Albany, N.Y. – Participants of the Retail Council of New York State’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Safety Group will again this year be rewarded with dividend checks totaling nearly $5 million. This dividend represents a 45 percent return on the Group’s premium payments for 2005. This is the second year in a row that the dividend hit the 45 percent mark and the 28th consecutive year that the Retail Council has been able to provide such significant dividends.

“We are proud to be able to offer a consistent dividend on mandated workers’ compensation insurance. Our 1400 insureds appreciate the uniqueness of this benefit – not every safety group is financially strong enough to offer what the Retail Council can,” said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin. “It’s just one of the many ways the Retail Council saves its members money every year.”

The Retail Council has averaged a dividend of nearly 39 percent to qualifying participants over the lifetime of the group. Although dividends can’t be guaranteed, more than $77 million has been returned to Retail Council members in the form of safety group dividends since 1978. One of the oldest safety groups in New York state, the steady dividend history also makes the Retail Council’s group one of the most successful. In addition to the dividend, qualifying members also receive an upfront policy discount of up to 25 percent.

“We can return nearly half of what is paid in premiums because our members are managing their workers’ comp risk so well. Maintaining safe workplaces and minimizing risks and insurance claims are the hallmarks of our safety group,” said Mr. Sherin.

Retailers interested in learning more about Workers’ Compensation Safety Group 493, underwritten by the New York State Insurance Fund, can call the Council toll free at (800) 442-3589 for a no-obligation quote. For more information about the Retail Council, please visit www.retailcouncilnys.com.

About the Retail Council of New York State:

The “Voice of Retailing” in New York state, the Retail Council represents 5,000 member stores of all size and variety. The Council offers money-saving group benefit programs and government relations expertise to its members.