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Roanoke Trade Services and Washington International Insurance Company Enter a New Partnership
September 17, 2008

We are pleased to announce that Roanoke Trade Services has entered into a Managing General Agent (MGA) agreement with Washington International Insurance Company (WIIC) for its Customs bond business. As you may know, WIIC has an A.M. Best financial rating of A+ (superior), and its confidence to appoint Roanoke Trade as its MGA thoughtfully stems from our consistent financial stability and over 70 years of experience in this specialty area. For over 30 years, Roanoke Trade has partnered with WIIC, and this new relationship between the two companies is yet another progressive step in serving our clients.

For example, this arrangement will position Roanoke Trade to provide even greater responsiveness to underwriting approvals and claims situations. WIIC's Customs bond staff will be joining our Roanoke Trade team, doing many of the same things that they do today, only with greater combined resources. This 'Customs bond' unit actually includes the underwriting and claims management of continuous and single transaction Customs bonds, as well as Federal Maritime Commission bonds for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries, those for Carnets and other transportation-related bonds.

We will continue to underwrite on WIIC bond paper and therefore there will be NO continuous bond rollover process required. Users of WIIC bonds will not experience any change except that of positive service enhancements from improved team integration. Some projects in the works are focused on greater technical support and service coordination, further FastBondTM developments and more automated access to bond data via reports. If you have feedback or suggestions about our service offerings, please email them to marketing@roanoketrade.com.

Thank you sincerely for your business and for growing with us. Roanoke Trade appreciates the opportunity to offer you ongoing service enhancements!


Roanoke Trade Services, Inc.
A member of Munich Re and the Watkins Syndicate at Lloyd's

phone: 1-800-ROANOKE