We're the same. Here's a little background. The program was first introduced back in 1991 when the industry was where it seems to be heading now. So we are over 10 years old. In fact, USA Today even named the AwardGuard program one of the top new business ideas in 1991. The idea was based on our concern that many frequent flyers were willing to change choices of airlines to the financially stronger ones only because they were worried about their frequent flyer miles being lost. We are still paying claims on members of the original Midway Airlines frequent flyer program which went out in 1991 and over 700,000 members lost all their awards (except those that had AwardGuard). Through the years we've covered tens of thousands of members of programs, including expiring miles from 1991 as well. As for changing things on the Web site, we still operate AwardGuard but don't often change things or put it in your face for one very good reason - you'll not accuse us of trying to take advantage of the situation. Word will get around and we'll mention it when appropriate, but you won't see any full-page ads for the product in USA Today or The Wall Street Journal telling you that the end is near. As for the finances and who we are, well, you can search all you want and not find anyone who had had a bad experience with us. You can check legal records against AwardGuard and find that no member has ever sued us because we didn't deliver (remember, we have covered expiring miles for American and United and others all throughout the 90s) and we've paid hundreds of thousands, if not a few million dollars in claims....and we're still here. Understand this. I can't tell you if the product is right for you. It was designed to provide peace of mind for members of programs and to allow them continued support of their favorite frequent flyer program, regardless of it's financial problems. After all, this is when airline need you the most. Over the years we provided a great deal of peace of mind for members of Canadian and TWA programs as they battled the ongoing up and down financial conditions of the industry as well as other airline programs. This time it looks worse. Your call.

Questions?

When we first put the program together, we actually underwrote the first insurance in the Lloyd's insurance market in London with some seasoned insurance executives putting together the layers of insurance needed for such a program. That was quite interesting though the actual coverage is different today.

[This message has been edited by Randy Petersen (edited 09-17-2001).]