Rochester, N.Y. -- July 13, 1998 -- Erie Insurance Group's Rochester Branch has moved to a new location with official opening ceremonies set for Wednesday, July 15.

Erie Insurance's new office is located at 175 Corporate Woods, Suite 100, Rochester. The growing New York operation, started in January of 1995, serves residents in the western part of the state through nearly 50 insurance agencies representing Erie Insurance Group. The Rochester Branch is staffed by 19 ERIE employees. The branch office was previously located at 4 West Ave., Spencerport, N.Y.

Executive officers from ERIE's home office in Erie, Pa., will join members of the Rochester Branch team of employees for the grand opening celebration. The ribbon cutting ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be followed by tours of the facility from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Erie executives expected to attend the grand opening include Stephen Milne, president and chief executive officer; Phillip Garcia, chief financial officer; George Lucore, senior vice president, agency division; Jeffrey Ludrof, senior vice president, claims division; and Doug Fitzgerald, regional vice president.

All of The ERIE's property/casualty companies earn the A++ "Superior" rating from A. M. Best, the leading authority on insurance companies. Ward Financial Group includes Erie Insurance Group in its list of Top 50 insurers for overall industry performance and safety.

In addition, Financial World magazine ranks the Exchange second in its financial strength analysis of the 50 largest property/casualty insurers in the United States.

Erie Insurance Exchange, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest insurer of private passenger automobiles and the 24th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States. Erie Insurance Exchange is part of Erie Insurance Group, which includes seven companies operating in nine states and the District of Columbia.