A Message from the President:


On behalf of our Board of Directors, Officers and staff, I am pleased to report our financial success and excellent service to our customers continued to meet and exceed expectations in 2008. In addition to the financial results presented in this report, we were able to make improvements in our technology and development of staff. These results should position us well for future opportunities and growth. Our strong financial position provides protection for our policyholders, as evidenced by our continued A rating from A.M. Best.

Over 240 independent agents market our products and services to over 71,000 policyholders in upstate New York. As a lead writer of agri-business and farm properties, we are also known for rural commercial and personal niche products – and our "value added" claim service. With stable or decreasing policy premiums, we hope to meet the needs of more customers in the next few years.

This past year has witnessed unprecedented challenges for the economy and our writing area. We are faced with increasing costs of doing business, weather factors, declining population and lack of new business opportunities. We will meet these challenges with continued improvements in customer service, product development and pricing, staff development and a collective effort to do our best for our customers.

Our goal continues to be to provide quality insurance coverage at a competitive price, delivered by a professional staff. With your support, we look forward to the many challenges and opportunities in the upcoming years, and anticipate 2009 will build upon the accomplishments of our one hundred thirty-three years.

Gordon P. Assad, President/CEO