FOR RELEASE: September 13, 2004
FOR INFORMATION: Kathy Strawn/Mary Bonelli - 614.228.1593

OII ELECTS NEW CHAIR AND OFFICERS DURING ANNUAL MEETING

COLUMBUS – Tod J. Carmony, president and CEO of Wayne Mutual Insurance Co., Wooster, Ohio, was elected chair of the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII). His one-year term begins Jan. 1, 2005. Carmony has been affiliated with Wayne Mutual Insurance since 1978 and has served in his current capacity since 1996. Carmony succeeds F. W. Purmort, chairman of the board and president of Central Mutual Insurance, Van Wert, Ohio, as OII chair.

The election of Carmony and other officers took place at the 2004 OII Annual Meeting in Westfield Center, Ohio. Philip H. Urban, president and CEO of Grange Insurance Cos., Columbus, Ohio, was elected vice chair. John P. Murphy Jr., president of Western Reserve Group., Wooster, Ohio, was elected secretary. John J. Bishop, president and CEO of Motorists Insurance Group, Columbus, Ohio was elected treasurer. Urban, Murphy and Bishop begin their one-year terms Jan. 1, 2005. Daniel J. Kelso continues to serve as president of the OII.

Four individuals were elected and begin serving three-year terms on the OII Board of Trustees, commencing Jan. 1, 2005. They are: Brian Schnese, Farmers Insurance Group., Columbus, Ohio; James W. Ketring, Cincinnati Equitable Insurance Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; Mark Blackburn, State Auto Insurance Cos., Columbus, Ohio; and Jonathon Younker, Woodville Mutual Insurance Association, Woodville, Ohio.

In addition, Mike Bissler, Progressive Insurance, Highland Heights, Ohio, was elected and will begin serving a one-year term on the OII Board of Trustees, beginning Jan. 1, 2005.

The OII is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry. Its primary objective is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues.

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