August 2, 2011 – Hampton, NH: According to the Insurance Journal (August 1, 2011), The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance’s (SIAA) Master Agencies account for 8 of the top 100 Privately Held Independent Agencies in the country. “A significant number of our Master Agencies consistently place in the annual Top 100,” stated Jim Masiello, CEO of SIAA, “It speaks to our continued growth and success despite the economic climate and soft market of the last few years.”

The ranking is based on Insurance Journal’s Top 100 annual survey conducted in the spring and early summer each year.

“As much as anything else, this demonstrates what we mean when we tell prospective members that they will become Instantly Big if they join one of our Master Agency alliances.” said Masiello.

The highest ranked SIAA Master Agency on the list is The Satellite Agency Network Group, Inc. (SAN Group) of Hampton, NH, at number 17 with $426 million in 2010 P & C Premium Written. “SAN is the largest group of its kind in the northeast and is the original concept for the SIAA model. It’s rewarding to see so many other SIAA member Master Agencies succeed by following the same model,” Masiello commented.

The other 7 Master Agencies on the list (and their rankings) are:

#60 – SIA Group Inc., Jacksonville, NC
#79 – AssureAlliance, Inc. Spartanburg, SC
#83 – North Florida Agents Network, Tallahassee, FL
#87 – Oklahoma Agents Alliance, Oklahoma City, OK
#89 – SAN of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL
#94 – SIA of the Great Lakes, Green Bay, WI
#100 – Agents Helping Agents, Louisville, KY

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 3,800 new member agencies.

SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. SIAA provides independent agencies with the company access necessary to become instantly BIG. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

The National Insurance Agency Alliance

For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net (phone 603-601-1216) or Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer at dougc@siaa.net (phone 603-601-1220).

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December 2, 2010 – Hampton, NH: According to the Insurance Journal (November 15, 2010), The Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance’s (SIAA) Master Agencies account for 10 of the top 50 Personal Lines Leaders in the country. “When combined, the Master Agencies who reported and ranked in the top 50 account for $732.24 million in Personal Lines Premium – and would land SIAA as number two on the list,” stated Jim Masiello, CEO of SIAA.

The ranking is based on Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Property/Casualty Independent Agencies as reported in August of this year.

“As much as anything else, this demonstrates what we mean when we tell prospective members that they will become Instantly Big if they join one of our Master Agency alliances.” said Masiello.

The highest ranked Master Agency on the list is The Satellite Agency Network Group, Inc. (SAN Group) of Hampton, NH, at number 6 with $287.82 million in 2009 Personal Lines Premium. “SAN is the largest group of its kind in the northeast and is the original concept for the SIAA model. It’s rewarding to see so many other SIAA member Master Agencies succeed by following the same model,” Masiello commented.

The other 9 Master Agencies on the list (and their rankings) are:

#24 – North Florida Agents Network, Tallahassee, FL
#26 – SIA Group, Jacksonville, NC
#27 – SAN of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, FL
#30 – AssureAlliance, Inc., Spartanburg, SC
#31 – Agents Helping Agents, Louisville, KY
#34 – Oklahoma Agents Alliance, Oklahoma City, OK
#35 – Continental Insurance Agency Alliance, Inc., Glenwood Springs, CO
#36 – Midwest Insurance Agency Alliance, Lincoln, NE
#42 – Chicagoland SIA, Lombard, IL

Since it's inception in 1995, SIAA has signed over 3,500 new members.

SIAA is dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system. SIAA provides independent agencies with the company access necessary to become instantly BIG. For more information on SIAA visit www.siaa.net.

The National Insurance Agency Alliance

For additional information, contact James Lane, Senior Marketing Manager, at jamesl@siaa.net or 603-601-1216.

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April 26, 2010 – Hampton, NH: The Satellite Agency Network (SAN) hosted SAN Convention 2010 on April 13 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. The annual Trade Show, Business Meeting and Celebration Dinner, the largest in SAN’s 27 year history, set records for member and prospect attendance.

“The Convention is dedicated to maximizing SAN membership through education, networking and recognition,” said Matt Masiello, SAN’s president and chief operations officer.

Masiello went on to say, “Each year, our membership increases, the economy changes and technology presents new ways to conduct business. Our members need efficient and modernized tools to adjust their business plans and propel their positions in the marketplace. This is why we continue to produce an event of such magnitude: 473 attendees, 39 exhibiting companies and millions of dollars in check disbursements - confirming we provide a substantial benefit for our member’s commitment. This is certainly one of the largest insurance industry events in all of New England.”

The day’s extensive agenda included an E-marketing Workshop, a Trade Show with exhibits by SAN’s premier Strategic Partner companies; a Business Meeting including Masiello’s Presentation entitled “Doing Business in the New Economy-Initiative 2010” and an AMP’d Marketing Services presentation on “A Changing Marketplace-New Tools, New Opportunities for Growth”; a Reception on the Trade Show floor; and an Awards Dinner which recognized four 20-Year Members, eight 15-Year Members, thirteen 10-Year Members, ten 5-Year Members; and the organization’s annual check distribution to qualifying members.

Substantial financial returns were the highlight for most agents. “All in all, SAN members earned double the industry average in profit sharing, overrides, supplemental commissions and SIAA Portfolio Management Service Fees (PMSF),” said Masiello. The average payout per premium dollar was 3.4%, or an average of $15,496 per member. Out of 275 members, 10 members earned over $70,000, 18 members earned over $50,000, 47 members earned over $30,000 and 123 members earned over $10,000.

Members responded enthusiastically to the event, as post event survey results brought forth many positive comments and accolades for a meaningful and productive day.

Event sponsors included: Travelers, Safeco, Peerless, The Hartford, Preferred Mutual Corporation, Tower Group, OneBeacon, MetLife Auto & Home, Glass America, EZLynx, Arbella, Hanover Insurance Group, Capital Premium Financing, Harleysville Insurance, Guard Insurance Group, Merchants Insurance Group, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation, Vertafore, Foremost Insurance and Zurich Small Business, Providence Mutual Fire Insurance, ARS Restoration Specialists, Number One Insurance Agency, MSA Group-NGM Insurance, Encompass Insurance, Hagerty Insurance, Special Agent, Insurance Innovators, Artizan/CSR24, Astonish Results, American Modern Insurance Group, Colonial Benefits Communications, CT Underwriters, QQ Solutions, Applied Systems, Dairyland Insurance and Kemper.

SAN Group, Inc. is the leading alliance of independent insurance agencies in the northeast. Over 275 members have access to more than 40 insurance companies and write in excess of $385 million in combined premiums. SAN is the founding member agency of the Strategic Insurance Agents Alliance (SIAA), an international alliance of over 3,300 independent insurance agencies with over $757 million in premium growth in 2009. For more information on SAN Group, visit www.sangroup.com.
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Strategic Independent Agents Alliance (SIAA), has selected RealTimeExpress® comparative rater, a Software as a Service (SaaS) commercial insurance application from Quantum Integrated Systems, Inc., an innovator in Single Entry, Multiple Carrier Interface (SEMCI) software for the commercial insurance market since 1991. RealTimeExpress allows insurance agents to obtain real-time quotes from multiple insurance carriers by completing a single on-line form.

Dallas, Tex., (PRWEB) – April 13, 2010 – SIAA has selected Quantum Integrated Systems’ RealTimeExpress® comparative rater as an option to provide on-line, multiple-carrier commercial insurance quotes for its alliance members.

The RealTimeExpress comparative rater is a Software as a Service (SaaS) application that allows commercial insurance agents to enter information one time and receive quotes from a number of leading national and regional carriers.

The simplified process saves time and reduces the chance for errors that often result from repetitive data entry. The commercial comparative rater has underwriting built into the interview, and allows agents to quickly compare premiums and coverages by a variety of carriers.

Connie Bedaw, Senior Vice President of Agency Development for SIAA, said the selection of RealTimeExpress was evident from the beginning. “SIAA agents have been working with RealTimeExpress for some time. The ease of use and workflow allow agents to process quotes in a very efficient manner, freeing up time to account-round and write new business.” Bedaw said.

SIAA members will use RealTimeExpress to process on-line quotes for Business Owners, Commercial Auto, and Workers Compensation insurance policies. Agents can select the coverage best for their clients and be connected immediately to a Website to place binding coverage in force without having to re-enter any client data.

Quantum Integrated Systems President Mark Van Horn said RealTimeExpress helps agents spend less time on administrative tasks and more time seeing clients. “In today’s economy every minute counts,” Van Horn said. “This comparative rater was designed by insurance professionals for insurance professionals, to help them work more efficiently and do more business.”

About SIAA
SIAA is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its collective strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. Corporate Website: http://www.siaa.net

About Quantum Integrated Systems
Quantum Integrated Systems, Inc., a leader in SEMCI development and supplies a wide range of software products and services to the insurance financial services industries. Established in 1991, the company’s flagship RealTimeExpress comparative rater product streamlines the quoting process for commercial insurance agents. Corporate Website: http://www.realtimeexpress.com

Contact:

Connie Bedaw – Senior Vice President, Agency Development
Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance
348 Matthews Rd.
Swanzey, NH 03446
connieb@sangroup.com
603-283-1312

Mark Van Horn – President
Quantum Integrated Systems, Inc.
14785 Preston Rd., Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75254
mvanhorn@quantumsys.net
214-0295-1586

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maria Mahalia
212-608-4646
mahaliam@seapass.com

Hampton, NH, 2.10.10 – Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) has selected the SeaPass Hub, a real-time comparative commercial lines quoting service, as a strong option for their members. After a careful and thorough review of all available solutions in the marketplace, SIAA has found that the SeaPass Hub provides the carrier access, reliability, ease of use and speed to enable the most efficient small business operations possible today.

Connie Bedaw at SIAA, said, “Over the past few years, SAN staff has looked at 3 different commercial lines comparative rating systems. … for some reason a good commercial lines rating system is hard to find. Recently, we completed a third-round look at the SeaPass system. They were very responsive in making tweaks to the system. We encourage our members to try this system. In this economic climate, agencies need to run as efficiently as possible. The ability to obtain multiple company quotes from one entry goes a long way towards improving efficiencies.”

Eric Gewirtzman, CEO of SeaPass, said, “We have great respect for SIAA and the business that they have built. Our collaboration with SIAA illustrates the value that entrepreneurial agents and brokers place on the technology solutions of SeaPass to provide reliable commercial lines quoting in real-time. The ability to quote all of your markets is an important element in providing the best overall choice for your client. Ease of doing business is key in today’s competitive environment and SIAA is providing exactly that with this new capability.” 

“We are partnering with SIAA to help independent agents,” said Ken Winer, VP of Sales and Marketing for SeaPass. “They seek accurate, multi-carrier quoting and issuance in real-time. SeaPass will enable SIAA members to deliver better service to their clients – a key factor in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

About SIAA
Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its collective strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. For more information on SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

On SeaPass Solutions
SeaPass Solutions is headquartered in New York City. The company develops and markets solutions that enable insurance carriers, agents, brokers and wholesalers to transmit and receive data in real time.

The SeaPass Hub Solution provides a real-time, single-entry multi-carrier/multi-line commercial lines comparative rating platform that leverages existing systems to interact with one another, leading to reduced costs, better new business and successful transactions. Since 2001 - SeaPass has been implementing innovative technological solutions and services at national insurance carriers, regional carriers, banks, large agencies and brokers of all sizes.

SeaPass is a privately held company. Its shareholders include Hyperion, a world-renowned merchant banking fund specializing in investments in financial services-related companies and pioneering technologies, and Platinum Neurone Ventures, a fund backed by global investors such as Bank of America, the Inter Atlantic Group and Dolphin Equity Partners both NY based investment firms. For more information about SeaPass, please visit: www.seapass.com.

Merchants Insurance Group
250 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, 1-800-462-1077, www.merchantsgroup.com

For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Wishman, 1-800-462-1077, x. 3909, lwishman@merchantsgroup.com

BUFFALO, NY, February 3, 2010 – Merchants Insurance Group has been appointed a commercial lines strategic partner carrier by the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA).

Based in Hampton, New Hampshire, SIAA is the largest alliance network for independent insurance agents in the United States. With operations in all 48 continental states, there are more than 3,100 signed member insurance agencies in their network.

This is the first time Merchants has entered into a national partnership with an independent agency alliance, and Merchants is now one of 13 strategic partner carriers in the SIAA network. Matt Masiello, President and COO of SAN Group, the founding Master Agency in the SIAA network, was instrumental in developing the partnership with Merchants. This association is the result of Merchants’ and SIAA’s strategic focus and commitment to serving their independent agency partners and policyholders.

The past few years have seen strong growth for 92-year-old Buffalo-based Merchants, with a number of new product introductions and their continued commitment to customer service. As part of their growth initiative, Merchants is planning to partner with agents in the SIAA network in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Merchants Insurance Group offers personal and commercial insurance through a network of more than 650 independent insurance agents throughout the Northeast and North Central Untied States. With corporate headquarters and regional operations located in Buffalo, N.Y., Merchants also operates offices in Hauppauge, N.Y.; Mount Laurel, N.J.; Bedford, N.H., and Dublin, OH. Merchants’ website can be accessed at www.merchantsgroup.com.

Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA) is a national alliance with billions in combined profitable premium. SIAA utilizes its collective strength through traditional and alternative market channels for the purpose of providing insurance consumers with competitive choices in addition to providing significant profit and equity appreciation opportunities for SIAA Member Agencies. For more information on SIAA, visit www.siaa.net.

May 22, 2009 – Hampton, NH: The Satellite Agency Network (SAN) Group, Inc. hosted SAN Convention 2009 on April 14 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. The annual event, the largest in SAN’s 26 year history with 409 participants, set records for agency, as well as insurance company and vendor attendance.

“The Convention is dedicated to maximizing the SAN Membership for participating agencies through education, networking and recognition,” said Matt Masiello, SAN’s president and chief operations officer.

The day’s agenda included a Trade Show, Principals’ Meeting and Award’s Dinner.

The Trade Show consisted of 42 exhibitors including SAN’s Strategic Partner Companies as well as technology, claims, program and marketing vendors. Masiello went on to state that, “This event is the one day each year for SAN Members to see all of the tools available to grow their agency.”

The afternoon included a Principals’ Meeting with a SAN Presentation by Masiello entitled Opportunities Preparedness = LUCK, where the formula of maximizing various industry and SAN services were presented to illustrate how agencies can successfully navigate both the shifting insurance market as well as the turbulent economic times. The presentation was wrapped up with SAN’s 2008 results which included 35 new members, bringing the total to 243 Members in 8 states writing $367,000,000 ( 13.6%) of P&C premiums. With top Strategic Partner Companies, SAN Members placed $157,000,000 ( 11.3%) of premium with an adjusted loss ratio of 49.5%. Substantial financial returns were the highlighted for participating agents. “All in all, SAN Members averaged almost double the industry average in profit sharing and supplemental commissions.” said Masiello. SAN Group also achieved or retained Preferred Agency Status with 15 insurance companies.

The Awards Dinner recognized three 25-Year Members, three 20-Year Members, eight 15-Year Members, twenty-two 10-Year Members, thirty-one 5-Year Members; and the organization’s annual profit sharing and supplemental commissions check distribution to qualifying members along with recognition of the 25 Top Participating agents.

The formula of the services and benefits offered by SAN, the extra earnings capabilities for agents, the growth and profitability for both Member agents and participating insurance companies showed how the SAN and SIAA concept is continuing to help agents and insurance companies grow.

Event sponsors included: Standard Funding, Preferred Mutual Corporation, Tower Group, OneBeacon, Glass America, Peerless, Safeco, Travelers, The Hartford, Hartford Flood, Arbella, Fireman’s Fund, Hanover, MetLife, Harleysville Worcester, Foremost Insurance Group, ARS Restoration Specialists, Applied Systems, Inc., Guard Insurance Group, Zurich Small Business, NGM Insurance, New York Central Mutual, Plymouth Rock Companies, Providence Mutual Fire Insurance, Imperial A.I. Credit Companies, Agility Recovery Solutions, Merchants Insurance Group, Colonial Benefits Communications, Guaranty Jewelry Replacement, MAIA, Special Agent, Conexco, Vertafore, Kemper, Norfolk & Dedham, Encompass Insurance, Hagerty Insurance, and QuickQuote, Inc.

SAN Group, Inc. is the leading alliance of independent insurance agencies in the northeast. Over 250 members have access to more than 40 insurance companies and a combined volume of $350 million in written premium. SAN is the founding Member Agency of the Strategic Independent Agents Alliance (SIAA), an international alliance of over 2,600 independent insurance agencies writing over $4.6 billion in combined premium. For more information, visit sangroup.com

October 21, 2008 – Hampton, NH: The Satellite Agency Network (SAN) Group, Inc. recently received the New Hampshire Business Review’s (NHBR) Business Excellence Award for Excellence in Financial Services. The distinction was presented at a reception held Wednesday, October 8 at C.R. Sparks in Bedford, NH. SAN was one of 14 state businesses selected for their determination, industriousness, innovation and achievements. This recognition is presented to owners and operators of businesses or organizations with 100 or fewer employees.

“To be acknowledged at this level is truly an honor”, said Matthew Masiello, SAN’s chief operations officer. “In 1965, Jim Masiello started a family insurance agency in Keene, NH. In 1983, having learned the challenges every independent agent faces, we crafted a model dedicated to the creation, retention and growth of the independent insurance agency – and SAN Group was born.” Masiello went on to explain that the SAN model was rolled out on a national and international level in 1996 as the Strategic Independent Agents Alliance (SIAA). Today, SAN is the largest independent insurance agency partnering alliance in the northeast.

“Our goal in 1983 and today remain the same,” continued Masiello. “Empower local insurance agents to provide a complete line of personal and business insurance at the best possible price - they succeed as a business enterprise and the consumer and business clients obtain affordable, complete coverage.”

“I realize that insurance is not perceived as the most glamorous industry, but I continue to be energized by what we do for local, family-owned independent agents – enable them to succeed and retain their independence.” And if they are already doing okay? “We help them to succeed even more. It’s that end result – financial success translated to family security - that drives me to continuously expand and improve our model.”

“And, as we attain a level of success, we have set goals to give back to our communities.”

This fall, SAN raised $25,000 toward building Fisher House Boston, the first Fisher House facility in New England, a “comfort home” in West Roxbury, MA that allows veterans and their families to face medical crises together. Not only will this house bring quality care closer to veterans’ homes, it will outfit a Specialized Spinal Cord and Brain Trauma Center, one of only six in the world.In 2005 and 2006, SAN raised close to $50,000

SAN Group, Inc. is the leading alliance of independent insurance agencies in the northeast. Over 250 members have access to more than 40 insurance companies and a combined volume of $350 million in written premium. SAN is the founding Member Agency of the Strategic Independent Agents Alliance (SIAA), an international alliance of over 2,600 independent insurance agencies writing over $4.6 billion in combined premium. For more information on SAN Group, visit www.sangroup.com.