Roemer Insurance Sees Soft Market as Ideal Time for Business Expansion.

Business Expansion Plans Call for Increased Staffing in All Areas.

Toledo, Ohio, January 22, 2008—The insurance market is in a down cycle right now and while some might see that as a threat, Toledo-based Roemer Insurance sees it as an opportunity for growth. The independent insurance and risk-management firm is increasing staffing in all areas of its business, from customer service representatives to sales account managers. Roemer Insurance believes that the best way to ride out an extended soft market is to take a long-term view of the situation. According to President and CEO Rocky Roemer, the company is uniquely positioned to take advantage of current market conditions and increase market share. “We have longstanding business relationships and tremendous regional name recognition,” he said. “My grandfather, Wellington F. Roemer, broke new ground in the 1930’s with his trucking insurance innovations. The name Roemer has been synonymous with insurance in our region ever since,” he stated. Roemer Insurance embraces the soft market cycle for its pruning effects on the insurance market—only the strong companies flourish under soft market conditions.

Founded in 1934, Roemer Insurance was one of five major local insurance firms— a number of whom have since been acquired by national insurance brokerages or regional banks. “There has been a sea change in the insurance business with all the cavemen and lizards selling insurance these days,” said Rocky Roemer. Yet, Roemer believes that most people still feel more comfortable talking to someone they know and trust about their insurance needs. “The Roemer name is respected for adherence to the fundamentals of insurance: integrity, financial responsibility and client service.”

Transportation Division Sales Manager, Michael Lawrence, believes that soft markets lead to increased competition, and explains that Roemer Insurance competes by building relationships with its customers. “We work to provide consistent value based on insurance expertise more than lowest price,” he said. According to Michael Lawrence, implementing this relationship-based sales philosophy is time consuming and takes a special type of person—someone willing to be patient and committed. ”I’m looking for experienced professionals who are interested building a career, not just looking for a job,” he stated.

Roemer Insurance approaches hiring differently than some of its competitors, said Lawrence. “Instead of bringing on several new employees at the same time and waiting to see who will wash out and who will work out, we look for the one or two people who are right for the company,” he said. “And then we find the best place for them within the company,” he stated. Roemer Insurance enjoys high employee retention and offers its employees opportunities to branch out into related areas or grow into management positions. “Because Roemer Insurance is family owned and operated it is possible to make an impact,” he said. “Your efforts are appreciated and it is very possible to advance.”

Headquartered at 3912 Sunforest Court in Toledo, Roemer Insurance currently employs more than 30 people. The firm specializes in trucking insurance coverage including liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, commercial auto liability, Workmen’s Compensation, as well as group employee health insurance and benefits. Insure My Rig, Roemer’s small fleet division, provides online insurance services to owner/operators and smaller trucking fleets via its website, www.insuremyrig.com.

Roemer Insurance publishes The Roemer Report, a monthly digest of news for the trucking industry read by fleet operators, owner-operators, and allied personnel. Often referred to as the “Kiplinger Letter of the Trucking Industry“, the report has been published for more than 30 years. The publication is distributed free of charge in both print and electronic formats and is archived on the Roemer Insurance and Insure My Rig website.

Roemer Insurance’s Health and Life Benefits Division offers employee and individual benefit plans including health, life, dental, vision, disability, long-term care, prescription plans, retirement savings and investment strategies. For more information about Roemer Insurance call 419.475.5151 or visit www.roemer-insurance.com.

About Roemer Insurance

Established in 1934 by trucking insurance pioneer, Wellington F. “Dud” Roemer, Roemer Insurance is a third-generation family owned and operated insurance and risk-management firm. Roemer Insurance is a Toledo-area leader in employee health and benefit package plans, with strong community ties and active participation in business and charitable organizations. Committed to technology and sound insurance practices, Roemer Insurance continues to set the standard in risk management and customer service. Roemer Insurance is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and The Professional Insurance Association.