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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Members in the N ws e
Arlington Heights, IL (11/21) - JM Wilson is pleased to announce the promotion of Phyllis Aranda to Executive Transportation Underwriter in their Arlington Heights, Ill., office. Aranda is responsible for underwriting a wide variety of new and renewal transportation risks as well as strengthening relationships with independent insurance agents and company underwriters in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. With an increased level of product knowledge, Aranda is a leader and resource to other underwriters in her department.
Aranda has been with JM Wilson since 2008 and has held various positions in our Transportation department. Most recently she held the position of Senior Transportation Underwriter. Prior to joining JM Wilson, she served in various Rater and Underwriter roles at American Country Insurance for 19 years.
Founded in 1920, J.M. Wilson is a Managing General Agency and Surplus Lines Broker providing independent insurance agents access to specialty markets. JM Wilson can provide coverage for standard and hard-toplace Commercial Transportation, Property & Casualty, Brokerage, Marine, Personal Lines, and Surety.
For more information about JM Wilson, call (800) 666-5692 or visit www.jmwilson.com.
Sheboygan, WI (11/15/21) - Acuity earned four industry leadership awards from ACORD, which were presented at ACORD Connect 2021. ACORD is a nonprofit organization recognized as the global standard-setting body for the insurance and related financial services industries.
Sheri Murphy, Vice President - Services and Administration, was honored with the 2021 Women’s Insurance Advancement Award. When Sheri was named to her current role in January 1999, she became the first female Vice President since Acuity’s founding in 1925. This not only marked a personal and organizational milestone, but also the beginning of elevating the voice of the predominantly female, non-exempt staff of the Services Department. In her role, Sheri has continued to support growth and advancement for women both within Acuity and within the insurance industry.
David Williams, Manager - Information Systems, earned an ACORD Leadership Award. David was recognized for his leadership in effective use of ACORD standards in a collaborative Cyber Liability initiative between Acuity and HSB, Acuity’s strategic partner in cyber insurance.
Acuity also received two ACORD Case Study Awards for: • Improving independent agency workflow by collaborating with agencies and software solution providers, allowing agencies to transact business within their software solutions of choice. • Partnering with independent agencies and solution providers to capitalize on developments and disruptions in the digital distribution channel.
“We congratulate and thank both Sheri and David for their contributions to Acuity and to the insurance industry. Acuity is also honored to be recognized for our continued leadership in leveraging ACORD standards to support the way agents want to do business and help them capitalize on new opportunity,” said Ben Salzmann, Acuity President and CEO.
Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, insures over 125,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 29 states. Rated A+ by A.M. Best and S&P, Acuity employs over 1,500 people.
CHURCH MUTUAL MOVES UP THE RANKS OF MOST SUCCESSFUL PRIVATE COMPANY ON DELOITTE’S 2021 WISCONSIN 75
Merrill, WI (11/15/21) - Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer) 1 announced today that it ranked No. 27 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75™, a ranking of the 75 largest private companies in Wisconsin, based on sales revenue.
“I am so proud to lead all of the wonderful people in this organization,” said Rich Poirier, president and CEO. “Without the support and hard work of our employees, we would not be honored in this way. Our employees are powered by purpose on a daily basis to help our customers avoid risks so they can continue doing their important work without disruption.”
companies in Wisconsin —the Wisconsin 75. This year we will not only celebrate the individual successes of each of these organizations, but also the collective impact of private companies in powering Wisconsin’s economy and community,” said PJ DiStefano, Wisconsin managing partner of Deloitte LLP.
Church Mutual previously ranked 29 on the Wisconsin 75 list and has been featured on the list seven times. Additionally, Church Mutual achieved a distinguished performer award in the innovation category in the 2019 Wisconsin 75™ awards.
ABOUT DELOITTE’S 2021 WISCONSIN 75
Deloitte’s annual Wisconsin 75 list salutes the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies. These companies play a key role in the state’s economy. Wisconsin 75 award winners are selected based on annual sales revenue.
To be eligible for Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 recognition, companies must have a majority ownership by an individual(s), family, employee stock ownership plan, or private equity firm. Public companies are eligible when greater than 50 percent of the value or vote of the shares are owned by individuals, family, an employee stock ownership plan, or private equity. Additionally, companies must have annual sales revenue of at least USD 50,000. The Wisconsin 75 excludes cooperatives and accounting, tax, legal, and consulting service companies.
ABOUT CHURCH MUTUAL
Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, senior living facilities, secular and non-secular camps and conference centers, and nonprofit and human services organizations throughout the United States. Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial property and liability insurance, including multi-peril, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance. In addition to insurance, Church Mutual provides a spectrum of value-added solutions that benefit its customers. Church Mutual holds the following honors: • A.M. Best Company “A” (excellent) rating • Wisconsin 75 Top Private Company by Deloitte US, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 • Wisconsin 75 Distinguished Performer: Innovation by Deloitte US 2019 • 2021 Gallup Culture Transformation Award recipient • 2020 Women and Diversity Award recipient from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association • Futuremakers Partner by Wisconsin Technical College System • Celent Model Insurer for innovation and emerging technologies • Award in Innovation for entrepreneurialism and innovation by National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies • 2018-2019 Employer of the Year by Northcentral Technical College
H.W. KAUFMAN GROUP NAMES DANIEL J. KAUFMAN PRESIDENT OF BURNS & WILCOX
Detroit/Farmington Hills, MI (12/2/21) - H.W. Kaufman Group, a global network of companies, and its largest subsidiary Burns & Wilcox, North America’s leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager, today announced the promotion of Daniel J. Kaufman to President, Burns & Wilcox, effective January 1, 2022. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Burns & Wilcox.
In his new role, Mr. Kaufman will have leadership responsibility for Burns & Wilcox and its growth in the United States. Additionally, he will continue to serve as Executive Vice President, H.W. Kaufman Group, overseeing the company’s IT, Marketing and Compliance departments.
Mr. Kaufman is only the third president in the history of Burns & Wilcox. He is proceeded by his father, H.W. Kaufman Group Chairman, President and CEO Alan Jay Kaufman and his late grandfather, Herbert W. Kaufman, who founded the company more than 50 years ago.
“It is an honor to carry on my grandfather’s and father’s legacy, while continuing to extend our industry-leading position,” said Mr. Kaufman. “Our multi-generational, privately-held family ownership drives the company’s competitive advantage. Burns & Wilcox is built for the future, embracing a growth-mindset that will continue to make us a destination for the industry’s top talent.”
Since his elevation to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, Mr. Kaufman has championed the company’s evolution. He prioritized the launch of its expert-driven Practice Groups, developed best-in-class operational processes and has led significant transformational technology initiatives.
“It gives me great pride to see Danny expanding the scope of his role as a third-generation leader,” said Alan Jay Kaufman, President, Chairman and CEO, H.W. Kaufman Group. “His positive impact has been felt across our company, resulting in a consistently strong financial performance. I am confident Danny will drive even greater success for Burns & Wilcox during the next 50 years and beyond.”
ABOUT H.W. KAUFMAN GROUP AND BURNS & WILCOX
Burns & Wilcox is the insurance industry’s leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager internationally recognized for its expertise in commercial and professional liability, property, environmental, marine and personal insurance.
H.W. Kaufman Group employs more than 2,000 professionals. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Metro Detroit, Michigan, H.W. Kaufman Group also includes: Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, Burns & Wilcox Canada, Atain Insurance Companies, Afirm, Global Excess Partners, RB Jones, Stonemark, Minuteman Adjusters, Kaufman Institute, and Noremac Marketing Group. H.W. Kaufman Group International includes: H.W. Kaufman Group Europe, Chesterfield Group, Lochain Patrick, Burns & Wilcox United Kingdom, Node International and Cranbrook Underwriting. More information can be found at www.burnsandwilcox. com or www.hwkaufman.com.
ROBERTSON RYAN’S CHRISTINE ROGERS RECOGNIZED LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY
Milwaukee, WI (12/2/21) - Since joining Robertson Ryan & Associates as an underwriter in 1995, Christine Rogers has risen through the ranks to now be a senior member of the executive team. Rogers has navigated the challenges of being in a male-dominated industry and created paths and leadership opportunities for women and minorities, according to colleague Allan Degner, Vice President of Marketing at RRA. “Her critical thinking, insurance knowledge and strategic leadership style ensures success in managing with class, charisma, competence and care,” Degner said. In 1997, Christine was promoted to Personal Lines Manager and held that position until 2018, when she was promoted to Vice President of Benefits and Personal Insurance. Throughout her two-decade tenure, she has grown the personal lines department premium from $10 million in 2000 to over $70 million in 2021. In 2019, she was promoted again to her current role of Senior Vice President of Customer Service, where she has built four departments with 200 service team members managing over 40,000 accounts. “She works tirelessly through evenings, weekends and vacations to go beyond her duties,” Degner said. “There is not anyone else who would do what Christine does; she is invaluable to our success.”
BizTimes Milwaukee presented its inaugural showcase of Notable Women in Insurance, spotlighting accomplished female professionals throughout the insurance industry in southeastern Wisconsin. There were a total of only 15 women recognized for this award and we are proud to share Christine Rogers was recognized as a Notable Woman in Insurance.
Additionally in December, Insurance Business America recognized Christine Rogers as a Hot 100. Their committee zoned in on innovators at the forefront of change and leaders who are transforming the industry. Christine stood out among tens-of-thousands of insurance professionals on a national level.
The entire team at Robertson Ryan applauds Christine for her success and accomplishments.
ENCOVA INSURANCE RECEIVES IVANS DIGITAL INSURER AWARDS IN COMMERCIAL LINES AND PERSONAL LINES
Columbus, OH (12/6/21) - Encova Insurance is a recipient of the IVANS Gold Digital Insurer award in commercial lines and the IVANS Silver Digital Insurer award in personal lines. Encova received the recognition for its ability to provide connectivity and automate information exchange with agency partners across the policy lifecycle – from marketing and quoting to servicing and renewals.
“Through our partnership with IVANS, we’ve been able to improve the experience for our appointed agents and deliver on our mission to be the most trusted and responsive provider of industry-leading solutions,” Encova Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer John Kessler said. “Recognition like this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams. We are humbled to have received the award in commercial lines for three years running, and we are thrilled to now add this honor in personal lines.”
Commercial lines
Encova scored the highest and was ranked No. 1 out of the approximately 400 carriers doing commercial lines business with IVANS. Earning gold status indicates Encova is in the top percentile of digital technology adoption when compared to its peers.
Since launching its innovative commercial lines solution,Encova has written over $1 billion in commercial lines premium on its platform. The solution is now available to independent agents in 19 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Personal lines
Encova recently launched a transformation of its personal lines offerings, helping to earn the organization silver status. The transformation has included moving agents in eight states onto an industry-leading digital platform and will soon include putting Encova’s entire book of business on the modern, state-of-the-art system.
IVANS Digital Insurer awards recognize insurers’ commitment to supporting independent agents’ need for digital connectivity. Encova has integrated dozens of state-of-the-art products to create a cutting-edge digital experience for agents, policyholders and associates. The personal lines transformation continues with Encova launching its new smart technology solutions to even more states in 2022.
ABOUT ENCOVA INSURANCE
A super-regional carrier ranked in the top 20 mutual insurance companies in the United States, Encova includes nearly 1,200 associates writing in 28 states and the District of Columbia, premiums in excess of $1 billion, a surplus in excess of $1.77 billion and assets in excess of $4.3 billion.
The group markets insurance solutions through more than 2,000 independent agencies in the Midwest, Northeast and South.
ABOUT IVANS
IVANS, a division of Applied Systems, is the insurance industry’s exchange connecting insurers, MGAs, agencies, and the insured. IVANS cloud-based software automates the distribution and servicing of insurance products. For more than 35 years, IVANS innovation and expertise has connected 33,000 independent insurance agencies and 430 MGA and insurer partners to enable millions of people to safeguard and protect what matters most in people’s lives.
SECURA INSURANCE DONATES $37,500 TO NONPROFITS IN HONOR OF ITS AGENCY PARTNERS
Neenah, WI (12/7/21) - SECURA Insurance will donate $37,500 to 26 nonprofit organizations through a #GivingTuesday contest designed to help independent insurance agencies support organizations in their communities.
Agents nominated local nonprofits through the #SECURAGivesBack campaign. Twenty-six participating agencies were selected at random to receive a $1,250 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. SECURA also donated an additional $5,000 to one agency’s nominated nonprofit in honor of the campaign’s fifth anniversary.
“We are happy to be able to give back to more nonprofits this year with the fifth anniversary of the #SECURAGivesBack campaign,” said Kevin Klestinski, Vice President - Specialty Lines Underwriting, “SECURA not only supports nonprofits, we also provide insurance coverage designed for the risks they face. #SECURAGivesBack is our way of saying thank you to our agents for the work they do to protect nonprofits. We are honored to give back to the organizations that make our communities a great place to live, work, and play.”
The winning agencies and the nonprofits that will benefit include:
Arizona
• Kreisman Insurance Group benefiting Paws 4 a Cause Arizona • Crest Insurance Group, LLC benefiting Scottsdale Historical Society
Colorado
• Kastl Insurance powered by The Ahbe Group benefiting Realities for Children • Strategic Insurance Agency/One80 Intermediaries benefiting Homeward Pikes Peak
Illinois
• Industrial Insurance Associates, an Acrisure LLC Partner benefiting St. Coletta’s of Illinois • Murfee & Weishaar Insurance benefiting Community Support Systems
Iowa
• The Accel Group benefiting Northeast Iowa Food Bank • Town and Country Insurance benefiting Upper Des Moines
Indiana
• WalkerHughes Insurance benefiting Fueled for School • C.A.R. Insurance DBA Rosemeyer Agency benefiting Little Miracles Learning Campus
Kansas
• The Reilly Company, LLC benefiting Welcome House • Kansas Insurance, Inc. benefiting Topeka Rescue Mission
Kentucky
• Worth Insurance/Riddle Insurance benefiting Kentucky Humane Society • Hyland Insurance/AHA Insurance Network benefiting Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville (winner of additional $5,000 donation)
Michigan
• Ieuter Insurance Group benefiting Fish Tales • Custom Insurance Agency benefiting Love for a Child
Minnesota
• Maguire Agency benefiting Help At Your Door • Christensen Group benefiting Michael K. Wensel Foundation
Missouri
• Connell Insurance benefiting Elevate Branson • Arnold Insurance benefiting Safe House of Southeast Missouri
North Dakota
• Dawson Insurance, a Marsh McLennan Agency benefiting Down Home • Vaaler Insurance, a Marsh McLennan Agency benefiting Circle Friends Humane Society
Pennsylvania
• Charis Insurance Group benefiting Lititz Warwick Community Chest • Mitchell Insurance benefiting Butler County YMCA
Wisconsin
• R.S. Semler & Associates Insurance, Inc. benefiting Support the Troops • Vine Vest North, Inc. benefiting Partnership for Progressive Agriculture
For additional information about the company’s charitable giving and community support, visit secura.net/community. SECURA’s Specialty Lines office is located in Middleton, Wis.
ABOUT SECURA INSURANCE
SECURA Insurance, headquartered in Neenah, Wis., is a regional group of property-casualty insurance companies operating in 13 states. Approximately 550 independent insurance agents represent the group, which provides a broad range of competitive commercial, personal, farm, nonprofit, and special events products. SECURA Insurance is known for providing exceptional service to its agents and policyholders since 1900, and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best for its excellent ability to meet policyholder obligations. It is a Ward’s Top 50 company for outstanding results in financial performance and consistency over a fiveyear period, and it is a certified Great Place to Work. Visit www.secura.net to learn more.
