American Country Expands To Minnesota; Promotes Two

American Country Holdings Inc. says it has been given a license to underwrite insurance in the state of Minnesota, expanding the company's geographic coverage to nine states.

The company also announced the promotion of Michael Francis to vice president, claims, and the promotion of Joan Friedberger to vice president, sales and marketing.

Francis most recently was assistant vice president. He has held various management positions with American Country and managed transportation claims for more than 15 years. Friedberger has been with American Country since 1994, most recently having served as assistant vice president underwriting.

Martin L. Solomon, American Country's chairman and chief executive officer, said the company's entry in the Minnesota market follows the granting to American Country of a license last month to underwrite insurance in the state of New York.

"Geographic expansion is an integral part of our growth strategy," said Solomon. "During the past year, we have been successful in also expanding our scope of penetration to the states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. These new markets provide potentially significant business opportunities, particularly in our niche transportation lines of insurance coverage.

"The promotions of Mike Francis and Joan Friedberger reflect our growth and the many contributions these executives have made to the company. I am confident that they will continue to play an instrumental role in American Country's growth in the future," Solomon added.