MONTANA STATE FUND AUTHORIZES DIVIDEND:

The Montana State Fund Board authorized a dividend payment to qualifying policyholders. At their meeting, the Board approved a $2 million dividend distribution. This will be the sixth consecutive year MSF has rewarded customers with superior safety records. Nearly 12,000 policyholders of record for the period of July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 are eligible to receive the dividend. “We are pleased to once again reward our safety conscious employers with a dividend payment,” said Herbert Leuprecht, chairman of the Board of Directors. “This is money that stays in Montana and is put back to work in our businesses and communities.” Since 1998, $33 million has been returned to deserving policyholders. Those who meet the criteria for a dividend will be notified by mail in late April/early May. Funds will be distributed by mid June. Montana State Fund provides workers’ compensation coverage to nearly 28,000 employers in the state, making it the largest workers’ compensation insurance company in Montana.