PAGE 49 2023 Retirements In 2023, we celebrated the retirements and tenures of the following colleagues: 3 YEARS Anita Hoare SR. WORKERS COMP CLAIM ADJUSTER 21 YEARS Donna Costello SR. UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT 52 YEARS Susan Snyder ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT II 14 YEARS Debra Mullins ASSOCIATE UNDERWRITER James Helmicki SR. PROJECT MANAGER 7 YEARS 44 YEARS Brenda Havernick SR. PREMIUM AUDIT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE 28 YEARS Celeste Sugnet CLAIMS SUPPORT TECHNICIAN 18 YEARS June Mittelmark REGIONAL UNDERWRITING MANAGER 10 YEARS Alex Chan SR. PROGRAMMER ANALYST II 27 YEARS Judith Rizzuto SR. UNDERWRITING ASSISTANT
Colleague Outing at the Barrel Factory In September 2023, corporate colleagues enjoyed an evening of dinner, entertainment, and socializing at the Barrel Factory, a beautiful venue with a storied past located in Buffalo’s Old First Ward. Team Building at an Escape Room Our Midlantic Regional Office put their teamwork and skills to the test at an escape room! “Tailgate” Fundraiser Corporate colleagues showed their team spirit at a Bills “tailgate” lunch! All proceeds from the event benefited Merchants’ 2023 United Way campaign. Colleague Social at Other Half Brewing Corporate colleagues gathered for a post-workday Colleague Social at Other Half Brewing, located near our corporate headquarters in downtown Buffalo, New York.
PAGE 51 Company Events At Merchants Insurance Group, strong relationships are paramount, from our independent agent partners and policyholders to our incredible colleagues. Just as we strive to provide premier customer service to our agents and policyholders, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our colleagues. For the last two years, Merchants has been recognized as one of Business First’s annual “Best Places to Work in Western New York.” This is an honor we don’t take lightly; we’ve earned this award because our colleagues love where they work! Teamwork is one of our core values as an organization, and special events help foster relationships outside of the day-to-day duties of our jobs. Events throughout the year bring our colleagues together and celebrate the work we do and bonds we’ve formed. Throughout the year, Merchants hosts Colleague Appreciation events to celebrate the people behind our company: breakfasts and lunches catered by local restaurants, ice cream socials, and offsite excursions such as the annual Colleague Social and Colleague Outing at nearby local businesses. As an extra token of appreciation for our colleagues, most of our events include the chance for all colleagues in attendance to win prizes. Raffle prizes often include gift cards, tickets to local events, and Merchants merchandise - or, as we call it, MerchantsDise! Take a look at some of the recent events around Merchants.
Merchants Gives Back Merchants Insurance Group is proud to play an active role in our local communities and to support organizations that make a difference! Our colleagues exemplify their compassion through their participation in many philanthropic initiatives throughout the year. They get active for good causes such as the Alzheimer’s Association’s Buffalo and Erie County Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. They donate blood at regular blood drives at our corporate office. They get involved in service projects on United Way Day of Caring, an annual, single day service event that encourages companies to take part in community service projects. They sustainably recycle electronics at Sunnking’s annual e-Scrap for Camp event to benefit Camp Good Days. They gather donations for our neighbors in need: families around the holidays, children at the start of the school year, and community members in times of distress. We take the welfare of our local communities seriously, and we are proud to give back through corporate donations, colleague fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. One of the largest ways Merchants colleagues give back each year is through our annual United Way campaign. Through yearround e-pledge participation, corporate fundraising events, and a company match, Merchants Insurance Group’s 2023 United Way campaign raised over $125,000 for the United Way! All proceeds to the United Way campaign impact initiatives to strengthen our local communities. PAGE 52
Since 1987, Merchants has recognized one distinguished colleague each year with the President’s Award, celebrating the recipient’s contributions and commitment to the company. Nominated by members of senior leadership, candidates for President’s Award exemplify Merchants’ core values: integrity, respect, loyalty, teamwork, and the aspiration to improve. The recipient of the 2023 President’s Award is Jason Gallo, Manager, Technology Services & Security. Charles Makey, III, President and CEO of Merchants Insurance Group, made the announcement at a Colleague Recognition celebration of the company’s 2023 achievements on Thursday, March 7, 2024. President’s Award 2023 RECIPIENT Jason Gallo MANAGER, TECHNOLOGY SERVICES & SECURITY
PAGE 55 Throughout his 12 years with Merchants, Mr. Gallo has been fundamental to the company’s technological development. While initially hired to supervise Technological Infrastructure, he has received several promotions due to his performance, technical expertise, and dedication to developing his career. Since 2022, Mr. Gallo has been the Manager of Technology Services and Security, overseeing the company’s infrastructure and cybersecurity. Mr. Gallo has made a substantial impact on Merchants Insurance Group throughout his tenure. One particular achievement that changed the trajectory of the company was Gallo’s role in preparing Merchants’ systems for remote work at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. He led his team to continually design and implement network enhancements, hardware upgrades, and virtual meeting tools to ensure that service remained uninterrupted during the NOMINATED BY Stephen Cross, Vice President and Chief Information Officer Christine Schmitt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer course of the pandemic. Because of his efforts, Merchants still operates on a hybrid schedule, allowing colleagues the balance of valuable in-person collaboration and flexibility of remote work. While announcing Mr. Gallo’s award to colleagues on March 7, Mr. Makey shared a statement from his nomination letter: “If Jason does not know the answer, he will work tirelessly with you to find it.” His nomination cites his positive attitude and determination not only when helping colleagues resolve issues with technology, but in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the company’s infrastructure. Jason Gallo will join the ranks of previous President’s Award winners, listed on the first floor wall of Merchants Insurance Group’s corporate headquarters in Buffalo, New York.
PAGE 56 Thank You! Thank you for viewing our 2023 Annual Company Profile. To learn more about Merchants Insurance Group, such as… Visit merchantsgroup.com! How to become an independent agent partner Where to locate an independent insurance agent near you What job opportunities are currently available – – – Connect with us on Social Media! @merchantsgrp
Annual Company Profile 2023