Atlanta-Based Gramercy Insurance Company Elevates Former Georgia Insurance Department Analyst to Senior Executive

Internal Advancements Focus On Customers and Expansion

October 10, 2006 - Atlanta and Dallas - Gramercy Insurance Company, a leader in commercial property and casualty insurance, announced today that Antonio R. Barner, MPA, has been named Vice President of Operations. The Texas domestic insurance company’s executive offices are located in Atlanta.

"As we execute on our expansion and growth plans, Tony is bridging the complexities of new technologies and employee skills with our operational strategies to enhance our level of service for our clients," says Todd Campbell, President and CEO of Gramercy. "We knew when we took over the company in 2000 that getting the right people, the right leaders in place, was essential for Gramercy to build a new presence in the commercial insurance industry. Tony has been instrumental in aligning Gramercy’s operations with our goal of becoming a national insurance provider.  We are on our way since growing our licensed territory 280% since we acquired the company. He is an integral part of our success thus far. I admire Tony’s leadership, his understanding of financial markets and his continual focus on the regulatory issues faced by insurers."

Barner, 37, was selected to lead Gramercy’s operations as director in 2001.  Prior to joining Gramercy Barner served as Senior Financial Analyst with the Georgia  Insurance Commissioner’s office where he was responsible for monitoring the financial stability, financial solvency and statutory compliance of domestic, foreign and alien insurers operating in Georgia.

About Gramercy Insurance Company

Gramercy Insurance Company is a commercial property and casualty insurance company with operations in Atlanta and Dallas. Originally formed in 1979, Gramercy was purchased by its current owner, Benchmark Holdings Inc., in February 2000. Gramercy is currently licensed to write business in 23 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
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