New York, NY – December 1, 2010 - Howard & Peter Schlactus and their team at KBS International Corp., along with Jeff Ice and his team, formerly with Oswald Logistics Insurance, have joined together to form Brightstone Insurance Services, LLC and the KBS-Ice Group. Together, we will bring you the benefits of our expanding capabilities and resources while still remaining the responsive family business you know and rely on.

The best gets better! With agency offices in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, and a leadership team possessing over 150 years of combined professional experience, Brightstone is poised to raise the bar. Its partners promise to provide clients with unparalleled service, resources, and insurance programs tailored to your needs. As KBS and Oswald did before, Brightstone works families, individuals, and businesses of all kinds. Brightstone provides property/casualty insurance, loss control resources, and a full range of financial services.

Of course, we will continue and deepen our special focus on the same day transportation and logistics industry. Our goal is to focus on professionally-minded firms and give them what we like to call an "unfair advantage", states Managing Director Peter Schlactus. "The ability to control a major cost item like insurance -- even as you use its superior qualities to impress customers - that translates into a competitive edge."

Managing Director Jeff Ice adds, "Whether our client is a company or a family, we will be able to access a wealth of quality choices. And in our specialty areas, access to virtually every market, every program, and every coverage enhancement available. In addition, the size of our combined entity provides ample leverage with insurance companies and enough market presence to ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the lowest rates available."

With our enlarged support staff, Brightstone is able to provide all of our clients with the service levels they deserve to prosper and deal your ever-changing risks. Now, however, their team and yours will be drawing upon the combined expertise of an unparalleled lineup of trusted advisors, including Jeff Ice, Michelle Mattoni, Howard Schlactus, and Peter Schlactus.

"While our name has changed, our commitment to our clients has not," promises Howard Schlactus, the firm's third Managing Director.
"You will still be working with the same people you have come to know and trust."

Brightstone thanks all of you for your business and support throughout the years. We know you will be as enthusiastic as we are about this "Bright" new beginning!

Please feel free to call us with any questions, 877-862-4755.