MISSOURI EMPLOYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE JOINS TRUSTED CHOICE® BRAND MOVEMENT
Columbia, Mo.-based insurer is 30th company partner
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 21, 2005—Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance (MEM), based in Columbia, Mo., has joined a growing number of leading carriers that are participating in the Trusted Choice® brand movement—the national consumer brand campaign created to educate consumers about the benefits of using independent insurance agents and brokers.
The brand was launched in 2001 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support.
“Independent agencies are the lifeblood of our business and the best partners we could ask for,” says MEM President and CEO Dennis Smith. “We're pleased to join the Trusted Choice® movement to show our support for and commitment to the independent agency system.”
Today more than 5,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms throughout the country are participating in the branding program as are 30 leading insurance companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Missouri Employers Mutual to Trusted Choice® and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” says Ronald A. Smith, CPCU, Trusted Choice® Board chairman and president of Smith, Sawyer & Smith, Inc., a Rochester, Ind.-based Trusted Choice® agency. “The addition of our 30th company demonstrates the continuing growth of the Trusted Choice® brand and what it stands for.”
“Like all Trusted Choice® companies, Missouri Employers Mutual recognizes the importance of brand excellence to consumers,” says Big “I” CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt. “We are excited the company has joined the Trusted Choice® brand movement. We eagerly look forward to working with them to carry the Trusted Choice® message to their consumers as well as to their agency partners.”
MEM is the largest workers compensation insurer in Missouri. Since opening its doors for business March 1, 1995, the company has been dedicated to providing policyholders with exceptional customer service, quality loss prevention expertise and timely claims management. With nearly 18,000 policyholders, MEM is the No. 1 choice of Missouri employers for workers compensation insurance. The company writes more than 500 different classes of business in all 114 Missouri counties.
Ten national insurers are Trusted Choice® company partners: Encompass Insurance, Markel Insurance Company, MetLife Auto & Home, Ohio Casualty Insurance, Drive Insurance from Progressive, Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Safeco Insurance and three Unitrin, Inc. divisions: Kemper Auto and Home, Unitrin Business Insurance and Unitrin Specialty.
A total of 19 regional or single-state domiciled insurers are Trusted Choice® company partners: Allied Insurance, America First Insurance, Capital Insurance Group, Central Insurance Companies, Colorado Casualty, Consumers Insurance, GoAmerica Auto Insurance, Golden Eagle Insurance, Hawkeye-Security Insurance, Indiana Insurance, Liberty Northwest Insurance Corp., The Main Street America Group, Maine Mutual Group, Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance, Montgomery Insurance, National Security Fire & Casualty, Peerless Insurance, Selective Insurance Group and Summit Insurance (R.I.). InsurBanc, a federal thrift bank created by the Big “I,” is a Trusted Choice® strategic partner.
The Trusted Choice® brand is being promoted nationally through a combination of national, state and agency advertising; company partner ingredient branding; public relations; member agency marketing; and Internet communications.
All media direct consumers to www.TrustedChoice.com where they find the Trusted Choice® Agency Locator and consumer information on relevant insurance topics.
Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 5,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and their branch locations. These businesses offer individual and business consumers a choice of insurance companies and policies, customization of policy coverage, and consumer advocacy support. Web address: www.TrustedChoice.com.
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