Resources Guides

Florida Toyota Dealer Sells More Cars the Week After Accelerator-Related Recall

North Palm Beach, FL, February 01, 2010 -- Toyota dealer Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Beach (FL) reports that his dealerships sold more cars this Friday, Jan. 29, than on Friday, Jan. 22 before the Toyota accelerator pedal recall was announced. The dealership sold 15 cars on Friday. "That's actually three more cars than we sold one week ago Friday," Earl Stewart said. "We've only had one bad day since the recall hit last Monday night. That was on Tuesday when we sold only six cars. But on Wednesday we sold 11 cars, on Thursday we sold 12 cars and on Friday we sold 15, better than what we normally sell on a Friday."

Stewart said the continuing good business at his dealership, which is one of the top 12 dealerships in the nation and enjoys the highest customer satisfaction rating in the entire country, is "because human beings naturally gravitate toward those companies and institutions they find they can trust during a crisis."

Earl Stewart Toyota, upon learning of the recall, immediately decided to provided free loaner cars to its customers who were experiencing trouble with the accelerator involved in the recall. Further, the dealership released to the public, through the media, a photo of the accelerator in question so that Toyota owners could easily determine for themselves if their accelerator was involved in the recall -- saving their customers from unneeded worry and from taking time off from work or leisure to bring the car to the dealer unnecessarily. The dealership also invited customers with the recalled accelerator to bring their cars into the dealership for a free inspection to determine if there was any need for concern related to their specific vehicle.

"Earl Stewart Toyota has earned the reputation of a car dealership that can be trusted and that's why we are actually thriving during this recall," Stewart said.

To interview Earl Stewart, contact Margie Yansura, Wordsmith Communications, at 561-313-5028 or call Earl Stewart directly on his cellphone at 561-358-1474

Contact Information
wordsmith communications
Margie Yansura
561-313-5028
mywordsmith@bellsouth.net

Anyone who would like to report information related to the Toyota Recall is urged to become a Toyota Whistleblower and share their story with authorities.
 

Health Insurance 2.0 -- Social Media Resurrects Old-School Values

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC - Online leader striving to provide world-class customer service via Social Media.

Indianapolis, IN, December 19, 2009 -- There was a time when customers had to make personal visits to receive assistance. To make these tasks more convenient and cost-effective, companies developed automated systems to support customers 24/7. However, as popular radio host Clark Howard frequently comments, the result has been "customer no service."

With this development, companies are forgetting that customers are the critical element to business success.

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS) was recently featured in the article, "Old-line Companies Turn to Social Media for Marketing," as a leading company in the insurance industry that develops strong business and customer relationships through social media.

Muhammad Yasin, HCCMIS Client Relations Manager explains, "Our goal is to enhance the insurance experience with a deeply personal and timely communication style people have become accustomed to through social media."

For companies focusing on Health Insurance 2.0, this means proactively monitoring consumer sentiments and responding in a way that makes customers feel secure. Yasin states, "With the advent of internet and mobile technology, the world is shrinking rapidly. Resurrecting community-style relationships as people travel through their life adventure is something we are passionate about."

Recently, HCCMIS found a dissatisfied customer by monitoring the internet. They discovered that a medical center billed the customer twice. HCCMIS contacted the facility, arranged for customer reimbursement, and followed up with the customer via Twitter.

This is only one example of many where HCCMIS is striving to provide world-class customer service via Social Media.

About HCCMIS
HCC Medical Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCC), a leading international specialty insurance group with offices across the United States and in the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland. HCC has assets of $9.0 billion, shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion and is rated AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor's and AA (Very Strong) by Fitch Ratings. In addition, HCC's major domestic insurance companies are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.

Contact Information
HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC
Bryant Tutterow
317-221-8037
btutterow@hccmis.com
www.hccmis.com

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Launches New Website to Expand Personal Property Coverage

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co., a leading personal property insurance company, recently launched a new website, expanding personal property coverage to a wider range of agents & policyholders.

Baltimore, MD, January 02, 2010 -- Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a leading personal property insurance company providing fire and smoke insurance, tornado insurance, hurricane insurance and more, has recently launched its new website, http://www.imfco.net.

The launch of the new website marks two important milestones for Independent Mutual. Not only does it allow Independent Mutual to experience more accelerated growth on a national level, but the new website also gives Independent Mutual the ability to offer its products and services to both captive and independent agents.

"Our top priorities at Independent Mutual have always been flexibility and fairness towards policyholders and agents alike," reports Scott Sauls, Vice President of Field Support at Independent Mutual. "The website will allow us to offer our personal property insurance products and services to a wider audience. In doing so, we will continue to focus on providing superior levels of customer service to both policy holders and agents."

According to Sauls, the new website offers innovative features that will enable Independent Mutual to offer an unprecedented level of customer service. "Both agents and policyholders can log into customized portals and receive 24/7 access to view the status of their claims reports and adjustments," he says. "We employ real-time claims adjustment technology and provide agents with the ability to instantly quote and issue policies right from their desktop through our AgenTreeT system."

"The new website offers an exciting opportunity for Independent Mutual to provide agents and policyholders with greater fairness and accuracy through the use of technology," Sauls says. For more information about Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, please visit http://www.imfco.net or call 800-248-7072.

About Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Established in 1948 and headquartered in Cook County, Illinois, Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company has been a leader in personal property insurance for over sixty years. Independent Mutual's Executive Office is located in Baltimore, Maryland and offers flexible, comprehensive personal property coverage throughout the United States.

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. is rated as A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Known for its modest underwriting leverage, irrefutable market expertise, solid investment earnings and long-standing presence in the home service fire and burglary market sector, Independent Mutual provides personal property insurance to policyholders regardless of income or credit history. For more information about the personal property coverage offered by Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, please visit http://www.imfco.net or call 800-248-7072.

Contact Information
Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Scott Sauls
800-248-7072
imfconet@gmail.com
www.imfco.net

 

National Moving Month Launched in Australia

The busiest month for home moves celebrated by the launch of the first 'National Moving Month' by Citymove, with an exciting new competition to mark it.

Sydney, Australia, November 28 -- A study by Citymove has determined that December is usually the busiest month for home relocations as people rush to begin their new lives in their new home in time for the New Year, creating a fresh start across the board. With this in mind, Citymove have decided to launch 'National Moving Month'.

To mark the start of the month and to coincide with a giveaway launched in conjunction with National Moving Month, new research has been released by Citymove, discovering some of the more bizarre requests made by customers when organising removal services.

The strangest thing ever moved by Citymove was a four tonne truck full of single service handy wipes. James Wheeler, director of Citymove said: "The wipes were the kind you get when buying chicken from a fast food place, like baby wipes. Except these were being rebranded by someone and then being handed out to the prostitutes in Kings Cross for them to use after...servicing clients."

Among the many other things Citymove have relocated, customers have made requests to move:
· A small goldfish bowl (using a four tonne truck)
· 25kg of Ice cream from Sydney to Brisbane in an unrefrigerated lorry (costing $550)
· A car between states, with a dog on the backseat. (Alive, more biting than kicking)
· Australia's largest floor tiles, with each measuring 3mx2m.

However, the strangest request made to Citymove according to James was repeatedly made. "We actually had a six month period of regular phone calls from someone who always wanted to hire two 'fit and muscular men' to move one small box from one room to another. After much questioning we found out it was a drag queen looking to book herself a private show!"

The exciting giveaway Citymove is launching relates to this research. They want to find out from people, their weird and wonderful moving stories. People may visit www.nationalmovingmonth.org and send in a story, leave an email address and Citymove will be in touch to give everyone who enters a $50 voucher off their next relocation with Citymove, making sure everyone wins. For further information or interviews, contact marketing coordinator Adam Robinson either by email adam.robinson@citymove.com.au or call 1300 72 9994. Visit www.nationalmovingmonth.org throughout the month for further details on the competition, informative articles on home moves and much more.

About Citymove
Citymove have been in operation for ten years and move over 25,000 people annually. Citymove operate in all major Australian cities and handle both local and interstate moves.

Contact Information
Citymove
Adam Robinson
1300 72 9994
adam.robinson@citymove.com.au
http://www.citymove.com.au/cms/

 

Accident Coverage Essential to Home Insurance

A recently published InsuranceAgents.com article encourages homeowners to verify their home insurance policies include accident coverage and to learn exactly what is covered.

Chicago, IL, October 29, 2009 - Homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage, coverage for external living expenses, and contents coverage. According to an article recently published on InsuranceAgents.com, homeowners should also be sure that their policy includes home accidents coverage and know exactly what is covered and what is not covered in their homeowners insurance policy.

"Accidental damage is damage that happens suddenly as a result of a non-deliberate and unexpected action," the article, 'Homeowners Insurance: Accidents Happen,' states. "You will need to check your policy for which specific damages are covered and which are not. For example, your carpeting might be covered if it is stained but if apple juice is spilled on your laptop then you may be out of luck."

Homeowners insurance policies generally include tricky language that can be confusing and extremely specific as to what is considered an "accident." An example would be a pet dog that is not listed in a homeowner's policy and destroys some furniture. Sure, it's an accident but the fact that the dog was not included in the policy will most likely mean the damage isn't covered.

All homeowners should know their policies in and out. This will prevent filing a useless homeowners insurance claim that will inevitably get denied. Any homeowner who is confused of the language their policy contains should contact their home insurance agent. He or she will be able to answer any and all questions and provide sound advice for any homeowner.

Visit InsuranceAgents.com today to learn more about the ins and outs of home insurance quotes and the insurance industry as a whole.

Contact Information
InsuranceAgents.com
Tom Lustina
614 286 0193
tom@insuranceleadz.com
http://www.insuranceagents.com/home-accidents.html

 

US Health Insurance Companies/ Reinsurers Embrace Medical Tourism

West Palm Beach, FL, October 22, 2009 -- Many of the leading US health insurance companies, employers, agents, and reinsurers are attending the upcoming world medical tourism and global health congress, October 26-28th, 2009 in Los Angeles.

"Swiss Re appreciates the value of providing employers with the medical travel option to reduce health care costs for eligible operations without sacrificing quality of care," said Matt Leming, Vice President and Sales Leader with Swiss Re's Medical Expense Group. "Including coverage for qualifying medical travel expenses as a free and standard component of our employer stop loss offering helps expand the universe of those in the United States who can benefit from utilizing medical travel's high quality offerings."

The World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress, http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com, is the official conference of the Medical Tourism Association (Global Healthcare Association) and is sponsored by the Medical Tourism Magazine, the official publication of the Medical Tourism Association, http://www.medicaltourismmag.com. The Medical Tourism Association (MTA), http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com, is the international non-profit trade association for the medical tourism industry which focuses on transparency in quality and pricing, communication and education. MTA has initiated commendable activities for growth of this emerging industry by publishing the world's leading Medical Tourism Magazine and hosting the world's largest Medical Tourism Congress.

Contact Melissa Skelton for more information in West Palm Beach, Florida. Melissa@medicaltourismcongress.com / 001.561.792.6676.

Contact Information
Medical Tourism Congress
Stephanie Falcone
561-792-6676
info@medicaltourismcongress.com
www.medicaltourismcongress.com

 

Bioo Scientific's Toxicity Assay Kits Increase the Efficiency of Drug Development

Bioo Scientific announced the launch of the MaxDiscoveryT Toxicity Assay Kits for the monitoring of toxic effects in in vivo preclinical studies.

Austin, TX, May 31, 2009 -- Since toxicity is one of the leading causes of drug failures, measuring preclinical toxicity is a critical drug development function. Accurate in vivo toxicity assays are essential to lowering attrition and increasing efficiency in drug development.

Bioo Scientific announced today the launch of their MaxDiscoveryT Toxicity Assay Kits. These kits monitor in vivo toxicity by measuring liver and heart function in serum samples. They provide simple, convenient, colorimetric determination of well-characterized functional markers of for liver and heart. They are ideal tools to monitor toxic effects caused by administration of siRNA, DNA plasmids, transfection agents or other therapeutic treatments during preclinical studies. The assays can be used in a range of mammals, including mice and rats, providing a powerful tool to assess and reduce the toxicity of drugs formulations and to improve drug delivery methods.

According to Dr Joe Krebs, Director of Protein Chemistry and Engineering at Bioo Scientific, "MaxDiscoveryT Toxicity kits are designed to provide researchers with rapid, cost-effective tools required to address the escalating challenges of drug development in today's competitive landscape."

Assays are available for alanine transaminase, aspartate transminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and creatine kinase.

About Bioo Scientific
Bioo Scientific Corporation is a global biotechnology tools company, headquartered in Austin, Texas. Bioo Scientific provides innovative products and services to academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, molecular diagnostics laboratories, and customers who perform food and feed safety analysis.

Contact Information
Bioo Scientific
Dawn Obermoeller
512-301-4094
dawn@redbridgemarketing.com
www.biooscientific.com

 Allina Hospitals & Clinics Responds to Attorney General's Suit

MINNEAPOLIS - January 2009 -- In response to a lawsuit filed today by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Allina Hospitals & Clinics made the following statement:

"Allina Hospitals & Clinics is surprised by the Attorney General's action today. Allina had been analyzing various proposals to modify MedCredit's interest rate structure for some time, and prior to the filing of this suit, Allina had made the decision to reduce the interest rate on all current and future MedCredit accounts to eight percent, regardless of the size of the balance. Allina communicated this to the Attorney General in December of 2008. Allina believes that this new rate structure is in the best interests of our patients who would benefit from the ability to pay their medical bills over time.

"While Allina believes the new rate of eight percent is appropriate going forward, it should be noted that the previous rate structure, which included a sliding interest rate scale based on the balance due, was fully consistent with Minnesota law, and was clearly communicated to all patients who participated in the program. The program is considered "open-ended credit," meaning that patients can use the program on an ongoing basis for subsequent care. The rates previously charged by Allina are consistent with Minnesota law for this type of credit.

Allina believes that MedCredit remains a valuable tool to help some patients pay their medical bills and that it may be a better alternative to financing such debt through a credit card, which may charge a much higher interest rate. Allina does not deny care to anyone based on inability to pay, and works with patients to help ensure they receive all possible forms of assistance in paying their medical bills, including free care or government assistance programs. Allina offers free care to individuals and families whose income is less that 275 percent of Federal poverty guidelines.

"Allina believes the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and that the MedCredit program is fully compliant with the law. Allina looks forward to discussing this matter further with the Attorney General, and bringing it to a timely resolution."

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin and employs more than 22,000 people. Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at www.allina.com.

Contacts

Allina Hospitals & Clinics
David Kanihan, 612-262-4986
david.kanihan@allina.com
Cell: 612-867-2845

US Insurance Online Hits 4.5 Million Customer Milestone

Sees Customers Increasing Insurance Research as a Result of Economic Instability.

Austin, TX, December 07, 2008 -- US Insurance Online, a premiere online portal that provides insurance customers with education and relevant introductions, today announced it had helped over 4.5 million customers get insurance quotes from multiple agents via the Internet. The company also noted that online searches for insurance products had accelerated in recent months. According to the company this provides evidence that recent economic uncertainties are driving customer cost-cutting efforts to include evaluating less expensive insurance policies.

"In uncertain economic times consumers look for opportunities to reduce spending. They find ways to eat out less, purchase fewer luxury items, drive less to reduce fuel purchases, and many are finding insurance to be a target for significant savings," said Jim Waltrip, CEO and co-founder of US Insurance Online. "We help make the search for less expensive insurance coverage more effective by eliminating the time spent finding multiple agents, calling and comparing their offerings. US Insurance Online makes it easy to get in touch with multiple insurance agents who can sell you the products you need."

About US Insurance Online
Since 2005, US Insurance Online has helped make shopping for insurance a painless experience for customers. The company offers a fast, free way for consumers to find the insurance quotes they're looking for at the most competitive rates. Our network of insurance carriers, agents and brokers can match almost any consumer with the insurance they need at a price they can afford. Based in Austin Texas, US Insurance Online was recently named one of the fastest growing companies in the Central Texas region. www.usinsuranceonline.com/

Contact Information
US Insurance Online
Adam Alter
888-522-7355
contact@usinsuranceonline.com
www.usinsuranceonline.com

Local Charity Helps "Feed" the Millions Left "Starving" by Health Insurance

Manna Scholarship Fund was formed in 2007 as a 501(c)3 organization focused on filling the funding gap for individuals needing inpatient eating disorder treatment. Because insurance policies will rarely cover the cost of successful inpatient treatment, MSF is attempting to "fill the funding gap" for those in need of treatment. Manna Scholarship Fund is hosting a fundraising dinner "Manna in Motion" to promote the scholarship fund and to raise awareness of this great need to the public.

Atlanta, GA, September 11, 2008 -- Who: Manna Scholarship Fund was formed in 2007 as a 501(c)3 organization focused on filling the funding gap for individuals needing inpatient eating disorder treatment.

Why: Because the Health Insurance industry does not understand the significance of adequate eating disorders treatment, insurance policies will rarely cover the cost of successful inpatient treatment. This cost can be between $800-$2000 a day, with appropriate treatment ranging from 60-90 days, and often longer. This puts families of these sufferers in grave danger. Statistically, this illness is extremely significant because "anorexia has the highest premature fatality rate of any mental illness" (Sullivan, 1995). Without assistance, those in need of this type of inpatient treatment will have no other option but to pay the full price of treatment.

Being awarded a Scholarship from the Manna Fund provides the scholarship winner with:

· An active role in the choosing the treatment facility
· The opportunity to receive adequate, life-saving care
· Options to extended treatment that previously weren't available through the health insurance and/or to patients that have no inpatient benefits
· A greater chance of recovery due to access to the In-Patient services
· The opportunity to gain wholeness and in turn give back to others in need.

How: In order to provide adequate eating disorder treatment for those in need, Manna Scholarship Fund seeks to raise funds through many avenues, including in-kind donations, outreach programming that focuses on family investment (jewelry-making parties, bowling tournaments), corporate sponsorships, and grants. Manna Scholarship Fund has raised nearly $100,000 for scholarships in the past year and a half, supplying three individuals with the necessary inpatient treatment and reaching a hundred families through outreach. As the word has gotten out about the existence of this fund, scholarship application submission has sky-rocketed.

What/When: In order to contribute to this need, Manna Scholarship Fund is hosting a fundraising dinner "Manna in Motion" to promote the scholarship fund and to raise awareness of this great need to the public. This event will be held on Thursday, September 25th at the 1420 Room at 1420 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody, Georgia.

At this event, guest speaker, Barbara Gaby of the Gaby Foundation, will discuss her journey through her own eating disorder as well as what it was like to be a part of a prominent family while enduring an eating disorder. Guests will also hear from Genie Burnett, the Executive Director of the MSF, in regards to the mission and vision of the MSF, as well as outreach and ongoing fundraising efforts. Guests will also be entertained by surprise performances as well as a jazz quartet. In efforts to raise funds for MSF, Manna in Motion will also hold a silent auction.

For more information about the Manna Scholarship Fund and the upcoming fundraising event, please go to www.mannafund.org, or contact Jesse Stanford at jstanford@mannafund.org or @ (404)-665-7725 The Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc. 2250 Satellite Blvd, Suite 100, Duluth, GA 30097.

Headliners:

· Up to 10 million people each year suffer from eating disorders while their health insurance leaves them paying the bills.
· Without treatment up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment that number falls to less than 3%.
· A local charity Manna Scholarship Fund bridges the gaps in patient's ability to pay for necessary treatment.
· Founded by Dr. Genie Burnett and Leslie Cox RD, LD in 2007, the Manna Scholarship Fund focuses on education, awareness, and action in offsetting the exorbitant cost of treatment.
· Recognizing the hidden "holes" in the typical health insurance coverage, Dr. Burnett and Mrs. Cox chose to go about fixing the problem the only way they knew how and not with the indifference that the Health Insurance Industry displays.
· The huge number of potential recipients that could benefit from a scholarship is simply so big that the Scholarship Fund needs your donations.

Contact Information

Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc
Dr. Genie Burnett, Executive Director
(404)-665-7725
info@mannatreatment.org
www.mannafund.org
770-495-9775

New Innovative Company Launch - Opt2Care, Senior Services

Opt2Care, Senior Services launches a new and innovated senior home care company in New Jersey.

East Orange, NJ, September 12, 2008 -- Opt2Care Senior Services is not another home care company. The difference is in the founder's commitment, services provided, and the quality of staff that provide senior care services.

Collectively, the founders, Melissa Louie and Gerry Sayco, have over 20 years of relevant health care industry experience.  Melissa Louie, LMSW, MPA, has worked in the healthcare field since 1992. Her passion to make a difference in the field of aging stems from her close relationship with her grandmother. While caring for her grandmother, she recognized the need for competent and compassionate clinicians in the field of aging. For the past 13 years, she has worked diligently to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families.  For example, Melissa was employed as Program Director at Chelsea Adult Day Health Center; Eldercare Coordinator for Catholic Charities; and as a Medical Social Worker at Dry Harbor Nursing Home.

Gerry Sayco is an accomplished results-oriented business professional with over 12 years of operational excellence within the Pharmaceutical Industry. Gerry's close relationships with senior family members and friends of family helped him identify what was lacking in existing home care options and prompted him to pursue a home care service with "real" alternatives for today's world. Gerry expressed his strong dedication to this service by stating, "my goal is not only to apply the experiences and guidance I have received from mentors' within my career and family, but also to make a revolutionary difference in the Senior Home Care market."

Opt2Care (acronym for "Opt To Care") helps older adults achieve optimum health and well-being by blending traditional home care services and complementary therapies. Factors that contribute to the healing of the body, mind, and spirit are addressed.  Complementary therapies include art, music, massage, Reiki, and Care Management.

Opt2Care encourages a collaborative team approach and employs only experienced practitioners and care providers that are dedicated to providing quality service that will help seniors remain independent in the community.

Opt2Care, Senior Services
PO Box 594, Eatontown, NJ 07724
888-678-2243
www.opt2care.com

Contact Information
Opt2Care
Gerry Sayco
888-678-2243
Contact@Opt2Care.com
www.opt2care.com

Farmers Insurance Claims Teams and Mobile Claims Units Ready to Help Customers Suffering Damage from Hurricane Gustav

LOS ANGELES-- September 01, 2008 --Farmers® Insurance Group of Companies claims teams are preparing today to move into areas stricken by Hurricane Gustav. Once the areas are identified, the teams will deploy along with 2 Catastrophe Claims buses and 5 Customer Care Claims Vehicles.

"Our claims personnel and fleet of claims vehicles are gearing up to assist our customers in Louisiana, Texas and any other areas suffering damage from Gustav," explains Paul Quinn, Assistant Vice President of Claims Communications for Farmers Insurance.

The Mobile Catastrophe buses are equipped with state-of-the art satellite communications equipment; claims stations; water, supplies; laptop, satellite telephone capability; and have a built in grill to serve meals to Farmers' customers and others in need.

The Customer Care Claims Vehicles are smaller versions of Farmers claims buses and are ready to assist with claims and supply needs of Farmers' customers and others in need.

Note to Media: A press release listing exact locations of the claims vehicles will be issued as soon as locations are selected. For questions or information at any time, please contact the Farmers Media Team listed above.

Farmers Insurance customers who have suffered damage should contact their agent or call Farmers' 24-hour-claims hotline, 800-HelpPoint (1-800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.

"Farmers' customers who have moved to evacuation centers in Texas, Louisiana or other states, should keep the HelpPoint number handy if needed, when they return to their homes.

Foremost Insurance customers should file their claims by calling: 1-800-527-3907.

Flood victims who have flood insurance should contact the National Flood Program at www.floodsmart.com

Farmers Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services, an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Farmers® is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Property and casualty products are underwritten and issued by the Farmers Exchanges and their subsidiaries, which Farmers Group, Inc. manages but does not own. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Farmers insurers provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com.

Contacts

Farmers Insurance Group
Jerry Davies, 213-400-4459
jerry.davies@farmersinsurance.com
or
Michelle Levy, 512-791-7445
michelle.levy@farmersinsurance.com
or
David Bishop, 850-228-8997
david.bishop@farmersinsurance.com

Alltel Wireless, with American's Largest Network, Provides Support for Gulf Coast Customers as Hurricane Gustav Approaches

Network teams in place to support customer communications

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-- August 30, 2008 --Alltel Wireless, with America's largest network behind it, is continuing to provide digital service to customers across the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Gustav approaches the area. The company has network crews in place throughout the region ready to provide reliable network coverage when the hurricane makes landfall. The crews are prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies that might threaten communications services in coastal states.

"Alltel takes very seriously our responsibility to ensure our customers stay connected to friends and family during Hurricane Gustav," said Chris Smith, executive vice president of network services for Alltel. "Alltel has made significant investments in its wireless network to improve coverage and reliability, and we have once again taken all the necessary steps to prepare for Gustav."

Earlier today, the company began closing retail stores in south Louisiana to support evacuation efforts. The following closings were announced through Monday:

    * 1043 West Tunnel Blvd. in Houma, La.; 1818 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey, La.; 2701 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie, La.; 1000 W. Esplanade St. in Kenner, La.; 9424A Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, Miss.; 808 Highway 190, Suite B in Covington, La.; and 1302 Corporate Square in Slidell, La.

Alltel will continue to monitor the storm through its command center operations so that it can respond quickly and effectively with manpower, generators and equipment to keep customers in communication with friends and family once Gustav makes landfall.

Alltel also works to help customers in hard-hit areas. All other retail stores will remain open as long as possible. Stores that are closed will reopen as soon as conditions permit to allow customers access to phone chargers and batteries. Alltel opens mobile retail stores in particularly hard-hit areas.

Network preparations to this point:

    * Secured agreements with vendors to provide fuel to keep trucks and generators running.
    * Placed generators on standby in hurricane-prone areas, and tested on-site backup generators for readiness in case of a power outage.
    * Prepared to provide lodging, RVs, food and water for technicians working in storm-hit areas.

Customers can prepare for Gustav by:

    * Verifying that wireless phones are working properly.
    * Programming wireless phones with emergency contact numbers.
    * Making sure wireless phone batteries remain fully charged.
    * Keeping additional charged batteries on hand along with car chargers. Phones, batteries and chargers should be kept in dry, easily accessible areas.

In addition, once Gustav makes landfall, customers should consider:

    * Using Text Messaging instead of trying to place a call.
    * Limiting non-emergency calls, whenever possible.
    * Waiting 10-15 seconds before dialing again if a call fails to go through.
    * Using their camera phones to record damage for insurance purposes.

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has more than 13 million wireless customers.
Contacts

Alltel Wireless
Andrew Moreau, 501-905-7962
Vice President - Corporate Communications
andrew.moreau@alltel.com
or
Scott Morris, 501-905-4094
Manager - Corporate Communications
scott.l.morris@alltel.com

LSS Data Systems' Medical and Practice Management (MPM) Suite Client/Server 5.54 Receives 2007 CCHIT Certification

Software Complies with 100 Percent of Updated 2007 Certification Criteria

EDEN PRAIRIE, minn.-- July 02, 2008 --The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT®) announced yesterday that LSS Data Systems' product Medical and Practice Management (MPM) Suite Client/Server 5.54 is CCHIT Certified®, and meets the Commission's ambulatory electronic health record (EHR) criteria for 2007. Ambulatory EHRs are designed for physician offices and clinics where most Americans get their healthcare. CCHIT - an independent, nonprofit organization - is the Recognized Certification Body in the United States for certifying health information technology products.

In the second year of the program's operation, the criteria and testing have been significantly enhanced. The Commission added 96 criteria to the 151 original requirements from last year. Medical and Practice Management (MPM) Suite Client/Server 5.54 has been tested and passed inspection of 100 percent of a set of updated criteria for functionality, interoperability and security.

"For 2007, the Commission raised the bar from the previous year's criteria. Ambulatory EHRs now must include electronic prescribing, demonstrate an ability to receive lab results, and show enhanced patient safety, quality, and security features," said Mark Leavitt, M.D., Ph.D., chair, CCHIT. "Investment in 2007 certified ambulatory EHRs gives providers even more powerful tools to improve quality, safety and efficiency while protecting the privacy of health information."

The CCHIT Certified mark - a "seal of approval" for EHR products - provides the first consensus-based, government-recognized benchmark for ambulatory EHR products. By looking to products with the CCHIT Certified seal, physicians and other providers can reduce their risk in selecting an EHR product, allowing them to focus their evaluation on the special needs of their practices.

"This certification illustrates our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality software for our customers. CCHIT certification is definitely something our customers value," said Bill Schmidt, Vice President of Sales & Corporate Development at LSS Data Systems. "We are delighted with the achievement of this milestone. We take pride in the strength of our products and the foundation of our seamless integration with MEDITECH to create one electronic health record across the health care enterprise."

LSS customer Parkview Adventist Medical Center, based in Brunswick, ME, recently updated to MPM Client/Server Version 5.54. "We congratulate LSS for 2007 certification of the MPM Suite," said Bill McQuaid, Chief Information Officer at Parkview. "One of Parkview's main approaches to care involves utilizing state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality care. It is important to us to use products which we know meet and exceed industry benchmarks."

CCHIT's certification compliance criteria and its design for a certification inspection process have been thoroughly researched, taking into account the state of the art of EHRs and available standards, and comparing certification processes in other industries and other countries. The inspection process is based on real-life medical scenarios designed to test products rigorously against the clinical needs of providers and the quality and safety needs of healthcare consumers and payers. One script, for example, recreates a scenario of an elderly man with poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions in order to test EHR functions such as potential adverse drug reactions, disease management and treatment plans.

About LSS Data Systems

LSS Data Systems, a MEDITECH partner founded in 1982, develops clinical, financial and administrative solutions for medical practice groups, healthcare delivery systems and clinics across the United States and internationally. Together with MEDITECH, LSS has developed the Medical and Practice Management (MPM) Suite, a full-featured ambulatory care solution that integrates physician practices and clinics with MEDITECH's Health Care Information System. The MPM Suite includes an ambulatory Electronic Health Record with prescribing/ordering, physician documentation, scanning, scheduling, billing and financial management tools. For more information please visit www.lssdata.com.

About CCHIT

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT®) is an independent, nonprofit organization that has been named by the federal government as the Recognized Certification Body for health information technology. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of health information technology by creating a credible, sustainable certification program. The certification requirements are based on widely accepted industry standards and involve the work of hundreds of expert volunteers and input from a variety of stakeholders throughout the health care industry. More information on CCHIT and CCHIT Certified® products is available at www.cchit.org.

"CCHIT®" and "CCHIT Certified®" are registered marks of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology.
Contacts

LSS Data Systems
Megan Salmela, 952-941-1000
msalmela@lssdata.com
or
CCHIT
Sue Reber, 503-703-0813
sreber@cchit.org

LegalView Offers Mesothelioma Blog Readers Details of Disconcerting Request to Decrease Asbestos Regulations from Industry

LegalView informed mesothelioma blog readers of an potentially troubling request by automotive, chemical and mining industries' paid researchers to "water down" asbestos regulations. The industry-hired scientists argued that asbestos is no longer as dangerous, even though several international health organizations have declared no safe level of the material.

Denver, CO - August 2, 2008 -- LegalView, the number one resource for everything and anything legal on the Internet, recently updated readers with the latest piece of mesothelioma information, relating to the request by paid researchers for the automotive, chemical and mining industries to decrease asbestos regulations. In a July 2008 summit in Washington D.C., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency regarding the request. The industry researchers argued that asbestos fibers found in sand, taconite and other materials are less toxic than originally deemed in the 1980s when the regulations were created. However, the EPA along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The World Health Organization (WHO) have all determined that no level of exposure to asbestos fibers is safe and the material as well as products using asbestos should be permanently banned.

Asbestos was mined for years and was frequently used in the construction industry for an array of products, most often insulation. However, it was determined that exposure to asbestos fibers causes a deadly form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Individuals who suffer from mesothelioma cancer should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney to receive a legal consultation on the possibility of developing a personalized mesothelioma lawsuit. Because the cancer is fatal and no completely effective mesothelioma treatment exists to reduce the disease it may be important to develop litigation and potentially receive monetary compensation to pay for costly medical bills. Mesothelioma is a dormant condition that can take decades before symptoms reveal themselves, at which point, little can be done to improve the illness.

According to news reports, at the Washington D.C. summit, approximately 83 public health officials signed a 29-page report on the "science-for-hire" practice, which Dr. Michael Silverstein, who wrote the report, alleges is occurring on the part of automotive, chemical and mining industries. The report, opposing the request, urged the EPA to focus on public health rather than big industry and to avoid decreasing the asbestos regulations.

Learn more about this ongoing issue as well as other legal issues through LegalView.com. LegalView continues to maintain a comprehensive library of legal issues; issues that may be causing harm to millions of Americans each year. LegalView recently updated several of its issues to include detailed information and news. Some of the recently updated sites include information on the Zimmer Durom cup, the Ketek antibiotic and Avandia prescriptions.

The Durom cup, manufactured by Zimmer Holdings, is an artificial hip component that has been under fire by physicians who have said the device is failing their patients. Because of the alleged Zimmer Durom cup risks, the company has ceased manufacture of the hip socket. However, since production began in 2006, nearly 12,000 patients received the cup and may be affected by the failing hip socket and should contact a knowledgeable attorney for advice about the potential Durom cup recall.

Ketek is a pharmaceutical prescription antibiotic that is used to treat upper respiratory infections including pneumonia or bronchitis. Reports have tied the antibiotic with the possibility of severe liver damage among patients. Additional Ketek side effects may also be considered dangerous and those who report signs of yellowing skin or jaundice should consult a doctor immediately

The Avandia portal is continually being updated to provide the public with extensive research, scientific findings and experienced attorney links. Avandia is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, which currently affects millions of individuals in the United States. Recent research, however, has found a disturbing link between the use of Avandia and an increase of heart disease as well as osteoporosis among patients. Individuals who feel they may have symptoms relating to heart disease or who have suffered from a bone fracture likely induced by the Avandia side effects, should speak with a medical expert immediately. Additionally, it is advisable to locate an experienced pharmaceutical law firm in case legal advice is necessary for an Avandia settlement.

About LegalView:
LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com/.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Katie Kelley
LegalView
720-226-6613

Alan Haburchak
LegalView
720-226-6613