This month, we spotlight Willis of Minnesota, Inc, which is a unit of Willis Group Holdings, a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. Read our interview with Brad Frankenstein, senior vice president for risk management services, below.
Q. Please tell us a bit about Willis of Minnesota, Inc.
A. Willis Group Holdings is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world’s leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Willis is a publically held (WSH) Global Insurance Broker; with the Willis of Minnesota office being located near Highways 394 and 100 in Minneapolis.
Q. Please tell us about your company’s role within the ethanol industry and why the company is committed to supporting the ethanol industry now and into the future.
A. Willis of Minnesota has significant expertise in the Commodity and Biofuels space. Willis of Minnesota has been working with clients in the Biofuels space for 14 years and currently writes more than a quarter of the country’s 200 bio-refineries. With a blend of Safety and Loss Control Services, Willis is able to provide its clients with an integrated Insurance Risk Management program.
Q. From your perspective, what would you like fuel consumers to know about the ethanol industry and the fuel it produces?
A. Educating consumer that ethanol is a clean-burning and a high-octane motor fuel safe for engines, and higher blends are available and coming to the marketplace.
Q. What do you see as the ethanol industry’s biggest challenge?
A. The largest challenge ethanol faces is Big Oil’s negative media campaign against Ethanol.
Q. What does your company see for the future of ethanol and advanced biofuels?
A. We see a bright but challenging future. Investment is needed by all vested partners to help support the campaign to promote and educate consumers about ethanol.