November 2004
momentum Featured Inside Media blitz this 2 holiday season
stories of significance What if you could make a difference — help a family send their children to college, or save someone’s business? Help
3Q earnings snapshot 3 Field trips make for great 3 service effort Brand Center goes live 4
aging parents get the care they need without depleting their life savings? Assure a widower he’ll be able to make more
than ends meet? That's what we do every day. Though we don’t all have face-to-face contact with clients, the support we
LTC quiz: see how you score 5 Celebrating Colleagues 6
provide to those that do, means we all play an important role in helping our customers secure a legacy and achieve peace
Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 6 becomes a family affair of mind, independence and dignity through all life stages. Recently, Momentum discussed Living a Life of Significance, an
Diversity at MetLife 7 Safe Return Program 7
Individual Business focus that reaffirms the impact that our reps have by being advocates for those who cannot speak for
themselves — a customer’s beneficiaries, families and employees. From time to time, we’ll publish personal stories from
associates on how each of us leads a life of significance. The emotional connection we make with our customers, the
financial freedom we make possible, is something to feel good about every day.
y story begins several years ago at my parents’ home.
M
disability waiver of premium option to the policy. I brought
My grandparents were visiting at the time. I was new
up the long-term care coverage and, as you might guess, the
to financial services and began telling them about the value
client was reluctant — until I shared my personal experience.
and benefits of long-term care coverage. This piqued my
I told them what happened and the situation that faced
grandfather’s interest, so I ran a quick quote for him.
my grandparents and my family. Fortunately, the client was
Immediately, my grandfather said that it was too expensive —
convinced. Shortly afterward, he was diagnosed with a
not an unlikely response. With little experience, I said that’s
brain tumor. He and his family are using the long-term care
fine and didn’t push any further. I now wish I had. My grand-
coverage as well as the waiver of premium option to keep
mother is in the mid-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She can’t
their life insurance in force.
be left alone and will need full-time care. I’m sad to say that my grandparents are depleting their savings and may need
I want to make sure my clients are absolutely covered for the things that are really important. That’s
government aid.
the first step; the rest can come later. Recently, as a manager, I went on a joint call with one of my newer reps to visit a man who was retiring from a
Brian Brandt
pharmaceutical company. The purpose of the call was to
New England Financial ■
close a life sale. We closed the sale as well as added the
Vision Talk with Bob
s Baby Boomers — all 77 million of
A
help our customers secure an income
Foundation’s commitment to
them — age, many will face new
they can’t outlive or access elder care
combating Alzheimer’s disease. I am
challenges such as having enough
and long-term care services.
always astounded by the statistics — 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s;
income to last through life, planning
Volume 5, Issue 10
for the possibility of needing long-term
MetLife has long been a thought leader
one in three people know someone
care, and fulfilling their desire to
on issues related to aging through the
who does; millions more will be
remain independent and vital well into
studies we support and fund, our
affected in the years ahead. The toll
later life. This presents important
participation in policy discussions, and
on caregivers, mostly family members,
opportunities for MetLife as we deliver
our corporate citizenship. Nowhere is
is especially hard.
solutions and best-in-class research to
that more true than MetLife
Continued on Page 2
< Be sure to visit Momentum Online at mww.metlife.com >
1
November 2004
Cont’d from Page 1
Vision Talk with Bob
In recognition of National Alzheimer’s
disease. The Foundation has also
through our Long-term Care business
Disease Awareness Month, I want to
supported the Alzheimer’s Association
and the MetLife Mature Market
share with you some of the things that
for many years, including funding for
Institute. The recent national
MetLife and MetLife Foundation are
videos for use by caregivers and
Long-Term Care IQ Test study [see p. 5]
doing to fight Alzheimer’s and draw
families of persons with Alzheimer’s as
is a good example, as is the annual
attention to key issues associated with
well as education resources for the
MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home
it. Thanks to this support, much is being
Hispanic community. And, this year,
and Home Care Costs and Ten Tips for
done to advance research, increase
MetLife Foundation was the sponsor of
Talking to your Aging Parents, resources
understanding of the disease, help
the Emmy-winning PBS documentary
promoted widely in the media and
caregivers, and promote protection-
and outreach program, The Forgetting:
shared with advocacy organizations.
planning solutions, such as long-term
A Portrait of Alzheimer’s. New
care insurance.
initiatives also are in the works. In this
MetLife and MetLife Foundation, in
issue, you’ll read about one of them —
these and so many ways, play a
Each year, through the MetLife
a nationwide identification program,
transformative role in people’s lives.
Foundation Awards for Medical
Safe Return, that helps return
Through our efforts, people day in and
Research Program, we honor scientists
individuals with Alzheimer’s who
day out are being touched in a positive
who are on the frontlines in the battle
wander and become lost.
way — and that’s a great story to
against Alzheimer’s and who have made
celebrate with each other, and with
significant contributions to the
The company is also doing important
our customers, friends and family not
understanding and treatment of the
work on other age-related issues
just this month, but all year round. ■
Media blitz this holiday season
Five consumer TV ads will rotate during the media blitz. The 30-second spots follow similar themes as the print ads, portraying the issues MetLife helps our clients manage every day in order to build financial freedom. ■ MetLife ads have great visibility this holiday season. As reported in MetLife NewsWeekly earlier, here are highlights of network and cable coverage.
Highlights of Network Coverage NETWORK
PROGRAM
Thanksgiving Day festivities NBC
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
CBS
Detroit Lions v. Indianapolis Colts Regional Thanksgiving Day Parades
K
eep an eye out this holiday season
for a media blitz of MetLife consumer Specials
advertising. During November and December, MetLife will prominently run our “have you met life today® ” cam-
NBC
Tim McGraw Special Seinfeld (DVD Release) Special
paign during the Thanksgiving season, celebrating family
Miracle on 34th Street
and life significance. Through the “have you met life today?”
Tom Brokaw Special
campaign, launched in April 2001, MetLife has used a
It’s a Wonderful Life
combination of hope, humor, humanity — and Snoopy® —
Shrek Broadcast Premiere
to position MetLife as offering a breadth of financial
A Christmas Carol Original Movie
solutions as well as to convey a celebration of life, beginnings and financial freedom. ABC
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey version)
TV spots are appearing on several network programs such as
Charlie Brown Christmas
NFL football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a variety of Prime-time specials and holiday programming.
Primetime airing
The spots are also appearing on Cable, including A&E, CNN, Discovery and FOX Sports. Print ads are appearing in such publications as Business Week, Forbes, Money, Black Enterprise, Smart Money, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and Sports Illustrated.
CBS
CSI Miami NCIS CSI NY Without a Trace Joan of Arcadia
Using themes like “create your own pension plan” and “guaranteed income for life,” the print ads identify specifically with the financial concerns of baby boomers who
60 Minutes Cold Case Christmas Ornaments
may be concerned about outliving their savings and planning for the future. These ads address the issues faced by many
Cable Highlights
of our clients — such as whether they have sufficient life insurance, enough money to fund their retirement or pay for long-term care. *Schedule subject to change
2
DATE
momentum
O
n October 28 MetLife issued third-quarter earnings results. Below are select highlights; to review full earnings visit the Investor Relations page on www.metlife.com Operating Earnings by Line of Business
Total Revenues ($ millions)
Premium & Fees Net Investment Income Other Revenue
Three months ended September 30 Actual 2004 Actual 2003 % Change (2003/2004) $6,474 $5,702 14% 3,108
Total Revenues
2,914
341
Operating Revenues 9,923 Net Investment Gains/(Losses)
3Q Earnings at a glance
7%
335
2%
8,951
11%
($ millions)
Three months ended September 30 Actual 2004 Actual 2003 % Change (2003/2004)
Institutional
$294
$264
11%
Individual
201
171
18%
Auto & Home
34
42
(19%)
International
45
37
22%
Reinsurance
14
18
(22%)
178
(151)
217%
Asset Management
7
4
75%
$10,101
$8,800
15%
Corporate & Other
26
80
(68%)
Total Company
$621
$616
1%
* Includes results of SSRM Holdings Inc.
Here is a sampling of what analysts had to say about MetLife 3Q earnings results Strong Earnings Power Headed into 2005
Solid Results; Aggressive Capital Redeployment Ahead
Overall business results
and continued growth in the asset base for Retirement and Savings.
Generally Another Solid Quarter
compared with the prior year. Top-line revenue growth
Individual Business operating earnings were up 18 percent,
Solid 3Q Results
in all of MetLife’s business segments, strong interest
at $201 million in the third quarter of 2004, compared with
spreads and an improvement in net investment gains all
$171 million in the prior year period. Results in Individual
More of the Same: Another
contributed to this increase.
Business were driven by higher earnings in the annuity
Uneven Quarter
Net income of $695 million, a 21 percent increase,
product line due to overall growth in this product Earned total premiums, fees and other revenues of $6.8
segment, as well as strong interest spreads.
billion, a 13% increase over the prior year period.
Making the Grade; Results Ahead of Expectations
Auto & Home operating earnings were $34 million in the Operating earnings for the third quarter of 2004 were
third quarter of 2004, compared with $42 million in the
$621 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared with
prior year period. Auto & Home results were negatively
$616 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, for the prior
impacted by an increase of $58 million, net of income
year period.
taxes, in catastrophe losses, due primarily to hurricanes in
High Quality Upside Surprise
Strong Results, Valuation Discount Unwarranted
the southeast.
Line of business results International operating earnings were up 22 percent, at Institutional Business operating earnings for the third
$45 million in the third quarter of 2004, compared with
quarter of 2004 were up 11 percent, at $294 million,
$37 million in the prior year period. International’s results
compared with $264 million in the prior year period.
were driven by unusually strong earnings from the
Growth in the segment was due to strong interest spreads
company’s operations in Mexico and solid earnings
Good Clean Quarter
growth in South Korea. ■
ow better to understand the
H
of Life Administration, the eSERVICE
information with other members of
needs, challenges and daily pace
team and IT Application Development
the service organization so that many
of our Individual Business (IB) agencies
staff visited MetLife Financial Services
individuals benefit from the insights
and firms than by actually spending
57J Aequitas Agency in Texas; and
gained by the participants.”
time there?
members of the Field Segmented Service team, Remittance Service Center
The benefits of the SOAR program
That’s the concept behind an innovative
and Life New Business visited NEF 007
extend to the agencies and firms
program in pilot phase in IB Operations
Boston Noland Firm.
as well.
levels of service to the Field. The SOAR
The visits had a structured agenda,
“This program helps open up the
Program, which stands for Sales &
exposing the teams to all facets of
two-way communication” says Dale
Operations Associate Rotation,
agency life. And, by all accounts, they
Brennan, Life Administration, who
provides associates with an opportunity
were a huge success.
visited the Aequitas Agency. While
Sometimes, it takes a field trip
and Services to deliver even higher
we’re getting a clearer sense of agency
to participate in a three-day sales “This was a big eye-opener,” says Janet
life, field offices are learning firsthand
Arnold, Field Service Strategy and
about how partnering with IB
This program is one of the Five-Point
Support, who visited the Boston Noland
Operations and Services can help them
Plan initiatives outlined by IB
firm. “I was impressed by the commit-
be more productive.”
Operations and Services to give its
ment of everyone. The managing
associates the tools, resources and
partner spoke to us for two hours! We
Said Gary Simpson, managing director,
perspective they need to deliver ease
met with just about everybody: the
Aequitas Agency, “It was great to have
of doing business and outstanding
marketing director, office manager, and
the team with us for a few days. They
service to our Field customers.
experienced and newly hired
were informed and very helpful; they
producers to get their perspectives.”
answered a lot of questions and even
office visit.
Sheri Lassiter, Jennifer Watkins, and Dale Brennan visiting with Aequitas Agency’s Tom Van Fossen and Gary Simpson.
helped resolve some issues while they
The objectives are simple — gain a clearer understanding of what it’s
“We all benefit when we operate
were here; others they took back with
like to work in the Field; understand
together for success,” says VP Tricia
them to address. Their visit was a major
areas for improved support; and
McCreary, a member of the team who
step toward increased communication
build partnerships.
managed the pilot. “The best way to
and awareness so we can work
support our Field partners is to learn
together on the vital issues. The first
Two teams, made up of three associates
about their operations close-up by first-
step is a common understanding.”
each, participated in the pilot. Members
hand observation and share this
Continued on Page 8
“It was energizing to see what we do every day put into action in the Field. Producers told us what was working and what got in their way. We were able to deal with real issues on the spot. The agencies have an expanded support network now. Real people behind the names to help them be more successful.” Julie Kellerman Life New Business Operations 3
November 2004
Have you been to the Brand Center?
M
etLife’s new online Brand
the principles of brand management
and intuitive design,” says Dorothy
Center is now available for all
into action.
Kelly, vice president, Corporate eBusiness. “Ongoing partnership with
associates through the Internet at
Site offers something for everyone in “living” the brand
brandcenter.metlife.com. This resource
“The Brand Center is housed on the
the Brand Steering Committee and
has been developed to give associates
Internet so it can be utilized by our
business users was key to developing
the tools they need to continue to
international affiliates, as well as
this site. Building on the technical
protect and enhance the MetLife brand
external partners and vendors,” says
solution from our eBusiness IT partner
on an ongoing basis.
Jeffrey Damon of Corporate Creative
to customize the Brand Center
Services, who played a key role in
navigation, we leveraged the Vignette
Developed in partnership between
developing the site. “At the same time,
web content management that supports
Corporate Communications and
it provides a wealth of information
MetLife.com. This resulted in an
Corporate eBusiness, with input from
associates can use on a daily basis — for
enhanced ROI and enables real-time
representatives from across the
example, guidelines on key phrases to
content changes for the Brand Center.”
company, the Brand Center is your
use in talking or writing about the
Corporate eBusiness will continue to
one-stop shop for learning about the
company or visual identity guidelines
support the brand project, partnering
history, strategy and principles that lay
for newsletters and presentations.
with Corporate Communications to
at the core of the MetLife brand. The
“Using the same principles for the
create a detailed enterprise Web style
site also provides easy access to a host
Brand Center as we’ve applied for other
guide, as well as through ongoing
of resources, including logos, guidelines
Web sites such as MetLife.com, the
enhancements to the Brand Center.
and templates, that can help you put
Brand Center features easy navigation
In the first of a multi-part series, last month Momentum introduced to you MetLife’s new global brand management program. Promoting consistency in how MetLife communicates, this program provides all associates with the structure and guidelines to manage the brand as one of the company’s most important assets. This month’s installment in the series focuses on the program’s primary “toolbox” — the online Brand Center.
Here’s a guide to the features of the Brand Center.
The Gallery is a special pictorial of how advertising supported the growth of the MetLife brand in the
Under Brand Essentials you’ll find a wealth of practical
20th century. Through “themes throughout the years,”
information about some of the new usage rules for the
and the “brand story timeline,” you’ll see how we’ve
MetLife logo, marks you should and shouldn’t use for
communicated MetLife's core attributes to our
affiliates and subsidiaries, as well as access to various
customers over the years to create the strong identity
approved MetLife logos you can use for marketing
we enjoy today.
purposes or to share with vendors. Answers to your most frequently asked questions can be Go to the Learn section and print your own personal copy
found on the Brand Forum section of the Web site.
of MetLife’s brand story. This narrative includes the history of our brand, the elements of our brand strategy, and
A Presentation Primer is also available on the Brand
how we can manage the brand most effectively to
Center to help you not only manage the brand, but create
leverage the strong MetLife brand identity.
effective and compelling presentations for clients, colleagues and other business partners.
In the Create section of the Web site, you’ll find guidelines on using Snoopy® and the rest of the PEANUTS®
As the brand management program grows, the online
gang. You’ll also find guidelines on color, typography and
Brand Center will grow with it. Planned additions include
other elements of the brand management program,
more detailed guidelines — for Web sites, for example,
including information on writing in “the Voice of
as well as more templates and guidelines to help bring
MetLife.” The section also contains an overview of
consistency to the way we communicate our brand and its
brand-related legal concepts, such as trademarks and
messages, both inside and outside of MetLife. ■
registration and the naming of products and services.
4
momentum
F
ar too many Americans still lack some of the information they need to help them make decisions about long-term care planning. This is why MetLife’s Mature Market Institute, in cooperation with Long-Term Care, Marketing, Public
Relations and GAIRD, commissioned a national Long-Term Care IQ Test study, designed to assess Americans’ understanding of long-term care and long-term care insurance.
Long-Term Care: How much do you know?
Results from the IQ Test, a poll of almost 1,500 people, revealed that most Americans lack some basic knowledge of long-term care. In fact, only about one in three people passed the IQ test, with only two percent of individuals receiving a grade of “B” or better. “We find that many Americans have misconceptions about long-term care,” said Sandy Timmermann, director, MetLife Mature Market Institute. “Some associate it only with nursing homes, not realizing that most care is provided at home. Others mistakenly believe that long-term care services are paid for through a government entitlement program like Medicare. The results of the IQ Test show that baby boomers need more education about long-term care so they can better plan for their future.”
Here are some key findings:
Can you do better? Below are questions
help with ordinary activities of
C Pays for visits to the doctor
from the Long-Term Care IQ Test. See
daily living?
D Pays for a hospital stay
for yourself . . . then do something
A 20 percent
about it. See www.metlife.com for
B 40 percent
more information, studies and resources
C 50 percent
retirement age, all U.S. citizens are
about long-term care and aging.
D 80 percent
entitled to receive basic coverage
Three out of 4 underestimated
from the government for:
how many people over age 85
4. The cost of receiving long-term care
A Dental care
need assistance with activities
when a person needs:
can vary a lot, depending on where
B Health care
of daily living.
A Medical treatment in a hospital
in the country you live. What is the
C Long-term care
B Medical treatment at home
current national average annual
D Both B and C
C Chemotherapy
cost of receiving long-term care in a
D Ongoing assistance with
private room in a nursing home?
1. Long-term care refers to a situation
Fewer than 4 in 10 understood 6. When they reach traditional
their likely longevity rate.
Only 1 in 5 correctly identified that most long-term care
7. Where do most people receive
takes place in the home.
day-to-day activities such as
A $40,000 – $49,999
long-term care services?
bathing, dressing or eating.
B $50,000 – $59,999
A In their own home
Nearly half underestimated
C $60,000 – $69,999
B Assisted living facility
the cost of care in a
D $70,000 – $79,999
C Nursing home
nursing home.
2. How many households are providing care to an adult family member or other loved one?
D Hospital 5. Which of the statements below is
A One out of 2
true of long-term care insurance?
B One out of 5
A Replaces lost income when
Four in 10 mistakenly believe 8. What are the chances that an
that they are entitled to
individual who reaches age 65
basic coverage for LTC from the government.
C One out of 10
someone is out of work because
will live at least 18 more years?
D One out of 15
of a disability
A 25 percent
B Covers the cost of someone who
B 35 percent
More than 6 out of 10 did
needs supervision because of
C 50 percent
not correctly estimate the
Alzheimer’s disease
D 75 percent
cost of waiting to buy LTC
3. What percentage of Americans aged 85 years, or older, need some
Answers: D, B, C, C, B, B, A, C
How’s the media doing on LTC coverage?
insurance until an older age.
Here’s a sampling of what the Media Reality Check revealed:
The LTC IQ Test was conducted alongside an analysis of
Six in every seven articles on long-term
long-term care coverage in the media since most Americans
care insurance have gaps that need to
learn about financial planning and insurance needs in this
be filled. These gaps could be
way. Concern has arisen within the insurance industry that
misstatements, or the omission of a
much of the reporting on long-term care and long-term care
basic piece of information on long-term
insurance has been inadequate in providing the depth and
care insurance.
accuracy of information that’s needed to make informed choices when considering this purchase.
Qualifications for long-term care and costs are the most common categories where misstatements about long-term care insurance occurred.
While definitions of long-term care and long-term care insurance are the categories with the most omissions, the most common individual omissions were that long-term care insurance helps protect financial assets and that long-term care insurance can help pay for long-term care services.
You can review the full findings of the Media Reality Check and The Long-Term Care IQ Test by visiting the MetLife Mature Market Institute page on www.metlife.com. ■
5
November 2004
Celebrating Colleagues
W
hen she donated her bone marrow
had something very unique to give — is
in November 2002 to a woman with
what led me to donate then, and now.”
Want to register or learn more?
she would be identified again as another
The need for marrow donors is great, even
Help save a life; consider
match. But in April, she learned that she
more so in certain minority populations,
joining the National
was — this time, for a seven-year-old boy,
according to Deanna Sainten, who
Marrow Donor Program's
also with leukemia.
manages the Corporate Blood and Marrow
national Registry of
Program. Every year, 30,000 children and
unrelated marrow and
The systems analyst from MetLife’s Convent
adults are diagnosed with leukemia or
blood stem cell donors.
Station, NJ, office says there was no
other forms of cancer for which a marrow
Registration is easy
question she would donate again.
or blood stem cell transplant could be the
and can be done at a
cure. About 30 percent will find a
MetLife-sponsored blood
Chrissy first became involved in the
matching donor within their family; the
drive or at a local Red
National Marrow Donor Program through
remaining 70 percent will need to search
Cross office. For more
a recruitment program here at MetLife.
for an unrelated donor.
information about
leukemia, Chrissy Krauss never dreamed
The Corporate Blood and Marrow Program is strongly supported by our company’s leadership. Featured with Chrissy Krauss is EVP Lee Launer and Chairman and CEO Bob Benmosche.
”I had never really thought about marrow
“Chrissy is such an outstanding
donation until MetLife set up a booth in
Deanna Sainten of
our office to talk about this.“
what our MetLife recruitment program can
Human Resources at
accomplish, bringing together real heroes
(212) 578-3786 or
Since 1998, our company has worked
with people in desperate need,” says Lee
visit www.themarrow-
actively to recruit employees, such as
Launer, executive vice president and Blood
foundation.org.
Chrissy, as potential marrow donors by
Program executive sponsor.
example of what our MetLife recruitment program can accomplish, bringing
marrow donation, contact “Chrissy is such an outstanding example of
having them join the National Registry.
together real heroes with people
Today, about 4,000 associates have done so.
truth be told,” admits Chrissy. “But there is
in desperate need.” Lee Launer Executive Vice President Blood Program Executive Sponsor
“I was afraid to join the Registry at first
MetLife Foundation provided funding to
so much good that can be done, and you
the Marrow Foundation to begin the
really get the support, information and
program. MetLife also has supported
medical care you need to make the
the registry effort beyond MetLife by
decision that’s right for you. It’s a
developing an educational corporate
personal choice, but for my part, I could
donor video for the Bone Marrow
only say yes.” ■
Foundation to use on a national basis.
“How can you balance a couple of days of discomfort with what this boy is going through,” says Chrissy, speaking about the recipient of her second donation. “The idea that I could help save a life — that I
Alzheimer’s Memory Walk calls associates and their families to action
S
ix-year old Asia Chandler joined her Mom, Lakisha
Halback, a financial analyst in Retirement & Savings, and many other associates and their families, in the Memory Walk held this October in New York. The event raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and builds support for services to affected individuals, their families and caregivers. MetLife team members included family and friends. The walk raises funds for education, programs and services.
Asia took the time to write us about her experiences walking for AD awareness, and we couldn’t help but share her terrific letter. Thank you, Asia, and all who gave up part of their weekend to support the fight against AD. ■
6
momentum
A
s many as 60 percent of the 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will wander at some time, often leaving home and unable to find their way back.
To address the wandering problem, MetLife Foundation is working with the Alzheimer’s Association on a new outreach
New program to safeguard people with Alzheimer’s
initiative to enhance the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return Program — a nationwide identification program that helps return individuals with AD who wander and become lost. Funded by the Department of Justice, Safe Return is the only nationwide identification, support and registration program working at the community level. The program provides assistance whether a person becomes lost locally or far from home.
Safe Return is implemented through a nationwide network of Association chapters, coordination with law enforcement, and a national call center organized around identification products, including a bracelet or necklace, iron-on clothing labels, key chain, identification card, etc. Contact information, used to help reunite lost memory-impaired adults with their caregivers, is contained in a national, computerized database.
Thanks to MetLife Foundation funding, the Alzheimer’s Association will award grants to chapters across the country to draw attention to and increase utilization of this program. This includes promoting the Safe Return Program in communities through the use of local media, including print and/or radio, educational conferences, and town hall meetings as well as other innovative ways to build awareness. ■
n September 20 and 21, the Office of Diversity held its
O
case, Jim Gemus, senior vice president of Business Strategy
second Diversity Summit. The theme for the Summit,
and Planning, discussed how diversity is tied to the company’s
which was kicked off by Bob Benmosche, was “Diversity:
vision of growth and innovation.
The Way We Do Business,” and focused on the many ways diversity is embedded in MetLife’s business practices, and
“This Summit was a great forum for sharing successes,
workplace. Attendees at the Summit included members of
opportunities and challenges related to diversity,” said
MetLife’s enterprise diversity council, representatives from
Denise Singleton, head of MetLife’s Diversity Office.
line of business diversity committees, representatives of local
“Bringing together people from all backgrounds and
diversity councils and representatives from MetLife’s affinity
businesses is a valuable — and extremely energizing —
groups (Multicultural Resources Network [MRN], Professional
way to accelerate our progress.” ■
diversity at MetLife Office of Diversity holds second Diversity Summit
Women at MetLife [PWAM] and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered [GLBT] Group).
During the two-day summit, attendees discussed the progress we have made as a company in the area of diversity, one example of which was the rollout of a new diversity operating guidelines toolkit. The toolkit will be used to assist the various councils, committees and groups involved in diversity efforts throughout the company to better align themselves with the overall MetLife diversity strategy. Also showcased at the meeting was a brand new CD, which highlights our commitment and successes in the area of diversity. Demonstrating that diversity is indeed a business
or almost 80 years, MetLife has
F
products designed to positively affect
“We have always been very pleased
provided General Motors with
the bottom lines of our members,”
with our partnership with MetLife,”
valuable employee benefits for its
says GMMDA President and GM dealer
adds GMMDA Executive Director
corporate employees around the world.
Gregory Jackson. “We also look for
Marjorie Staten. “MetLife’s history
What you may not know is that MetLife
companies who share our commitment
of providing quality products and
also has been working with GM
to diversity. We are happy to say that
services to GM dealerships instilled in
dealerships for over 40 years.
we have found both in MetLife.”
us a sense of confidence from the
MetLife named GMMDA “Preferred Vendor” for October
very beginning.” This relationship, which involves
According to Liz, MetLife’s sponsorship
marketing employee benefits to over
of the GMMDA goes beyond financial
Throughout October, MetLife’s products
7,000 dealerships nationwide, is
support and attendance at their annual
and services were marketed to GMMDA
managed through Strategic
conferences. With over 400 dealerships
members. It was perfect timing because
Partnerships, a group within MetLife’s
within the GM minority dealer
October was GM Awareness Month
Institutional Business. So when GM
network, MetLife provides educational
at MetLife, an effort to focus our sales
minority dealers formed the Minority
workshops at the GMMDA-sponsored
associates on all GM Dealership
Dealers Association (GMMDA), it creat-
events on topics like “The Need for Life
prospecting opportunities.
ed a natural partnership opportunity
Insurance,” and we recently introduced
for us, according to Liz Brisson, account
MetLife Advice to its members.
For more information, contact Liz Brisson or view GMMDA’s Web site:
manager, Strategic Partnerships. For all of these efforts, MetLife was “The GMMDA is always looking to
named GMMDA’s Preferred Vendor
partner with companies who offer
in October.
www.GMMDA.org. ■
7
November 2004
roundup
O
n September 30 associates from MetLife in Boston participated in the United Way’s Community Care Day. Community Care Day is one of many events that take place as part of the annual United Way Campaign.
MetLife associates in Boston help with Project Hope
The team spent the day at Project Hope, a community-based, multi-service center agency that shelters families and operates programs that help move the families from crisis mode to economic stability. MetLife volunteers did some light cleaning, painted, and gardened, and even participated in career exploration activities with women in Project Hope’s Women’s Adult Learner Program.
Both New England Financial and MetLife have supported and participated in this event for many years and it is a great way to give back to the community, according to Community Care Day coordinator Roxane Romulus. In fact, in connection with their volunteerism, MetLife Foundation made a $1,500 grant to the organization. ■
14th Annual Make A Difference Day with Soaringwords
ore than 75 associates in Long Island City and Scranton
M
MetLife has been working with Soaringwords for several
partnered with Soaringwords, a national nonprofit
years, and through its volunteer program, enables associates
organization inspiring ill children and their families to
to make a difference. This latest project with Soaringwords
“never give up!”
was the first time two MetLife sites took part in the same activity simultaneously. This weekend project was also unique
Volunteers decorated SoaringQuilts and SoaringPillows ,
in that it enabled associates’ family and friends to participate
which will be donated and delivered to hospitalized children
in the project. Soaringwords quilts and pillows were
in the New York City and Scranton communities. The premise
completed over a weekend and returned for distribution
behind Soaringwords is that uplifting words and art have
on Monday. ■
®
®
positive and healing impact in the lives of sick children and their families.
Independent Distribution Group celebrates hard work; successes
S
t. Louis-based Life Independent Distribution Group associates and their service partners gathered October 7 for a picnic at MetLife’s Tesson Ferry Road location. Mike Farrell, senior vice president (l.), who oversees MetLife’s Independent
Distribution businesses, and members of his senior management team, thanked the more then 375 associates who attended for their hard work. Special guest Michael Weisman, GenAmerica Advisory Council chairman, also attended. Associates had the opportunity to view the MetLife Traveling Exhibit, brought to St. Louis by MetLife Company Archivist Dan May; meet Snoopy; and hear Houseband, a local jazz band headed up by one of MetLife’s associates, Ed Hamilton. ■
Cont’d from Page 3
Sometimes, it takes a field trip
Given the great success of this pilot,
Services Senior Vice President Peggy
and partnering put us in an excellent
more agency visits are being planned
Fechtmann. “This is really such a win
position to deliver on our commitment
for 2005, according to IB Operations &
all around,” she says. “Their feedback
to world class service.” ■
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Editor: Caroline Campanelli Contributing Writers: Toby Axelrod, Gillian Rosheuvel 0411-6506 (1104) Printed in USA PEANUTS © United Feature Syndicate, Inc., www.snoopy.com
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