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IMPThe Industry’s ContributionACT to Community Development Proud of Our Industry’s Service What’s Inside hile I am new to the team here at the Insurance Information Institute, I have been Record-Setting Amount of School Supplies W Collected and Donated to Area Schools...... 3 part of the insurance industry for many years and Here For Our Communities ...... 6 have always been proud of how we serve our From Poverty to Abundance: A Personal Story communities. Motivates Volunteers...... 8 Helping students and young children has always Winter citylink™ Connects with Employees and the 2016-2017 been a common theme in our industry. In this issue Community...... 10 Vol. 22 No.2 Impact is of Impact, you will read about a recent program Improving Literacy with Elmo...... 12 published by the Insurance carried out by Farmers/Foremost Insurance, wherein “Be The One”...... 14 Information more than 25,000 educational supplies were Institute, The ‘End Hunger Games’ — 110 William St. donated to local schools. In addition to other com- a Catchy Name, a Worthy Cause...... 16 , N.Y. 10038. munity programs, partnered with Dixon Making A World of Difference...... 18 Ticonderoga to help donate more than 1,500 back- Contributing to Community and Editor: packs to schools in New York, , , Business Safety...... 20 Diane Portantiere; , Massachusetts and . Pondera County Empowering the Community and Building ©2016 Insurance’s support of No Kid Hungry helps connect Resilience...... 22 Insurance Information underprivileged kids with healthy food and empow- Found Flag Returns Home...... Back Cover Institute, www.iii.org ers families to make healthy choices. And of course, there is always IICF and Elmo, who had some help On the cover: from volunteers from CNA and I.I.I. organizations who strive to end hunger, such as The Recipients of MAPFRE Other programs featured here include NetVu’s Food Bank, City Harvest and FOOD Share. In addi- Insurance hosting of a “Day of Caring” and its many volunteer tion, Westfield Insurance has identified opportunities and Dixon Ticonderoga hours devoted to food banks nationwide. We also to invest in local law enforcement and fire and res- backpacks at Olympic View highlight ’s citylink™, a unique program cue departments to improve technologies utilized to Elementary in that focuses on recruiting, education, financial litera- respond to emergencies. Chula Vista, California. cy, health and wellness, professional development, And finally, the industry and the nation is grateful networking and volunteerism. You will read about to Chubb for its role in returning an iconic flag to its Photo: MAPFRE State Auto’s “Be the One” campaign which partners rightful home. Insurance. with an environmental education camp and an orga- nization that provides health and nutritional services, among others. Volunteers at Allied World and long-time partner Citizens Committee for New York City came together Sean Kevelighan to improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods. CEO And has been collaborating with non-profit Insurance Information Institute

I.I.I. Members Canal Insurance Farmers Group, Inc. MetLife Auto & Home Providence Mutual Fire Insurance ACUITY Catholic GEICO Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company AEGIS Insurance Services Inc. Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company Scor U.S. Corporation AIG Company Germania Insurance Millville Mutual Insurance Company SECURA Insurance Companies of America, Inc. Grange Insurance Association Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Selective Insurance Group Allied World Assurance Company Church Mutual Insurance Company Grange Insurance Companies MMG Insurance Company State Auto Insurance Companies Insurance Group CNA GuideOne Insurance Motorists Insurance Group State Farm Mutual Automobile American Agricultural Insurance The Concord Group The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. Insurance Company Company The Harford Mutual Insurance Nationwide The Sullivan Group American Family Insurance Country-Wide Insurance Company Companies New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Swiss America Corporation American Integrity Insurance Company CSAA Insurance Group Financial Services Group Company American Reliable Insurance CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. The Horace Mann Companies The Norfolk & Dedham Group USAA Amerisafe Dryden Mutual Insurance Company Island Insurance Companies Northern Neck Insurance Company Utica National Insurance Group Amerisure Insurance Companies EMC Insurance Companies Ohio Mutual Insurance Group Westfield Group Arch Insurance Group Enumclaw Insurance Group Group OneBeacon Insurance Group W. R. Berkley Corporation Argo Group US Erie & Niagara Insurance Association Lloyd’s PartnerRe XL Catlin Arthur J. Gallagher Erie Insurance Group Lockton Companies Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual The Zenith Beacon Mutual Insurance Company Farm Bureau Town and Country Magna Carta Companies Insurance Company Zurich North America BITCO Insurance Companies Insurance Company of Missouri MAPFRE USA Record-Setting Amount of School Supplies Collected and Donated to Area Schools

mployees, agents and district managers supporting teachers and education,” said Merideth at Farmers/Foremost Insurance in the Eisenhardt, director of Independent Agent Project Egreater Grand Rapids area recently joined Management for Foremost. “Because we’re so with Heart of West Michigan United Way, one of committed to making sure teachers and students the state’s largest non-profit groups working to have the resources they need, we originally successfully connect community resources to set a very ambitious goal of collecting more than pressing local needs, to support students and 5,000 items.” teachers in schools in surrounding Kent County, Representatives from the local United Way with a school supplies drive under the banner of affiliate were also very excited about the energy “Stuff the Bus.” Enthusiasm for this special initiative and commitment they were receiving from the was so high among the insurer group’s employees Farmers/Foremost team. that the total number of educational resources “When Heart of West Michigan United Way donated, more than 25,000 items, shattered the staff first met with Michelle Frasier (corporate previous record. Photos: Farmers/Foremost. “We couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of our local employees, agents and district managers who passionately jumped in with both feet to collect this record-setting amount of school supplies,” said Stephen Boshoven, president of Foremost Insurance. “The more than 25,000 items donated will certainly help local educators and students achieve more throughout the school year.” The local Corporate Social Responsibility team in Grand Rapids has enjoyed a long and effective collaborative relationship with the local United Way group, with local employees and distribution teams being involved in various projects and programs over the years. Farmers/ When approached by the local non-profit social responsibility specialist for Foremost) and Foremost earlier in the year about possible initiatives to be Merideth Eisenhardt to discuss the ‘Stuff the Bus’ volunteers part of, the Farmers/Foremost team excitedly saw campaign and they revealed their goal of 5,000 collected, a great opportunity to get local teams involved items, our initial thought was ‘wow, this accounts organized and loaded and engaged in a special effort to help local for about half of what we typically collect from all supplies onto schools and students. companies,’” said Katelyn Kovalik, the volunteer the bus. “Farmers has a long and proud tradition of center manager for United Way. “But we also

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 3 More than 25,000 educa- tional supplies were collected by Farmers Insurance and Foremost Insurance in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

realized if any group could achieve this lofty goal, department contributed an astonishing 4,400 items the Farmers/Foremost team could accomplish to the campaign. “Working for a company that this.” prioritizes supporting the community like this fills all As the planning team began to share their of us with great pride.” ambitious goal with their peers across the Grand After just a few short weeks of planning and Rapids campus, anticipation began to build. executing on their plans, the Grand Rapids team Employees became increasingly excited about the collected 25,750 school supplies for the “Stuff opportunity to get involved with “Stuff the Bus,” the Bus” campaign, shattering the original goal seeing it as a fantastic way to give back to their of 5,000 items. The effort was so successful, local community. not only was the bus stuffed to the rafters, an With word spreading quickly, individual additional moving trailer was needed to fit all the business units began setting specific goals for items collectd. As an added bonus, monetary their own teams. donations of more than $1,000 were raised on “I originally set our individual department goal behalf of the United Way effort. at 1,000 items,” said Stacey Bell, a subrogation When Farmers exceeded the 25,000 items, representative in the claims department at the United Way’s Kovalik was awestruck. Farmers. “When we did our final tally, we realized “We feel so grateful for companies like our team actually donated 3,978 items. I was Farmers that create an environment that makes blown away with the enthusiasm and support this giving part of an organization’s culture,” said effort brought in. I could not be more proud.” Kovalik. Echoing part of the organization’s advertising Recognizing the incredible achievement tagline, she proudly proclaimed, “We are attained by the Grand Rapids team, Foremost’s Farmers!” Boshoven proclaimed, “It’s been a tremendous Other teams also began to realize this was success…beyond our wildest imagination.” going to exceed people’s initial expectations. Jeff Bair, head of Independent Agent and “The support, development and education Affinity Marketing for Foremost and executive of the next generation is important to us all,” said sponsor of the initiative, added, “We are thrilled to Kristina Benson, a supervisor in the Claims Contact have set a new record of achievement on behalf Center at Farmers, as she described how her of our local school children and educators.”

4 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 In addition to the internal recognition, other’s philanthropic fire!” local media also noted the unprecedented While setting records is great, supporting achievement, with thanks and congratulations education is something that happens at Farmers to both, Farmers and the United Way, in several year round and across the country. In Grand news stories and social media posts. Rapids alone, backpacks filled with school The bulk of the donations have been shared supplies are given to the Grand Rapids Public with the following Kent County schools: Schools’ Student Homeless Program which Brookside Elementary works with D.A. Blodgett–St. John’s Foster Care, Burton Elementary KidsFirst Emergency Shelter, Kent School Services Campus Elementary Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. Coit Creative Arts Academy Across the Farmers enterprise, employees Congress Elementary and agents collected more than 50,000 school Dickinson Elementary items in various collection initiatives throughout Grand Rapids Montessori the country. Over the past several years, Farmers Harrison Park has also awarded more than $2 million in Kent Hills Elementary educational grants to inspirational teachers in Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy communities large and small as part of its Thank Shawmut Hills America’s Teachers program. Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy When Farmers opened its doors for business Sibley Elementary in 1928, the founders made a commitment Representatives Southwest Community Campus to serve communities where its people and of Farmers Insurance When asked about United Way’s goals customers live and work. Today, that dedication and Foremost for next year, Kovalik responded, “Since our to neighborhoods across America remains. Insurance expectations for this year were blown out of the For more information about the Thank gather for a water, it is hard to think about where we can America’s Teachers program and Farmers photo before “Stuffing the go next, though I’d love to see some friendly commitment to education, please visit Bus.” competition between companies. [Let’s] fuel each thankamericasteachers.com.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 5 Here For Our Communities

t MAPFRE Insurance, the focus is on Insurance was proud to be the Official Auto building lifelong relationships, one at a Insurance Provider of the Pan-Mass Challenge, Atime. MAPFRE’s business is defined by an annual two-day 192-mile bike-a-thon that runs the people it serves; its policyholders, their agents through 46 towns across Massachusetts. More MAPFRE and the communities where the company lives than 6,300 cyclists rode in this year’s PMC to sup- Insurance and works. Giving support and giving back is an port cancer care and research. Since 1980, the employees important part of what makes MAPFRE and its PMC has raised $547 million for the Jimmy Fund, and independent employees special. which supports adult and pediatric patient care agents Community involvement is very important and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer participate to the company, which is why it is devoted to Institute (DFCI)–100 percent of every rider-raised in the partnering with the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), dollar goes directly to DFCI. Courageous Sailing supporting school programs around the country “We are thrilled to have MAPFRE as the offi- Corporate by providing children essential school supplies, cial auto insurance provider of the PMC again this Challenge and the opportunity to develop important life skills year,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive in Boston at Courageous Sailing. director. In addition to supporting the PMC as a Harbor. For the second consecutive year, MAPFRE corporate sponsor, MAPFRE employees embraced Photos: MAPFRE Insurance.

6 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 the PMC’s mission by riding and volunteering on ties. WCAC manages PMC weekend. a Head Start pro- The PMC—one of the largest single athletic gram that serves fundraising events in the —is “one of approximately 220 the most respected and important charity events low-income pre- in Massachusetts and we are proud to stand with schoolers providing them as a partner in fighting cancer,” said John Kelly, developmentally senior vice president at MAPFRE Insurance. “We appropriate curricula, believe in living our credo of ‘people who take care health and nutrition of people’ and we think this is a perfect example.” services, breakfast,

Every year, more than 4,000 people volunteer lunch and snack, spe- MAPFRE to make sure the PMC weekend is safe, comfort- cial education opportunities and family services. Insurance able and fun for all. Michael Lombardi, actuarial Each year about half of the students ‘graduate’ (top left: manager at MAPFRE Insurance, explains why he and go on to enroll in area public kindergarten Kellie Olson, Laura Krause rides. “I have participated in eight of the last ten programs. As a special send off and to ensure and Linda Pan-Mass Challenge rides. Watching my mother the children enter school with the tools they need Johnson) fight cancer made me feel helpless–riding in the to succeed, MAPFRE conducted a school supply attended Worcester PMC made me feel less so.” drive which provided 220 children backpacks Community To date, MAPFRE Insurance has helped filled with school supplies—items which many Action Council to raise more than $100,000 via its MAPFRE families would not be able to afford on their own. preschool Insurance Rider page for PMC donations, which Thanks to employees’ generous donations, pre- graduation to provide back- go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. schoolers were provided with the school supplies packs filled The company is proud to stand with the PMC as a necessary to be a successful kindergartner. with school partner in fighting cancer. Since 1795, Dixon Ticonderoga has been a supplies. In addition to partnering with the PMC, leading manufacturer of writing instruments, art Below: John MAPFRE Insurance strongly believes in providing supplies, and other tools used for self-expression. Kelly, senior children in need essential back to school supplies. MAPFRE is proud to have partnered with Dixon vice president, MAPFRE has partnered with two companies to Ticonderoga and their K-5 Classroom Essentials MAPFRE (left), riding in the provide more than 1,800 children necessary back Backpack program. Over 1,500 backpacks were Pan-Mass to school supplies; Worcester Community Action donated to schools in: New York, Pennsylvania, Challenge Council, Inc. (WCAC) and Dixon Ticonderoga. Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts and California. with his son WCAC is the federally designated anti-poverty MAPFRE looks forward to continuing its rela- Kevin. agency for Central Massachusetts, serving the tionship with both of these organizations in the City of Worcester and 45 neighboring communi- future and providing kids vital school supplies. Another important value to MAPFRE Insurance is teaching children important life skills, which is why it partners with Courageous Sailing, a nation- ally recognized year-round educational center for community sailing and youth development in Boston, Massachusetts. Courageous teaches sail- ing and more to over 1,000 kids each year and is dedicated to helping reduce the opportunity gap for disadvantaged kids. MAPFRE Insurance sup- ported the Courageous summer youth program, providing 140 kids the opportunity to learn the importance of protecting our invaluable ocean continued on page 21

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 7 From Poverty to Abundance: A Personal Story Motivates Volunteers

aliah Contreras had a life-changing NetVU is an independent, national member moment at age 20. She grew up in the organization committed to providing industry Dshadow of poverty, her family slipping advocacy, world-class education and networking. through the safety net. Time and again her mother It has membership of more than 30,000 insurance was turned away from food stamps and other forms agencies, carriers, managing general agents and of assistance, yet didn’t earn enough to get by. compliance organizations with more than 500,000 It was hard to find hope in the streets of San users of Vertafore solutions. Antonio for a young teenager with dreams of “Daliah was wonderful,” said Lauren Crosby, helping others. But Contreras was always looking chapter coordinator of NetVU. “She made us feel for the silver lining and one day found it at the at home and had a magical way of creating orga- San Antonio Food Bank, where a friend of hers nization and purpose out of chaos.” worked. All of a sudden the clouds parted when Crosby and the other NetVU volunteers spent Heart of Contreras witnessed people helping people. the day sorting, lifting, moving pallets and breaking NetVU “My friend always left work with a big smile on down boxes. It was the kind of physical and emotion- Chapter his face, and I’d never seen anyone so passion- al stimulation that nourishes the souls of insurance members and volunteers sort ate about what they do,” said Contreras. “I applied professionals who spend their days at a desk. donations. for a job at the food bank and less than a year “The heart of insurance is to help,” says later they made Debbie Ivie, NetVU Learning Experience Manager. me donor engage- “Because of what we do as an industry, we have ment coordinator.” tremendous empathy for the world around us.” And no won- NetVU members reside in every state and der. Contreras’s are supported by more than 55 local and virtual infectious attitude Chapters led by members. Not only are those almost precedes members joined by their common use of Vertafore her as she greets insurance industry solutions, but they share a volunteers — commitment to volunteerism. including the more “For us, the word ‘volunteer’ has a double than 50 volunteers meaning,” says Kitty Ambers, CEO of NetVU. “Not from the Network only do our members place a high value on giving of Vertafore Users back to their communities, but they also volunteer (NetVU) who their time to teach each other how to fully leverage devoted a day Vertafore systems to save time and increase profits.” of their annual Emily Rodriguez of NetVU’s Heart of Texas convention in San Chapter knew about the food bank because she Antonio last March lives in San Antonio, but other volunteers came to serving at the from places like Denver, Colorado; Lafayette, food bank. Louisiana; and Windsor, . “Most of us Photos: NetVu.

8 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 didn’t know each other until that day, but every- the size of our industry and the impact it can have one came together and worked like a team,” said for good,” said Ivie. “In virtually every town and city Rodriguez, who is a commercial lines manager at across America, there are insurance agencies and SWBC Insurance Services Inc. “It makes you feel carriers committed to a cause, and many of them good to see how a common goal and generous are from the ranks of NetVU membership.” spirit can be so bonding.” Leaders say the Day of Caring and its out- Volunteers sorted 12,000 pounds of food growth sends a message to members that serving — enough for 10,000 meals: big numbers that the community isn’t a one-day, one-time event. illustrate the magnitude of the hunger issue. “We’re not doing it to check a box or write “Our mission works to feed the line and short- a check,” said Carl Schlotman, a NetVU board en the line,” said Eric Cooper, president and CEO member and CEO of CAI Insurance Agency in of the San Antonio Food Bank. “Our programs and . “We’re coming from a place of helping, services reach 58,000 individuals each week, and because the fundamental benefit of insurance is we are grateful for groups like NetVU whose vol- helping people recover. unteer efforts help us meet the need.” Schlotman continued: “We have much to be Every year NetVU hosts a Day of Caring at its thankful for and therefore an obligation to help national convention, and the tradition has inspired those who are less fortunate.” communal sharing. Members are encouraged to Daliah Contreras credits the San Antonio share stories of their own firms’ community efforts Food Bank and the volunteers who walk NetVU part- on the NetVU Online Community (NCOM) and through its doors for showing her the good in ners, board social media channels. people. Likewise, the volunteers of NetVU were members and volunteers “When you see the personal stories from mem- touched by her vibrant, positive spirit and sense check food bers all over the country, you start to get a sense of of service. labels.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 9 citylink™ Connects with Employees and the Community

Photos: State Farm. eranima Walton was a relatively new courses to go into my interview with the confi- State Farm State Farm® employee when he heard dence and steadfastness needed to win over my Director of about citylink, working as a part-time current supervisor,” said Walton. “It set me apart Philanthropy G Lori Manning customer service representative at the company’s from other applicants vying for my position.” interacts with CityLine campus in the Dallas suburb of Now Walton is taking college classes at employee Richardson, Texas. citylink. Geranima “citylink was explained to me as being a “Another benefit is the convenience of taking Walton at citylink in place where we could go take personal develop- the courses within the campus of State Farm and metro Dallas. ment classes and interact with the communities not having to go to the college or university and we serve,” Walton said. having to deal with parking or finding buildings,” After taking advantage of several of the Walton said. professional development courses at the nearly Walton’s long term goals are to earn under- 7,000 square foot facility located just a few feet graduate and graduate degrees and pursue away from his office, Walton felt he was ready to various insurance designations. He would also take the next step in what he hopes will be a long like to take advantage of the numerous volunteer and rewarding career with the organization. He opportunities citylink has to offer and give back to applied for a full-time technical specialist position the community. and got the job. “My overall experience with citylink and the “I put everything together I learned from these staff has been nothing but one hundred percent

10 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 positive,” said Walton. “Every time I have a question others to model after, including both small and or need help with gathering information, the entire large organizations. staff has been very supportive and accommodating.” “Beyond the impressive facility, we are excited “Geranima is the embodiment of what we to work with State Farm in our mission to improve had in mind for employees when we created the the community,” said Pewitt. “Our two organi- citylink concept,” said Lori Manning, director of zations share many of the same qualities, and philanthropy at State Farm. “While many compa- citylink is a shared and common place to express nies are exploring a live, work, play environment to that relationship.” attract employees, citylink is truly unique to State “With citylink located on the State Farm Farm. It is a place for our associates to learn, devel- campus in Richardson, the Richardson Police op, network and engage with the community.” Department is a natural fit with us,” said Manning. Specific to employees and potential employ- “We already had a good relationship with them, ees, citylink focuses on recruiting, education, and the opening of citylink has strengthened it by financial literacy, health and wellness, professional giving us a platform to work together.” development and networking and volunteerism. Also in 2016, the citylink staff and a group But citylink was not just developed for of employees completed State Farm’s first large employees. Community groups and non-profit scale and coordinated Habitat for Humanity home organizations have access to the facility to hold build in the greater Dallas area. meetings, host volunteer trainings and connect “For State Farm, it’s so important for us to give with State Farm and the community at large. back and to be involved in our communities,” said Since opening its doors in early 2016, city- Kara LaDuke, manager of philanthropy at State link has hosted more than 500 events for both Farm. “Here in Dallas we’ve been really thrilled and employees and community groups alike. pleased with all the excitement we’ve seen so far A perfect example is the center’s work with with how eager our employees are to give back.” the Richardson Police Department (RPD). In fact, citylink’s results have been so positive, The first event held was a “Coffee with Cops” the company plans to replicate the concept in two meeting organized by the department’s Crime other metro areas with large employee popula- Prevention Unit. The program allowed State Farm tions: Phoenix and Atlanta. marinalink™ in its State Farm employees to come and meet/greet with police Marina Heights facility in Tempe, , is sched- sponsored a officers in a very social, relaxed atmosphere. uled to open in the Spring of 2017, and parklink™ Habitat for The next visit was much more formal – the in its Park Center facility in Dunwoody, Georgia, is Humanity build in RPD’s annual graduation ceremony for the Citizen set to launch in 2019. Dallas. Police Academy. After 16 weeks of learning about the police department, the department graduated a group of twenty Richardson residents/executives from the program. The third major event was a department-wide supervisory training session. “It is a rare occasion that we get all 55 police supervisors into one room, and we do not have a space large enough to accommodate that meet- ing at our facility,” said RPD Assistant Chief Coby Pewitt. “So, again, State Farm agreed to host our group for the entire work day. It provided the per- fect opportunity for us to get out of the office and operate inside a professional environment.” Pewitt hopes citylink serves as a catalyst for

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 11 Improving Literacy with Elmo ach year, the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Week of EGiving brings thousands of insurance industry volunteers together to participate in various community programs around the country. Volunteers from One of the programs, IICF’s Early CNA and I.I.I. participated in Literacy Initiative, was created to develop IICF’s Week of a united industry strategy focused on Giving at The improving literacy across America. IICF Child Center of has partnered with Sesame Workshop, New York. the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, to launch Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day. This digital resource includes tips, games and activities that

Photos: Frank Rocco Photography.

12 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 Improving Literacy with Elmo parents, caregivers and volunteers can teers from CNA and Insurance Information use with children to improve their read- Institute visited The Child Center of New ing and writing capabilities from an early York in Woodside, New York. The group age. Through this unique partnership spent time reading to, playing with and with Sesame Workshop, the insurance creating bookmarks and hand puppets industry’s national reach and united volun- with the young students. And of course, teer efforts, Every Day is a Reading and there was Elmo! Writing Day has the potential to help close The resources are available, for free, America’s early childhood literacy gap. to parents across the country at www.ses- In October 2016, a group of volun- amestreet.org/literacy.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 13 “Be The One” And the men who hold high places must be the ones to start to mold a new reality.

hese lyrics from “Closer to the Heart,” the 1977 song by Rush, touched the heart of TState Auto associates, and in turn inspired the company’s “Be the One” 2016 United Way campaign. State Auto began molding a new reality for impoverished individuals right in its backyard by lending a helping hand to local United Way agencies. According to the 2015 Official Poverty Report by the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in 2015 was 13.5% of the U.S. population. The per- centage has slightly decreased from 2014, but remains high. State Auto partnered with United Way to craft alternate pathways for families in their said Eve Ellinger, campaign co-chair. “We can help various communities. an entire family when we pair these programs This year, State Auto took a different together. We just need to take time to find the approach to the traditional United Way campaigns programs that best fit the needs of each individual that the company began in the 1980s. With a family member and the family as a whole.” growing and diverse workforce of over 2,000 These partners in central Ohio included associates and many large projects underway, Camp Oty’Okwa, LifeCare Alliance and Habitat for State Auto decided to use the campaign to launch Humanity ReStore. an increased focus on volunteerism in its Camp Oty’Okwa is a year-round camp that local communities with the first State Auto focuses its attention on environmental education Community Service Day. The goal of this effort, and scientific research. Operated by Big Brothers according to campaign co-chair Anne Russo was, Big Sisters of Central Ohio, Camp Oty’Okwa offers “to build on State Auto’s culture of service to our summer camps to children and various events that community by making it easier than ever for asso- contribute to community education. State Auto ciates to get involved.” volunteers assisted with landscaping work and Not only did the emphasis on volunteerism prepared the cabins for future camps. plus donations increase flexibility, it also “created LifeCare Alliance provides health and nutri- more opportunity and connectivity to the tion services to families in need. Volunteers were community,” according to Elise Spriggs, senior given the opportunity to package or deliver meals vice president of external relations. “The contribu- to individuals who are no longer able to leave State Auto’s tion of one’s valuable time to volunteering their home, as well as serve meals and fill grocery Anne Russo hopefully drives passion for continued support orders. and Eve and ideally increases overall associate engage- Habitat for Humanity ReStore provides fur- Ellinger at Camp ment,” said Spriggs. niture, home goods and remodeling products Oty’Okwa. “We selected a range of agencies and pro- at very reasonable prices. All items received grams that help build pathways out of poverty,” are donated to the store. Volunteers here were

14 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 Photos: State Auto. State Photos:

involved in tasks such as cleaning, unloading and merchandising the items. On Community Service Day, more than 200 associates joined together to educate, feed and support the families in the regions they reside. Together, associates volunteered over 960 hours throughout the week, many of those being on Community Service Day. State Auto’s regional offices led similar volunteer opportunities, includ- ing those in Indianapolis, Baltimore, Nashville and Austin, among others. Activities prior to Community Service Day allowed associates to get away from their desks, or spend their lunch time volunteering. The activi- ties included: a drive for critically needed items, including various infant care and hygiene prod- ucts; creating “alphabet books,” which encourage children to continue learning their ABC’s (the books were then distributed to Columbus Kids and Columbus Early Learning Centers); assem- bling “cuddle kits” of basic supplies to benefit Moms2B, an organization that helps women at Photos: State Auto.

high risk for infant mortality make healthier choices and deliver healthy, full-term infants; and greeting cards were created for Meals on Wheels recipients to Top: State Auto associ- spread extra cheer. ates assemble This partnership with the home supply United Way is a natural fit with care packages for seniors. State Auto and its associates. State Auto is growing, and in Bottom: order to continue on this journey Volunteers they need the support of a strong from State Auto help with community. landscaping “As an insurance provider, we work at Camp are in the business of supporting Oty’Okwa. our policyholders in their greatest time of need,” according to community relations officer Leah Shrom. “Our work in the commu- nity is an opportunity to extend that support to local residents in need, as well.”

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 15 The ‘End Hunger Games’ — a Catchy Name, a Worthy Cause

hen Pondera County Insurance was Kid Hungry connects kids to healthy food — and founded in 2013, one of the company’s empowers families to make healthy choices — by Wkey goals was to make a difference in improving food access and providing education the community. Three years later, PCI is continuing in nutrition and food skills. The organization also to make good on that promise in the small, tight- raises awareness of child hunger through youth knit town of Conrad, Montana. And thanks to the engagement. company’s support of No Kid Hungry, children And as in many communities, there’s more of who often don’t have enough to eat are among a need than most people realize, said Lisa Lee, those who benefit most. director of Montana No Kid Hungry. “One in five Putting on the “We’ve always had community in mind,” said children struggle with hunger statewide, but it’s an End Hunger PCI founder and owner Vanessa Bucklin, whose invisible issue, and it often comes with a stigma Games takes many volun- grandfather was one of the first insurance agents for kids.” Breakfast programs at schools are great, teers, even in Conrad. “We love working with No Kid Hungry.” for example, but sometimes kids are embarrassed kids. As part of an organization with a national to be seen getting a free meal. No Kid Hungry has footprint and statewide presence in Montana, No helped to create and support alternative models

Safeco Insurance.

16 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 — such as “grab and go” breakfast — that elimi- includes a $4,000 donation to No Kid Hungry nate the stigma associated with a “free breakfast from Safeco on behalf of PCI. Over 60 agencies for low-income kids” served in the school cafete- won a “Make More Happen” award from Safeco ria. Participation more than doubles with those in 2016. The charitable causes represented cover alternative breakfast models, said Lee. a broad spectrum—animal welfare, arts and cul- Besides school breakfast, Montana No Kid ture, homelessness, hunger, etc.—and the winners Hungry works with other programs to feed more come from all over the country. Since PCI’s story kids, including after-school and summer meal on Safeco.com generated more than 50 positive offerings. The organization even offers grocery comments (called “cheers”) from readers, Safeco store tours to teach families how to eat healthy on contributed an additional $1,000. a budget. “That money will go a long way toward PCI’s support has been anything but subtle, supporting schools and other organizations in which is a good thing. The company in 2014 cre- Montana to ultimately improve food access,” said ated the “End Hunger Games,” a mini-triathlon Lee. “Without these types of generous donations, for kids — swimming, biking, running, each with we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of our distances determined by age group — that raises students so they can reach their full potential — money for No Kid Hungry and food for their instead of worrying about where their next meal local food bank. The summer event, which also may come from.” promotes awareness around childhood obesity “It’s a real honor for us,” added Bucklin. “It will and physical activity, is now an annual event that help us raise even more awareness.” attracts more than 30 participants and many vol- It also will help with customer engagement, unteers. according to both Bucklin and Martin. “Customers “It has taken every single person in the come to the office to register kids for the event,” agency” to put on the event, said Bucklin. “It’s said Martin. “The support has been great.” a labor-intensive thing.” Volunteers are needed The ultimate goal, of course, would be to PCI’s Vanessa from the planning and promotional stages to eliminate the need to have an End Hunger Games Bucklin, Kylie Martin and activities at the event itself, including supervision, at all. But until that day comes, according to Sondra Habets award presentations and more. Sondra Habets, Habets, the focus will be on continuing to help in Conrad, an agent and account administrator for PCI, and however possible. “We just really want to keep Montana. Kiley Martin, an agent and CSR for the company, this growing.” are heavily involved with No Kid Hungry and the End Hunger Games. They exemplify a growing phenomenon in today’s work force — the link between social impact and job satisfaction. This link is especially vital for millennials. They are the social generation, and not just in terms of using social media. According to the Deloitte Millennial Survey 2016, almost nine in ten millennials believe that business success should be measured by more than just financial performance. “For me, personally, giving back is huge,” said Martin, who suggested the name, End Hunger Games. “Having a job where that is encouraged means the world to me.” That commitment to community earned Pondera County Insurance a 2016 Safeco Insurance “Make More Happen” award, which

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 17 Making A World of Difference

llied World is committed to making an scholarship in Allied World’s name since 2011. The impact in the communities where its company’s commitment to Spencer has only con- Aemployees live and work. The company tinued to grow. It is proud to report that four out believes its investment in civic involvement, of the five past Allied World scholarship recipients volunteerism and the funding of vital programs are now in the industry and the company will con- continues to play an essential role in building tinue to offer a scholarship through the year 2030 stronger relationships with its clients and (and hopefully beyond). The Spencer Educational communities. Foundation has changed many lives in the insur- Allied World has had a long history with the ance education arena as well as changing the Spencer Educational Foundation. Spencer, a pre- caliber of talent in the entire industry. mier organization that awards scholarships and In addition, Allied has teamed up with The Allied World Dallas sup- grants in risk management and insurance, also National Wildlife Federation. Best-in-class disas- ports the Food facilitates internship opportunities and provides a ter risk reduction efforts from across the United 4 Kids pro- Risk-Manager-in-Residence program to universi- States are the focus of a new report from The gram at the ties throughout the United States. National Wildlife Federation, America’s larg- North Texas Food Bank. Recently, The Spencer Educational Foundation est conservation organization, and Allied World Volunteers hosted their 8th annual dinner gala at The Waldorf Assurance Company Holdings, AG, a global from the Astoria Hotel in New York City. Lou Iglesias, provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. Dallas office assembled President, Allied World North America, was hon- These examples highlight how properly managed backpacks ored for his major contributions to education in the ecosystems and well-designed policies can help filled with insurance industry and for his long-term support reduce disaster risk in ways that are good for both nutritious of the Foundation. Allied World has been involved people and nature. food for distribution. with the Spencer Foundation since 2010 and “As we’ve learned from the aftermath of natu- established the first Allied World scholarship that ral disasters, particularly in recent years, disaster year. Allied has awarded an annual merit-based recovery planning is no longer enough,” said Photo: Allied World. Scott Carmilani, CEO of Allied World. “It is critical for government, communities, businesses and insurers to prioritize pre-disaster risk reduction and take a proactive approach to understanding the protective functions that natural systems can provide. We are encouraged by the examples of disaster risk reduction included in our report and hope to see other communities follow this path.” The full report is available at www.nwf.org/ nature-in-action. Beyond direct financial support, Allied World employees participate in volunteer opportunities and give their time and energy to support causes that strengthen ties to the region. Each of the

18 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 They also stained benches and raised planting beds, swept up bulging trash bags of leaves and dirt, pruned trees, retrieved the turtle tank and fed turtles and chickens. The M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden was founded in 1983 as a project of the Roosevelt Park Community Coalition. The organizers viewed Photos: Citizens Committee. their work as a beachhead from which to launch company’s 20 offices have employee representa- initiatives that would make the community a better tives that evaluate volunteer opportunities within place to live: a recreation of that same stabilizing Top: Students the local environment. Allied World offices partner force in the community. Right in the heart of the at with these local charities to provide direct finan- Lower East Side, the M’Finda Kalunga Community Academy at cial assistance for specific programs and boost Garden serves as a multifunctional “communal Ocean Hill in the impact of financial support through volunteer backyard” for subsidized families, senior citizens, Brooklyn are transforming action. an AIDS hospice and children’s workshops. all available For example, Allied World New York has been Allied World has been a signature partner green space a long-time partner with Citizens Committee for to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation since 2007. St. around their New York City. Through community-based micro Baldrick’s is a volunteer-powered charity commit- property into gardens and grants, Citizens supports New Yorkers, especially ted to funding the most promising research to find learning how those in low-income areas, in their efforts to come cures for childhood cancers and give survivors to grow and together and improve the quality of life in their long and healthy lives. harvest their own healthy neighborhoods. Allied World’s 2016 commitment The St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more in food. funded nine volunteer-led groups which created childhood cancer research grants than any orga- or improved gardens in 13 neighborhoods across nization except the U.S. government. Through Bottom: New York City. signature head-shaving events and other fund- Neighborhood Work Play Students in many low-income neighborhoods raisers, they empower thousands of volunteers Kids Theatre do not have access to green space or fresh worldwide a chance to raise money to support students take produce. Living Classrooms provide previously lifesaving childhood cancer research. St. Baldrick’s time out to absent, hands-on learning opportunities that have events are the largest volunteer-powered fund- dance. been shown to significantly improve science raising opportunity benefitting pediatric cancer achievement and increased availability of and research, with over $200 million in research grant interest in healthy eating choices. continued on page 21 The groups supported leverage Citizens Committee’s unique combination of micro-grants, project-planning assistance and skills-building workshops to make healthy and educational transformations in their local schools. From build- ing a chicken coop to planning healthy lunches to designing tree guards, volunteers are expanding educational opportunities in their communities in creative and effective ways. More recently, employees from the Allied World New York office volunteered at M’Finda Kalunga Garden on the Lower East Side to help beautify and maintain the garden. Volunteers potted plants that were given to local residents, replanted trees and watered the whole garden.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 19 Contributing to Community and Business Safety

estfield Insurance Wbelieves that a company’s philanthropy should be an extension of its business. That’s why Westfield Insurance Foundation supports initiatives that mirror the service the insurance industry provides every day – disaster recovery, family stability and safety. Working with the safety, security and com- pliance team, over the past year, Westfield has identified opportunities to invest in local law enforcement and fire Photo: Westfield Insurance. Donated by and rescue departments to improve the technol- reduce the chance of injury to officers, innocent Westfield Insurance ogy utilized to respond to emergencies. Westfield victims and suspects. The Special Weapons and Foundation, Insurance headquarters is located in Medina Tactics (SWAT) team utilizes officers from several the Tactical County, Ohio, outside both and Akron – law enforcement agencies, but it doesn’t have a Surveillance close enough to visit but far enough to avoid the dedicated budget for capital needs. A grant from Robot (TSR) pictured here traffic. The county is regarded as relatively quiet Westfield Insurance Foundation was critical for allows local and safe, but this distance from major metropolitan this team to operate with the best technology and law enforce- areas means law enforcement and first responders training. ment to more are covering larger territories, operating on smaller Now the SWAT team is able to respond to safely respond to scenarios budgets and relying on volunteer fire and EMS dangerous situations involving active threats and in which lives departments. hostage scenarios through the deployment of an may be at With the frequency of active threats on the unmanned robot. The TSR allows SWAT to gather stake. rise, unmanned tactical surveillance robots (TSR) audio and video intelligence, as well as com- are now available to more safely respond to municate directly with armed suspects in a safe scenarios in which lives may be at stake. The manner. With neighboring counties operating with Medina County Sheriff’s Office knew a TSR would similar budget constraints, Medina County SWAT

20 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 Here for Our Communities trains other SWAT teams on the equipment and continued from page 7 deploys the TSR out of county when needed. The TSR is also available to Westfield and resources; the possibility of careers in other businesses for active threat training, maritime, scientific and educational fields; something Westfield takes seriously. Westfield’s and their ability to learn from and enjoy mandatory active threat training has two com- Boston’s natural beauty to the fullest extent. ponents – a video-based eLearning course, The sailboats act as a unique and powerful followed by a two-hour instructor-led session. “classroom” that inspires the imagination, The training is tailored for each work location, encourages personal growth, bestows posi- including the main campus, 37 service offices tive life skills and provides a social network and eight bank branches. The training video from which students may draw energy and received a Silver Award of Excellence from the support for the rest of their lives. Brandon Hall Group, often called the Academy In addition, MAPFRE Insurance branded Awards of training by learning, talent and busi- eight Rhodes 19 boats and participated in the ness executives. Courageous Corporate Challenge Regatta. While active threat might be the new The Corporate Challenge consisted of five danger of the 21st century, Westfield remains evenings of fast-paced sailboat racing concerned about fires, just as it has been since around Boston Harbor against 15 other com- 1848, when a group of farmers banded together panies. MAPFRE Insurance employees and to protect their homes and livelihoods to form Independent Agents all participated in the Westfield Insurance. Fast forward nearly 170 Corporate Challenge on behalf of MAPFRE years and the company has grown, but the Insurance’s team. Thanks to MAPFRE local fire and rescue departments and neigh- employees and independent agents who boring rural communities still rely on volunteers helped raise $70,000 for Courageous kids, and lean budgets. When Westfield learned that making it possible for 140 kids to sail, and do all 20 fire departments in Medina County and so much more, this past summer. the northern part of the neighboring county had a collective technology need, Westfield responded. Westfield Insurance Foundation provided a donation to purchase a mobile air unit so that A World of Difference firefighters can refill their oxygen tanks without continued from page 19 leaving the scene of a fire. Before the mobile unit, the only air unit available to the community funding since 2005. was stationary and not up to code. Firefighters Allied World Reinsurance President John were at risk of depleting air supplies before a Bender is a founder of this amazing charity, fire was resolved, which meant leaving to refill. and over 100 Allied World employees have The mobile air unit allows firefighters to more joined the fundraising effort by shaving their efficiently fight fires. heads in volunteer events around the world. These are just two examples of how Also, Allied World Dallas supports the investments in safety can help manage risk. Food 4 Kids program at the North Texas Operating across 31 states, Westfield knows the Food Bank. Allied World’s most recent dona- challenges for law enforcement and first tion provided 3171 backpacks filled with responders are not unique to its home commu- nutritious kid-friendly food for chronically nity. Westfield is working to share this concept hungry children in the Dallas community and with its agency partners and spread its reach to volunteers from the Dallas office assembled other communities. the packages for distribution.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 21 Empowering the Community and Building Resilience

wiss Re has always had a tradition of In New York City, Swiss Re employees support responsible and effective contribution to City Harvest, whose goal is to end hunger via Ssociety and the world in which it lives and food rescue and distribution, besides educational works. The Swiss Re Foundation aims to embody programs about healthy nutrition. the social and humanitarian values of Swiss Re, Swiss Re employees in Westlake Village, coordinating and channeling efforts to ensure its California, voted for FOOD Share of Ventura benefit reaches as far as it can. To address social County to be their local COTY. FOOD Share, and humanitarian problems worldwide and build based in Oxnard, California, is dedicated to local capacity to face them are the primary goals provide food and education to people who of the Swiss Re Foundation. experience food insecurity while teaching the In the Americas, the Swiss Re Foundation whole community about hunger, the root causes theme is “Building Societal Resilience”. Through of it and how to alleviate it. “Swiss Re Foundation’s the Charity of the Year (COTY) program, the generosity helped FOOD Share feed over 74,000 Swiss Re Foundation and Swiss Re employees of Ventura County’s hungry friends and neighbors support projects that help communities, and the this year”, said Kristy Pollard, grant manager of people who live in them, rebound more quickly FOOD Share. “FOOD Share relies on hundreds of from catastrophes whether it be environmental, volunteers a month to collect, sort and distribute financial or societal. Swiss Re employees in all the meals that are needed across the county. locations with more than 50 employees elect a We are so grateful to the Swiss Re employees for local charity to be their COTY. Besides a financial their volunteer efforts.” contribution from the Swiss Re Foundation, Over the past three years, Swiss Re’s the chosen charity benefits from the volunteer Chicago, and Alpharetta, Georgia, offices involvement and fundraising efforts by Swiss Re supported Ronald McDonald House, which employees. Despite being called Charity of the provides housing at little or no cost for families Year, employees can join forces with their local who have seriously ill children being treated at non-profit organization up to three years. area hospitals. Swiss Re employees served their Swiss Re employees based in the Armonk, community day by purchasing food and cooking New York, New York City and Westlake Village, meals for the families staying at the Ronald California, offices have decided to collaborate with McDonald House. Moreover, the Alpharetta non-profit organizations who strive to end hunger employees organized a very successful fundraiser in their communities. for the charitable cause. The Armonk COTY, the Food Bank for Swiss Re employees in Toronto, Canada, Westchester, based in Elmsford, New York, Miami, Florida, Schaumburg, Illinois, and Windsor, serves over 300 community partners throughout Connecticut, embraced the non-profit organization Westchester, including food pantries, soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity. The mission of Habitat is child and adult day-care centers and shelters. to provide safe, affordable housing. Employees

22 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 joined forces to assist in building homes for the American Red Cross benefitting the victims their communities. In addition, employees impacted by the Louisiana flooding event and also volunteered for Habitat’s ReStores which the tornados in the city of Kokomo, Indiana. are nonprofit home improvement stores and The Miami, Mexico and São Paulo offices donation centers. Swiss Re volunteers organized, joined forces with the American Red Cross and inventoried and priced merchandise which was Ecuadorian Red Cross and organized a fundraiser donated to the stores. for the victims of the earthquake in Ecuador. In Latin America, Swiss Re employees in The Swiss Re Foundation not only matched all São Paulo, Brazil, and Mexico City, Mexico, employee donations but also provided additional re-elected their COTY for the second consecutive financial aid. year: Instituto de Reciclagem do Adolescente Another popular volunteer activity for U.S. (RECICLAR), the São Paulo based organization, employees is to assemble “Totes of Hope”, a which helps young people and adults become program by the American Red Cross, which agents of change in their lives and in society, contain personal care items and toys for children. and Alma Fondo de Ayuda Social, ISAP (ALMA) The bags are distributed to veterans in local care in Mexico. Swiss Re Foundations’ grant to ALMA facilities and children displaced by a disaster. supported a nutritional supplement program Swiss Re Foundation and Swiss Re employees aiding undernourished children in the states of strive to empower the communities and build Chihuahua and Chiapas in Mexico. resilience. To learn more about the Swiss Re Employees based in Manchester, New Foundation and their programs, please visit www. Hampshire and Fort Wayne, Indiana, have swissrefoundation.org. chosen to continue their partnership with the American Red Cross in 2016. By canvassing their neighborhoods, Swiss Re employees were conducting home safety checklists in an effort to eliminate the risk of home fires. More than 500 employees in the Americas have volunteered for their COTY in 2016. Various other Swiss Re offices in the United States have also organized Community Days in collaboration with local charities and supported Swiss Re them with employee Westlake fundraisers. Village When disasters hit, employees partner up Swiss Re employees are with FOOD eager to support and reach Share at their out. Fort Wayne-based Community employees organized a Day. successful fundraiser for Photo: Swiss Re.

Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017 23 Found Flag Returns Home

n iconic symbol of our country’s resilience museum (it had paid a claim on it as lost property on 9/11 was returned home, thanks in part of the policyholders after the flag was taken from Ato Chubb. their boat) and the flag now resides in a prominent The historic flag was raised by firefighters spot on the museum’s top floor. Evan amid the devastation at the World Trade Center “This American flag became a symbol of brav- Greenberg, just hours after the terror attacks. The firefight- ery and resilience during one of the most trying Chairman and CEO, Chubb, ers had noticed the flag on a yacht docked at the moments in our nation’s history,” said Evan addresses the nearby World Financial Center. Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb. “All of crowd during The famous flag was lost, but then recovered us have friends, family or, especially for my indus- the flag dona- tion ceremony. years later. The flag was donated to the National try, work colleagues who perished on that day. September 11 Memorial & Museum and was However painful, it is right and in fact our duty to unveiled to the public just a few days before the remember. The flag is a timely reminder of our 15th anniversary of the attacks. loss, the spirit of our heroes and the resolve of a Chubb donated its interest in the flag to the great city and great nation.”

Photo: Jin Lee, 9/11 Memorial.

24 Impact Magazine Winter 2016-2017