DES MOINES, Iowa —Capital Area United Way in Lansing, Michigan recognized EMC Insurance Companies’ Lansing Branch Office as their 2019 Corporate Partner of the Year. The announcement was made live during Capital Area United Way’s virtual Volunteer of the Year Awards event on June 15, 2020.

“The people of EMC Insurance ask how they can help. Through United Way and on their own, they are constantly seeking to connect their talent and resources with those in need in our community,” said Merry Donn, Capital Area United Way Fund Development Associate. “They were the primary force behind the creation of the annual United Way Diaper Drive and have supported it ever since. They give generously in the annual giving campaign. When they were in the midst of a hectic relocation of their offices, they took the time to sort and donate all of the equipment and materials they no longer needed. It would have been far easier to throw it all away. But, that’s not how the people of EMC Insurance work.”

The branch’s United Way efforts are led by a Volunteer Committee of five team members, who also organize an annual food and donation drive for a local food bank at Thanksgiving. Underwriting Associate Kennedy Kebler has served on the Committee for five years, leading it for the past four years.

She attributes their success to the branch’s culture of giving. “Our leadership encourages our Volunteer Committee, and the greater team, to make our charitable work as much of a priority as our actual work. People here step up to help even when they’re not asked,” said Kebler.

Derek Bleil, Resident Vice President, added, “We are so proud that our commitment to bettering our community has been recognized by Capital Area United Way, and we will use this recognition to motivate us for another great campaign this fall.”