USI in the News

USI Insurance Services (USI), a world leader in insurance brokerage and risk management, today announced the acquisition of Wilbraham, Massachusetts-based The Gaudreau Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1921, The Gaudreau Group is a commercial insurance, employee benefits, personal risk and financial services firm insuring more than 6,000 businesses and families across 14 states. Having served the New England region for nearly a century, the company has earned a strong reputation for helping businesses and families discover, protect and enhance the people, places and things most important to them.

Jules O. Gaudreau, president, The Gaudreau Group, is a third-generation member of the Gaudreau family to lead the company. Mr. Gaudreau will join USI’s New England regional management team as president of the company’s Springfield, Massachusetts office.

Commenting on the announcement, Joseph J. Fico, USI New England regional CEO, said: “We are excited to welcome the clients and experienced professionals from Gaudreau Group to the USI family. By joining together as one, we look forward to continuing Gaudreau’s long-standing tradition of providing superior service to clients through the USI ONE Advantage®, a unique platform that delivers innovative risk management and employee benefit solutions with bottom line financial impact.”

Mr. Gaudreau added: “Joining USI marks an exciting milestone for our company. USI is an established leader in the risk management, insurance brokerage and consulting market, known for their best-in-class solutions including proprietary analytics, local and national resources and team-based planning. This partnership will not only sustain, but strengthen our long-standing reputation for delivering superior solutions, expertise and service to our clients in the New England region and beyond.”

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

A recent Vision Magazine article, “Titans of The Middle Market,” profiles USI Consulting Group’s (USICG) steady growth in the retirement consulting industry over the last 25 years through the focused delivery of innovative retirement plan services to the middle market. USICG is a premier provider of defined contribution and defined benefit plan consulting and administration services, as well as health and welfare administration for clients throughout the United States. Read the full article.

Valhalla, NY, August 20, 2018 – USI Insurance Services (USI), a world leader in insurance brokerage and risk management, announced today that it has been recognized as a “Top Insurance Workplace” by Insurance Business America (IBA) for 2018. IBA’s inaugural Top Insurance Workplaces program, recognizes leading U.S. insurance organizations based on a series of key employee engagement metrics, including employee benefits, incentives, professional development, culture and more.

“We are honored to be recognized by Insurance Business America as a Top Insurance Workplace for 2018,” said Michael J. Sicard, USI’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our more than 6,000 industry-leading associates make USI a special place to be, and we’re continually looking for new and innovative ways to support a work environment that is both personally and professionally rewarding.”

The Top Insurance Workplaces program has a two-phase qualification process, including an employer and an employee survey. Overall company results are distributed across four separate categories based on employee size. USI was one of three organizations, and the only insurance brokerage firm, recognized in the large employer category (1,000+ employees). To learn more, visit www.insurancebusinessmag.com to view the complete Top Insurance Workplaces feature in the August 2018 issue of Insurance Business America Magazine.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

Jim McCauley, usi vice president, national employee benefits practice, was recently featured in an Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) article, “Ending the myth of ‘the claims are the claims.’” In the article, McCauley discusses with EBA the increasing emphasis on cost containment when it comes to rising insurance claims and healthcare costs, noting that, “There’s a push in the self-funded market to really empower employees to better take control of their own healthcare.” Read the full article.

The results of the American Heart Association’s 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index were announced on August 8, 2018, and USI Insurance Services (USI) achieved Gold level recognition for building a culture of health in the workplace. Companies recognized at the Gold level are among those that obtained the highest Index scores in 2018. Out of the more than 1,000 participating organizations, USI was the only insurance brokerage and consulting firm to receive Gold level recognition in the “greater than 5,000 employees” category.

"We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our ongoing efforts to build a leading culture of employee health and wellness,” said Kim Van Orman, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for USI. “As a leading employee benefits consultant and provider for clients across the US and internationally, we want to lead by example in our own firm with continued investment in the health and wellness of our more than 6,000 associates."

The American Heart Association created the Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a collaboration of more than 40 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies, who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index scores organizations on 55 individual best practices, across seven categories of organizational best practices (leadership, engagement, programs, policies and environment, partnerships, communications, and reporting outcomes), and the objective, unbiased science-based assessment of overall workplace heart health using My Life Check® or an equivalent source.

Arthur W. Hall, senior vice president and employee benefits leader for USI, stated: “USI’s Gold level recognition by the American Heart Association reflects the value we place on the health of our own employees, and by extension, those of our clients. The strategy and commitment to excellence demonstrated in our plan gives our benefit professionals a unique perspective when consulting for other firms. By practicing what we preach, we have been able to create a unique culture of health for our own firm and our clients."

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index or to view the complete list of 2018 achievement recognitions, visit: http://www.heart.org/WHSrecognitions.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The current state of the US construction business is strong, and to no surprise, so is the market for construction insurance. In a recent Insurance Journal article, “Keeping Up With Construction Insurance,” Danette Beck, USI national construction practice leader, shares her insight on current industry trends as well as her passion for the work she does. “It’s a healthy construction market outlook,” states Beck. “There aren’t any projections right now that there is going to be a slowdown.” Beck is very proud to insure the construction industry and play a role in impacting the community. Beck says, “The skylines, the cities, the infrastructure that connects people. I look at all my clients and prospective clients as family. It’s really important that you not only protect their balance sheet, but also their reputation.” Read the full article.

In December 2017, USI closed the largest acquisition in its history with the completion of the sale of Wells Fargo Insurance Services. As part of the merger, 2,900 Wells Fargo employees transitioned into 70 USI offices. This incredible task was managed by USI’s real estate and procurement team, overseen by Patti Vreeland, vice president of corporate real estate and procurement. Read more about this exciting project in “On the Move” in American Builders Quarterly.

The Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) presented its 2018 Innovation Torchbearer Award today to USI Insurance Services (USI) at IMCA’s 2018 Annual Conference in Atlanta.

IMCA’s Innovation Torchbearer Award, one of the most prestigious honors presented within the insurance industry, annually recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated innovative ideas or initiatives impacting the industry.

“IMCA selected USI Insurance Services for this prestigious honor as a result of the very clear impact their platform has on a large segment of the insurance industry,” said Anna Hargis, chair of the IMCA board of directors and director of advertising at Shelter Insurance.

“We are honored to receive the IMCA Innovation Torchbearer Award for the USI Omni Knowledge Engine™,” said Jodi Moss, vice president, national director of marketing & branding, USI. “This one-of-a-kind platform enables us to deliver enterprise solutions using our clients’ personalized data to provide tailored programs with quantified financial impact and the ability to analyze alternative scenarios with the touch of a button.”

Moss added, “The impact is felt not only by our clients in the form of financial results, but also by associates who now have the knowledge and expertise of the entire USI organization at their fingertips. With the USI Omni Knowledge Engine™ we are truly disrupting the industry.”

Nominees were judged by a panel of IMCA board members and scored within three key areas:

Past winners of the IMCA Torchbearer Award, initiated in 2012, include:

• 2017: Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention (IFPA)

Previously, in 2016, USI was also recognized by IMCA with Showcase Awards in the category of "Employee Communications Campaigns" for the USI Summit Awards program, and in the category of "Corporate Social Responsibility" for the USI Gives Back campaign.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

About the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA)

IMCA (www.imcanet.com) is the oldest insurance marketing association in North America with roots tracing back to 1921. Membership includes leading international and domestic multi-line insurance companies and brokerage firms, regional and specialty companies, general agencies, and prominent industry suppliers. The organization represents over 120 companies, including the top five North American property/casualty writers. Members include senior level management and professional staff working in the areas of corporate communications, advertising, public relations, marketing communications, marketing and sales promotion, marketing research and technology.

Vince Furio, property & casualty sales executive from USI's West Orange, NJ office, recently received a Corporate Citizen award from the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce in Essex County. Vince was recognized for his work on behalf of USI, serving the risk management needs of the Hispanic community in Essex County. He was nominated by his client, Virgo Medical Services. The savings that Vince and USI secured for the client enabled them to hire more employees, promoting real and sustained growth within Essex County. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver were in attendance for the event along with other dignitaries of the Hispanic community.

Our new video, USI: A Disrupter in the Insurance Marketplace, is now available! Visit www.changingtheindustry.com to learn how USI is changing the insurance brokerage and consulting marketplace by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage®. See how USI's industry leading knowledge, solutions and service set us apart from the competition.

USI Insurance Services (“USI”) announced today that Danette Beck has been named National Construction Practice Leader. Beck will be responsible for growing USI’s construction practice, which delivers industry leading solutions and services across a wide range of clients including general contractors, trade contractors, property owners, investors and construction professionals. She will be relocating to the New York metro area to work in the USI corporate headquarters, based in Valhalla, N.Y.

Robert K. Meyers, USI’s senior vice president, property-casualty leader, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Danette to our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge with over two decades of experience in the construction industry. She will be invaluable to our Property & Casualty practice as we continue to invest in and expand our Construction vertical and develop innovative new solutions for our clients.”

Beck comes to USI from Marsh, where she was the West Zone Construction Practice Leader for the past seven years. Prior to that, she was with AON in their construction practice for over 14 years. Beck has her BBA in Risk Management Insurance from the University of Georgia and holds CPCU, ARM and CRIS designations.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

Ernest Newborn, USI's General Counsel for the last 19 years, was recently featured in a profile in Vanguard Law Magazine. The article highlights the great influences and daily motivations of Ernest's career, including his grandfather, and his exciting career path from trial lawyer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to corporate practice, where he ultimately became one of the youngest GCs in the national insurance brokerage industry. Read more about Ernest's career and his critical contributions to USI's growth as an industry leader.

Vertafore awarded USI the Vanguard Award for Innovation during NetVu18, the largest insurance technology conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia. The Vertafore Vanguard Award for Innovation goes to the agency, carrier, or MGA who contributes to expanding and growing the industry through their innovative application of Vertafore solutions. Vertafore announced that USI was the recipient of this prestigious award stating: "[USI] has a handle on what it takes to do things right and push technology to drive their business. They continue to grow at an incredible pace through acquisition and organic growth. They've adopted a best of breed approach, leveraging data and analytics to drive business efficiencies. Their innovative approach to the automation of insurance document delivery has pushed the industry to drive electronic document delivery. Their ability to manage and process small commercial business better than most has allowed them to drive record growth. The successful pairing of teams and technology can make for a powerful tool and [USI] has mastered the art of doing so, driving industry innovation."

Smart home technology is increasing rapidly and many major house hold items can operate as high-tech devices—either linked to the internet or responsive to our voice commands. In the May issue of Best’s Review, Jim Kane, USI senior vice president and personal risk practice leader, delves into the important role Brokers can play for both underwriters and their clients by understanding and reporting on the benefits of smart home technology. For the full article, click here.

USI Insurance Services (“USI”) announced today the closing on the acquisition of CHS Insurance, formerly part of CHS Inc. CHS Insurance is one of the nation’s largest agribusiness insurance brokers and a leading insurance provider for agriculture cooperatives in the United States. It has provided insurance and risk management solutions to agribusiness, food processing, petroleum and agricultural cooperatives for 80 years. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Michael J. Sicard, chairman and CEO, USI, said: “CHS Insurance is recognized as a leader in agribusiness insurance, with a strong dedication to understanding clients’ risks and helping businesses grow. We have a shared culture and common core values, including a networked team approach to bringing exceptional service and expertise to each of our clients. We call it the USI ONE Advantage®, a unique platform to deliver clients an innovative and better set of risk management and employee benefit solutions with bottom line financial impact. We are excited to welcome the CHS Insurance team to USI. Together we will further invest and expand in serving the needs of agribusiness and communities across the United States.”

Bryan Lewis, president, CHS Insurance, said: “For eight decades we have been providing our clients with insurance and risk management solutions tailored to the agricultural industry. Teaming with USI will allow us to bring clients additional products and services to protect their businesses and employees. We look forward to joining an industry-leader known for their best-in-class solutions including proprietary analytics, local and national resources and team-based planning to help our clients navigate the future.”

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

USI Insurance Services (“USI”) announced today the closing on the acquisition of Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc., formerly part of KeyBank (“KEY”). Headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc. is a leading regional provider of risk management and employee benefit solutions with 350 teammates working in eight offices in upstate New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Michael J. Sicard, chairman and CEO, USI said: “We are very excited to welcome Kirk and this highly experienced team of professionals to USI. Like USI, this team brings tremendous insight and expertise, and a strong dedication to outstanding client service. Together we are investing heavily and expanding in great communities including Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Norwalk and cities across New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and across the country. We are delighted to combine our strengths to create the USI ONE Advantage® — providing a different and better set of solutions and services for clients while building an exceptional place for our people as we actively invest and expand for the future.”

Kirk L. Jensen, president, Key Insurance & Benefits Services, said: “We are thrilled to be joining an industry leader. Not only will our clients continue to benefit from the personalized local services they have come to expect from our dedicated team, but now they will also have access to USI’s expanded suite of best-in-class solutions, tools, and national resources to help protect and grow their business.”

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $137.0 billion at March 31, 2018. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, insurance, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

USI Insurance Services (“USI”), a world leader in insurance brokerage and risk management across property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement consulting, has been named to Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers.

“The passion, dedication and commitment of our people are the heart of everything we do,” said Kim Van Orman, USI’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “We are honored to see USI recognized as one of the Best Employers in America. We have worked hard to invest in our associates and to create one of the most dynamic personal and professional development cultures in the industry.”

Michael J. Sicard, chairman and CEO, USI said: “We are thrilled to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers and top ranked as one of only two insurance brokerage and consulting firms on the list. USI has a passion to be different and better – for our clients, communities, and team members, emerging as a new force in the insurance industry and as a leader across companies of every industry. It’s how we connect together as ONE to create the USI ONE Advantage® that makes USI such a special place to be.”

Forbes partnered with independent market research company Statista to survey 30,000 individuals about their employers. Participants were asked to anonymously rate their employers on work-related topics such as working conditions, salary, potential for development, company image and willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family. The final list ranks 500 large and 500 midsize employers that received the most recommendations. The full report is available on Forbes.com at https://www.forbes.com/best-employers/list/.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

USI Insurance Services honored 922 Summit winners across the country during its 7th annual celebration on Friday, April 27, 2018. The Summit Awards are a recognition and celebration of USI's top performing service associates who are located in more than 150 locations nationwide. The winners, who range from one year with USI to decades of distinguished service, were lauded for their performance over the past year. In addition to paying tribute to many multiple year winners, the Company honored 30 five-time Summit winners. The USI Summit Awards was created in 2011 as a reward and recognition program for associates nationwide who serve both internal and external clients. It was the first of its kind at USI and is a unique program in the industry that received an Insurance Marketing Communication Association Showcase Award. The Summit program continues to innovate and expand with winners choosing their own ideal reward experience through an individualized, curated program that they personally schedule with a concierge. In addition to the Summit Experiential Award, winners also enjoy: company-wide recognition; local office celebrations; and a custom-designed trophy.

Andrea Voorhees, employee benefits consultant based in the Eugene, Oregon, office, was recently featured in the Eugene Chamber of Commerce quarterly publication Open for Business, in an article on diversity and inclusion (pages 30-31). Andrea highlights diversity and inclusion practices that can be effectively implemented in the workplace, which could have the potential to yield positive financial results. In addition, she has organized and will be moderating an upcoming panel discussion for the Lane County HR association, "How Corporate Social Responsibility Benefits Your Bottom Line." The panelists will discuss the financial impact Corporate Social Responsibility has on businesses locally, regionally, and state-wide.

Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc., with a division headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., has 350 teammates working in eight offices in upstate New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY and is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage firms in the United States, with more than 6,000 associates in over 150 offices.

“We are proud to welcome Kirk Jensen, president of Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc., and his dedicated team of insurance professionals to USI. Together, USI and Key Insurance and Benefit Services, Inc. bring tremendous experience and insights, with a shared philosophy of understanding and servicing our clients, coupled with a strong sense of community and a commitment to our culture and people,” said Michael J. Sicard, USI’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We look forward to leveraging our USI ONE Advantage® platform together to bring clients a unique suite of property and casualty, employee benefit, personal risk and retirement solutions with bottom line impact.”

“We want to thank our teammates at Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc. for their contribution to Key. Through this sale, we are highlighting our focus on delivering core banking services across our footprint. We believe that Key Insurance & Benefits Services, Inc. and USI represent complementary businesses without geographic overlap and a shared commitment to providing strong client service and product expertise,” said E.J. Burke, Co-President, Key Community Bank.

“We are excited to join an insurance-only platform that is powered by the best technology in the industry, so our team can continue to provide our clients with the best service in the business,” Jensen said. “By joining USI, we will have an unrivaled toolkit to help our clients manage risk and benefits costs.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter 2018. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to KeyBank in connection with the transaction.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $137.7 billion at December 31, 2017. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, insurance, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

USI vice president and Houston Management and Professional Services team member, Tim Losie, was recently named by Risk & Insurance magazine as one of its 2018 "Power Brokers" in the "At Large" category. In the article announcing Tim's win, one client board member complimented how well Tim explained how a D&O policy worked during the trying time of bankruptcy, while another client's consultant said Tim did "a superior job in helping our client analyze their risks and coverage and identifying best solutions and best practices." For the full article, click here.

USI senior vice president, professional risk practice, Miles Afsharnik, ESQ., will be a speaker at the American Conference Institute's (ACI) Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Forum on Cyber Risk and Data Security on April 10 – 12, at The Metropolitan in Chicago, Illinois. Mile's session is called, "Exploring the Link Between Cyber Risk, Data Breach and D&O Liability." This session will raise attention to D&O litigation after a data breach; discuss due diligence required to protect consumer information; examine the wave of plaintiffs encroaching into D&O litigation space for data breaches; and review D&O litigation from the perspective of the board of directors and shareholders. For more information on this event, click here.

Paul King, USI senior vice president and MPS National Practice Leader, was interviewed for Risk & Insurance magazine's March 2018 Cover Story, titled #TimesUp. This article discusses the impact of sexual harassment in the workplace and how risk managers must lead the way to top-down culture change. Paul explains that risk managers cannot lead the charge themselves, they need to be aligned with multiple parts of the organization, including Human Resources and Legal. Because true culture change can only come from the top level, Paul says that "HR and legal should be regularly feeding claims information to risk managers to share at quarterly meetings of the board and give specific updates around these issues." Access the full article here.

USI presented an unparalleled educational opportunity for human resource and leadership professionals by hosting Equity in Opportunity on March 6, in NYC. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Sandra Usleman, Chief Sales Officer, with esteemed experts sharing their experiences in implementing out-of-the-box Diversity and Inclusion programs that have "leveled the playing field" for all employees and made a significant impact within their organizations. USI's Equity in Opportunity event provided guidance for professionals of all levels on practical tactics to help organizations reach a new level of achievement, productivity and morale. The event was organized and led by USI associates from our New York office including, Tracy Brown, Lauren Castellano, Katerina Donovan and Mary Jo Jacobs.

Insurance Business America highlights USI's strong industry thought leadership in a recent article, "Hunger for workers' comp premium to drive 'strong competition'". The article featured in-depth insight from Doug O'Brien, national casualty & alternative risk practice leader at USI, on the competition within the workers' compensation industry that is expected to remain strong throughout 2018. Click here to read the article.

USI Affinity and The Hanover will bring a premier, market -leading team, with world class expertise and resources, to help protect and insure both small and large law firms. Together, USI Affinity and The Hanover will have the ability to offer a proprietary, comprehensive Lawyers’ Professional Liability offering to attorneys and law firms through the USI Affinity Lawyers Liability Risk Purchasing Group within the stated market area. With state and local Bar Association endorsements from the DC Bar, New Jersey State Bar Association and Boston Bar Association, The USI Affinity “Attorney’s Preferred” Insurance Program will offer insurance solutions to lawyers and law firms in seven different states.

“By connecting and combining the expertise of USI Affinity and The Hanover, we are able to create a product offering that will be unparalleled in these market areas. With industry leading knowledge, solutions and service, we will deliver customized solutions to maximize bottom line impact and keep policies current with the changing demands of the LPL marketplace,” said USI Affinity Senior Vice President and Professional Liability Practice Leader, Mike Mooney. “This new program is the result of market leaders and all of their expertise, coming together to address the gaps in coverage commonly seen in today’s marketplace. Our new policy enhancements focus on the challenges that attorneys and law firms face on a continual basis and provide a peace of mind for attorneys that they have not had in the recent years.”

“USI Affinity is one of the most respected specialty brokers and program managers in the Lawyers’ Professional Liability space with industry leading marketing and business development capabilities,” said Greg Leffard, President of Hanover Professionals at The Hanover. “This partnership demonstrates The Hanover’s continuous commitment to help develop customized solutions for our agents and reinforces our desire to strategically grow our Hanover Specialty business.”

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. The company provides exceptional insurance solutions in a dynamic world. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, The Hanover offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

USI is named as the third largest Central Ohio employee benefits company ranked by number of Central Ohio employee benefits employees. USI is a newcomer to this list after acquiring Accelerated Benefits and Wells Fargo Insurance Services last year. USI is dedicated to serving clients in this area. To see the complete list click here.

After Hurricane Irma left significant damage at the Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina, including downed trees and debris throughout the 1,500-acre property and damage to boat docks, the club was prepared to take action. Club & Business Resort Magazine discusses how a strong partnership with USI, led by senior sales executive Robb Imbus from the Charleston, South Carolina, office, provided immediate recovery assistance after the hurricane while also helping to identify the best long-term risk-management procedures and strategies for the club. The "depth and strength" of the USI team helped Colleton River Club to implement bundled coverages that met their needs for needs for property/casualty coverage. The club's management team, led by General Manager/COO Timothy Bakels said; "A package of insurance coverage is only going to be as good as the people behind it, and from the start, the [PREFERRED/USI] group has always made us feel not only like we're a priority, but that we're their only customer." Click here to read the full article.

The 2018 USI Insurance Market Outlook report forecasts trends in commercial market areas including property, general liability, umbrella liability, international, environmental, aviation, crime, cyber , medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and kidnap, ransom and extortion. The Business Insurance article “Insurers expected to hike property rates on 2017 disasters: USI” discusses how the near-record-loss activity stemming from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, two major earthquakes in Mexico and other natural disasters in 2017 could lead to some changes in pricing and terms and conditions in the property market for 2018. In fact, the report forecasts that the property market could see some rates rise as much as 20% in 2018. The report was also referenced in Insurance Journal’s article “What to Expect in Workers’ Compensation Pricing in 2018” and predicts that workers’ compensation rates in 2018 will be mixed, with some programs seeing pricing flat to down and others seeing some increases. Click here to read the full 2018 Insurance Market Outlook report.

Of the 431 commercial airports in the US and Canada, only 30% have a cyber policy in place. USI created a "Cyber Insurance Experts" panel for the 2018 ACI-NA (Airports Council International–North America) Risk Management Conference in New Orleans, LA in January. The conference focused on risk management for commercial airports in the US and Canada. The USI cyber team included; Tom Ciano, New England Region MPS Leader, Paul King, National MPS Practice Leader and Pete Hedberg, NAS Senior Underwriter.

Tom Wagoner, employee benefits leader from USI's Dublin, Ohio, office, was recently featured in the Columbus CEO Magazine article, "Estate Planning: Medicare vs. Social Security." This article discusses the important financial choices people need to make when nearing retirement age and highlights the key features of their benefit options. Discussing the employer's responsibility regarding Medicare and Social Security, Tom said, "An employer cannot incentivize, request (to) or help an employee move to a supplement (Medicare) plan." Click here to read the full article.

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today it has acquired Insurance Services Group, Inc., ("ISG"). Founded in 1988, ISG provides commercial and personal insurance services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. ISG and its employees will be integrated into USI's Hunt Valley, MD, office. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

John J. Micale, USI Mid-Atlantic regional chief executive officer, said: "For nearly 30 years, the team at ISG has provided a deep knowledge of the industry, valuable insight, and unparalleled client service. Their ability to offer customizable solutions that fit the unique needs of their clients aligns perfectly with the USI ONE Advantage®. We are thrilled to welcome Joe and his team to USI and look forward to extending our presence as a leading insurance brokerage and consulting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region."

Joseph L. Sutton, president, Insurance Services Group, Inc. said: "Since our founding, it has been our mission to provide our clients with exceptional service and personalized coverage solutions. With this acquisition, our clients will continue to enjoy this specialized customer care, but now they will have access to USI's best-in-class solutions that are customized through proprietary analytics, local and national resources, and team-based planning. We are excited to join an industry leader and to play a role in growing USI's footprint in this strategic growth marketplace."

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

Renee Dube, USI Vice President, National Property & Casualty Practice, was recently featured in Business Insurance's Risk Management article "D&O market expected to withstand litigation spike." This article discusses how securities litigation against companies increased dramatically last year but is not expected to have an immediate significant effect on the directors and officers liability insurance market. Renee said she "expects continued competition in D&O pricing this year, an exception will be firms that either plan an initial public offering or have issued one over the past three years. They will have a 'different story because of security claim exposures.'" Click here to read the full article.

USI Insurance Services (“USI”) announced today it has acquired Ridge Consulting Group, Inc. The employee benefits firm will be integrated into USI’s Wichita, KS, office. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Donald McG. Woods, USI Mountain regional chief executive officer, said: “We are excited to welcome Robert and his team to the USI family. Their strong insurance knowledge, consultative selling approach, and long-term relationships across the state of Kansas complement our USI ONE Advantage® platform.”

Robert J. Langhofer, president, Ridge Consulting Group, Inc., said: “We are looking forward to joining USI. Our clients will continue to benefit from our coordinated solutions and support on a local level, but now they will also have access to USI’s expanded suite of employee benefits solutions and proprietary resources on a national level.”

About USI

USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI connects together over 6,000 industry leading professionals across more than 150 offices to serve clients’ local, national and international needs. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage^®, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and expertise, and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit www.usi.com.

Stuart Young, commercial lines senior sales executive from Salt Lake City, was recognized by Insurance Journal as one of the 2017 Agents of the Year. The publication annually features 10 sales professionals who define what it means to be a successful agent, based on impressive sales, demonstrated business intelligence, and passion for the business. Insurance Journal's Agents of the Year come from all regions of the country. Stuart provides the following advice; "Continually respond to clients with useful, timely information. Learning from others and helping clients understand their options is the future." Congratulations Stu! href="https://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/mag-features/2017/12/18/473949.htm" target="_blank">Click here to read more.

USI Chairman and CEO, Mike Sicard is among those recognized in this year's IBA Hot 100 list which features the most notable insurance professionals in the industry. The article discusses how USI has tripled in size since 2007 when Mike became CEO, and highlights many innovative company accomplishments including launch of the USI ONE Advantage®, the Omni Knowledge Engine™, USI Gives Back and the recent purchase of Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Click here to read Mike's full profile.