Special Features

North American Pet Health Insurance Association Calls KC Animal Health Corridor Home

Association selects Kansas City-based Germinder & Associates as the managing firm

AVMA Annual Convention, New Orleans, La., July 19, 2008

The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor announced that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) will locate its headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.

"Kansas City is a natural fit for NAPHIA," said Darryl Rawlings, president of NAPHIA. "As we approach our first anniversary, we are aggressively seeking new members, and the Animal Health Corridor offers an ideal, central location for all member companies."

The newly formed association is presently comprised of major pet insurance providers located throughout North America. The founding members are Hartville Group, Pets Best, Petsecure, Trupanion and Vetinsurance. The association will be seeking additional member pet insurers, allied industry and association members.

"The pet health insurance industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the animal health industry and we're extremely excited that their association will be in Kansas City," said Lynn Parman, Vice President, Life Sciences & Technology Business Development for the Kansas City Area Development Council.

NAPHIA selected Kansas City-based Germinder & Associates to manage the association. The marketing communications and management firm specializes in the animal health industry.

"Germinder & Associates has an expertise in animal health and has proved itself to be a reputable firm both within animal health circles and regionally in Kansas City and New York," said Rawlings.

Pet health insurance has grown tremendously in recent years. In May 2008, Packaged Facts reported that the North American market grew 56 percent during the five year period from 2003 to 2007.

"Pet health insurance is an important component in helping pet owners provide proper care for their pets. We look forward to not only growing the association, but helping NAPHIA to educate veterinarians and pet owners about the importance of pet health insurance," said Lea-Ann Germinder, APR, president of Germinder & Associates.

About the KC Animal Health Corridor

Kansas City accounts for one-third of both the $16.8 billion global animal health industry and the $5 billion U.S. market. KC is home to more than 120 animal health companies, which represents the largest concentration in the world.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association

Founded in 2007, the Kansas City-based North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting to North American pet parents, the general public, and the veterinary industry, the values and benefits of pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.naphia.org, or call 816-822-1004 or write to the association at PO Box 7265, Kansas City, Mo., 64113.

About Germinder & Associates

Germinder & Associates, Inc., founded in 1998, offers full-service public relations, advertising, marketing and Internet-based programs. It has created more than 100 programs in animal health and is publisher of www.goodnewsforpets.com and www.catwellness.org. Germinder & Associates is ranked among Kansas City's top 10 PR agencies by The Kansas City Business Journal. For more information, visit www.germinder.com.

Contact:

Germinder & Associates, Inc.
816-822-0192
Lea-Ann Germinder, APR
lgerminder@germinder.com
816-213-8238
917-334-8682
Kansas City Area Development Council
Rene Ward
ward@thinkkc.com
816-374-5660



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