What’s New: In Brief (October 14, 2009)

Arthur J. Gallagher International has opened a new office in Calgary, trading under the name Gallagher Energy Risk Services. 
Former Aon energy leader Scott Heighington will head the new office.  He will be joined by David Braid and Robert Redden.
John Hastings-Bass, chairman of Gallagher Global Energy, commented: “Calgary is an essential hub in the global energy market, which we serve through our expanding retail and wholesale operations.  Our focus on hiring regional experts in the field will ensure Gallagher Energy Risk Services is a leading specialist on the Canadian energy scene.”
Heighington, managing director of Gallagher Energy Risk Services, said of the expansion: “Our dedicated focus on the energy and natural resource sector sets us apart from our competitors and comes at a time when companies are looking for smarter alternatives and more innovative solutions.”
Gallagher’s global energy initiative was launched last year with an investment in wholesale energy specialist, Alesco Risk Management Services.

Saskatchewan’s public insurer, SGI, is once again encouraging motorists to use its auto eClaim registration service if they have been in a collision.
“eClaim is available every day, including evenings and weekends and is located in our Online Services,” SGI says in a release.
“SGI’s eClaim service is designed to make filing an auto claim and booking a damage appraisal easier and more convenient for our customers,” says Earl Cameron, SGI vice-president of claims and salvage. “We understand how stressful an auto collision can be. If an electronic option for filing an auto claim can reduce this stress in any way, it’s worth it.”
Since its inception in 2004, close to 50,000 SGI customers have used the eClaim service.
By way of comparison, between October 2008 and March 2009, more than 96,000 collision claims were reported to SGI.