The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued two alerts pointing out risks investors and advisory firms face when using social media like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Brian K. Walter, president of the Winchester, Va.-based Walter & Walter Insurance Agency, formed a partnership with a local substance and violence abuse group to discourage youth from bowing to peer pressure.

Every company is trying to use Facebook in an attempt to move their business forward and stay connected to their customers in this fast paced world. Why are some companies more successful at this than others? Content is the key to staying in touch with your customers and keeping them informed. The content, however, must be a rich mix of information, education, humor and fun.

Most people know Facebook as a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, and to reconnect with long lost childhood classmates. But there’s another side to Facebook – one that can help your business grow.

Everyone knows the property-casualty insurance world is hurting. Any agent will tell you that the market is soft (isn’t it more Koosh ball squishy) and that, despite stimulus spending, there remain fewer construction projects for which insurance is needed.

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) has announced a new award designed to recognize professional insurance agencies for excellence in their use of social media in a business setting.

Noting its “great strides” in fighting insurance fraud, state agencies across Virginia will continue that teamwork this week, dubbed “Insurance Fraud Awareness Week.”

The Maryland General Assembly is being asked to referee a battle between CareFirst and a state doctor’s group over payment of claims.