SENN DUNN MERGES WITH HIGH POINT INSURANCE AGENCIES
January 23, 2004

Greensboro, NC - Senn Dunn, the largest privately owned independent insurance agency in NC, made good on a year-old goal to expand into other markets, reaching deals giving them two locations in the High Point community.

T. Gray McCaskill, president of Senn Dunn, said the agency bought Corpening Insurance Center and Sterling Financial Services in separate deals. "This is our first footprint outside of Greensboro, but it was one of those steps that made sense to us", McCaskill said.

Al Adams' desire to keep his Corpening agency locally owned fueled his selection of the Senn Dunn agency and the current merger. "I had other offers to sell but I was waiting for Senn Dunn," Adams said. "It was important to me to ensure that our clients would be treated with the same high esteem, and Senn Dunn's reputation for giving great service has been legendary for over 75 years." Adams will remain as a Senn Dunn Corpening principal and Mike Francois has assumed the role of President of that agency, located at 1232 N. Main Street in downtown High Point.

Michael Smith, former Sterling president, said the deal accelerates a four year old plan to eventually transfer his business to Senn Dunn. Sterling's employee benefits operations has merged into the Senn Dunn Employee Benefit Services division. "In order for a small shop like mine to succeed long term, you've got to have the right technology and support staff," said Smith. Merging with this respected large firm simply gives us more options for our clients. His office is located in High Point at 86 Hillcrest Drive.

Larry Roland, chairman of Senn Dunn, feels confident they've found a winning combination with Corpening and Sterling. "We feel like we're the lucky ones," said Roland. "They have both done such a great job reaching out to the High Point community and we would like to continue that, while providing customers with more services and trusted carrier choices."

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