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The Industry’s Contribution to Community Impact Development I.I.I. Members ACE USA Acuity Aegis Insurance Services Inc. of America, Inc. Allied World Assurance Corp. Insurance Group American Agricultural Insurance Company Giving Back, Going Green American Family Insurance American International Group, Inc. American Reliable Insurance Company Argonaut Group & Guiding Girls Arthur J. Gallagher & Company Aspen Re Auto Club South Insurance Company Beazley Group plc Bituminous Insurance Companies his issue of IMPACT is our biggest neighborhoods; mentoring and reading in Catlin Group Century Surety Company Tever — with 14 stories highlighting classrooms; and building playgrounds. Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Church Mutual Insurance Company the good things insurers are doing in their And our outreach is global — a CNA communities. couple of insurers featured here are CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance Company There are so many great stories to actively involved in physically rebuilding of South Dakota Dryden Mutual Insurance Company tell. You’ll read about diverse programs homes and community centers in their Employers Insurance Company that empower the African-American own towns, while another is rallying its Erie Insurance Group Farmers Group, Inc. community; support hunger-relief employees around the world to reduce GEICO Gen Re initiatives; raise awareness of the needs of energy consumption, recycle waste Germania Insurance local fire departments; enlist public aid and make a positive contribution to Glencoe U.S. Holding Group Grange Insurance Companies in providing for the needs of America’s environmental health. GuideOne Insurance The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. “wounded warriors”; and support of the We hope you enjoy this issue and Harbor Point Re American Cancer Society. welcome your comments. The Harford Mutual Insurance Companies Harleysville Insurance We also feature stories on the Group Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company industry’s outreach to children by The Horace Mann Companies supporting local children’s hospitals; James River Group, Inc. Group working with Girl Scouts to improve Robert P. Hartwig, Ph.D., CPCU Lloyd’s Lockton Companies auto and bicycle safety; collecting President Magna Carta Companies school supplies for kids in low-income Insurance Information Institute Marsh Inc. Max Capital Group MetLife Auto & Home Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Co. Inside: Millville Mutual Insurance Company Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Munich America, Inc. Competitive Spirit Drives Sustainable Green Activities...... 3 Mutual of Enumclaw Nationwide Supporting the Fire Service Means Safer Communities...... 5 The Norfolk & Dedham Group North Pointe Insurance Group The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts...... 6 Ohio Mutual Insurance Group OneBeacon Insurance Group Reading, Writing and Mentoring...... 8 Palisades Safety and Insurance Association Partner Re A Happy Place for Sick Kids...... 10 Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company Beyond February...... 12 Providence Mutual Scor U.S. Corporation Building Playgrounds and Healthy Communities...... 14 SECURA Insurance Companies Selective Insurance Group Supporting Hunger-Relief Initiatives...... 16 State Auto Insurance Companies State Compensation Insurance Fund Community Involvement Is Smart Business — Inside and Out...... 18 Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Fostering the Spirit of Giving Back...... 20 The Sullivan Group Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation Going the Distance for Local Hospital...... 22 TIAA-CREF Travelers Helping to Heal the Wounded Warrior ...... 23 Unitrin Property and Casualty Insurance Group Helping Girl Scouts Learn About Road Safety...... 25 USAA Utica National Insurance Group Giving Hearts and Giving Time...... 26 West Bend Mutual Insurance Company Westfield Group W. R. Berkley Corporation Summer 2009 Vol. 15 No. 1 Impact is published by the Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, Workers Compensation Fund of Utah XL Captial Ltd. New York, N.Y. 10038; 212-346-5500. Editor: Diane Portantiere; ©2009 Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org Zurich North America Cover: Wounded Warriors enjoy the annual ASF Winter Support Our Troops Event, sponsored in part by GenRe. Photos courtesy of GenRe. See story on page 23. Competitive Spirit Drives Sustainable Green Activities

CE Green is the ACE Group’s a positive contribution to environmen- cess very difficult for the judges. After global employee environmen- tal health. careful review and deliberation, the Atal program, designed to raise In late 2008, the Company judging committee selected a finalist environmental consciousness among launched an ACE Green competition from each region as well as an overall its employees around the world. globally, pitting various offices against winner. Launched in early 2008, this initiative each other to find the most innovative The overall winner was ACE’s Los coincidentally leverages ACE’s primary and sustainable green initiatives. ACE Angeles office, selected for initiatives corporate color, green. As a result, it Green committees representing groups rallies many employees energized by of offices submitted applications with other office initiatives to reduce energy a variety of unique and clever green ACE Hong Kong employees remove fall- consumption, recycle waste and make initiatives, making the selection pro- en branches to facilitate water access. Photos courtesy of ACE Group

3 encompassing all environmental con- guide” that was posted on an employ- resources has had a devastating effect on cerns. They decided to reduce waste by ee bulletin board. biodiversity in this country. In January, purchasing biodegradable “spudware” ACE Hong Kong, ACE Italy and a team of 20 employees visited the Mai (biodegradable utensils made from ACE Puerto Rico were declared final- Po Nature Reserve located in the north- potato, corn starch, and soy and vege- ists in the competition. western corner of Hong Kong. Mai table oils.) They also saved resources by ACE’s Hong Kong office became Po and Inner Deep Bay are wetlands shutting off office lights from noon to a corporate member of the World of international importance under the 12:30 each day. But, employee enthu- Wildlife Fund (WWF), committed to Ramsar Convention for more than a siasm did not stop when they left the collaborating with the corporate sector decade and are the only Ramsar sites in office. They also organized a local beach on conservation activities. The cor- Hong Kong. (The Ramsar Convention clean-up and tree-planting project. porate membership acts as a platform on wetlands management and conserva- Each week, employees brought materi- to engage employees while creating tion was signed in 1971 and governs als to the local recycling center and used a spirit of teamwork to foster under- national and international action for the the cash they earned to help purchase standing and actions that nurture conservation and wise use of wetlands.) greenhouse gas emissions offsets. sustainable development. The Mai Po Nature Reserve serves The office also WWF Hong Kong focuses on as an important transit and feeding worked with their project manage- five areas in collaborating with the place for migratory birds along the ment team to use Leadership in corporate sector: marine conservation; East Asian-Australian Flyway. But, dry Energy and Environmental Design- forestry management and wetlands weather during summer and winter certified (LEED) materials in their conservation; climate change; educa- months has reduced the water supply new office location. Employees also tion; and action. of the mangrove trees, thus damaging received a special “green club/office To kick off the 2009 ACE Green new growth within the Reserve. As a calendar, ACE Hong Kong focused on Continued on page 28 forestry management and wetlands con- ACE’s winning team from Los Angeles. servation, since the destruction of these

4 Supporting the Fire Service Means Safer Communities Photo courtesy of Gregg Adams one are the days when fire departments just put out Gfires. Today’s firefighters must be ready to respond to many different situations, such as medical emergencies, hazardous material inci- dents, wildfires and terrorist attacks. As demands for their services increase, firefighters and rescue work- ers around the country face serious funding challenges, leaving many volunteer and paid fire departments without adequate resources. After hearing from fire departments across the country facing increased budget challenges, due in part to the Above: Firemen use equipment made Photo courtesy of Fireman’s Fund current economic crisis, Fireman’s possible through grants from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company sponsored Fund. Right: Washington D.C. Fire an on-line survey to gather data on the Chief, Dennis Rubin, and Chairman challenges faced by fire departments in of Fireman’s Fund, Chuck Kavitsky, different regions of the country. “Supporting Safer Communities: announce the results of the fire service A National Firefighter Survey” survey. attracted nearly 9,500 fire depart- ments or 30 percent of departments ability to serve our community.” in the country. The survey found that “When you consider that firefight- the top three challenges facing fire ers are the first responders to nearly departments today are: lack of bud- every fire, medical emergency and get; old or outdated equipment, gear natural or man-made disaster in our was available online for six weeks from and apparatus; and staffing, recruiting local communities, it is imperative that mid-February to March 31, 2009 to and retaining qualified firefighters. we have adequate funding to ensure any career and volunteer firefighters, In addition, more than half of all we keep our communities safe,” said regardless of geography, rank or size of fire departments said the poor economy Chief Larry J. Grorud, president of their community. More than 17,500 meant they had to increase fundraising the International Association of Fire firefighters from nearly 9,500 depart- efforts or grant writing due to budget Chiefs. “This study helps to show the ments participated, 61 percent of which cutbacks. Also, 55 percent strongly agree needs of today’s fire service in commu- hold the rank of fire official (chief, cap- or agree with the statement, “If the eco- nities across the country.” tain or lieutenant). These findings are nomic situation continues for another The study was conducted by Ipsos based on data at the department level 12 months, it will negatively affect our Public Affairs based in New York, and Continued on page 28

5 Photo courtesy of Tom Roster Photography The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts Photo courtesy of Westfield Insurance lthough Westfield’s com- Westfield’s support of Habitat as a way munity revitalization efforts to celebrate their ten year anniversary. A began nine years ago as an Rather than take time from the office employee team-building effort through to have a party, they sent 25 volunteers Habitat for Humanity near Westfield’s to give back to the community. Home Office, support has grown to Meanwhile, in St. Paul, Minnesota, include 12 Habitats across eight states, Westfield Insurance and independent as well as Rebuilding Together in agency employees added up to 115 St. Paul, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh, volunteers for Rebuilding Together Pennsylvania, and includes employees, Twin Cities’ and Home and Garden agents and customers. Television (HGTV)’s project “Change Westfield Insurance North Carolina team By working closely with agents the world. Start at home.” A total of 10 volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of and customers on community revital- agencies participated in three projects in Raleigh on a homebuild sponsored by ization projects, Westfield Insurance is the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood in St. Young Agents Association of N.C. strengthening relationships and com- Paul, which tripled the size of Westfield’s munities one project at a time. volunteer corps. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, “At first glance, bringing us SBA sales manager-Illinois. “I met Westfield’s agency relationship together was a unique strategy to employees that I never would have manager, Dan Gordon, knew the address a community issue. On second known otherwise, and they are just as local Habitat struggled to find vol- thought, maybe this is a return to our important to Westfield as my direct unteers during the winter months. roots. Didn’t most insurance compa- agency contact. It was so interesting to Additionally, the finishing work that nies begin when community members see how someone steps up to lead the takes place inside homes does not joined together to protect one another project either because of expertise or require a large number of volunteers from loss? It worked then, and it because it’s their natural tendency.” at a time. With only nine Westfield works now because the whole is always Down south, Westfield went employees in the Grand Rapids area, stronger than its parts,” said Dick straight from service office “open employees couldn’t volunteer on the McKenney, Advance Insurance. house” to “building a house.” When same day. Gordon responded to this The movement continued across Westfield expanded to the state of by building into strategy sessions Westfield’s operating territories. North Carolina, the company joined with agents an invitation to volunteer Employees from area agency the Young Agents Association of for Habitat. “Our service office and partners Esser Hayes and Lundstrom North Carolina’s efforts to build a agents’ offices might be small, but joined Westfield on two separate Habitat house in Raleigh by volunteer- together, over time, we will make volunteer days with Habitat for ing and making the final donation to an impact in Grand Rapids,” said Humanity. the fund-raising effort to help YAANC Gordon. “Everyone felt this was a great way achieve its goal. Enthusiasm for Habitat for to get to know Westfield outside of Support for community revital- Humanity in Grand Rapids contin- the regular work environment, and I ization comes from all angles of the ues to increase. Recently, the local couldn’t agree more,” said Westfield’s insurance industry. Early in 2009, branch of Hub International utilized Stephanie Guthrie, personal lines/ female employees of Westfield were

6 Photo courtesy of Tom Roster Photography

Independent agency partners join Westfield Insurance to volunteer for Rebuilding Together Twin Cities to restore a nature sanctuary.

invited to join female employees of needed for their house, they asked which we operate, as a part of our agency partner Gale Smith-Arthur J. Miller Electric, a Westfield customer, business discussions we talk about how Gallagher on a Women’s Build for to join the effort. Miller Electric had we can all partner on community proj- Habitat for Humanity. Deb Angielczyk, previously donated skilled labor for ects,” continued Davis. area assistant vice president-marketing Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, and “As a property and casualty for Gale Smith/Arthur J Gallagher, is the were happy to partner with their insur- company, it’s our business to keep immediate past president of the National ance carrier for the endeavor. Finally, communities strong by protecting our Association of Women in Construction- when Kevin Lynch, of Belfor, which customers’ businesses and homes,” Nashville Branch. provides disaster restoration services to added Davis. “It’s important that we Perhaps nowhere has the Westfield’s customers, learned of the do what we can to sustain community cross-functionality of support for activity, he also signed up to volunteer. infrastructure, and it all begins with community revitalization become “This is a win-win situation for the home. By supporting Habitat for more evident than most recently in everyone,” said Jani Davis, director Humanity and Rebuilding Together, Pittsburgh where Westfield Insurance of community investment, Westfield Westfield and their agency partners sponsored a house for Rebuilding Insurance. “We’re helping a cause that are supporting the American dream of Together Pittsburgh’s National aligns with our business while we get to owning a home and living in a healthy Rebuilding Day. In addition to know our agents, customers and busi- community. When people feel secure in inviting agency partner Cusumano ness partners on an emotional level.” where they live, they are free to pursue Insurance, when Westfield saw the “Agents and customers are the other things. And that is when the real amount of skilled electrical work eyes and ears in the communities in community revitalization begins.” n

7 Reading,Writing and Mentoring

t USAA, being a good corpo- unusual for a volunteer to work with “They love pop-up books,” he rate citizen isn’t something the same child for many years and to said. “They think those are really amaz- A that is taken casually — it’s get as much from the relationship as ing. They get very excited about them actually woven into the company’s the student does.” and can’t wait to hold them and look strategic plan. And there is no doubt that the at them after I’ve finished reading.” USAA’s 22,000 employees nation- students benefit from the volunteers’ Jeanlouis said the 5- and 6-year- wide are encouraged to use their time ongoing interest in their lives, their olds — he refers to them as members and talents to improve the areas where school performance and their activities. of “his” class — jump up and run to they live and work, and many of them One third-grader wrote: “I like having him, showering him with hugs when have chosen to participate in USAA a man as a pen pal. It is cool to talk he arrives every other week, laden Community Educational Programs. to another guy. My dad is not around with two or three new books. In 2008, more than 4,000 USAA to talk to, so I like writing to Ray. He “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said employees, family members and retir- writes me a letter every time. He always of the reading program. “I go to the ees shared their lives with students tells me to do my best in school.” school on my lunch hour and it’s through pen pal, mentoring and class- Another student, a fifth-grader, something I feel good about doing. I room reading programs that served wrote to her pen pal, saying, “You like working with kids and it’s great 5,641 students in 26 schools. have been my best friend for two years to see how excited they get about my Barbara B. Gentry, senior vice now. I can write you and talk to you visits.” president of community affairs, said about anything in the world.” Jeanlouis is part of a reading youth-based programs attract employ- Educators have lauded USAA’s team — and members of the team ees because they directly affect the Community Educational Programs for support each other by visiting the lives of children — and employees can their positive impact on children’s self- school when another member has a see, first-hand, the impact their efforts esteem and for contributing to increased conflict and cannot read to students at have on young lives. interest in reading and writing skills. the appointed time. It’s a partnership Gentry understands the appeal of The principal of one San Antonio that makes volunteering convenient working with students, because she school commended USAA volunteers for USAA employees and ensures herself enthusiastically participates for “bringing great excitement to our that students aren’t disappointed by a in USAA’s Community Educational students.” He added that the company’s missed story time. Programs. She is a pen pal, and even educational programs also inspire teach- Many USAA executives are mem- mentored one young woman from ers and staff by “reminding them about bers of reading teams and also serve second grade through high school going beyond minimum expectations.” as mentors and pen pals — and their graduation. Andrus Jeanlouis, a USAA involvement reflects the company’s “One of the great things about software and systems engineer who commitment to education and com- our Community Educational participates in the classroom reading munity service at every level. Programs is that, through them, program, said he gets a kick out of “We support education because employees build real relationships selecting just the right books to enter- we believe it is the gateway to suc- with students,” said Gentry. “It’s not tain kindergartners. cess, both inside and outside the

8 “I have always enjoyed receiving your letters because they brighten up my day. Your letters have shown me how special I am.” — Sixth-grade participant in USAA’s Community Educational Programs

classroom,” said Gentry. “Mentoring, volunteer efforts, believes employees’ school-based programs, our commu- reading in classrooms and serving as presence in area schools makes a real nities are better for it.” pen pals are our most popular pro- difference in students’ lives. The students who benefit from grams, but USAA and The USAA “The continued interest of caring USAA’s commitment to volunteerism Foundation also support education by adults gives young people the encour- apparently agree. As one eighth-grad- funding enrichment programs, public agement and confidence they need er wrote, “I never wanted a pen pal libraries, teacher-development pro- to work harder and stay in school,” because I didn’t like writing, but that grams and incentives and scholarship said Robles. “Everyone at some point all changed the day I had you as my programs at colleges and universities.” needs to give something back. USAA pen pal. I never knew I could trust USAA CEO Joe Robles, who is employees and retirees embrace that someone so much that I haven’t met deeply committed to the company’s notion, and particularly through in person.” n

Andrus Jeanlouis, a USAA software and systems engineer, participates in the classroom reading program. Photo courtesy of USAA

9 A Happy Place for Sick Kids

merican Family Children’s lance and helicopter range — northern “The whole idea is to try to reduce Hospital — the hospital that Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and even the fear and anxiety; keeping the fam- A American Family Insurance, Upper Michigan — may end up being ily together and close at hand,” said its employees and agents helped build treated at the hospital. Poltawsky. “It’s a pleasant environment — is working at capacity and looking If you think too long about why designed with that in mind.” to expand services, including more sur- the hospital exists — transplants, heart The operating rooms are staffed gical suites and patient rooms. surgery, comprehensive cancer care by specially trained pediatric surgeons, Since opening in August 2007, the — all for kids — you could get teary- anesthesiologists and nurses who have hospital and its 130-plus pediatric phy- sicians have served children from all 72 Photo courtesy of American Family Insurance counties in Wisconsin and 45 states. Only Idaho, Nevada, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming haven’t had young patients there yet. The hospital added five fully staffed and equipped surgical suites in 2008 and is looking to finish three more. “This hospital symbolizes what is important to American Family Insurance — children, family and community,” said Dave Anderson, American Family’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our company has had great success over the years, and contributing to the care of children is one way we can give something back to the community.” The American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, provides In 2008, the hospital had 3,555 world-class care to sick children. patients. And 4,151 surgical procedures were performed there. In addition, there were nearly 8,000 emergency eyed. But that’s not how the hospital state-of-the-art pediatric surgical equip- room visits and more than 135,000 wants its patients and their families to ment, including digital equipment visits to the Hospital’s specialty clinics approach care there. The hospital is and scopes for minimally invasive and primary care clinics. set up to be kid-friendly and family- laparoscopic surgery, the latest surgical American Family Children’s friendly, a soothing setting for dealing lighting and anesthesia machines. Hospital is a comprehensive, regional with life-and-death matters. Each floor “Parents are encouraged to accom- referral center for children, and has has a Wisconsin-related theme, such as pany their children into the operating a designation as a level-one pediatric farms, prairies and the North Woods. room and can stay there until the trauma center, said Jeff Poltawsky, When you get off the elevator on anesthesia takes effect,” said Poltawsky. administrator of the children’s hospital, the surgical floor, for instance, you see “The family is then escorted back to one of only two in Wisconsin. That a lake theme, blue and peaceful. The their own private room until they can means severely injured kids in ambu- reception desk looks like a boathouse. get together with their children in the

10 post-anesthesia care unit.” “It’s a happy place. Gerry Ross, who has worked at The rooms are so American Family more than 20 years, much more comfort- and her daughter, Deanna, know all able looking. The too well what it is like to have a serious lighting is great. The illness as a child. art and décor are When she was eight and nine very much meant for years old, Deanna spent about 50 a child,” said Ross. Photo courtesy of American Family Insurance nights in hospitals being treated for a “It makes me proud medulloblastoma, a malignant brain to be employed at tumor. There were surgeries, radiation American Family, treatments and chemotherapy. She and to know that recalls the old University of Wisconsin American Family (UW) Children’s Hospital, a state-of- donated all this the-art hospital at the time, as a cold money to a good place. “You felt like you needed to cause.” be sick to be there,” said Ross. That’s American Family why the American Family Children’s and its employees American Family’s Gerry Ross is flanked by her Hospital means so much to her. and agents have daughter, Deanna and granddaughter, Abigail. contributed about $15 million to construct the Jeff Poltawsky, administrator, cutting-edge hospital, Also, the first-ever Wisconsin American Family Children’s Hospital, which is attached to UW Hospital Open golf tournament in Phoenix this and Susan Pierce Jacobsen, American and Clinics on the western end of the year was hosted in part by Irwin and Family agent and AFCH Advisory UW-Madison campus. Linda Smith, a founding family of the Board member, outside the hospital’s In all, the hospital now has 61 hospital. The event was attended by Pierce Family Theater. beds — 20 of them are for intensive many donors from Arizona, includ-

Photo courtesy of Steve Schumacher, American Family Insurance care — available for young patients. ing several American Family agents. “To meet the need for special- Hospital officials hope to make it an ized pediatric care for our region, our annual event. vision is to someday become a 120-bed “The American Family Children’s children’s hospital,” said Poltawsky. Hospital will provide world-class care “We have one floor that is shelled, but to sick children for many years into the haven’t finished. These additional beds future,” said Jack Salzwedel, president will provide much-needed capacity, as and chief operating officer of American we were nearly full this winter; how- Family. “I am proud of American ever, fund-raising is necessary before Family’s contribution, and I am espe- we can proceed.” cially proud of the contributions from The Hospital continues to raise our employees and agents.” money year-round to support patients “This hospital and the work it and families and continue to innovate does for these children wouldn’t be and complete its vision. There are possible without the generous support more than 100 community fund- of American Family and its agents and raising events during the year, such as employees,” said Poltawsky. “This is golf tournaments, fun runs and even a their legacy to children we serve. This dance marathon. is their namesake.” n

11 Beyond February

llstate understands that sup- Beyond February is not the com- ment to both the African-American porting the African-American pany’s first foray into supporting the community and volunteerism, the A community for the expected African-American community, it is a special initiative aims to commemo- 28 days in February is not enough. unification of all of Allstate’s programs rate Dr. King’s ideals and vision by So in October 2007, the company under one single voice. inspiring people to donate their time launched Beyond February, its every This year, the company designat- to worthy causes in their own com- day, all year commitment to create, ed Martin Luther King Day as Allstate munities on January 19 — the date support and sponsor programs that Beyond February Give Back Day. on which Martin Luther King Jr. Day empower the community. While Reflecting the company’s commit- was observed in 2009. The latest in Allstate’s long his- tory of efforts devoted to fostering a culture of service, Beyond February Give Back Day aligns with President Barack Obama’s call for a national day of service on MLK Day 2009. The ultimate goal of these calls to action is to promote continued community ser- vice throughout the rest of the year.

Photos courtesy of Allstate Insurance Company Photos courtesy of “Beyond February Give Back Day reinforces the importance of giv- ing back to your community in the spirit of my father and everything he fought for,” said Bernice King, Dr. King’s youngest daughter. “But an even greater tribute to my father’s legacy is evidenced by the people who demonstrate the passion and the com- mitment to serve their communities throughout the year, not just on MLK Day or during Black History Month.” On the morning of January 19, following the annual ecumenical ser- vice honoring Dr. King at ’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, Allstate kicked off Beyond February Give Back Day with a volunteer rally, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson braved the bitter cold on the morning of January 19, hosted in partnership with The King Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to help employees participate in a home office Center. During the rally, hundreds clothing drive to support Allstate Beyond February Give Back Day. of volunteers, organized locally by Allstate, spread out across Atlanta

12 In addition to the work done to improve the educational environment at two Chicago schools, hun- dreds of books will now be shared with schools and children in Africa.

to donate their time and efforts to ple to put their good hands to work volunteerism while providing them a variety of charities and nonprofit for the betterment of the commu- the resources to carry on the spirit of organizations, including the 100 nity,” said Anise Wiley-Little, assistant Dr. King throughout the year.” Black Men of America, the 100 vice president and chief diversity offi- To see videos of how the compa- Black Women of America, the Ryan cer at Allstate. “Beyond February and ny joined President Barack Obama’s Cameron Foundation, the Atlanta Allstate Beyond February Give Back call for a national day of serve, visit ToolBank and several public schools. Day will empower people to embrace www.youtube.com/Allstate. n Allstate encouraged people at the rally, as well as throughout the rest of the country, to visit the Web site www.BeyondFebruary.com, to find out how to participate in Beyond February Give Back Day. The Web site not only features an interactive mural highlighting various Allstate- backed programs and events, but also links to VolunteerMatch, an online search engine that promotes vol- unteerism and civic engagement by matching volunteers with charitable organizations and nonprofits. “We want to make it easy for peo-

Hundreds of volunteers spread through- out Atlanta to paint murals, rake leaves, plant tulips, clean closets, repair picnic tables and much more.

13 Building Playgrounds and Healthy Communities n urban communi- MetLife Auto & Home’s ties nationwide, there Tim Bowen watches as aren’t enough safe I kids design their dream places for children to play, enjoy healthy physical playground. Photos courtesy of MetLife activity and just be kids. MetLife and MetLife Foundation, which have a in the opening events. longstanding commitment Lynn Dumais, to building healthy com- vice president, MetLife munities, are working to Individual Disability address this need. Product Management, In a new partner- noted, “The playground ship with the nonprofit build provided the KaBOOM!, MetLife and youth of our commu- the Foundation are helping nity with an important build playgrounds designed realization: there are by kids for kids in under- people who care about served neighborhoods. them and their future. A national nonprofit MetLife Foundation provides the The playground open- organization founded in 1995, funding; MetLife associates, joined ing made all of us proud of the role KaBOOM! has brought together by other community volunteers, the that MetLife plays in our communi- business and community interests to labor. MetLife associates recently ties and in breathing hope into our construct more than 1,500 new play- helped to build a playground in next generation.” grounds, skate parks, sports fields and Tampa, Florida.. New playground Debbie Matera, administrative ice rinks around the country. builds are planned for Providence, assistant, added, “… our associates “We’re grateful that MetLife Rhode Island, and Hartford, had the opportunity to work side by understands how important it is Connecticut. side with the people and children in for children to have a great place In Tampa, MetLife associ- our community and create not only to play,” said Darell Hammond, ates helped turn a vacant lot with a playground, but lasting friendships KaBOOM! CEO and Co-Founder. a rusted swing set next to the Nick and a feeling of accomplishment that “Play is not a luxury, it’s an absolute Capitano Boys & Girls Club into a will never be forgotten.” necessity. Playgrounds are where kids fun setting for kids. The playground In Providence, gang-related learn how to run, jump and swing, was designed by children from the violence has motivated community but also how to negotiate and respect Club and built entirely by volun- residents of the Smith Hill area to one another. We’re thrilled that teers from MetLife, the Club and create a playground that will not MetLife is helping KaBOOM! bring KaBOOM! and community resi- only give children a safe place to new playgrounds to children who dents on a single Saturday. Snoopy, play but make the neighborhood a need them the most.” MetLife’s “spokesbeagle,” took part better place to live. MetLife and the

14 A youngster enjoys the opening day of the MetLife/KaBOOM! playground in Tampa.

Foundation are downtown area. The site joining the Smith currently features donated Hill Community equipment that is not age Development Corporation, appropriate, and its lack of sur- Providence Parks Department and facing puts the children at risk. KaBOOM! to transform Davis Park After a Design Day this Summer, into a neighborhood treasure. MetLife associates and community Earlier this year, Providence’s volunteers will build the new play- mayor, David Cicilline, and Snoopy ground in early Fall 2009. greeted children from the community ”Playgrounds make a differ- who took part in Design Day. Each ence in neighborhoods,” said Dennis participating youngster drew their In Hartford, MetLife, the White, president and CEO of dream playground. Elements from Foundation and KaBOOM! are part- MetLife Foundation. “They not only their drawings will be incorporated nering with the Women’s League provide safe places for children to into the final design of the play- to build a new playground for pre- play, which improves their health, ground which will be built in June school children next to the League’s they also improve the overall quality 2009. Over 125 MetLife volunteers Child Development Center in the of community life.” n will participate in the one-day build. Commenting on the enthusi- asm for the project on Design Day, MetLife’s team leaders, Tim Bowen and Joanne Sherman of MetLife Auto & Home, said, “It is clear that by working together we are going to make this community better. The excitement on the children’s faces when they saw Snoopy and shared their playground designs gave us a glimpse of the impact we will have, bringing together more than 125 MetLife associates to build this playground. As a member of the community said, this is more than a playground; this endeavor is a catalyst for change in this community.” In Tampa, MetLife Associates help turn a vacant lot into a playground.

15 Supporting Hunger-Relief Initiatives

he food bank was a god- the other end,” said Rico. “That’s why ism and workplace giving,” said Chad send,” said Deb Rico, a I volunteer as a trainer at the food Jester, president of the Nationwide “TNationwide employee. bank.” Foundation. “Each focus area on its “Without their help, my children Unfortunately, Rico’s story isn’t own makes a difference, but when we would’ve gone hungry.” unique. According to data collected are able to make them work together, Ten years ago, Rico’s husband by the United States Department of they produce even more profound was injured at work and lost his job. Agriculture (USDA), one in eight results. They had two young children and Americans is at risk of hunger, includ- “Our Feeding America partner- needed help providing food for their ing more than 12 million children ship exemplifies this strategy. The children until Deb could find a full- who don’t have consistent access to Nationwide Foundation provides phil- time job. Luckily, the Ricos were able adequate amounts of nutritious food anthropic support while Nationwide to receive food three times a month necessary for a healthy life. employees support the partnership from a local food pantry supported by The Mid-Ohio Foodbank where through their volunteerism and work- the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Rico volunteers is a member agency place giving campaigns. That’s why After a few months, Rico found a of Feeding America, the nation’s lead- we’ve targeted support to 15 local job. She promised to return the favor ing hunger-relief charity. Nationwide food banks in communities where we one day and now is one of thousands recently announced its partnership have a large population of employees.” of employees at Nationwide who sup- with Feeding America. Nationwide’s primary corporate port hunger-relief initiatives through “Nationwide’s corporate citizen- citizenship focus is to provide emer- volunteerism and donations. ship efforts play out through three gency and basic needs to communities “I know what it’s like to be on focus areas: philanthropy, volunteer- where our employees live and work. “The need for emergency food con- tinues to increase and we’re proud to partner with Feeding America as they help feed families when it matters most,” said Jester. Vicki Escarra, president and CEO

Photos courtesy of Nationwide of Feeding America, agrees that the partnership is timely. “This support is arriving at a critical time for us,” she said. “Never before have we seen so many people needing emergency

Deb Rico, Nationwide associate, volunteers at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank as a way to give back to the organiza- tion that helped her family in a time of need.

16 employees collect food donations for the Backpack Buddies program. Donated food items are used to assemble weekend meals for children during the summer. At Nationwide’s smaller employ- ment centers, employees incorporate fun competition into the workplace hunger-relief programs in their com- munities. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, they host a summer food drive for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. In Akron, Ohio, Nationwide’s employees making a donation to the Akron- Canton Regional Foodbank can wear jeans on Fridays. food assistance. So many people have by the Foodbank’s campaign lost their jobs in recent months, and is provided by Nationwide so many living in poverty are hav- and 25 percent of their ing a tougher time than ever making volunteers are Nationwide ends meet. This contribution from employees. the Nationwide Foundation is much- “People who once gave needed. We are deeply grateful for to pantries are now visit- their help in these tough times.” ing pantries. Thanks to Two examples of different local Nationwide’s support, we programs delivering results are those can provide food sooner to at Nationwide’s largest locations in the people who need it,” Columbus, Ohio, and Des Moines, said Matthew D. Habash, Iowa. president and CEO, Mid- In Columbus, Nationwide Ohio Foodbank. Nationwide recognizes the supports the Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s Nationwide’s hunger-relief efforts importance of volunteerism to its Operation Feed campaign. Approx- in Iowa focus on children. For the partnership with Feeding America. imately one third of the funds raised Foodbank of Iowa, Nationwide As a thank-you to its employees who volunteer at least 25 hours with a particular nonprofit organization, the Thousands of company awards a grant to the orga- Nationwiders help out nization along with paid time off for every year as part of the employee. the company’s broad- “It’s important for Nationwide ranging hunger-relief to continue as a leader in community initiatives, partnering involvement, particularly now when with Feeding America these organizations — and the people through 15 foodbanks they serve—need us most,” said Steve across the country. Rasmussen, CEO, Nationwide. “It’s our On Your Side® promise to the community.” n

17 Community Involvement Is Smart Business — Inside and Out

hen Pat Hurston and special events for chronically ill munity organizations, over the past Stephanie Petty were children; assisted U.S. military per- few years, we realized the impact it Wconsidering positions in sonnel through the “home away from has on potential employees,” said CNA’s Billing & Collections and home” outreach of the United Service Marlene Rotstein, a 12-year CNA Human Resources departments, Organizations (USO); participated employee who oversees the CNA respectively, the company’s com- in numerous charity walks and runs Foundation, including employee vol- munity involvement and employee countrywide for causes important unteer programs. “Knowing that our volunteer opportunities helped sway to them, their families and friends; community involvement gives us a their final decisions to accept. and shared their individual talents distinctive edge for potential employ- Like many other carriers, CNA in accounting, communications and ees is truly icing on the cake.” has realized that doing good in the human resources, just to name a few. According to CNA recruitment community makes sense for its busi- Employees’ elbow grease is fur- assistant vice president Susan Fine, ness partners, existing employees and ther supported by the Foundation’s potential employees — from baby potential ones. With 9,000 employees Matching Gifts Plan, which matches boomers to recent college grads in more than 32 offices across the contributions to qualified nonprofit — are looking beyond simple corpo- country, CNA has a longstanding organizations up to $5,000 a year. rate giving and mere check-writing tradition of supporting local orga- And, its Community Involvement donors. “(They) want to know that nizations in communities where its Grants (CIG) program enables they can actually roll up their sleeves, employees live and work. CNA’s field leadership to play a more get involved and make meaningful Through CNA and the CNA visible role in local communities contributions to the ‘end users.’” Foundation, its nonprofit, private through civic and charitable involve- For example, through CNA’s charitable giving entity, employ- ment. In 2008, the CIG program efforts with the USO of Illinois, ees have: rolled up their sleeves to awarded donations to more than 200 employees are able to actually talk rehab homes and community cen- charities across the U.S. and Canada. with servicemen and women who are ters through Rebuilding Together; “While our giving has always direct beneficiaries of CNA’s dona- served as chaperones for Starlight simply been the right thing to do tion of employee hours and funding. Children’s Foundation’s proms and for our business partners and com- “It’s truly a heartwarming experience

18 Photos courtesty of CNA Insurance

for employees to hear what’s on the helping women get back on their CNA employees rolled up their minds of our troops and, in turn, feet and rebound from some of life’s sleeves to rehab a community center share an encouraging word,” contin- larger challenges,” said Hurston. through Rebuilding Together. ued Fine. “Connecting these women with our Hurston, vice president of executives through mock interview Billing & Collections, relished the sessions, skills sharing and network- opportunity to share such experi- ing interaction opens the door for ences through continued work with them to access opportunities toward involvement, so during my first many of the same organizations that brighter futures.” month here, I was ready to get mov- she enjoyed prior to joining CNA in Volunteering has always been a ing (with volunteering).” 2004. During the interview process, key component in gauging job satis- Working with the Volunteer she was relieved to learn that CNA faction for Petty, an HR coordinator Council provides Petty with a stron- actively supported community giving who joined CNA right after college. ger sense of involvement because “I and was receptive to working with Petty hit the ground running—vol- can help expand CNA’s goodwill by new organizations. unteering at various events and helping to identify community orga- Once onboard, Hurston getting involved in CNA’s Volunteer nizations and opportunities where our introduced several new initiatives, Council, which recommends and employees can make a difference. including the Center for New coordinates volunteer initiatives in its “I know (CNA’s community Horizons and The Cara Program, larger locations, and provides volun- involvement) strongly appealed to me which enables CNA executives to teer service opportunities that impact and I’m hoping to play a role in help- serve as professional mentors for employees’ ability to thrive personally ing CNA grow in this area… which homeless and at-risk women looking and professionally. will likely attract more employees to rebuild their lives by re-entering “I wanted to work for a company with similar sentiments.” the workforce. whose mission included giving back To learn more about the CNA “I think it’s very rewarding for to the local community,” recalled Foundation or CNA’s support for CNA professionals to know that Petty. “I’d conducted some informal local communities, visit the Web site- our expertise will go a long way in research into CNA’s community www.cna.com. n

19 Fostering the Spirit Photo courtesy of Brenda Bach of Giving Back

orace Mann has been in Photo courtesy of Steve Hinrichs the insurance business for Halmost 65 years, but its employees and representatives, both at its home base of Springfield, Illinois, and in communities throughout the country, offer much more than just insurance and financial services to both their communities in general and the educational communities they serve. “At Horace Mann, we understand the importance of being corporate citizens,” said Paul Wappel, assistant vice president, public relations and community relations. “Our employees are always extremely generous when it comes to supporting the community. Sylvester Harper of Horace Mann helps deliver presents to Wanless Elementary Whether it’s the annual United Way School in Springfield. campaign or the school supply drive in Springfield or assisting with a fund- raising project in their local schools, they’re always there to help out when tiative,” joked Wappel. “Each year we Way are direct employee donations help is needed.” raise the bar in terms of our participa- or corporate donations, the annual At the corporate office, Wappel tion and contribution goals, and every campaign also includes a trivia night, has assembled a Community Relations year our campaign committee steps up bake sale, basket raffle, silent auction Council, which includes represen- with more creative and fun ideas to and more. “The United Way events tatives from every division in the raise money.” The most recent United have become a part of Horace Mann company. This group is charged with Way of Central Illinois fundraising life, and the employees have fun with developing and promoting the local drive raised more than $3 million, them,” said Wappel. community impact projects such and Horace Mann was responsible for Following the successful 2008 as blood drives, food drives, school 10 percent of that amount. “Horace campaign, the United Way of Central supply drives and many other com- Mann is one of the top employers in Illinois honored Horace Mann with munity-related events. Springfield, and our employees repeat- their Corporate Gold Award. But by far, the largest of Horace edly place us at or near the top of In concert with their work with Mann’s community-related events is the list for contributors to the annual educators, Horace Mann sponsors a the annual United Way campaign. drive.” “Stuff the Bus” school supply campaign “The United Way Campaign should While the majority of Horace to benefit the students in Springfield’s almost be considered a corporate ini- Mann contributions to the United School District 186 who cannot afford

20 Photo courtesy of Brenda Bach Melissa Fickas hands Jessica Bishop school supplies as they “Stuff the Bus.”

encourage our agents to walk into their schools and ask ‘is there any- thing I can help your schools with?’” explained Dick Madden, vice presi- dent, communications and educator alliances. In many instances, agents find ways to help with teacher recogni- tion programs, but one company program that many agents run in their schools is the P.A.S.S. program which stands for “Perfect Attendance Spells Success.” In cooperation with the schools, Horace Mann agents to purchase their own school supplies. help deliver the gifts, and the smiles sponsor a drawing for a bicycle or Last year, Horace Mann received help and hugs from the kids are truly two for students who have perfect from a local ice cream shop, five radio heart-warming.” attendance during a specified period. stations and a television station to add After the 2008 program, Horace In high schools, some agents choose publicity and prizes for those who Mann learned of another way they mall gift cards or MP3 players instead donated. The program ran for two and were contributing to the community of bikes for the prize. “The kids ben- a half weeks in July and encouraged when a first-grade student sent a efit from the program not only by employees and the local community to note stating, “I would like to thank having a chance to win a bike, but bring in school supplies from the local you for my awesome gift. I want to also by being in the classroom every district’s supply list. When all was thank you because you didn’t have to day to have the best opportunity to said and done, the school bus parked do this, but you did. I’m very, very learn. But the school districts also in Horace Mann’s main parking lot thankful. You guys are very gener- win since many educational funding was stuffed full of pencils, glue sticks, ous, and I hope to be like you. When formulas include student attendance. markers, notebooks, backpacks and I grow up, I will donate toys to P.A.S.S. is a ‘win-win-win’ program,” more. schools, charities, day cares, St. Jude’s explained Madden. “The students During the holiday season, and Toys for Tots.” win, the schools win, and the agents Horace Mann employees adopt an Horace Mann has nearly 1,100 and company build solid relationships area elementary school where a large employees at the home office and with the market we serve.” proportion of the students are from claims offices in Texas and North In addition to the P.A.S.S. pro- low-income homes. “Our goal with Carolina. But with agents through- gram, Horace Mann and its agents the Horace Mann Giving Tree is to out the country, Horace Mann finds also regularly make donations to the assure every single student receives a unique ways to assist. schools they serve. “From reading nice present or two for the holidays,” While Horace Mann agents are programs to school sports score- said Wappel. “And every year our in the business of marketing insur- boards, the schools are always looking employees tell us they get more out ance and retirement planning, many for corporate partners, and Horace of the program than the children do. of them have found ways to become Mann is willing to help where we Many employees go to the school to partners with their schools. “We can,” said Madden. n

21 Going the Distance for Local Hospital Photo courtesy of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

Swiss Re employees get ready for the “Go the Distance” event to support Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

hanks to the support and transplantation, advanced chemother- Re Division Americas CEO Pierre energy of thousands of walk- apy, emergency trauma surgery and Ozendo, who invited employees T ers, including a team of Swiss services for the special needs of pediat- from ’s Armonk, New York, Re employees, the patients at a special ric patients and their families. Windsor, Connecticut, and Hartford, children’s hospital near the Armonk, At the annual “Go the Distance” Connecticut, offices to join the event. New York, office will have an even event, walkers raised about $225,000, Coordinating Swiss Re’s team of higher quality of care. with the Swiss Re team pledging more volunteers and walkers was employee The Maria Fareri Hospital offers than $6,000. The hospital has enthu- Megan Linkin, a catastrophe specialist advanced, life-saving care to chil- siastically thanked Swiss Re for its based in Armonk. dren in the Hudson Valley region generous support over the past few years. As Ozendo expressed to employ- and lower Connecticut. Facilities at Swiss Re sponsors the hospital as part of ees after the walk, “Together with the hospital include a new Regional its corporate citizenship program. your help, Swiss Re has helped make a Trauma Center and the capability About 100 Swiss Re employees difference in the lives of children and to provide open-heart surgery, organ joined the event, including Swiss their families.” n

22 Helping to Heal the Wounded Warrior

hen Melissa Mullamphy seeks to raise awareness and enlist Photos courtesy of Gen Re looks at her husband, public aid in providing for the needs W Anthony, she feels lucky. of severely injured service men and Her husband is a retired U.S. Marine women. that was injured in training opera- The grass roots effort within Gen tions many years ago. Unlike many of Re, led by Mullamphy, began with the service men and women returning collecting toiletries and comfort items home after serving in Operation Iraqi for the Wounded Warrior Project Freedom or Operation Enduring backpack program. The goal of this Freedom, his injuries were serious, program is to provide wounded ser- but not as severe and life altering vice members with basic essentials as many of the Wounded Warriors and comfort items, including cloth- that she has met over the past couple ing, toiletries, calling cards, playing years. cards, etc., as they arrive at military In 2005, Mullamphy and a small hospitals for what is often long-term group of her colleagues at Gen Re got rehabilitation. Anthony Mullamphy with a Wounded involved with The Wounded Warrior To date, Gen Re has sent more Warrior at the annual ASF Winter Project, a non-profit organization that than 50 boxes of toiletry and com- Support our Troops Event at Wyndham Mountain, New York. This Wounded Warrior, a former 101st Airborne Division soldier, lost his legs to an improvised explosive device in Kirkuk, Iraq.

fort items for the backpack program. In addition, Gen Re associates have sent books and books on tape for the hospital and Wounded Warrior Barrack libraries, as well as boxes of Girl Scout cookies for common areas in the hospital. Fueled by a desire to do more, Thanks to Gen Re, Wounded Warriors enjoyed a recent New York Mets ballgame. this grass roots effort gave rise to a number of additional events around

23 the country. A group of Gen Re associates in Stamford, Connecticut, and Columbus, Ohio, hosted a reha- bilitation event in Columbus in November 2007. Ten active duty Wounded Warriors from all over the country, including Camp Lejuene, Brook Army Medical Center, and locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and upstate New York, joined Gen Re associates for a full day of trap and skeet shooting and dinner. All of the warriors, who suffered acute injuries from either Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, enjoyed a day of fun and a break from their often grueling and long physical rehabilitation schedules. Last summer, Gen Re, in con- junction with The Adaptive Sports Jim Whamond (L), a Gen Re associate, and some Wounded Warriors at a Gen Re Foundation (ASF), volunteered and event in Texas. helped sponsor the 2nd Annual ASF Wounded Warrior Water Festival in Burden Lake, New York. This special event includes the families of severely Warrior Project. for The Wounded Warrior Project. wounded servicemen and women, In November 2008, in honor of “By being involved, you gain a deep providing an opportunity for the our veterans, Gen Re hosted over 50 appreciation of the struggle, honor entire family to go canoeing, fishing injured service members from Brook and sacrifice of these injured service and water skiing with the help of Army Medical Facility for a rehabili- members, quickly recognizing that adaptive equipment and the expertise tation event in San Antonio, Texas, combat does not discriminate,” said of the Foundation’s trained staff. for a day of trap and skeet. Mullamphy. Ken Green, a Columbus Gen And most recently, earlier this “When you look into the injured Re associate, in conjunction with year, Gen Re associates, in con- service members’ faces you see their Central Ohio American Charities junction with the Adaptive Sports youth, yet when you look into their (COAC), led a fund raiser for Foundation volunteered and helped eyes you see that sacrifice of their the Wounded Warrior Project. sponsor the ASF Winter Support youth that they will never get back,” Wounded servicemen from the our Troops Event at Wyndham said Mullamphy. Army, Navy and Marines attended Mountain, New York. Each year, the Most warriors have catastrophic the dinner with warrior guest speak- ASF teams up with the Wounded life-changing injuries, including ampu- ers followed by a day of trap and Warrior Project and the Fire tation, spinal cord injuries, vision skeet at the COAC Inaugural Trap Department of New York (FDNY) impairments, traumatic brain injuries, Shooting Event and Fundraiser in to host permanently disabled veterans post traumatic stress and burns, mak- Delaware, Ohio. Through the gen- for a weekend of skiing and snow- ing every day a struggle. For more erous donations of the community boarding. information on the services offered by and corporate sponsors, a $20,000 Gen Re is honored to support, Wounded Warrior Project, visit donation was made to the Wounded volunteer and help raise awareness www.woundedwarriorproject.org. n

24 Helping Girl Scouts Learn About Road Safety here was laughter and leader- prehensive road skills, auto care and Girl Scouts from ship, but most importantly driving safety series, designed to help the Washington T there was learning for D.C. the girls earn the new GEICO Road D.C. area can area Girl Scouts during the first-ever Safety Patch. Once the classes are now earn the GEICO DASHBoard patch event held completed and the Girl Scouts sign an new GEICO recently at GEICO headquarters. honor code agreement, they are eli- Road Safety The all-day event, sponsored by gible for the patch, which shows they Patch by taking a the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s have learned how to make smart deci- comprehensive road skill, auto care Capital and GEICO, brought together sions on the road. close to 100 Girl Scouts from the “Motor vehicle crashes are the and driving safety class and signing a greater Washington, D.C., area to learn number one cause of death among Girl Scouts honor code agreement. about vehicle maintenance, how to be teens age 13 - 19,” said Rynthia Rost, a safe driver and passenger and tips on GEICO vice president. “GEICO is bicycle safety. working hard to educate teens on road getting behind the wheel,” said Lidia The event was part of a com- and vehicle safety through our teen Soto-Harmon, Girl Scout deputy Photo courtesy of Katie Schubert, GEICO safe driving program and by partner- executive director. ing with great organizations like the While the Nation’s Capital Girl Scouts.” Council GEICO DASHBoard pro- At the inaugural GEICO kick-off, gram is the newest Girl Scout program the girls rotated between interactive of its kind, empowering young women sessions, learning auto care techniques, to be car and road savvy has been a like how to change a vehicle tire, Girl Scout tradition since 1916. bike safety and the dangers of dis- “It’s as critical for girls to under- tracted and drunk driving. Officers stand how to maintain a safe vehicle from the Montgomery County Police as it is to be a safe driver,” said Soto- Department were able to give the girls Harmon. “The DASHBoard program a first-hand experience of how alco- is designed to educate girls on safe hol affects driving ability through its driving skills, auto care and careers in Gator-AID demonstration. The girls the automobile industry — we want wore “fatal vision goggles” while oper- Girl Scouts to ‘Be Prepared.’”

Girls from the Girl Scout Council of the ating a specially designed tractor to GEICO and the Girl Scout simulate the dangers of drinking and Council of the Nation’s Capital will Nation’s Capital area came together driving. A local news reporter from host DASHBoard Road Safety events at GEICO headquarters to learn how to station WJLA, Cynne Simpson, also throughout the summer in both earn a new GEICO-sponsored patch on presented WJLA’s Drive to Stay Alive Virginia and Maryland. The GEICO road safety. The Girl Scouts covered Teen Driving Assembly seminar. DASHBoard patch will soon be avail- how to be a safe driver and passenger, “The real-life experiences that able in Atlanta, Georgia, and Chicago, bicycle safety tips, vehicle maintenance the girls had during these sessions Illinois, as part of the Girl Scouts’ and even how to change a flat tire. will hopefully make them think twice ongoing effort to empower young about the decisions they make before women to be car and road savvy. n

25 Giving Hearts and Giving Time hey say that good writers successfully battled this disease. “The it’s not just about the walk and find- always write based on personal American Cancer Society was incred- ing sponsors to pledge donations. The T experiences. Well, good com- ibly helpful to me when I was fighting team raises money throughout the year munity volunteers also follow their my illness. Their resources and support by coordinating raffles, bake sales and hearts as they set their path for chari- made such a difficult time easier to dessert auctions and for the past three table efforts. For OneBeacon’s Salem, navigate, so getting involved with the years, they have hosted a flea market Virginia, team, they didn’t have far to Relay for Life was the least I could do,” that is open to the local community. look when determining how to give said Donna Fizer, three-time cancer And the fund-raising isn’t limited to back. The American Cancer Society’s survivor and senior human resources the OneBeacon team; they encourage (ACS) annual “Relay for Life” event is consultant for OneBeacon. other local businesses to pitch in by both a fund-raiser for cancer research For the past five years, the providing gift certificates as contribu- and a celebration of cancer survivor- OneBeacon employees based in Salem tions to the various raffle events. ship; OneBeacon’s Salem community have formed a team of walkers to A major partner in OneBeacon’s is grateful that two of its members have participate in the two-day event. But annual Relay for Life fund raising Photos courtesy of OneBeacon

OneBeacon’s office in Salem, Virginia, contributes to the American Cancer Society through many channels, including its Relay for Life team, pictured here.

26 has been the Salem area’s Bojangles’ member remarked that her church their treatment circumstances. By Famous Chicken and Biscuits. The had just published a cookbook. The making the space welcoming and Salem team initially approached them team liked the idea, so they decided cheerful, it provides implicit support as a potential sponsor, but the local to put together a cookbook featur- to a difficult experience. franchise owner had more in mind ing OneBeacon employees’ recipes. This year’s Relay for Life is — walking is exercise, which makes “We hoped for 150 submissions,” being held at the Salem High School people hungry, so let’s feed ‘em! For said Fizer, “but by our deadline, we in late June, with 40 volunteers the past three years, Bojangles has were overwhelmed by the 450 reci- ready to lace up their sneakers for donated chicken dinners to feed all pes we received.” The cookbook was the two-day event. “This team is who participate in the Relay for Life, published through funds donated by very giving, very caring,” noted which are then sold by OneBeacon the OneBeacon Charitable Trust and Fizer. “Although we support several volunteers. The team sets up a food has been sold locally as well as to all other local charities, such as the local stand and sells Bojangles’ treats OneBeacon staff through a gift shop YMCA and the Southwest Virginia with 100 percent of the proceeds located in the Canton, Massachusetts, Food Bank, this one event and one donated to the ACS. This year they office. To date, sales have topped charity is something that everyone extended their support by providing $4,500 and again, all proceeds go could identify with.” n

OneBeacon’s Amande Deweese, Phyllis the ability to pre-order biscuits for directly to the American Cancer Booth, Cindy Poff, Clarke Grasty, Carole sale to the staff. Society. And the cooking tie-in didn’t The team also donated its time Thorne and Cathy Feazelle hold the end there. The team was motivated to help refresh the local ACS offices. American Cancer Society cookbook to continue its ACS fund raising after OneBeacon employees painted and published by employee chefs from the the annual Relay for Life, so it met decorated space that cancer patients Salem, Virginia, office. to consider options. A committee use to try on wigs as they settle into

27 GREEN ACTIVITIES all ACE employees. The committee the lead in energy reduction by replac- continued from page 3 distributed an electronic environmen- ing all halogen lights with LED lights, tal information magazine and posted installing automatic lights in all lava- result, ACE Hong Kong employees informative office signage. tories and adjusting the thermostats worked to remove invasive species and The Green Committee in Puerto in all offices. The team also actively re-irrigate the area. Rico worked with their office project conserved trees by purchasing recycled Later this year, ACE Hong Kong management and interior design team paper and by donating €600 to the employees will participate in the Green to promote waste by reusing office car- World Wildlife Fund, thus preserving Power Hike, geared towards the envi- pets and artwork from their previous land outside of . Finally, office ronmental education of young people. location. They also encouraged sus- printers were set to black and white In ACE’s office in Puerto Rico, tainable purchasing by eliminating all and used an energy saver setting. employees initiated a “Wheel of disposable cups and encouraged energy All these efforts in ACE’s North Fortune, Wheel of Green” project that efficiency by installing light sensors in American, Asia Pacific, Latin American worked to educate everyone about the offices and conference rooms. The team and European offices underscore the importance of proper tire inflation to additionally plans to participate in a company’s efforts to be a good global improve car fuel efficiency. As a result, coastal clean-up program in the future. citizen with regard to environmental they offered a free tire pressure test, ACE Italy’s Green Committee, sustainability and the challenges of cli- and tire pressure gauges were given to working with five ACE offices, took mate change. n

FIRE SERVICE • Fifty-two percent of departments do believe they have adequate training continued from page 5 not feel they are adequately trained to for structural fires. handle hazardous material incidents. • Sixty-two percent are confident in rather than on all respondents. When One-third of departments don’t have their fire service organizations’ disas- multiple firefighters from the same fire and need protective equipment for all ter response capabilities. service organization responded to the fire personnel to respond to hazard- “As a company, Fireman’s Fund survey, the first individual to respond ous materials incidents. believes it is extremely important was selected on behalf of that depart- • Only 50 percent of departments have to raise awareness of the needs of ment. Full results can be found at protective equipment for all person- local fire departments,” said Chuck www.firemansfund.com/firesurvey. An nel to respond to wildland fires. Kavitsky, chairman of Fireman’s Fund. executive summary by Ipsos is avail- • Thirteen percent of responding “Supporting the fire service means able at http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/ departments don’t have at least one safer communities. That is why we pressrelease.cfm?id=4392. thermal imaging camera, considered a have focused our philanthropic giving Among the findings: critical tool to identify hot spots and to directing grants to fire departments • One out of four fire departments do locate injured or sleeping persons in a throughout the country.” not have adequate extrication equip- burning building. Only 41 percent of Fireman’s Fund Insurance ment needed to safely and quickly fire departments have at least one per Company’s nationwide philanthropic remove injured people from a vehicle engine company. program is designed to provide needed crash. Not all the findings were grim equipment, training and educational • Seventy-six percent of departments — many firefighters had positive tools to local fire departments. Since do not believe their organization is information to convey about their 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants adequately trained to deal with terror- departments: to more than 1,100 different depart- ism or weapons of mass destruction. • Despite the current economic crisis, ments totaling more than $21 million. • Fifty-seven percent of all volunteer only 17 percent of fire departments Independent insurance agencies that departments (70 percent of all U.S. felt the quality of service they provide sell Fireman’s Fund products are able fire departments) are losing volun- has declined. to direct these grants to support fire sta- teers who need to look for other jobs. • Ninety percent of fire departments tions in their communities. n

28