PEWAUKEE, WI-Markel American Insurance Company (rated “A XI” by A.M. Best) is pleased to announce Richard Milner of Arkansas as their direct mail sweepstakes winner.

Markel American’s BikelinE Insurance Program sent 50,000 direct mail pieces with the “Spring into Cash with BikelinE” sweepstakes offer to 36 states.  Creative Marketing Communications, Inc, the sweepstakes firm hired by Markel American, drew the winner on April 6, 2004.  Recently, Mike Zielinski, Customer Service Manager, departed on a 3-leg flight to El Dorado, AR to deliver the $5000 check in person.  Of his 12-hour flight Zielinski said, “Richard just started a new position with a new employer and was unable to make it to our office, so I volunteered to go to him.  At Markel American, we have a unwavering commitment to our customers.”  When Richard was asked to comment on his winnings, he stated, “I've enjoyed the sweepstakes winnings by following the principle:  Save some, give some, spend some.  We've donated to charity, invested some and bought a new motorcycle helmet for myself.”

As a leader in motorcycle insurance for over 35 years, Markel American has a proven commitment to the Motorcycle Insurance marketplace. Markel American President and COO, Timberlee Grove stated, "We were excited to award Richard with a check for $5000.  I look forward to doing more sweepstakes in the future; it is an excellent way to honor a random member of the motorcycle community.  At Markel American we think it does make a difference when your insurance company is as passionate about riding as you.”

Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets. In each of these markets, the company seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that in can be a market leader.  The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build a shareholder value.