News Releases

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has teamed up with The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association and revised their 10-year relationship to strengthen its member's benefits.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080605/LATH062)

"The new and improved Business Insurance Program offers all The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association Members an up front discount and reduced rates on their insurance, regardless of the company size," explains Maryann Vitkievicz, Farmers Commercial Association Manager. "Farmers has paid over $180,000 in dividends to AGRMA this year and over $450,000 over the last 10 years."

Types of businesses eligible for this program are: Retail Stores, Restaurants, Fast Food Restaurants, Doughnut Shops, Deli's, Coffee Shops, Bakeries, Dry Cleaners and over 80 additional types of small businesses. "This relationship allows Industry-specific services and benefits to all Association members," Vitkievicz added. "These cost savings and benefits can have an immediate effect on the bottom line of running a small business."

"We are excited to offer an innovative program to our members," said Polly Martin, President of The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association. "This is a mutually beneficial package that will enhance the business opportunities for any member who participates."

  The new program offers:
  --  Small retail, service providers and restaurants the ability to have
      the same benefits as larger retailers, service providers, restaurants
      and franchises
  --  Potential dividend to the Association and its Members
  --  Loss Prevention and Safety Programs
  --  Local specialized agents
  --  Award winning claims services
  --  Specialized Coverage's including:
      --  Employment Practices
      --  Property & Casualty
      --  Workers compensation
      --  Commercial Auto
      --  Business Interruption
      --  Group Life and Long Term Care

      --  Financial Solutions


  Information on this program is available by contacting:
  --  Ray Roberts (Administrative Agent for program) Phone (501) 945-0555 or
      email rroberts@farmersagent.com
  --  Sandee Lara (Executive Director) The Arkansas Grocers & Retail
      Merchants Association - Phone (501) 664-8680 - email sandee@agrma.org

  --  Polly Martin (President) The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants
      Association - Phone (501) 664-8680 - email polly@agrma.org

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com.

The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association (AGRMA) is dedicated to serving, promoting and protecting the food / grocery and retail industries of the state of Arkansas through legislative efforts, education and member services. As a combination of two of the most powerful forces in the Arkansas business community, the Grocers & Retail Merchants Association is one of the largest and most active trade organizations in the state, with member locations in cities and towns throughout Arkansas.

Through an array of services, projects and ongoing programs, AGRMA offers a number of benefits for grocery or retail business owners and operators, or for businesses whose activities and interests are similar to the grocery and retail industries. The Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association is governed by a Board of Directors and Officers elected from the membership each year at the group's annual meeting. The staff directs and implements Association programs and events from AGRMA headquarters in Little Rock.

  Contact:      Jerry Davies
                213-400-4459
                Jerry.davies@farmersinsurance.com

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SOURCE: Farmers Insurance Group of Companies