What’s New: In Brief (April 07, 2009)

The Association of Professional Insurance Women selected Janice Tomlinson as 2009’s ‘Insurance Woman of the Year.’
Tomlinson is executive vice president and international field operations manager for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Prior to this position, she served as the chairman and president of Chubb’s Canadian business operations from 1995 to 2003.
The annual APIW Insurance Woman of the Year Award, first presented in 1976, recognizes an exceptional woman who has achieved prominence in her profession and has made significant contributions to the insurance industry.
“APIW is proud to bestow this honor on Jan Tomlinson,” said Cynthia Beveridge, president of APIW. “She has been instrumental in the formation of Chubb’s first women’s resource group, the Women’s Development Council, and has advocated work/life balance for developing women in leadership roles.
“She was responsible for the development of the Life-Flex Program that offered flexible work arrangements, a 24/7 nurse line and emergency leave programs for Canadian employees.” 

There is an average probability of at least one major (Category 3-5) hurricane landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2009, the University of Colorado’s Tropical Meteorology Project predicts.
A 54% probability exists of a major hurricane hitting somewhere along the U.S. coastline during 2009 (average for the last century is 52%).
The U.S. coast, including peninsula Florida, has a 32% chance of having a major hurricane make landfall (average for the last century is 31%).
Along the Gulf Coast, from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, has a 31% chance of a major hurricane making landfall (average for the last century is 30%).