WESTFIELD CENTER, OH - September 26, 2005 - Michael Prandi has been named senior executive, complex claims and litigation, at Westfield Insurance. He is responsible for the litigation management of all claims as well as all subrogation recoveries.

Prandi began his career at Westfield in 1989 and has served as service office manager in Venice, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky and regional executive in our southern region. Most recently, Prandi was the executive director of the large loss unit, where he was responsible for reserved indemnity payments totaling more than $400 million annually.

"It is an honor to work for Westfield," Prandi said. "In my position, I look forward to maintaining the Company's tradition of service excellence while helping to lead us into the future."

Prandi is a graduate of Ashland University and holds the following insurance designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Claims, Associate in Insurance Services, Senior Claim Law Associate and Associate in Reinsurance. He has also been recognized by Empire Who's Who of Executives and Professionals. A resident of Medina, Ohio, Prandi serves as the board chairman of First Christian Church.

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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