ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Sept. 9, 2008 – Wallace Welch & Willingham Inc. is the sole insurance agency in Florida to be accepted as a member of TechAssure, an international association of independent insurance brokerage firms that serve life sciences and technology companies. Scattered throughout the world in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, the member firms represent more than 4,000 clients and place over $300 million in Property and Casualty (P&C) premiums.

"Membership in TechAssure, a selective group comprised of fewer than 20 agencies worldwide, asserts our ongoing entrepreneurial spirit and allows us to emerge as a well-rounded resource in the technology and life sciences arenas," said Wallace Welch & Willingham CEO Scott Gramling.

This membership comes at a vital time in Florida’s technology realm. Current statistics paint a picture of the Sunshine State as an emerging technology powerhouse. According to www.eflorida.com, Florida exports $11 billion of high-tech goods each year and is the world’s telecommunications gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. With its TechAssure benefits of proprietary products and intellectual capital, Wallace Welch & Willingham stands ready to meet the sector’s ever-growing insurance needs.

Together, TechAssure member agencies effectively compete against large, faceless insurance entities, allowing technology firms to benefit from the high customer service levels and personalized attention offered by independent brokers. Wallace Welch & Willingham Inc. will be the exclusive provider of TechAssure products in their territory. By harnessing TechAssure’s collective power, they will strive to mitigate the risks of emerging growth companies and the venture capital firms that back them.

"Wallace Welch & Willingham reflects the professionalism and commitment to specialization that are the founding principles of our unique organization," said John Love, President of TechAssure. "The level of cooperation and commitment to technical skill among TechAssure members is unique in the insurance industry. Our members provide clients access to new products, underwriting facilities and risk management programs that help reduce their cost of risk."

TechAssure is a 501(c) 6) trade association with regionally exclusive members. TechAssure members share best practices, resources and benchmarking information to enhance the services and skill level delivered to each client of a TechAssure member. Members also collaborate on improving insurance coverage forms to benefit clients and support insurance underwriters in developing special programs.

Founded in 1925, Wallace Welch & Willingham is among the leading privately held independent insurance agencies in the nation. The company transacts personal and commercial business in all 50 states and represents an extensive list of "A-rated" insurance carriers underwriting commercial, employee benefits, and homeowners, automobile and marine insurance. For more information, call (727) 522-7777 or visit http://www.w3ins.com.

Wallace Welch & Willingham supported the ASAP Homeless Services in St. Petersburg by donating food and cleaning supplies to needy children and adults who are having difficulties during these hard times. Last year we donated nearly 1,000 pounds of food to those in need. This year we exceeded our initial goal of 5,000 pounds with a whopping 6,573 pounds of food and other goods which were donated to ASAP. Each of our (82) employees supported this goal, and with the help of additional supporters outside of our agency we were able to exceed this goal.

With help from the community and our employees Wallace Welch & Willingham was able to make the difference. We thank you for joining our cause this year for ASAP. To See more photos Click Here.