Potter-Holden & Company's "Soft Market Swing" Marshmallow Driving Contest    Thank you to all the participants of the "Soft Market Swing" Contest at the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Conference this year! It was a pleasure to meet many new faces and greet some familiar ones. We hope that you enjoyed the competition, and most importantly, took away a little knowledge of the new softening insurance market for Georgia hospitals.  For those of you who missed the event, make sure you view some photos and details below!  We would also like to thank Bud Robison, Jan, Charley, and the rest of the group at the Golf Pro Shop at Callaway Gardens for allowing us to hold the event on their course. What is a "soft market?" How do market "swings" impact my hospital's insurance?     Hard and soft markets are a part of the insurance market cycle and are a function of supply and demand.  In a "hard market," insurance companies often increase premiums and may remove some of the coverage enhancements they previously provided. The previous hard market for Georgia hospitals has caused many carriers to be more selective in who they insured. In addition, price increases were commonly double-digit.    Fortunately for Georgia Hospitals, there is evidence of the market softening due to an improvement in reported medical liability claims.  In a "soft market," insurance companies become more eager to write new business and to retain existing accounts.    What does this mean for you? A softening market can mean more choices for your hospital's program and potential reductions in your premium costs.  It also makes now a great time to consult you Healthcare Risk Consultant at Potter-Holden for a complimentary program consultation. For more information, please contact: Charley Malmquist, CPCU, ARM, AAI cmalmquist@potterholden.com or direct: 770-913-1201 -or- Paul Tuggle, CPCU ptuggle@potterholden.com or direct: 770-913-1208 More Information on Potter-Holden & Company. WINNERS Congratulations to the "Marshmallow Masters" of the "Soft Market Swing!" The winning swing: Mike Palazzo  1st Place: Mike Palazzo, of AE Design- 47 Yards 2nd Place: Magnus Nilsson, of Jensen & Partners- 38 Yards Winners this year received gift cards for Callaway Garden's Golf Pro Shop. Congratulations, and enjoy! RANKINGS To see how your marshmallow compared to others,  view the rankings of all participants. PHOTOS (Photos are arranged by group numbers. Don't remember yours? View the group list.)