In September, colleagues from Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting (ABRC) and Associated Bank joined Women's Advocates to help clean up landscaping at a women's shelter and package daily supplies for on-the-go moms. Women’s Advocates’ mission is to eliminate violence in the lives of women, children and families. 

On September 19, Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting colleagues held a United Way rally at the Minnetonka, MN office. Participants enjoyed a food truck, games, prizes and live music. 

Urban Homeworks received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting (ABRC).  The grant is part of the Westfield Legacy of Caring program, which invites Westfield independent insurance agents to nominate a local nonprofit in the areas of disaster recovery, insurance pathways, family stability or safety. 

Community involvement is a vital thread in the fabric of our company, even woven into our core Visions and Values. In 2016, an overwhelming number of colleagues demonstrated their commitment to our communities, collectively volunteering more than 62,000 hours across numerous events — helping us reach 124% of our volunteer goal. Recently, we talked with ABRC Business Insurance Consultant Mohammad El-Sawaf, about his work with the Children’s Defense Fund, where he has been a volunteer since 2015.

Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting colleague Carla Scott volunteered with her son this month to ring the bell as part of the Salvation Arm Red Kettle Campaign to give back to her local community. 

Four Associated colleagues recently gave back to the Minneapolis community by helping out in the meal service volunteer program. YouthLink works with homeless youth, ages 16-23, and is located in downtown Minneapolis.

In partnership with Memorial Blood Centers, our blood drive in June was a huge success, generating 135% of goal. We have another blood drive scheduled for October.

Amy Hairston, a business insurance consultant with Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting, presented a $15,000 check to Project for Pride in Living, Inc. from Westfield Insurance Foundation on Thursday, June 23. Hairston had nominated the nonprofit organization Project for Pride in Living for the work they do to provide affordable housing and social services such as education, job training, community involvement, and other services to the families they serve.

Over 100 of our colleagues participated in National Wear Red Day in February, 2016, to create awareness for heart disease and stroke.

Benefits Consultant Bill Heinz is featured in the December issue of La Crosse Magazine for his 15 years of service as Rotary Santa at the Santa House at Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin.