Oregon businesses receive $1.8 million workers' compensation premium return.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 1996--Oregon employers participating in Liberty Northwest's Liberty Better Business Alliance group plan for the July 1, 1994, to Oct. 1, 1995, plan year have received a retrospective rating return of 22.3 percent of paid premium.

This is in addition to the average 10 percent up-front discount group participants received. The total net reduction of member employers' standard premium (premium after the application of the individual experience modifier) is 32.3 percent.

The return, totaling $1,886,860, will be shared by 963 member businesses, for an average return of approximately $2,000. This is the first retro adjustment for this group, which began July 1, 1994. The LBBA plan is the only non-industry specific group retro currently offered in the state of Oregon. A retrospectively rated return, unlike a dividend, is contractually guaranteed and is based on the group's performance.

The group maintained a very low loss ratio during a period of rapid growth to its current size of approximately 1,100 members and total premium of more than $13 million.

"The continued success of the Liberty Better Business Alliance is dependent on a strong partnership between employers and Liberty Northwest," says LBBA Marketing Administrator Kerrie Woolworth. "By working together to accomplish the goal of reducing accidents and their related costs, we share the rewards -- a safe work environment and lower net workers' compensation costs."

Liberty Northwest is the largest private workers' compensation insurer in the Northwest, with offices in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Roseburg, Medford and Baker City.

CONTACT: Liberty Northwest Cos.

Kerrie Woolworth, 503/239-5800, ext. 1139