Harcum-Schuett Agency Personnel Joins Hylant Group in Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio - February 21, 2005 - Hylant Group expands its operations in Ohio with key personnel of the Harcum-Schuett Agency of Columbus, Ohio, joining Hylant Group. Dave Harcum will serve as a Consultant to the Ohio School Plan (OSP), which is administered by a Hylant Administrative Services of Toledo, Ohio. Carey Schuett will join Hylant Administrative Services as Vice President - Ohio Schools to manage the OSP sales force and have a direct agent relationship with many schools.

David A. Harcum, the former President of the Harcum-Schuett Agency, said, "Combining sales, marketing, underwriting, risk management and claims together in one organization will facilitate the timely processing of all facets of the school program and will benefit the participating districts with outstanding service."

Joseph F. Seay, President of the Hylant Administrative Services, said "Our commitment to providing the Ohio School Plan's services to the schools in Ohio is as strong as ever. By having our underwriters and service team develop a direct relationship with the member districts, we will be able to provide enhanced service. I would like all the school districts in Ohio, whether an OSP member or not, to contact Carey Schuett or our service team to let us know what we can do to assist them with their property, casualty, fleet or school violence coverage needs."

Commenting on the acquisition, Patrick R. Hylant, Chairman and CEO of Hylant Group, said, "We are excited about expanding our presence in Ohio's public schools and providing more services to the Ohio School Plan. I am confident Ohio's schools will count on us for providing a solid product and excellent service."

Hylant Group is a 70-year old, privately-held insurance agency offering complete risk management services, insurance, loss control engineering, 401(k) services, financial services, health care management, and employee benefits for businesses and individuals around the world. In addition to the Toledo location, the firm has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio; Ann Arbor and Troy, Michigan; as well as Indianapolis, Bloomington and Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Hylant Group is ranked 26th in size out of more than 15,000 insurance agencies nationwide.