Vermont Mutual Named a Top 50 Insurance Company for Eleventh Year in a Row

Ward Group, an Aon Hewitt company, has again recognized Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® as one of the top 50 property and casualty insurers in the United States. This is the eleventh consecutive year Ward Group has affirmed Vermont Mutual’s place as a “Ward’s 50®” insurer. Every year, Ward Group conducts a comprehensive financial analysis of approximately 3,000 U.S. property and casualty insurers. The “Ward’s 50” identifies the top 50 P&C carriers in the U.S. for their consistency, safety and superior financial performance.

Dan Bridge, Chairman, President & CEO of Vermont Mutual, stated “We are in an industry that continues to evolve and increase in complexity. To excel at the level that places us in the top 2% of insurance companies nationally, and to do so for more than a decade, is an accomplishment we’re very proud of and one that aligns well with what our agency partners and policyholders should expect from an insurance carrier. But we’re not ready to rest on our accomplishments. We remain committed to investing in our business and leveraging opportunities that will allow us to continue to produce best in class results for years to come.”

Vermont Mutual Executive Vice President and COO, Mark McDonnell, added “This recognition by Ward Group could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of the entire Vermont Mutual team and the expert service and support provided by our Independent Agency Partners. It’s thanks to them that we continue to produce the exceptional results that garner recognition like this from Ward Group.”

Every company recognized by Ward Group as a Top 50 Insurer has demonstrated superior performance based on a comprehensive examination of the past five years of operation and passed all safety and consistency screens. This is the 29th year Ward Group has conducted the analysis. As a recipient of the Ward’s 50 designation for eleven consecutive years, Vermont Mutual has again affirmed its position as a leading provider of automobile, homeowner and business insurance in the Northeast, and ranks their performance in the top tier of all companies nationwide since 2009.

Vermont Mutual Designated A+ Superior by A.M. Best Company

MONTPELIER, Vermont (January 16, 2019)—A.M. Best Company, the global rating agency for the insurance industry, has once again affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) for Vermont Mutual Insurance Group.

A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. A.M. Best noted that Vermont Mutual’s Enterprise Risk Management capabilities are appropriate for their size, their Business Profile is favorable and Operating Performance is strong. Vermont Mutual’s Balance Sheet and Capitalization were noted to be very strong. Given these results, which have consistently outperformed the industry composite, Vermont Mutual’s outlook is categorized as stable.

Vermont Mutual’s President and CEO, Dan Bridge, stated “The A+ (Superior) rating represents a comprehensive evaluation of our company and reflects Vermont Mutual’s favorable underwriting and operating results. This year’s evaluation was particularly rewarding as A.M. Best’s rating methodology had recently changed, requiring additional analysis and presentation to most effectively communicate our strategy, results and financial strength.” Bridge continued “The recognition is further testament to the positive collaboration we enjoy with our Independent Agency Partners.”

Executive Vice President & COO, Mark McDonnell added “We could not be more thankful to our employees and the Independent Agents who represent us for their contributions in making Vermont Mutual a financially stable company worthy of this A+ rating.”

Vermont Mutual Again Named a Best Place to Work in Vermont for 2019

Vermont Mutual Insurance Group®, has again been named one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for 2019. This is the fourth year in a row that the 191 year old company has participated in the comprehensive evaluation that was created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Best Companies Group.

“To be recognized as a ‘Best Places to Work in Vermont’ is as much a tribute to our employees as it is to Vermont Mutual as a company.” stated Dan Bridge, Vermont Mutual’s President and CEO. Bridge added “Our recognition as a Top 50 Insurer in the U.S. and our Financial Strength Rating of A+ speaks to the competence in which we execute in the insurance space; but it is the ‘Best Places to Work’ recognition that speaks to Vermont Mutual as a company where employees are appreciated and allowed to excel.”

“Creating a healthy work/life balance, including opportunities for professional growth as well as a comprehensive compensation and benefits package is essential for a company to provide a positive work space, but it is our employees that make all the difference.” Said Susan Chicoine, Vice President of Human Resources. Chicoine continued “It is they who can truly be proud of the healthy and respectful work environment we enjoy every day.”

Companies from across the state enter a two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Vermont. The first part of the survey consists of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process is worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consists of an employee survey to measure employee satisfaction. This part of the process is worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation.

The final rankings for each category will be announced at a special awards presentation in early spring 2019.

Vermont Mutual Donates $11,800 to the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, VT

BURLINGTON, Vermont (January 16, 2019)—The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, Vermont, received a donation from Vermont Mutual for $11,800 as part of the ‘Cats Win, Community Wins’ initiative between Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and the University of Vermont.

Formed by Vermont Mutual and UVM in 2018, the ‘Cats Win, Community Wins’ program was developed as a way for both institutions to give back to local charitable organizations and support UVM athletics. As part of the multi-year agreement, Vermont Mutual donates $100 for every Catamount win to a local charity. For 2018, Catamount teams enjoyed 118 wins which resulted in the $11,800 donation for The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, VT. This brings the total 2018 donations awarded through Vermont Mutual's Charitable Giving Fund to $352,000 to 115 worthy organizations.

The check was presented at UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium during the January 12, 2019 basketball game between the Vermont Catamounts and the Hartford Hawks. Presenting the check to Tanya Benosky, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club’s, Burlington, VT was Vermont Mutual President and CEO, Dan Bridge and Executive Vice President and COO, Mark McDonnell.

“‘Cats Win, Community Wins’ is an extraordinary program that has provided much fun and opportunity for the kids of the Boys & Girls Club. Both UVM and Vermont Mutual are top notch organizations with generous hearts for the community” said Tanya Benosky, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Burlington. Benosky added “It was also a treat for us to be guests of the Cats at tonight’s game, the kids had a wonderful time.”

Vermont Mutual’s President and CEO, Dan Bridge, noted “Vermont Mutual is very proud to support local community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, VT.” Bridge continued “Their commitment and tireless efforts contribute to our community in innumerable ways and helps to create a positive future for our community’s youth.”

The Vermont Mutual and UVM’s “Cats Win, Community Wins” multi-year program will continue; with the 2019 charitable beneficiary being Make-A-Wish, Vermont.

Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® is a trade name of Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc. and Granite Mutual Insurance Company. Chartered in 1828, Vermont Mutual is one of the ten oldest mutual property/casualty insurers in the United States and provides coverage throughout New England and upstate New York. Through more than 400 independent agencies, the Group insures over 300,000 policyholders with a direct written premium of more than $475,000,000. The group is rated “A+ Superior” by A. M. Best and a Ward’s Top 50 performing property/casualty insurer in the U.S. for the past ten consecutive years.

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