WESTFIELD CENTER, OH - September 26, 2005 - Scott Jurek has been named senior executive, claims field operations, Western division. In this capacity, he helps set and execute the claims strategy for Westfield Insurance while working collaboratively with business partners in commercial lines, personal lines and agribusiness to bring value to customers in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Arizona and New Mexico.

Jurek began his career at Westfield in 2001, previously serving as regional claims executive in our Midwest claims region. He was responsible for ensuring service excellence to policyholders through the delivery of prompt, fair and professional claim service in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

"The relationships Westfield establishes with employees, customers and business partners through sharing knowledge and building trust is key to our success. I am proud to be associated with the claims business area because we have the opportunity to deliver what our independent agency partners sell - peace of mind to our customers," Jurek said.

Jurek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University and has earned Associate in Management and Senior Claim Law Associate designations.

In business for more than 157 years, Westfield Insurance provides commercial and personal insurance and surety services to customers in 28 states. Westfield markets its products through more than 1,200 leading independent insurance agencies and is one of the country's largest property and casualty insurers. Westfield Group provides banking through Westfield Bank^SM and agency support through Westfield Services, Inc. Westfield has over $3.1 billion in assets and holds an "A (Excellent)" rating from A.M. Best, a leading insurance financial rating agency. The Company has more than 2,500 employees, with 1,900 employed in Ohio.

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