Dan Klaras Named President of Assurance

SCHAUMBURG, IL (February 2, 2009) – Assurance Agency, Ltd., based in Schaumburg, IL, announces the promotion of Dan Klaras from Executive Vice President to President. Klaras takes over for Anthony Chimino, who previously held the titles of both President and CEO. Chimino will continue to serve as Assurance’s CEO and top officer of the company.

Serving most recently as Executive Vice President, Klaras joined Assurance in 2005 and quickly assumed management responsibility for one of the company’s three Property and Casualty business units. In his new role as President, he will be directly responsible for all the property & casualty insurance practices; the overall sales management of the agency; producer education and development and deciphering new property and casualty products to deliver to Assurance clients.

Assurance CEO, Anthony Chimino, commented on the change. “Dan has been an extremely impactful leader for Assurance over the past 4 years. His intellect, drive and passion have delivered tremendous results for us. I look forward to watching Dan expand and lead more areas of our company.”

Jeff Blackburn, Assurance’s Board Chairman also noted, “I’m very proud to have Dan as our next President at Assurance. Having known him for over 20 years, I am confident in his superior leadership abilities.”

Prior to Assurance, Klaras was a Field Vice President for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company from 2003 through 2005. In this role, he was responsible for 200 agencies generating business across 5 mid-western states. Prior to joining Fireman’s Fund, Klaras held Vice President positions with Kemper Insurance Companies (2000 to 2003) and Safeco Corporation (1987 to 2000). Klaras began his insurance career as a multi-line underwriter for Great American Insurance Company in 1986.

Klaras received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He resides in St. Charles, Illinois with his wife, Lisa, and three daughters. Dan serves on the board of directors for the Alfred Campanelli YMCA in Schaumburg, Illinois and is a member of the Finance Committee for this organization. He is also a member of a number of associations with which Assurance has strategic business alliances.