Columbia Insurance has announced that AM Best, a global credit rating agency, affirmed Columbia Insurance’ s Financial Strength rating of A-( Excellent) and has improved their outlook from stable to positive. AM Best also confirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of“ a-”( Excellent). •
INDUSTRY NEWS
KANSAS MARKETPLACE HEADLINES
FEE NAMED AS A WICHITA BUSINESS LEADER
shared that:
Tyler Fee, Executive Vice President of Fee Insurance Group, was recently named as a " Wichita Business Leader " by the Wichita Business Journal. When asked about his thoughts on his " leadership philosophy ", Fee
" Surrounding myself with people who are better than me in certain areas and who will challenge me is most important holistically. Individually, I always want to lead by example, with a great work ethic, and always focusing on personal growth. Being a leader also means pushing others to reach their God-given potential while always keeping in mind treating others the way you’ d like to be treated is fundamental to building a high-performing team."
AGENCY MERGER CREATES RYAN- DITTMAN INSURANCE
Wally Wilson, President of Ryan Insurance, and Kip Bollinger, President of Dittmann Insuranceare pleased to announce the merger of their two respected agencies to form Ryan-Dittmann Insurance, effective September 1, 2025.
This merger brings together two of Southeast Kansas’ most trusted independent insurance agencies, combining decades of experience, deep community roots, and a shared commitment to client-first service.
By uniting their teams and resources, Ryan-Dittmann Insurance will offer expanded market access, broader carrier relationships, and enhanced support for individuals, families, and businesses across the region.
ZWASCHKA PROMOTED AT EMC AS PRIDEAUX RETIRES
EMC Insurance has announced that George Prideaux has retired as the Wichita Underwriting Director effective October 3rd, after more than 28 years of service to EMC. His career spanned the Birmingham Branch, the Dallas Branch, and the Wichita Office.
Stepping in to fill George’ s role, Justin Zwaschka is being promoted as the Wichita Underwriting Director. Justin joined EMC in 2017 as an Underwriter after earning his bachelor’ s in finance from Wichita State.
While at EMC, he has progressed through the underwriting ranks while earning his CPCU, AU and AU-M designations. He has most recently served as a Assistant Manager in Wichita for the last three and a half years. Justin has a passion for bowling, fishing, traveling and attending concerts.
AM BEST UPGRADES STONETRUST TO " A " RATING
AM Best has announced the upgrade of Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company’ s Financial Strength and Credit Ratings from A-( Excellent) to A( Excellent). Stonetrust offers workers’ comp coverage and services to more than 5,000 policyholders in tweive states in the midwest and southeastern regions of the United States.
AM BEST AFFIRMS COLUMBIA INS. " A- " RATING
Columbia Insurance has announced that AM Best, a global credit rating agency, affirmed Columbia Insurance’ s Financial Strength rating of A-( Excellent) and has improved their outlook from stable to positive. AM Best also confirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of“ a-”( Excellent). •
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025
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