Allstate Ratchets Up PA Recruiting for Second Straight Year

Allstate Insurance Company appointed an impressive number of new exclusive agents in Pennsylvania last year. Now, the company is ramping up its recruiting again -- looking for 48 more Pennsylvania agency owners this year.

In 2009, 55 new agents opened Allstate agencies across the Keystone State. This year, Allstate hopes to surpass that goal by focusing on Pennsylvania professionals that are looking to start their own business in a recession resilient industry.

"We see a significant opportunity in the current economy to attract mid-career, mid-level managers to own and operate their own business and represent Allstate in Pennsylvania," said John Currado, Allstate's Pennsylvania recruiting director. "We're working with business brokers and through our own recruiters to find professionals with financial or sales backgrounds, who are dedicated to customer service."

Candidates need a minimum of $50,000 of liquid capital to invest in their agency. Even with the hints of an economic recovery underway, some potential applicants are unsure if now is the right time to invest money needed to open a small business. That's why recruiters are focusing on the stability of investing in the Allstate brand.

"Allstate is unique among all other insurers because its agents own the economic interest in their business," said Currado. "Allstate agents can sell the economic interest in their agency. No other branded insurer has this option."

Allstate's Pennsylvania recruiting goals for 2010 are segmented by area across the state:

Metro Area Approx. Recruiting Goal Greater Philadelphia 18 Allentown-Lehigh Valley 5 Pittsburgh 10 Harrisburg 10 Johnstown-Altoona 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These target cities and areas represent key consumer touch points in Allstate's broader strategy to aggressively expand the provider's auto insurance presence statewide, while staking a stronger claim in items like boats, recreational all-terrain-vehicles and motorcycles. Allstate is currently the 2nd largest auto insurer in Pennsylvania with over 951,000 cars and trucks insured in the state.

Interested candidates can apply to become an Allstate agent by logging on to allstate.com or by calling 1-877-711-1006.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.