Urban Insurance Partners Institute Web Site
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American Family Expects Large Future Urban Growth, Turns to Urban Institute

MADISON, WISCONSIN ... As part of its continuing effort to expand into minority markets, American Family Mutual Insurance Company announced today it has joined the Urban Insurance Partners Institute (UIPI).

"We realize there are tremendous opportunities for our products in cities because of the sheer population density," says Gwendolyn Jones, director of emerging markets for American Family. "The Urban Insurance Partners Institute can help us learn how to maximize the potential in urban markets." The institute is a nonprofit organization supported by the insurance industry.

American Family, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is the tenth largest property casualty insurer in the country with more than $10 billion in total assets.

The company, which is celebrating its 75th year, offers several types of insurance and financial service products in 15 states.

"American Family has a substantial and growing presence in urban areas," notes Suzanne Reade, UIPI president. "Gwen is already helping us develop a synergy of urban marketing expertise among urban insurance leaders."

American Family believes education is a critical component to success in urban areas, which is a main focus of the institute. UIPI educates insurance companies about how to operate successfully in urban areas, and also teaches homeowners and potential homeowners about insurance. The institute is also developing a commercial insurance education module.

American Family began an initiative in the 1980s to increase its presence in urban markets. New products and services, efforts to expand the number of urban agents, a Spanish language advertising campaign, as well as community investment and involvement, are all part of the company's urban focus.

"Urban areas are important to every insurance company, even those that may not yet be offering products in cities," states Jones. "The institute highlights best practices, and if we do it right the market will be terrific for everyone."

The Urban Insurance Partners Institute is based in Chicago and is a 501(c)3 educational organization. For more information on institute programs and members, visit www.uipi.org or call (773) 880-8780. American Family's Web site is www.amfam.com.