Renaissance Group News

Renaissance EZPayIns Workers' Compensation Pay-As-You-Go Launches With Seven Participating Insurers

2012-03-14T17:30:47Z

EZPayIns offers a competitive edge for agents as the workers' compensation market hardens

Bruce Cochrane President and CEO of Renaissance Alliance, New England's premier network of independent insurance agents, has announced that Renaissance EZPayIns™ has officially launched to all its members. The first agent-centric workers' compensation PAYGO product will serve independent agents, insurers, and the commercial business community throughout New England. Renaissance Alliance has partnered with InsureLinx to deliver a superior, feature-rich technology platform for this program. The program has been in beta test since November with select agents and insurers.

Cochrane says EZPayIns™ launches with seven participating insurers and several more scheduled to join the program in the coming months. Participating insurers include: AmTrust, Chartis, NGM Insurance (A member of the Main Street America Group), Peerless Insurance, Travelers, Savers Property & Casualty Insurance Co., and Star Insurance Company.

"This is a revolution in PAYGO workers' compensation, with choice as the fundamental differential," states Cochrane. He explains that other programs offer the insurance buyer no or limited options of insurers and payroll reporting methods. Renaissance EZPayIns™ provides multi-carrier access and is "payroll neutral" in its ability to accept payroll data manually through secure online reporting, via hard copy uploading, or through automated integration from dozens of nationwide payroll services. Employers can get the "right coverage for their business at the best price" without limiting or sacrificing their PAYGO options. He notes that Renaissance Alliance member agents remain at the hub of the program, providing employers trusted, localized service. "It's been a buyer's market for a number of years now," adds Cochrane. "With prices hardening, it is essential that employers have maximum choice and the market expertise that independent agents provide.

Renaissance EZPayIns™ is exclusively available through Renaissance Alliance agency members and partners. More information is available at www.EZPayIns.com .

Renaissance Alliance Partners with InsureLinx to Launch EZPayIns, an Agent-Centric Workers Compensation Pay-As-You-Go Platform

2011-11-03T17:37:04Z

Program will link multiple insurers and be payroll vendor neutral for maximum choice

Bruce Cochrane President and CEO of Renaissance Alliance Renaissance Alliance, New England's premier network of independent agents, has announced a partnership with InsureLinx of Sarasota, FL, the nation's leading workers' compensation pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) technology vendor, to launch EZPayIns™, the first agent centric workers' compensation PAYGO product serving independent agents, insurers, and the commercial business community.. The program is currently in beta testing and will be launched in January 2012.

EZPayIns™ will be fundamentally different from any existing workers' compensation PAYGO program in that it will provide independent agents and their commercial customers access to multiple insurer PAYGO options combined with freedom to continue processing their payrolls as normal without requiring any change in their current agent or payroll service provider relationships. Cochrane says, "Our member agents are at the core of the EZPayIns™ platform in providing their clients trusted localized service and business solutions choices. Alternative PAYGO products offer one or limited market options from individual insurers and/or payroll service providers. This old paradigm significantly limits the customers' ability to obtain the best possible solution for their workers compensation needs."

Jeff Harris, President and founder of InsureLinx, says: "I am an independent agent myself. I strongly believe in the risk management expertise and value the independent agency system delivers to employers when it comes to workers' compensation. We are very enthusiastic about our Renaissance Alliance partnership to deploy our combined technologies in providing EZPayIns™ to the Alliance network of 95 independent insurance agencies."

For agents, just a few of the many advantages of EZPayIns™ include ease of administration through integrated automation, a value-added service that bolsters client retention, and the elimination of agent/client friction often arising from surprise year-end audits resulting in large additional lump sum premiums. For employers, EZPayIns™ matches cash flow with revenue, eliminates or significantly minimizes workers' compensation down payments and large audit premiums, and affords administrative efficiencies with continued service from an existing trusted agent and payroll service provider.

EZPayIns™ is an exclusive offering only to Renaissance Alliance members and partners.

Renaissance Insurance Group is #19 of Top 100 Independent P&C Agencies

2011-08-19T20:21:57Z

Renaissance Insurance Group came in at number #19 on the Insurance Journal's listing of the Top 100 Agencies Independent Property & Casualty Agencies. Renaissance Insurance Group is a Wellesley, MA-based company that is listed as having generated $410 million in property-casualty written premium. This distinction comes quickly on the heels of Renaissance having been named as #10 on the Insurance Journal's Top 10 Fastest Growing Property and Casualty Independent Agencies. Renaissance President J. Bruce Cochrane said, "We've been growing both organically and by adding new agency members. We attribute our organic growth to utilizing a combination of state of the art technology, streamlining workflows and assisting our members enhance their marketing efforts. While we knew we had grown to national stature, it was exciting to see that we placed within the top 10 of the nation's fastest growing independent agencies."

The firm has 72 employees and is privately held. and business volume must be primarily retail rather than wholesale. The list appeared in Insurance Journal's regional print magazines on August 1, 2011.

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services deepens its presence in CT with four new independent insurance agency members

2011-04-26T13:02:51Z

Aggregate premium now tops $400 million

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services (RAIS), New England's premier network of specialty services for independent insurance agencies, is pleased to announce the addition of four new member agencies in the state of Connecticut: Deming Insurance Agency, Inc. of Farmington; Greenberg, Rhein & Margolis, Inc. of Woodbridge; Penny-Hanley & Howley Co., Inc., of Stafford Springs; and Southington Insurance Center, Inc., of Southington.

With the new members, Renaissance Alliance aggregate premium tops $400 million.
President of Renaissance Alliance Bruce Cochrane says, "In adding these four premier agencies as members, we have significantly strengthened the Alliance presence and reach in Connecticut. This is good news for local businesses and consumers because agency members gain the power and clout to ensure access to a broad array of insurers and to offer enhanced service." He adds that Renaissance Alliance recruits and extends membership to only the most forward-looking and progressive agencies that are poised for growth and committed to impeccable standards of personalized client service and industry excellence.

Renaissance Alliance members maintain full autonomy as independent agencies. Membership means access to additional insurers, innovative insurance products, specialized marketing expertise, proprietary specialty programs, processing efficiencies, superior technologies and shared administrative services. Cochrane states, "Member agencies secure the clout, economies, services, expertise, and market access of a very large regional organization while still delivering the trusted, local personalized service that has been the hallmark of the independent agency system for generations."

Renaissance Alliance adds another important value-added member service: InsureBanc

2011-04-14T13:28:47Z

As part of its ongoing initiative to provide cutting edge services to its 90+ agency members, Renaissance Alliance has partnered with InsurBanc for a secure Web-based commission payment system, cash management solution, and online banking service. InsurBanc developed a customized banking program for Renaissance that combines technology tools, deposit products and services, and customer service standards and processes. Learn more: Renaissance Group Turns to InsurBanc To Help Member Agencies Do Many Things Well.

InsurBanc is the only bank designed for insurance professionals. Founded by agents in cooperation with the IIABA, InsureBanc's mission is to help agents, brokers and other insurance professionals grow and prosper with tailored banking products and superior, personalized service. President of Renaissance Insurance Group Bruce Cochrane notes that the two organizations share both a service philosophy and a commitment to empowering independent agents.

Renaissance Insurance Group debuts at #10 of Fastest Growing Property and Casualty Independent Agencies

2011-03-29T12:25:46Z

Renaissance Insurance Group came in at number 10 on the Insurance Journal's listing of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Property and Casualty Independent Agencies. Renaissance Group beat the odds despite the economy and soft insurance market and managed to grow their agency P&C premiums by an incredible 15%. Renaissance President J. Bruce Cochrane said, "We've been growing both organically and by adding new agency members. We attribute our organic growth to utilizing a combination of state of the art technology, streamlining workflows and assisting our members enhance their marketing efforts. While we knew we had grown to national stature, it was exciting to see that we placed within the top 10 of the nation's fastest growing independent agencies."

Renaissance Insurance Group is a Wellesley, MA-based company that is listed as having generated $300 million in property-casualty written premium and $37.6 million in property-casualty revenue in 2006. The firm has 72 employees. Some of the criteria for the list are that agencies must be privately held and business volume must be primarily retail rather than wholesale. The list appeared in Insurance Journal's Vol. 88, No. 23 five regional print magazines, on December 6, 2010.

Renaissance Alliance Names Robert R. Schackner as Director, Competitive Edge Services

2011-02-16T16:21:38Z

Insurance industry veteran's appointment will contribute to continued innovation at the fast-growth insurance agency network

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services (RAIS), New England's premier network of specialty services for independent insurance agencies, has named Robert R. Schackner to the position of Director, Competitive Edge Services. In this role, Schackner will be harnessing his nearly two decades of insurance industry expertise to further develop and deliver competitive edge exclusive benefits to RAIS members, staff, and partners.

In making the announcement, Bruce Cochrane, President and founder of RAIS, states "We're very excited to have Bob join our Renaissance Management Team. His extensive experience in the insurance industry, combined with his high-level customer service experience, makes him a perfect fit for the dynamic, entrepreneurial environment of our organization."

Prior to this appointment, Schackner was Senior National Account Director, Enterprise Client Organization at Vertafore, Inc. of Bothell, Wash., an award-winning provider of software and services spanning the insurance industry. Over 18 years, he held progressive management roles, including the delivery of concierge and consulting services to agencies. Earlier in his career, he served as a senior systems analyst for EDP of America, a niche technology business based in New Jersey.

Of his new position, Schackner says, "My decision to leave Vertafore was difficult - it is a superlative company and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Now that I'm embarking on a new endeavor, I am blessed again with the opportunity to work with creative, forward thinking people in a position where I can contribute to growth and become part of a new family."

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services Reaches 10-Year Growth Mark

2010-10-14T14:51:24Z

New England Coalition of Independent Agencies & Insurers Reaches $360 Million in Aggregate Premium

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services, New England's premier network of specialty services for independent insurance agencies, celebrates the 10-year milestone of its founding. From its inception a decade ago, the coalition of independent insurance agencies now encompasses 85 agency members with a combined total more than 100 locations, three dozen insurers, and a broad array of insurance service providers and vendors. Renaissance Alliance represents a combined total of more than $360 million in commercial and personal lines insurance premium.

Bruce Cochrane. President and founder of Renaissance Alliance, notes that a decade ago and continuing today, the competitive pressure that banks and financial services posed to the independent agency was enormous, and fears of disintermediation abounded as online access to insurance products increased. "Ten years ago, we set out to redefine the future for the independent insurance agency. Rather than passively acquiescing to market forces, we set out to shape our own destiny." The stated mission of the Alliance was and continues to be providing member agents with significant market advantages, leading edge technology, and market differentiation; to provide carrier partners with profit, volume, and ease of doing business; and to deliver superlative insurance services to businesses, individuals, and families throughout New England.
Renaissance Alliance members maintain full autonomy as independent agencies. Cochrane states, "Member agencies secure the clout, economies, services, expertise, technology, and market access of a very large regional organization while still delivering the trusted, local personalized service that has been the hallmark of the independent agency system for generations."

On October 14-15, more than 400 Renaissance Alliance members, insurers and vendors are gathering for a two-day Annual Meeting in Newport Rhode Island to celebrate the decade of achievements and to map a path for the future. The theme for this year's meeting is "The Power of 10." Bruce Cochrane will deliver a "State of the Alliance" report, along with unveiling new growth and technology initiatives for members.

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services adds three new independent insurance agencies as members

2010-09-15T11:26:54Z

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services is pleased to announce the addition of three new member agencies: New Haven CT-based Abbate Insurance Associates, Inc.; Norwood, MA-based Lydon & Murphy Insurance; and Turner Falls MA-based A.H. Rist Insurance Agency.

The three agencies represent $20 million in premium. Renaissance Alliance currently has eighty-five independent member agencies with more than one-hundred locations, as well as affiliations with more than three dozen regional and national insurance carriers and a broad network of insurance vendors and service partners.

Of the three new member agencies, president of Renaissance Alliance Bruce Cochrane says "In growing the Alliance, we seek only the top-tier, highest performing agencies in the region.” He adds that the Alliance recruits and extends membership to only the most forward-looking and progressive agencies that are poised for growth and committed to impeccable standards of personalized client service and industry excellence.

Renaissance Alliance members maintain full autonomy as independent agencies. Membership means access to additional insurers, enhanced profit sharing arrangements, innovative insurance products, specialized marketing expertise, proprietary specialty programs, processing efficiencies, superior technologies and shared administrative services. Cochrane states, "Member agencies secure the clout, economies, services, expertise, and market access of a very large regional organization while still delivering the trusted, local personalized service that has been the hallmark of the independent agency system for generations."

Bruce Cochrane, Bob Hollis speak to Banker & Tradesman about agency collaboration

2010-05-03T16:19:38Z

In the June 12 issue of Banker & Tradesman, Laura Schreier looks at insurance competition in Massachusetts post-auto reform, and finds that while some agencies are shrinking, others are looking to collaborate to survive and thrive in the new market realities. Bruce Cochrane, President of Renaissance Insurance Group, and Robert Hollis, owner of Hollis Insurance Agency in Plymouth MA and member of Renaissance Alliance, were both interviewed for the article. You can access the full article here: More Mass. Insurers Looking To Collaborate, Network (PDF).

Renaissance Alliance adds two new member agencies

2009-10-08T14:42:41Z

Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services is pleased to announce the addition of two new member agencies. North Adams, Massachusetts based Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins, one of New England’s largest and most prestigious insurance agencies doing business in 30 states and The Independent Insurance Center, based in Manchester CT are now proud members of the Renaissance Alliance. These two agencies represent $34 Million in growth to the eighty-five member alliance.

"These agencies represent some of the top-tier, highest performing agencies in the region,” said Bruce Cochrane, President of Renaissance Alliance. “Renaissance Alliance recruits and extends membership to only the most forward-looking and progressive agencies that are poised for growth and committed to impeccable standards of personalized client service and industry excellence."
“We chose to partner with Renaissance Alliance because of the breadth of services and capabilities RAIS has to offer us and our customers and their superior strength and sustainability to help us meet the challenges we all face as agents well into the future”, said Tim Dolan, President of Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins.

Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins have three locations in Adams, North Adams and Williamstown, MA. The Independent Insurance Center was created in 1970 by bringing three existing local Agencies together to operate on a collective basis in order to generate economies of scale and to access better insurance products for their customers.

Renaissance Alliance members maintain full autonomy as independent agencies. Membership means access to additional insurers, high end profit sharing arrangements, innovative insurance products, specialized marketing expertise, proprietary specialty programs, processing efficiencies, superior technologies and shared administrative services. Cochrane states, "Member agencies secure the clout, economies, services, expertise, and market access of a very large regional organization while still delivering the trusted, local personalized service that has been the hallmark of the independent agency system for generations.”

Renaissance Group's technology initiative is featured in Techdecisions

2009-03-11T14:02:00Z

This month's issue of Techdecisions features a profile of Renaissance Group's implementation of a document image and workflow technology system, the .NET platform from ImageRight. This project is a key component in Renaissance Group's ongoing technology initiatives as the company continues in its rapid growth and expansion. Currently, there are more than 98 agencies at 117 different locations and 30 insurers that are members of Renaissance Alliance. Chief Operating Officer Janet Cochrane notes that the most challenging part of putting the whole project together was getting everyone on the same page with an automated workflow.

Marketing and Media Veteran Eileen Prose Joins Renaissance Group as Director of Public Relations

2009-01-28T23:08:45Z

Marketing powerhouse and award-winning broadcaster to focus on Alliance of independent insurance agents who offer unprecedented solutions to consumers

WELLESLEY, Mass., Jan. 28 -- Renaissance Group, one of New England's fastest growing and most innovative insurance organizations, announced today that marketing luminary and Emmy award winning broadcaster Eileen Prose has joined the company as Director of Public Relations. Prose will drive the PR efforts for all of the Renaissance Group divisions, including the Renaissance Alliance Group of 80 independent New England agents.

"Eileen's record of promotion success is extraordinary," said Bruce Cochrane, CEO of Renaissance Group. "She will super-charge our marketing and public relations efforts - just when our success is really starting to soar. We are thrilled Eileen has joined the Renaissance Team."

"Eileen brings 20 years of Fortune 500 integrated media program management and event production skills to our organization. At Renaissance, she will focus on accelerating an already rapid rate of growth while establishing a strategic, community based, Public Relations infrastructure able to support the company and its affiliated agents on a local, regional, and national level," said First Senior Vice President Joe Solomon.

"Renaissance Group has amazing people and services - real paradigm changers," said Eileen Prose. "With this kind of talent, momentum, and commitment to the consumer driving every decision, I truly see no limit to the growth of this outstanding organization and their partner agents."

A remarkable broadcasting career further enhances the industry savvy and dynamism Prose brings to Renaissance Group. As the longtime host of the Good Day show on WCVB/Channel 5, Prose won four Daytime Emmy Awards. She has hosted numerous high-profile programs including Working Mother, a daily national program on Lifetime Television, for which she won the coveted cable ACE award, Your Baby and Child, also a national program on Lifetime Television, and WRKO's The Eileen Prose Show. She won a Telly Award for the writing and production of an Ocean Spray signature film, was Second Runner-up and the Talent Award Winner in the Miss America Pageant, and was named Best in the Media by many organizations and Woman of the Year by the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Prose has won many honors for her public service and continues to serve on the boards of several charitable foundations.

About Renaissance Group
Renaissance Group is an integrated group of specialty services for New England based insurance agencies, insurers and vendors that leverage their considerable combined expertise to deliver "Best in Business" insurance services to business, individuals and families throughout the region. Renaissance agents have learned the advantages of unprecedented growth, increased efficiencies and cutting-edge technology. In an era of increasingly impersonal sales and service, Renaissance Group offers a fresh, relationship based, alternative to its affiliated agencies, insurance partners and the thousands of consumers who rely on Renaissance Alliance Agents.

Renaissance Alliance Continues Rapid Growth Trajectory

2008-10-28T12:06:05Z

400 Members – Including 17 New Member Agencies - Met to Review Progress, Growth Plans
Renaissance Alliance recently hosted The 5th Annual Renaissance Alliance Team Meeting at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. More than 400 representatives from New England independent agencies, insurers, and service providers attended the event to review the prior year's progress and to plan for continued growth. Speakers included J. Bruce Cochrane, President of Renaissance Group, Dr. Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute, and John Gray, Senior Vice President of General Reinsurance Corporation.

In his opening remarks, Cochrane noted that despite problems in the overall economy, Renaissance Alliance is thriving, profitable and has continued to grow. In addition to 17 new agencies having joined the Alliance, the past year has also seen the continued evolution of various growth initiatives, including the introduction of proprietary programs, analytical marketing competencies, and a new generation of agency workflow functionality.

Echoing the meeting theme of "Charging Into the Future," Cochrane noted that for all the challenges posed by times of economic uncertainly, such a climate also affords significant growth opportunities. He cited the Alliance's progress in marketing initiatives, data management, and the addition of exclusive value-added industry insurance programs as distinguishing factors that will allow members to successfully compete, differentiate, and innovate in the market.

Cochrane announced the following growth milestones in the prior year:

Membership grew to a total of 82 agencies throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, up from 65 the prior year
Aggregate premium under management totaled $365 million, with 53 percent of the premium in personal lines and 47 percent in commercial lines
Members' aggregate loss ratio for the prior three years totaled 42.4 percent
Renaissance Alliance was named as #21 in the nation's top 100 Property and Casualty Agents in Insurance Journal.

In addition, 4 member agencies were recognized with awards for having reached the landmark of 5 or more years of membership in Renaissance Alliance. These agencies include:

Blackmer Agency, Inc., Shelburne MA
Cornerstone Insurance Agency, Inc., Athol MA
Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, Inc., Shrewsbury, MA
Leonard Insurance Agency, Inc., Osterville MA

The Renaissance Alliance Annual meeting offers an annual forum for member agencies, partner insurers, Renaissance staff, service providers, and guests to discuss challenges and opportunities facing independent agents. The day’s events included presentations, seminars, awards, lunch, and a cocktail reception.

Renaissance Alliance Announces 6 New Member Agencies, $35 Million in Growth

2008-03-25T18:38:39Z

Agency Coalition Offers Additional Benefits, Economies of Scale, Enhanced Growth Opportunities
J. Bruce Cochrane, President of Renaissance Group, announces the addition of six new member agencies to Renaissance Alliance, a coalition of independent agencies, insurers, and service providers. The new member agencies include:

Quinn of Lynn Insurance, Lynn, MA
Lawler Insurance Agency, Inc., New Bedford, MA
Norwood Insurance Agency, Groveland, MA
Frank X. Perron Insurance Agency, Fall River, MA
Newberry Insurance Associates, Inc., South Windsor, CT
J.H. Slattery Insurance Agency, Inc., Abington, MA

Of the appointments, Cochrane states, "These agencies represent some of the top-tier, highest performing agencies in the region. Renaissance Alliance recruits and extends membership to only the most forward-looking and progressive agencies that are poised for growth and committed to impeccable standards of personalized client service and industry excellence." He notes that membership affords each agency the ability to get to the next level by taking advantage of the growth opportunities generated by Renaissance Alliance.

Renaissance Alliance members maintain full autonomy as independent agencies. Membership affords access to additional insurers, insurance products, and specialized marketing expertise, as well as to superior technologies and shared administrative services. Cochrane states, "Member agencies secure the clout, economies, services, expertise, and market access of a very large regional organization while still delivering the trusted, local personalized service that has been the hallmark of the independent agency system for generations."