ALL Allstate Corporation

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While many companies continue to shy away from expansion during the economic downturn, Allstate Insurance is aggressively pursuing a plan to open nearly 50 new Agency offices around the state, the company announced today. Roughly half of those openings will be in North Florida, where the company continues to address a need for its customers.

"North Florida has shown incredible growth for our Agencies," says Bob Jackson, regional sales leader for Allstate's Florida region based in St. Petersburg. "In order to meet the demands of our current and future customers, we've made a decision to expand. Part of the Allstate commitment to customers is having agents familiar with the neighborhood and being there for you whenever you need them. This expansion meets that objective."

The new Exclusive Agency openings also mean multiple job opportunities for staff at each new agency statewide. All told, more than 130 new jobs will be flowing into Florida through new Allstate agencies and their licensed staffs.

The Allstate opportunity is encouraging news for entrepreneurs looking for a chance to excel in a down economy. Unlike with other insurers, Allstate agents actually own their own business as independent contractors selling Allstate products. At the same time, a myriad of education and foundational resources remain available to new and current agents. And, the best news for entrepreneurs is that there is no franchise fee associated with owning your own Allstate agency.

"Allstate sets itself apart from franchises because owners see growth immediately with every sale and there are no fees to repay down the road," Jackson says.

Ideal candidates need to have $50,000 to $75,000 in liquid capital but that money does not go to Allstate; it's simply something the company wants to see to ensure the new agency can pay for the normal operation costs associated with opening and running a successful business including hiring staff and marketing for new customers.

When the time comes to retire or leave the business, owners can resell their book of business to other Allstate approved candidates, which also makes these new career openings a unique investment opportunity.

"Allstate wants to help job growth in Florida and we also enjoy serving our ever growing customer base here in Florida," Jackson says. "There is tremendous growth ahead with our business and offering people a chance to own their business and make a career out of serving customers with our products creates a win-win situation."

Interested candidates for the Exclusive Agency opportunities can call 1-877-711-1006 or visit:

http://insuranceagent.floridajobs.com/

Or they can check out the Allstate Florida Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Allstate-Florida/180730855298768?ref=ts

There is also an information session scheduled in multiple cities for interested candidates to attend:

JACKSONVILLE

When: May 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 3030 Hartley Road, Suite 200, Jacksonville, Fla. 32257

ORLANDO

When: April 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 4901 Vineland Road, Orlando, Fla. 328811

ST. PETERSBURG

When: April 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 780 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33716

WEST PALM BEACH

When: April 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 1450 Centrepark Blvd, Suite 300, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401

PLANTATION

When: May 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 8050 SW 10 St, Suite 1600 Plantation, Fla. 33324

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800-ALLSTATE.

SOURCE Allstate.com