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By TIMES WIRES
Published August 31, 2006

Allstate asks state for premium increases

Allstate Floridian, the state's third-largest home insurer, asked state officials Wednesday for permission to raise premiums for some of its homeowner and condominium policies. The rate hikes - up to 24 percent for Allstate Floridian customers and 33 percent for Allstate Floridian Indemnity customers - are needed to offset higher reinsurance costs, company spokesman Ryan Priest told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Reinsurance is insurance coverage for insurance companies, to help pay claims after a catastrophe. If approved, the rate increase could occur starting Dec. 3.

New group lobbies for environmental issues

The Florida Public Interest Group, a consumer-protection advocacy group founded in response to a Ralph Nader speech 25 years ago, has produced a Tallahassee offspring. Environment Florida is a separate, nonprofit lobbying group that raises its own funds and concentrates on environmental issues. Five of PIRG's six full-time staffers, led by Mark Ferrulo, are joining the new advocacy group. PIRG is part of a national network of consumer advocacy groups in 30 states.

Car dealer workers file discrimination suit

Three recent employees of an Ed Morse Cadillac dealership in Tampa have sued its owner, claiming they were victims of racial and, in two cases, gender discrimination. The African-American plaintiffs say they were subjected to racist jokes, reprimanded for actions their white colleagues were not, and cheated of some sales opportunities. The dealership's general manager could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Business growth slows considerably in spring

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that business grew at just a 2.9 percent annual rate during the April-to-June quarter, higher than previously estimated but still well off the pace of the winter. By contrast, in the January-to-March quarter, the economy had grown at a brisk 5.6 percent pace, the fastest spurt in 2½ years.

Coca-Cola boss to become Clorox CEO

The Coca-Cola Co. said Wednesday it has named a new head of its key North America division to replace Donald Knauss, leaving the world's largest beveragemaker to become CEO of cleaning products maker Clorox. Coca-Cola said it has named J. Alexander M. "Sandy" Douglas Jr. president of Coca-Cola North America to replace Knauss. Douglas had been the company's senior vice president and chief customer officer.

[Last modified August 30, 2006, 23:49:29]