PAULA Insurance Co. Endorsed by Mexican American Grocers Association

PAULA Financial says that its subsidiary, PAULA Insurance Co., has recently been endorsed by the Mexican American Grocers Association (MAGA) for group workers' compensation insurance for MAGA members.

According to Jeff Snider, chief executive officer and chairman of PAULA Financial, ``We have long believed that food and beverage retailers, processors and manufacturers represent a real opportunity for PAULA Insurance Company; the workforce is predominantly Spanish-speaking, the owners tend to continue to participate in day-to-day operations, and the workplace hazards are indentifiable and controllable."

``PAULA's bilingual and bicultural claims and loss-control expertise fit perfectly into this environment. We can't be more pleased that we have found a partner, the Mexican American Grocers Association, that has earned the respect of these industries through years of steady service,'' Snider adds.

The PAULA-MAGA program will initially focus on California-based companies with plans to extend into the states of Texas and Florida. The program will be underwritten by PAULA Insurance Co. and distributed by the PAULA Trading Co. PAULA and its subsidiaries presently have endorsement relationships with more than 22 prominent trade associations.

``The joint development of the PAULA-MAGA program demonstrates MAGA'S continued commitment to provide its members with quality service,'' says Steven A. Soto, president and CEO of MAGA. ``Perhaps no other program highlights our service commitment better than our unique workers' compensation program with PAULA.''

MAGA is also offering discounted membership to qualified nonmembers interested in joining MAGA and participating in the group insurance program.

MAGA is an international nonprofit trade organization founded in 1977. MAGA is a full-service trade organization serving its members through programs of education, industry relations, government affairs, product promotion and consumer issues. MAGA membership is composed of independent and chain retailers; large and regional food, beverage and nonfood processors; manufacturers and service providers serving the Hispanic consumer market throughout the United States and Mexico.

PAULA Insurance Co. is a member of the PAULA Financial group of companies. PAULA Financial is a California-based specialty underwriter and distributor of commercial insurance products, which, through its PAULA Insurance Co. subsidiary, is one of the largest underwriters specializing in workers' compensation products and services for the agribusiness industry and related trade associations.