esq., NAPIA Executive Director David Barrack and NAPIA Director of Communications and Events Marjorie Musick. 

'It is a great honor to be awarded with such an esteemed acknowledgement,' said Quality Claims President Ron Reitz.  'Our desire to educate and assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy fueled our intensive media relations outreach.'
 
NAPIA, headquartered in the Tri-Cities area, also won two additional Awards of Excellence from the PRSA Tri-Cities TN/VA Chapter, for Audio Visual Production and for Writing.
 
About Quality Claims
 
Quality Claims Management Corporation is a premier provider of customized insurance recovery solutions.  Mortgagee solutions include mortgage insurance/investor claims processing and licensed hazard claims management.  Claim adjusting and advocacy are also provided for homeowners and businesses.  All claims are managed for an equitable settlement and accelerated resolution timelines.  Contact Quality Claims at (866) 450-1183 or www.qualityclaims.com.
 
About PRSA Tri-Cities TN/VA Chapter
 
Established in 2002, the Tri-Cities TN/VA Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is a nonprofit, professional organization of communications specialists from across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. These professionals represent a number of businesses and industries in the Tri-Cities, including Fortune 500 companies, leading healthcare organizations, public relations firms, and transportation and tourism entities, as well as higher education institutions and nonprofit associations.

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Sacramento, California, May 7, 2013 - Sams & Associates Inc., the leader in providing quality, consistency and timeliness in independent claims handling, announces the addition of Steven Christensen as their new multi-line adjuster in Southern California and surrounding areas.

Steven joined Sams & Associates in 2013.  He brings nearly 26 years of adjusting experience. While working for State Farm Insurance as a Claims Service Representative he gained a vast knowledge in claims handling.  During this time, Steven had the opportunity to investigate liability claims, take statements, conduct scene investigation and handle property losses. 

Steven is licensed in California, Nevada, Arizona, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, and Kentucky.  In addition, he is also Earthquake Certified, llCRC Certified and NFIP Certified.

'Steven has the professionalism necessary to handle our claims and the personal touch our clients have come to know as Sams & Associates.  We are excited to have Steven on board and look forward to what he will continue to bring to the table as time goes on.' president, Don Sams, stated.

Steven Christensen, can be reached by phone at (213) 392-5000 or by email at steven.christensen@sams-assoc.com   

About Sams & Associates:

Sams & Associates is a leading independent insurance adjusting firm serving California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah. With claims adjusters throughout the Western United States, Sams & Associates investigates, inspects and adjusts all types of commercial and residential property and liability claims. Sams & Associates has the required licensing and experienced staff for SIU insurance investigations and administration. For more information contact 800-566-7267 or on the web at http://www.sams-assoc.com.

Donald K. Sams
President
(800) 566-7267, 103
don.sams@sams-assoc.com

Corporate Contact:
Bob Lund, C.O.O.
(800) 566-7267, ext. 107
bob.lund@sams-assoc.com

Claims Contact:
Chet Davis, CEO
(800) 566-7267, ext. 104
chet.davis@sams-assoc.com

Sales & Marketing Contact:
Bobby Phillips, Business Development Manager
(800) 566-7267, ext. 101
bobby.phillips@sams-assoc.com   
 

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In 2011, the Coast Guard counted 4,588 accidents that involved 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries and approximately $52 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

Unless boat owners are insured, the cost of repairs or injuries will probably come straight from the owner's wallet.

Some boat owners may find that purchasing insurance is required by their lender or by the marina or yacht club where the boat is docked. However, owners may want to consider insuring their boats as they would any vehicle with potential liability exposures, even if it's not a requirement. Many owners have invested significant time, energy and money into their boat. So, it makes sense that boat owners would want to protect their investment.

Owners should consider insurance that provides the following types of protection:

-Physical damage coverage
-Watercraft liability coverage
-Medical payments coverage

Physical damage insurance typically helps protect against theft, vandalism, storm and fire damage. Liability coverage is needed in the event that the boat owner or a member of the owner's family accidentally injures another person in a covered boating accident. Medical payments coverage can help provide protection for necessary medical expenses for injuries suffered by the boat owner and passengers during an accident.

Allstate offers a number of ways to save money on boat insurance premiums. Depending on the state the policy is written in, a boat owner may be eligible for discounts. Boaters can save money by bundling their insurance products; a person who purchases their auto and homeowners insurance through Allstate can save up to 20 percent. Certified boaters who have completed an approved course in boating education could qualify for a discount. Members of qualifying boating organizations are eligible for an additional discount. Also, owners of a new boat may qualify for a discount of up to 40 percent. The discount amount is adjusted annually based on the boat's age with the newest boats usually receiving the greatest discount. Additionally, if the boat is equipped with safety gear such as an automatic fire extinguisher system, burglar alarm or a ship-to-shore radio, owners could be eligible for a discount of up to 15 percent.

Insurance and discounts are subject to availability and qualifications. Discount amounts may be lower. Insurance coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions. Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate.com/financial and 1-800 Allstate®, and are widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $29 million in 2012 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

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BLOOMFIELD, Conn. - Cigna is among the winners in the 2013 Gartner Inc. & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence Awards, earning a Silver award in the Customer Service Optimization category for its efforts to provide responsive, customer-focused service via social media platforms.

The joint awards program spotlights excellence among organizations that take a customer-centric approach to improving their business performance and have seen exceptional results from doing so. The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Gartner analysts, 1to1 Media editorial staff, and business experts and were announced at a recent awards ceremony in San Diego.

'The 2013 winners showcase excellence in customer centricity. These 12 customer-focused leaders demonstrate how an enterprise commitment to making improvements to the customer experience and investing in the right technologies, processes, and people can lead to real financial gains,' said Mila D'Antonio, editor-in-chief of 1to1 Media. '1to1 Media honors these companies for their leadership in support of, and innovations geared toward, advancing their organizations to becoming customer centric.'

'Social media has presented Cigna with an exciting opportunity to take even greater ownership of the customer experience – and to strengthen customer relationships – by meeting our customers on their own terms and through their preferred forum,' said Brett Browchuk, Cigna senior vice president for service operations.

Cigna has a team of customer service employees who are dedicated to Cigna's social media strategy. They monitor approximately 16 different social media platforms and respond to customer posts within minutes, working offline to provide a more personalized service interaction by phone or direct email to resolve customer inquiries and protect privacy and confidentiality.

Like Cigna call centers, this team provides customer service 24 hours a day/seven days a week/365 days a year. In the first quarter of this year, the team reached out to 849 customers via these platforms, a 186 percent increase from the same period last year. In 2012, the team interacted with more than 2,200 customers through social media channels.

Each nomination in the Customer Service Optimization category was judged on the organization's use of multiple customer service channels, including the use of communities, to increase customer engagement and improve business performance across several criteria. The judges looked at the strategy of leveraging social technologies and processes, and the results.

This is the ninth year of the Gartner & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence Awards. The goal of the partnership is to establish a standard of excellence for customer-focused organizations and honor those companies that provide value to customers and shareholders by effectively bringing together strategy, technology and execution to deliver ideal customer experiences.

About The Gartner & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence Awards

Through this joint awards program, 1to1 Media and Gartner spotlight excellence among end-user organizations that take a customer-centric approach to improving their business performance and have seen exceptional results from doing so. The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Gartner analysts, 1to1 Media editorial staff, and previous Gartner & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence award winners.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 78 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130506006053/en/

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