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Keystone Adds First Texas Agency With Garrett Insurance Agency

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Keystone Adds First Texas Agency With Garrett Insurance Agency

NORTHUMBERLAND, Pa.–Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) named its first agency in Texas with Garrett Insurance Agency, a custom insurance solutions provider serving communities across Texas. The announcement was made by Keystone Executive Vice President of Property and Casualty and Franchise Sales, Joe Joyce.

“Keystone is extremely excited to welcome Garrett Insurance Agency as our first agency in the great state of Texas,” said Joyce. “We are very proud that Stephen Schmerbeck and the amazing team of associates at Garrett will lead the way as we now begin to expand throughout the state. We could not choose another agency of greater character, integrity, and professionalism as our first in Texas! Keystone looks forward to providing resources and opportunities to assist in their continued impressive growth.”

“We look forward to leveraging Keystone’s expertise to expand available services, markets, and products – in particular, risk management, employee benefits, and financial services,” said agency President Stephen Schmerbeck. “These resources will enhance the value and choice our clients have come to expect from our agency.”

About Garrett Insurance Agency

Garrett Insurance Agency’s mission is to provide insurance of any kind that can suit anyone, with an attitude of care and industriousness. As a family-owned business, they take a hands-on approach to delivering service, treating clients like family since their inception in 1918. Deeply committed to the communities in which they live and work, the agency supports a variety of organizations by volunteering, donating, or serving on the boards of key local organizations including the Kerrville chamber, rotary club, and lions club. They are avid supporters of Bark for Life and Relay for Life. Learn more at https://www.garrettinsurance.com/.

About Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone): Keystone started in 1983 when four independent insurance agencies teamed up to pool their experience and expertise. This small group believed that agencies could be stronger and more successful if they linked arms – a passion and spirit that continues. Growing to almost 300 independent agencies in 16 states, Keystone provides its agents with a community of like-minded agencies, industry expertise and access to specialized products for their clients. Keystone is ranked number four on Insurance Journal’s 2020 list of Top 20 Property/Casualty Agency Partnerships. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com.

Contacts

Beth Bedisky
(570) 473-2828
bbedisky@keystoneinsgrp.com

Mike Gerber Named the Next President and CEO of Builders Mutual

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Mike Gerber Named the Next President and CEO of Builders Mutual

Builders Mutual Insurance Company announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Mike Gerber, current Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), to succeed John K. Boggs as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Boggs, who has served as President and CEO since 2009 and held the previous role of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from 2004 to 2009, recently announced his retirement.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are pleased to elect Mike as our next CEO, the fourth CEO in our company’s 37-year history,” said Rick Judson, Chairman of the Builders Mutual Board of Directors. “Mike is a proven and respected leader who has delivered strong operating results through a relentless commitment to our customers, agents, employees and industry partners. His broad and comprehensive understanding of the company culture gives us all the confidence that Mike will lead our 380 employees to achieve great success in the years to come.”

Mr. Boggs retires having served Builders Mutual for over 17 years. Under his leadership, Builders Mutual was recently named to the prestigious Ward’s 50 group of top performing insurance companies in 2019 and 2020. “Being recognized for two years in a row by the Ward Group is a testament to Builders Mutual’s continued financial strength,” said Mr. Boggs. “Earning this recognition is a team effort that begins with our employees. We’ve maintained our commitment to the construction industry while building and strengthening our financial foundation.” Mr. Boggs will continue to serve as an advisor through the end of the year.

Mr. Gerber brings over 30 years’ insurance experience, with more than 23 years as part of the Builders Mutual leadership team. In his role as SVP and COO, Mike Gerber has been responsible for a broad range of functions that include Audit, Business Development, Human Resources, Marketing, Risk Management, Sales, Training & Development, and Underwriting. He has played a key role in every strategic initiative the company has made over the last two decades including significant geographic and product expansion as well as placing great emphasis on the importance of company culture and customer experience.

“This announcement is the successful culmination of a multi-year succession plan to select the best leader for the company. Mike has worked closely with the Board over the past several years, and we look forward to what he will bring to the company as CEO,” stated Mr. Judson. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank John for his contributions as CEO. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its position as the leading writer of commercial insurance for construction risks in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The Company has consistently grown premium and policy count and has built a strong foundation that positions Builders Mutual for the future.”

Mike Gerber stated, “I am honored to be named the next CEO of Builders Mutual, and want to thank both John and the Board for the confidence they have placed in me to lead this amazing organization and our talented team of employees. I look forward to continuing our long-standing commitment to the construction industry and to the independent agents that serve their needs.”

Western National Insurance Group Announces Upcoming Retirement of Stuart Henderson, Succession of Rick Long as CEO

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Western National Insurance Group Announces Upcoming Retirement of Stuart Henderson, Succession of Rick Long as CEO

(Minneapolis, Minn.) The Board of Directors of the Western National Mutual Insurance Company confirmed the upcoming retirement of current Chief Executive Officer Stuart Henderson, and the succession of current President Richard (Rick) Long to the role of President & Chief Executive Officer for all companies in the Group, effective Friday, April 2, 2021. These changes will end the year-long leadership transition that began in March 2020.

Mr. Henderson joined Western National in 2001, at a time when the company’s equity had fallen to just $60.3 million and its A.M. Best financial strength rating had been downgraded to B+. Henderson orchestrated a quick turnaround, renewing the company’s commitment to the Independent Agency system, broadly diversifying its risk exposures, and rebuilding its equity. Over a 20-year tenure with the company, Henderson’s leadership ultimately grew Western National into a super-regional group of eight active property-and-casualty insurance companies writing over $800 million annually in personal and commercial premium, with a policyholder’s surplus of over $610 million and total assets of over $1.59 billion. Along the way, Henderson led the development of the company’s charitable programs and community initiatives; served on industry boards (National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Association, Insurance Federation of Minnesota, and others); oversaw activities that earned Western National the Minnesota Business Ethics Award, a place on the Ward Group Top 50 Property & Casualty list (12 consecutive years as of 2020, and 15 of the past 16 years), several top workplace awards, and other recognitions; and guided the company’s rise to an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating and its current spot among the top 100 largest U.S. property-and-casualty insurance carriers. Following his retirement, Henderson will remain a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Long joined Western National in 2010 and served for several years as Senior Vice President of Claims and later as President of affiliate Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company prior to his appointment to President of Western National Mutual Insurance Company. He has served on the Boards of Directors of all Western National wholly owned stock companies, as well as on the Board of the Property Loss Research Bureau and Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association. Prior to joining Western National, Long served as Senior Vice President of Claims for Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, having worked his way up to that position from the role of field claim adjuster in 1984. He has a B.S. from SUNY at Binghamton, N.Y., and he has earned the AIC, CPCU, and ARe designations.

“Western National has been the beneficiary of two decades of incredibly strong, transformative leadership in its Chief Executive Officer role, and we are pleased to continue that tradition as we officially ‘pass the torch’ from Stu Henderson to Rick Long on April 2,” said Steve McFarland, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Western National Insurance Group. “All of us at Western National owe Stu a tremendous debt of gratitude for his many contributions to the Group’s success these past 20 years – all of which served to reinforce the company’s ability to deliver on its claim promise to policyholders. Rick embodies those same service-oriented values, and as evidenced by his steady leadership during a globally chaotic first year as President, he is the right person to lead Western National as we work to continue the company’s successes and exceed even more customer expectations going forward.”

Western National Insurance, headquartered in Edina, Minn., is a super-regional group of property-and-casualty insurance companies. The Group writes business through eight active insurance companies—Western National Mutual Insurance Company, Western National Assurance Company, Pioneer Specialty Insurance Company, Western Home Insurance Company, Arizona Auto Insurance Company, Umialik Insurance Company, American Freedom Insurance Company, and Nevada General Insurance Company — and is affiliated with Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company. Together, the affiliated companies write over $840 million in personal and commercial Direct Premium in 22 states across the Northern, Midwestern, and Western U.S. as well as in Alaska; and surety bonds in 41 states. The Group’s Policyholder’s Surplus is over $697 million with Total Assets of $1.85 billion. All of the affiliated companies’ products are sold exclusively through professional Independent Insurance Agents.

AM Best Posts Interactive Webinar Highlights for “All in the Family: Tapping Into the Pet Insurance Market Opportunity”

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AM Best Posts Interactive Webinar Highlights for “All in the Family: Tapping Into the Pet Insurance Market Opportunity”

Viewers can access highlights from an AM Best webinar sponsored by Cognizant to learn how insurers can embrace new strategies and align their products, distribution and underwriting, claims and operations to tap into the pet insurance market.

Panelists include:

  • Chris Blatchly, chief digital officer & consulting leader for insurance, Cognizant;
  • Ramanujam Venkatesan, property & casualty insurance consulting leader, Cognizant; and
  • Alexandre Douzet, chief executive officer, Pumpkin.

The video-based interactive presentation is available here. The webinar was compiled into the following stand-alone segments:

  • The Huge Potential of the Pet Insurance Market.
  • The Change Relationships Between Pets and Pet Owners.
  • A Two-Pronged Distribution Channel.
  • Meeting The Challenge of ‘Companion Fatigue’.
  • Pet Insurers Should Focus On Two ‘Moments of Truth’.
  • Personalizing The Point of Sale for Pet Insurance.
  • Pet Perils Vary by Region.
  • Pet Perils Vary by Region.
  • Moving Beyond Pet Insurer to Services Provider.
  • Building A Pet Insurance Product Takes Dedicated Effort-Agility.
  • The Key to Launch a Pet Insurance Line Is Automation-Scale.
  • To Succeed in Pet Insurance Focus On Data.
  • A Bright Future for Pet Insurance.

The complete video replay for this event is also available now.

Verisk Streamlines Digital Payments for Insurers, Contractors, Lenders, Vendors, and Consumers With VeriskPay

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Verisk Streamlines Digital Payments for Insurers, Contractors, Lenders, Vendors, and Consumers With VeriskPay

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Verisk, a leading global data analytics provider, has introduced VeriskPay™, a digital payment solution that allows Verisk customers to rapidly receive and issue digital payments. Leveraging technology and expertise from Fiserv, Inc., a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, VeriskPay enables digital payments and payouts from within Property Preservation Wizard™, a work order management solution developed by Verisk’s Xactware business.

Property insurance, remodeling, restoration, and mortgage and lending businesses will be able to manage and deliver same-day payouts via their customers’ and vendors’ preferred platforms — be it a traditional bank account, prepaid card, or digital wallet. This connectivity is made possible by the Carat ecosystem from Fiserv, which securely delivers payment opportunities across the most popular channels and devices, allowing businesses to realize new customer experiences.

“A growing number of consumers and businesses value speed and convenience when sending and receiving payment,” said Mark Anquillare, Chief Operating Officer and Group President of Verisk. “By partnering with Fiserv, we’re digitizing Verisk customers’ payment processes to better serve their clients and develop stronger business relationships with their vendors.”

VeriskPay is currently integrated into Property Preservation Wizard. Verisk will soon integrate VeriskPay into other solutions and services, to help Verisk customers better manage payment processes across the insurance value chain, without the need to rely on third-party applications or services.

“Streamlining how payments are made and funds are paid out is critical to digital transformation,” said Nandan Sheth, Head of Carat and Digital Commerce at Fiserv. “As businesses work to meet consumer expectations for increased speed and convenience, paying out funds digitally will enhance efficiency, shorten payment cycles and facilitate a more personalized experience.”

For more information, visit Verisk.com.

Ryan Specialty Group Announces Expanded Executive Leadership Team

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Ryan Specialty Group Announces Expanded Executive Leadership Team

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is pleased to announce its expanded and revised executive leadership team as the company continues to evolve and grow as it looks to the future. These individuals are proven leaders with exceptional strategic insight into the needs of our clients, insurance carrier trading partners and the larger insurance industry. These changes became effective March 1, 2021.

Ryan Specialty Group Announces Expanded Executive Leadership Team

  • Timothy W. Turner will become President of Ryan Specialty Group. Tim has been Chairman and CEO of Ryan Turner Specialty (RT Specialty) since its inception in 2010 and will retain these responsibilities going forward.
  • Jeremiah R. Bickham will become Chief Financial Officer of Ryan Specialty Group. Jeremiah has been Global Treasurer & Head of Corporate Development for Ryan Specialty Group and joined the company in 2011.
  • Michael T. VanAcker will become Chief Operating Officer of Ryan Specialty Group. Michael has been the Chief Operating Officer of RT Specialty and joined Ryan Specialty Group in 2011.
  • Janice M. Hamilton will become Chief Accounting Officer of Ryan Specialty Group. Janice has been Controller of Ryan Specialty Group since 2018 and will retain these responsibilities going forward.
  • Mark C. Melander will become Chief Administrative Officer, Business Services of Ryan Specialty Group. Prior to joining Ryan Specialty Group in September 2020 with the acquisition of All Risks, Mark was the Chief Administrative Officer of All Risks, Ltd.
  • Noah S. Angeletti will become Treasurer of Ryan Specialty Group. Noah has been Vice President of Treasury & Corporate Development for Ryan Specialty Group and has been with the company since 2014.

Commenting on the executive leadership transformation, Patrick G. Ryan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group, said, “Each of the above outlined individuals that are stepping into their new leadership roles are very well respected not only within Ryan Specialty Group but with the larger stakeholder group of our company, including our clients, insurance carrier trading partners, our banking relationships, and throughout the wider insurance industry. I am very confident in the exceptional capabilities of each of them.”

In addition to these executive promotions, Ryan Specialty Group announced today that Diane M. Aigotti, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, has announced her decision to retire from RSG. She will continue to serve as an advisor to Patrick G. Ryan, the company’s CEO, until June 30, 2021, to ensure an orderly transition of her duties. Diane has been with Ryan Specialty Group since its inception in 2010, during which time she has been instrumental in developing the foundation of Ryan Specialty Group and has built an extraordinary team. Diane is ready for different challenges and is confident that the team she has installed is ready to guide Ryan Specialty Group into its next era.

Pat Ryan commented, “Diane has been a loyal teammate for more than a decade at Ryan Specialty Group and has been a key contributor to our success. As our CFO, Diane helped guide the company with disciplined decision making and a remarkable track record of creating strategic value. Diane’s career accomplishments speak for themselves. I join the entire Ryan Specialty Group family in thanking Diane, celebrating her career, and wishing her all the best.”

Diane Aigotti added, “I am extremely proud of my eleven wonderful and rewarding years at RSG. I started as RSG’s third employee and had the honor of having a ringside seat as we built this Company into a leading international specialty insurance organization with over $1 billion in revenue and 3,300 talented teammates. I thank Pat Ryan personally for inviting me to join before RSG was even formed and taking me on this incredible journey. I am confident that Ryan Specialty Group is well positioned for its next phase of transformative growth under Pat, Tim and the rest of the senior leadership team.”

EMC National Life Company Announces Promotions and Officer Appointments

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EMC National Life Company Announces Promotions and Officer Appointments

DES MOINES, Iowa — EMC National Life Company (EMCNL) has announced several officer elections and elevations:

Scott Jean, FCAS, MAAA, president and chief executive officer of EMC Insurance Companies (EMC), will assume the additional role of chairman and chief executive officer of EMCNL, providing leadership to the life insurance company and life affiliate of EMC. Jean joined EMC as an actuary in 1991 and served in multiple roles focused on finance and strategy before being named president and chief executive officer in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Chris Frazier, CPA, ALMI, ACS, was elected president and chief operating officer where he will develop and lead the implementation of business strategies and policies for EMCNL’s growth. He will also continue his role as vice chairman of the EMC National Life Company Board of Directors. Frazier joined EMC in 1997, and moved to EMCNL six years ago, most recently serving as chief operating officer, chief financial officer and treasurer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

Mark DeVries, FSA, MAAA, CERA, was elected vice president, chief financial officer, overseeing the financial and actuarial management of the company. He formerly held the role of assistant vice president, supervising actuary and has been with EMCNL for four years. DeVries holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

Michelle Struck, ALMI, ACS, was elected assistant vice president, corporate secretary and operations manager, responsible for maintaining corporate records and documents, general office management and serving as a human resources liaison. Struck has been with EMC National Life Company for 20 years, most recently serving as operations manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and art from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Maggie White, J.D., was named assistant corporate counsel at EMCNL, a position she will serve in alongside her role of associate general counsel with EMC. White provides legal services to the human resources department of EMC and will now also provide legal support to the general counsel of EMCNL. White joined EMC as a staff attorney in 2016. She received a bachelor’s degree in law, politics and society, and a Juris Doctor degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

About EMC Insurance Companies

EMC Insurance Companies is among the top 60 property/casualty insurance organizations in the country based on net written premium, with more than 2,400 employees. Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMCC) was organized in 1911 to write workers’ compensation protection in Iowa. Today, operating under the trade name EMC Insurance Companies, the company provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide. EMCC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit emcins.com.

NAIC Releases 2020 Market Share Data

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NAIC Releases 2020 Market Share Data

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released data on life/fraternal and property/casualty insurers. The reports provide market share information and identify leading insurance writers in several key lines of business. The numbers in the reports will increase throughout the week and month as the report runs.

The 2020 market share data include countrywide direct written premiums for the top 25 groups and companies as reported on the state page of the annual financial statement for insurers that report to the NAIC.

The Life/Fraternal Market Share report contains cumulative market share data for life insurance, annuity considerations, and an aggregate total of life insurance, annuity considerations, deposit-type contract funds, other considerations and accident/health insurance.

Highlights from the report include:

  • With 66.67% of life and accident/health insurance companies reporting, direct premiums written for life insurance are $147,141,915,821.
  • Total reported premiums for life insurance, including annuity considerations, deposit-type contract funds, other considerations, and accident and health are $782,685,141,490 as of March 1.

The Property/Casualty Market Share report contains cumulative market share data for the following lines of business: personal auto, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, medical professional liability, homeowners and other liability (excluding auto liability) insurance.

Highlights from the report include:

  • With 69.47% of property/casualty insurance companies reporting to date, direct premiums written for all lines of business are $520,900,408,551.
  • The top 10 property/casualty companies reporting to date have a cumulative market share of 50.04%.
  • The two largest lines of business, private passenger auto and homeowners, have direct written premiums of $162,476,549,796 and $76,733,238,097, respectively, as of March 1.

The reports reflect data filed by insurers as of March 1 and will be refreshed daily through March 5 and then each Monday throughout March. The full 2020 Market Share Reports for Life/Fraternal Groups and Companies and the full 2020 Market Share Reports for Property/Casualty Groups and Companies will be available this summer and will contain more in-depth information.

For questions about the reports or data, contact the NAIC Research & Actuarial Department.

About the NAIC

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

Harford Mutual Announces Changes to Its Leadership Team

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Harford Mutual Announces Changes to Its Leadership Team

Harford Mutual Insurance Group, projected to surpass $277 million in direct written premium in its 179th year, announces changes to its leadership team.

Harford Mutual Announces Changes to Its Leadership Team

Senior Vice President Jeffrey Rink has been promoted to Executive Vice President with the added oversight of Administrative Operations, Customer Service, and the Special Investigative Unit.  Joining Harford Mutual in 2009, Rink has transformed its Business Development team and oversaw the successful expansion and new office in their Southern Region. In recent years, Rink’s leadership was essential in the creation of distinct Foundation, Middle-Market, and Large Business Units and the development and implementation of the new online rating system RapidWrite and Agent Portal. As Executive Vice President, he will continue to foster innovation in strategic planning and support the company’s vision and growth plans. Rink has over 30 years insurance experience with national carriers including Travelers and Great American Insurance. He holds the CPCU designation and a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College.

Assistant Vice President of Underwriting David Curtin and Assistant Vice President of Claims Wayne Gearhart have been promoted to Vice President. Curtin joined Harford Mutual in February 2019 and has been instrumental in realigning the company’s Foundation Unit, analyzing profitability by segment, and preparing Harford Mutual for the responsible introduction of predictive analytics. Curtin has more than 30 years of experience with both mutual and stock insurance carriers. Originally from Sauk City, Wisconsin, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration/Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and a Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. Curtin holds the CPCU, CIC, CRM, AIM, and AINS designations.

Gearhart joined the company in September 2019 from Westfield Insurance, bringing over 25 years of claims perspective to his role. While at Westfield, Gearhart led the $1.9 billion dollar company through an operational and claims technology transformation, one of his key strategic goals at Harford Mutual.  Gearhart serves as a mentor for the Harford Mutual Leadership program and is an advisor to the company’s Innovation Chamber. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The Ohio State University and received his CPCU designation in 1999.

EMC Announces 2020 Charitable Giving and Community Involvement Impact

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EMC Announces 2020 Charitable Giving and Community Involvement Impact

DES MOINES, Iowa — EMC Insurance Companies and the EMC Insurance Foundation announced their charitable giving and community involvement impact for 2020.

Each year, EMC Insurance Companies (EMC) allocates the equivalent of one tenth of one percent of the prior year’s surplus to grantmaking through the EMC Insurance Foundation (the Foundation). With last year’s contributions, the Foundation’s charitable giving on record passed the $27 million mark since its establishment in 1989.

“Community involvement is at the core of who we are at EMC,” said Scott Jean, EMC President and CEO. “We often say our ‘why’ is to improve lives, and we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. EMC team members, agents and policyholders can be very proud of EMC’s long term and deep commitment to giving back and serving our communities.”

Below is a snapshot of 2020 community involvement impact:

  • Total Foundation Giving: $1.56 million
  • Nonprofit Organizations Benefitted: 103
  • Total United Way Impact: $663,745
    • Team Member United Way Donations: $442,496
    • EMC 50% United Way Match: $221,249

2020 Charitable Giving Highlights

  • Pandemic Relief: The Foundation made significant pandemic relief donations providing immediate needs assistance to organizations serving families, schools and small businesses.
    • Feeding America: $475,500 total, $450,000 for school food pantries and other child hunger programs and $25,500 to fund food pantries in 17 cities across the U.S. where EMC has offices.
    • Small Business Grant Relief: $75,000 for this program offered through a consortium of public and private entities in Central Iowa.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I): 2020 brought increased focus on support for DE&I-related organizations and events. EMC has been a supporter of events such as I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa African American Festival, the Women Lead Change Central Iowa Conference, the Iowa Asian Alliance’s CelebrAsian, Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival, and this year added support for the OneIowa Gala, the Juneteenth Celebration and several others, with more planned for 2021.
  • Confluence Brewing Local Cause Brew: EMC partnered with Confluence Brewing Company of Des Moines on a limited-edition brew to benefit Willkie House, one of the oldest African-American community-based organizations in Iowa. Willkie House offers after-school and summer programs for children, aged 5-14 who are primarily from low-income households of color. The brew was a coffee Kolsch, made with beans from BLK and Bold, the first Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand. The can featured artwork from Ames-based Black artist Jamie Malone.
  • Holiday Gift Drive: The company’s Central Iowa team members donated more than 200 holiday gifts for children served by Orchard Place, the oldest locally based charity in Des Moines providing mental health services for kids.
  • Central Iowa Water Trails: The Foundation signed on to support the Central Iowa Water Trails Project, which encompasses 150 miles of waterways and 86 access points. The project will spur economic development, enhance outdoor recreation, attract workforce and tourism, and improve water quality and safety. EMC will sponsor a sculpture at the Trail Connector Plaza at the Scott Avenue Dam, southeast of downtown Des Moines. This Connector will be the first downtown phase of the project to be completed and is slated for completion in 2023. EMC likes to support collaborative community projects that improve the landscape of metro Des Moines.

In prior years, the Foundation funded two other significant community projects that are close to coming to fruition: the MidAmerican RecPlex, a regional indoor sport facility in West Des Moines, and the Lauridsen Skate Park in downtown Des Moines, which will be the largest open skatepark in the country. Both are scheduled to open in the first half of 2021.

EMC’s branch and services offices located in 18 cities around the country are also active in their communities, participating in fundraising walk/runs and holding collection drives for nonprofits. Following are a few examples:

  • The Providence, Rhode Island office partnered with Children’s Friend, a nonprofit assisting families in need, for a holiday gift drive.
  • The Denver, Colorado office participated in a virtual Turkey Trot, benefitting the Mile High United Way.
  • The Dallas, Texas office collected socks that were distributed to 10 local charities.
  • The Bismarck, North Dakota office participated in NeighborWorks Boise’s Rake Up Boise event, raking leaves for seniors and people with disabilities.

About the EMC Insurance Foundation

The EMC Insurance Foundation was established in 1989 and funds eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations around the country in a variety of areas: education, youth, arts and culture, preservation, health and human services, community projects, emergency needs, and more. The Foundation is a distinct, independent nonprofit, separate from EMC Insurance Companies. Requests for funding and sponsorship can be made online. For more information on charitable giving, visit the EMC community involvement webpage.

About EMC Insurance Companies

EMC Insurance Companies is among the top 60 property/casualty insurance organizations in the country based on net written premium, with more than 2,400 employees. Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMCC) was organized in 1911 to write workers’ compensation protection in Iowa. Today, operating under the trade name EMC Insurance Companies, the company provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide. EMCC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit emcins.com.

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