AMCOMP to Award the Donald T. DeCarlo 'Legends' Award to Richard W. Palczynski of the Hartford and Kevin M. Ryan of Bickerstaff, Whatley, Ryan & Burkhalter at Upcoming Meeting.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2003

Donald T. DeCarlo, Chairman and President of the American Society of Workers Comp Professionals, Inc. (AMCOMP) has announced that the association will honor two distinguished industry professionals with the Donald T. DeCarlo "Legends" Award at its 4th Annual Conference. The Conference will be held from February 3-5, 2003 at the Mayfair House Hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida.

According to DeCarlo, "AMCOMP has chosen to recognize Ryan and Palczynski with the 'Legends' Award for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the workers compensation system. They have contributed to the many developments of the workers compensation environment." The awards will be presented at the 2nd Annual Awards Banquet scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th. "While the WCCP (Workers Comp Certified Professional) designation is available to AMCOMP members who successfully complete the rigorous educational program set forth by the association, it also recognizes that there are industry leaders who have gained this experience through life experience," DeCarlo continues, "and these two individuals exemplify outstanding achievement and knowledge of the industry."

The theme of the AMCOMP 4th Annual Conference is "Workers Comp and Beyond: Cutting Edge Trends in a Changing Market". The program includes:

-- A panel on WC Catastrophic Losses: Modeling and the Reinsurance Market;

-- A panel on Employers Liability;

-- WC Terrorism Exposures and Their Effect on the Marketplace;

-- Cost Drivers;

-- NCCI-WC Strategies.

Manuel Diaz, Mayor, City of Miami, will be the keynote speaker at the Awards Banquet. Further, John Lewis, Esq., a national workers compensation expert, will deliver the opening address at the Luncheon on February 4th.

Among the prestigious faculty are such workers comp leaders as Stephen Klingel, President & CEO, NCCI, Inc.; James O'Connor, General Attorney, NYSIF; Michael Stinziano, Vice President, Benfield Blanch, Inc.; Richard Thomas, Chief Underwriting Officer, AIG, Inc.; and Richard Palczynski of the Hartford.

DeCarlo concludes by saying, "AMCOMP will continue to provide programs that reflect the membership's interests and explore emerging issues for the benefit of the workers comp industry as a whole."

For more information about attending, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Maria Sclafani at 212-514-5917 or visit the AMCOMP web site at www.amcomppro.com.