Articles & Media Coverage

Media Coverage

• Setting the Pace

  J. Bruce Cochrane named Pacesetter of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA)
  The Standard, February 23, 2007

• A Great Revival - Dennis Pillsbury

  Renaissance Alliance helps indpependent agents grow, prosper, and stay independent
  Rough Notes, February 2007

Articles

All articles are authored by Renaissance staff, partners, and affiliates.

• Where Necessity Meets Opportunity: New Avenues Open for Agents

  By J. Bruce Cochrane, President, Renaissance Group

  Reprinted by permission, The Standard, November 3, 2006

  An old adage asserts that out of crisis arises opportunity. Not all crises come paired with their own solutions, but a unique confluence of forces affecting MassachusettsÍ independent insurance agencies is setting the stage for both a profitability crisis and the means to overcome it. Agencies that successfully weather this storm will be those who can foresee it, recognize the opportunity, and mobilize swiftly enough to take advantage of it. [ more ]

• Is there a natural disaster in your future?

  Janet H. Cochrane, COO, Renaissance Group

  Reprinted by permission, The Standard, May 5, 2005

  Those of us who live in the Northeast were fortunate to escape the ravages of serious weather-related disasters in 2005. From Katrina and Ivan to tornadoes and wildfires, many of our fellow citizens weren't as lucky. By all accounts, 2005 was a record-breaker in the sheer number and severity of hurricanes. But just because we dodged a bullet last year doesn't mean we can breathe a sigh of relief. Meteorologists are painting an ominous picture for the upcoming hurricane season which begins on June 1. [ more ]

• Generalist or Specialist? Meeting Challenges and Opportunities by Determining Your Agency's Structure and Goals

  J. Bruce Cochrane - President, Renaissance Group

  Reprinted by permission, The Standard, November 11, 2005

  Over the past generation, a mismatch has developed between the product needs of local independent insurance agencies and the insurers that supply those products. Twenty years ago, both insurers and their agents were generalists. National insurers that were committed to writing a wide spectrum of risks dominated the ranks of insurers. Agents generally marked out a local territory in which they would try to sell to as many clients as possible. Therefore, an agent's need for a broad spectrum of risk transfer products was matched by an insurer's ability and desire to provide a wide spectrum of risk transfer products. [ more ]

• Making Sense of Workers Compensation Market Swings

  J. Bruce Cochrane - President, Renaissance Group

  Reprinted by permission from The Journal of Workers Compensation, Spring 2005

  Practically every business has cycles, and the workers compensation market is no exception to this rule. Unfortunately, aside from those who make their livings in this market, very few "users" are in a position to identify the workers compensation cycles, to adjust to them, or, more importantly, to take advantage of the opportunities they afford.

  Often, the changes in the cycle are so subtle that even the trained observer is unprepared. One thing is certain: The workers compensation market cycle does exist, and significant opportunities await those who can react to and take advantage of its changes. [ more ]

• How We Are Paid - Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services

  We live in an age where consumers have become keenly aware and increasingly sophisticated in their knowledge of financial service provider fees. We strongly endorse disclosure to our customers of fees and commissions paid to agents and brokers in the sales and service of insurance products. [ more ]

• Independent Contractors: Will the Solution Become Your Problem

  Jon Coppelman - Lynch Ryan

  Reprinted by permission from The Standard, May 12, 2006

  We all know what the problem is: the construction industry throughout New England is rife with uninsured "independent contractors." When these people are injured, liability for their lost wages and medical bills occasionally gravitates to the general contractor (GC). When that fails, the state's second injury fund usually picks up the tab. [ more ]