Zurich Introduces Medallion Agent Program to Reward Top-performing Agencies Serving the Small Business Sector

Business Wire, April 5, 2004

Business Editors

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2004

New program provides financial incentives and innovative tools for increasing sales and customer service

Zurich's Small Business group today announced the launch of its Medallion Agent Program, designed to recognize and reward the most profitable and productive agencies with financial incentives, increased authority and greater marketing and sales support. The new program is part of Zurich's ongoing commitment to serve the insurance and risk management needs of small business owners, while working in partnership with agencies to efficiently and cost-effectively service and expand their base of customers.

"The Medallion Agent Program gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude and demonstrate our loyalty to the agencies that have helped Zurich become a leader in small business insurance," said Ray Thomas, president and CEO of Zurich's Small Business group. "The more we can do to help small business agents better serve their customers and run and grow a profitable business, the better it is for all of us."

The Medallion Program has three levels of distinction - Gold, Silver and Bronze - each with different qualifying criteria based on profitability, production and nomination by the local field staff. All members of Zurich's national network of independent small business insurance agents are eligible to participate. Medallion Agencies benefit from greater pricing authority, an increased incentive award, enhanced co-op advertising and marketing, preferred service handling and other initiatives.

More than 600 small business agencies have the distinction of being among the first agents to qualify for the Medallion Agent Program in 2004, including 68 Gold Medallion Agents, 193 Silver Medallion Agents and 369 Bronze Medallion Agents.

Zurich Financial Services (www.zurich.com) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network that focuses its activities on its key markets in North America and Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Through its offices in more than 50 countries, 62,000 Zurich employees serve clients in more than 120 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the large global corporate, middle market and small business sectors.