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Allstate Customers Using Safe Driving App Have 25% Fewer Severe Collisions

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 17, 2024 – Allstate customers who opt into the Allstate app's safe driving features are experiencing a significant decrease in severe collisions. According to Allstate and its mobility data and analytics partner Arity, those who choose to use Drivewise are 25% less likely to have a severe collision than those who don't. Driving behavior research from Arity also indicates that Drivewise customers exhibit safer driving habits compared to other connected drivers, handling their phones less, speeding less, and hard braking less by as much as 44%.Ginger...

Peter Pan Pups: Unveiling Lifelong Health Risks in Canine Breeds with Persistent Puppy Behaviors

Nationwide's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jules Benson, recently analyzed data from more than 22 million pet insurance claims to unveil some surprising trends regarding certain dog breeds. Dr. Benson noted that some breeds, known as "Peter Pan pups," retain puppy-like behaviors well into their mature and senior years, which can lead to specific health risks.Dr. Benson stated, "Some dog breeds continue to submit claims for what we might think of as ‘silly puppy’ conditions – including trauma, foreign body ingestion, and toxicity – well into their mature and even senior...

Progressive Insurance® Announces 2023 Priority 20 Agents

Progressive Insurance has announced the list of agents who achieved a Priority 20 standing in 2023. Tricia Griffith, CEO of Progressive, expressed her excitement in celebrating with the high-performing agents who made the list. She stated, "When I received the latest list of agencies that achieved Priority 20 status based on their 2023 business results, I was so excited to celebrate with them. This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and remarkable achievements of these independent agents. They have truly taken our partnership to new heights, showcasing...

Progressive Insurance® Recognizes 2023 Platinum 25 Agents

Progressive Insurance CEO, Tricia Griffith, expressed her delight in recognizing the top 25 Progressive Platinum Program Blue-level agents who achieved a Platinum 25 standing in 2023, stating, “Once again, I’m delighted to recognize our newest class of Platinum 25 honorees.” She commended these agents for their commitment to building their preferred bundled home and auto business with Progressive while providing exceptional service to customers, saying, “We’re honored to welcome this year’s class and applaud their achievements.”The 2023 Platinum 25 agents include Couri...

Morgan Stanley Reports First Quarter 2024

Morgan Stanley Reports First Quarter 2024Morgan Stanley has announced that a conference call to discuss the results of the first quarter of 2024 will be held on April 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (ET). The call will be available both live and on-demand via webcast on their website in the Investor Relations section.In a statement, Morgan Stanley emphasized the importance of respecting the copyright of their presentation, stating, "IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThis presentation by Morgan Stanley is copyrighted and proprietary, and all rights are reserved. Any recording, rebroadcast or...

Tech Thwarts Flames, Averts Catastrophe

Thomas, a member of his local fire department, recently shared his experience with a Ting electrical fire monitoring device that detected an electrical problem in his home. According to Thomas, "The detection of an arching problem, when electricity 'jumps' across a tiny gap in a connection, was discovered by this device and allowed for immediate action to take place."Ting, a device that monitors the electrical network of a home, has been successful in preventing potential fires. It has detected over 500 fire hazards and alerted homeowners before a fire ignites, as...

Younger Travelers Driving Surge in Live Event Travel, Survey Shows

COLUMBUS, OH (April 16, 2024) – A new study conducted by AAA and Bread Financial has revealed that younger generations are significantly impacting the landscape of live event travel. According to the survey, approximately three in five Gen Z and Millennial respondents have either traveled or plan to travel for in-person events like concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and book readings that are more than 50 miles from home.The study found that younger travelers are willing to go the extra mile, with more than half of Gen Z travelers opting for plane travel and a...

Goldman Sachs to Redeem Depositary Shares Representing Series K Preferred Stock

NEW YORK, NY, April 16, 2024 - The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) has announced its plan to redeem all outstanding shares of its 6.375% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series K ("Series K Preferred Stock") and the corresponding 28,000,000 depositary shares ("Depositary Shares") on May 17, 2024.According to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., "The Depositary Shares will be redeemed for a redemption price equal to $25 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $25,000 per share of Series K Preferred Stock) plus an amount equal to any dividends that have...

AF Group Joins Triple-I as Its Latest Member

AF Group has joined the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) as its most recent member. "AF Group is a driving force in the specialty solutions market, and the Triple-I is honored to have the support of such an important organization," said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.Lisa Corless, President and CEO of AF Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "Among the biggest concerns for insurers today are rate adequacy, inflation, climate change and economic uncertainty." She added, "Aligning with the Triple-I is an ideal way to foster our unique...

Goldman Sachs Reports 2024 First Quarter Earnings Per Common Share of $11.58 and Annualized Return on Common Equity of 14.8%

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company reported net revenues of $14.21 billion and net earnings of $4.13 billion. Diluted earnings per common share (EPS) were $11.58, with an annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity (ROE) of 14.8% for the first quarter of 2024.In a statement, David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, expressed satisfaction with the quarterly performance, stating, “Our first quarter results reflect the strength of our world-class and interconnected...

Goldman Sachs Declares Preferred Stock Dividends

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has announced dividends on various series of its non-cumulative preferred stock. The declaration includes dividends on different preferred stock series, with specific amounts allocated to each category.According to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the dividends declared are as follows:- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A;"- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C;"- "$380.90 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D;"- "$398.44 per share of...

SBA Statement on Biden-Harris Administration Exceeding Small Disadvantaged Business Contracting Goal

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), praised President Biden's administration for surpassing the annual goal for federal contracting dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) in FY2023. Guzman stated, "Today’s announcement shows the results, with a new record of contract spending with Small Disadvantaged Businesses and steady progress towards President Biden’s goal of awarding 15% of federal contracting dollars to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by FY2025."In response to President Biden's call to...

New Small Business Applications Soar to Over 17 Million Under Biden-Harris Administration

WASHINGTON – In a statement released today by Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), it was revealed that an astonishing 17 million new business applications have been filed under the Biden-Harris Administration.Guzman emphasized the impact of President Biden's economic leadership, stating, “President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda has ignited a historic Small Business Boom, as more Americans than ever seek to start a business.” She highlighted the significance of each new business as "an act of hope and confidence...

Morgan Stanley Strengthens Alliance for Children’s Mental Health with New Funding and Members

New York - Morgan Stanley has announced a significant financial commitment to its Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, with a total funding of $50 million since its inception in 2020. The latest pledge of $20 million over the next five years aims to bolster the Alliance's efforts in delivering programming, research, and innovative solutions to support children's mental health.The Alliance has expanded its reach by welcoming two new members, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Sesame Workshop, to collaborate on enhancing mental health support for children. Ted Pick,...

Triple-I: Insurance Economic Drivers Outperforming Overall US GDP, and Likely to Gain Further Momentum on Federal Reserve Cuts

The economic drivers of the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurance industry are showing promising growth, outpacing the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and poised to accelerate even more with potential Federal Reserve monetary rate cuts. According to Michel Léonard, chief economist and data scientist at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), "Triple-I forecasts P&C underlying growth to increase to 3.4% in 2024, 1.2% above the Fed’s GDP forecast of 2.2%."Léonard further stated, "Triple-I expects P&C underlying growth to continue outperforming overall GDP...

SBA Launches Digital Hub to Connect Small Businesses with Major Funding in President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing in America Small Business Hub. This hub is described as the first and only digital portal of its kind providing industry-specific resources to help small businesses tap into opportunities under President Biden’s signature Investing in America (IIA) Agenda.Speaking about President Biden's economic agenda, Administrator...

Nationwide Secures Pension Risk Transfer Deal with Ohio Farm Bureau

Nationwide, a company deeply rooted in agricultural history, has announced a significant achievement in its longstanding partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau. The company has taken on the responsibility for Ohio Farm Bureau's defined benefit plan retirees through a pension risk transfer (PRT) transaction.According to Adam Sharp, the executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide's shared values with the organization and its track record of strength and stability made them the ideal choice for this partnership. Sharp stated, "Nationwide is a company with a deep...

SBA Recognizes 2024 Small Business Investment Companies of the Year

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the recognition of Argosy Private Equity of Wayne, Pa., and Mizzen Capital, LP of Stamford, Conn., as the 2024 Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place during National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4.Guzman praised the awardees, stating, "Filling capital gaps is core to the SBA’s mission, and we rely on an incredible network of SBIC-licensed funds to help us deliver. I am proud to recognize two...

When Seconds Count: Defending Against Fire in Agriculture

Wesley vividly recalls the intense moment when a fire threatened his family's Montana farm in July 2022. Describing the swift action taken by his father-in-law, Wesley narrates, "Suddenly, my father-in-law saw flames in the field behind him. Without hesitation, he dumped the hay from the baler and turned the tractor around to fight the blaze."Amidst the chaos, the Enforcer 10 played a crucial role in extinguishing the fire. Wesley explains, "He rushed to the front of the tractor, activated the Enforcer 10, and within seconds, the fire on the baler was out." This...

SBA Administrator Guzman Highlights Memphis Small Business Ahead of Today’s Total Solar Eclipse

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for a tour of American Paper Optics’ facility with business owner John Jerit and members of his leadership team. During the tour, Administrator Guzman learned how American Paper Optics used SBA resources to sustain operations during the pandemic, and how the business evolved into the largest manufacturer of paper 3D eyewear and solar eclipse viewing glasses in the world."The 2024 total solar eclipse is generating a spending surge nationwide, and small businesses are playing a large role in meeting...