Return to flip book view
OOMM NEWS NEWSONTARIO MUTUALS NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2024Members, Map Your path to Success with Education at OMIAEducation Calendar pg. 36
John Taylor, PresidentOntario Mutual Insurance AssociationOur Mission: To serve and strengthen our mutual insurance community.Our Vision: Grassroots insurance at the core of thriving communities.OM News is produced by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association on behalf of our member and associate member companies.Here Comes the Sun I’m sure many of us are back at that familiar place where we’re looking ahead to our fall schedules and wondering where the summer went. It must mean that we’ve been enjoying these months of sun, (some rain) and time with family, and friends.Sometimes it feels like the pace doesn’t slow, but we Canadians are good at making the best of our warmer weather. The following pages show a busy time of community engagement, staff celebrations, and professional development. Certainly, this is the kind of “work” we can all embrace.This newsletter is a great mid-year reection of our community’s learning, growth, and enjoyment together. Let’s continue onward (and soak up the sun when it shines).
Our Mission: To serve and strengthen our mutual insurance community.Our Vision: Grassroots insurance at the core of thriving communities.OM News is produced by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association on behalf of our member and associate member companies.A Message from OMIA’s ChairMarg Torrance, HD MutualUpcoming EventsA Peek at our Fall ScheduleNew Team MembersWelcoming New Faces to the Mutual SystemMutuals Give BackThis is How We Support Our CommunitiesAppointments & Position ChangesTransforming the Mutuals Education CalendarOMIA Education at-a-glanceMilestonesRecognizing Signicant AnniversariesAccomplishments Congratulating Mutual Members on Their Professional DevelopmentOther News & EventsMore Mutual NewsRetirementsCelebrating Those Who Helped Us ThriveIn Memoriam Remembering Our Mutual Family Members36314042505438OMIn this issue >>Summer 202445616Another Great CEO ConferencePage 37Mutuals Give Back pg.16
pg. 4A Message from OMIA ChairMarg Torrance, HD MutualIt’s hard to believe that more than half the year has gone by – anyone else reeling at how fast time is ying? The summer brings warm weather and vacations, but also a reection on the remarkable pace of change we’ve experienced. The impact of climate change is ever more evident, with violent storms and record rainfalls in some areas, and tornadoes in others. We’re seeing great responses to these across the mutual system. Our ability to be present and responsive to current needs is one of our greatest strengths and is more critical now than ever.On the nancial front, we’re adapting well to IFRS-17 and the new methodologies it brings for recording our nancials. While some of us may still cling to familiar terms like COR, the transition represents our resilience and ability to step up to the challenge!This year, the board made a signicant decision to end our ofcial agreement with the regulator concerning the shared FEC with our FRC. The good news is that our relationship with FSRA remains strong, and our FRC is now 100% focused on working with our FMGF mutuals to ensure our continued nancial strength. The roll-out of the RBSF framework across companies is a testament to our commitment to improved governance and operational excellence. This work, although challenging, is an opportunity for us to level up and embrace the future with condence.These rst months have been a whirlwind of activity and excitement in my role as Chair of the Board. It has been a such an honour and privilege to represent our organization at national and international conferences, and to participate in local learning events where I’ve enjoyed hearing about the challenges and opportunities we face. Highlights include attending the Group E Meeting in Picton, with excellent facilitated discussions; experiencing the unparalleled Maritime hospitality at the MAMIC Conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick; welcoming a full slate of golfers at our annual Golf Tournament in Guelph; and attending the NAMIC Management Conference in beautiful Boston. Our collective learning journey on topics such as Generative AI, Innovation, and Governance continues to be enlightening and essential for our progress. It was great to welcome the Halwell Dumfries team together with the OMIA Board and Farm Mutual Re CEO and Board Chair for our OMIA Summer Board meeting at the Millcroft Inn in Alton. I’m looking forward to joining the Farm Mutual Re Board and Kent & Essex team in their hometown of Chatham later this summer. I feel truly blessed to be part of such an incredible “system”, lled with wonderful people. Globally, we are witness to ongoing conicts, suffering, and increasing divisiveness, which can sometimes lead to feelings of hopelessness. Yet, we strive to make a positive impact, advocating for the marginalized and working towards building healthy communities. To quote Aristotle, “Hope is the dream of a waking man.” Let’s channel that hope, embodying the belief that things will get better and let’s act on that with conviction.Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chair and for your support and encouragement. I look forward to connecting with many of you as we head into our busy fall season.Mutually yours,Marg
pg. 5OMIA is pleased to promote Ontario Mutuals, and provide an avenue for member participation, at signicant community and industry events. Please see below for the details.Please write to marketing@omia.com if you have any questions about our upcoming events.Upcoming EventsCANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW www.outdoorfarmshow.comFor over 25 years, farmers have attended Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show to learn about the newest and most innovative products and technology in agriculture.The outdoor farm show returns September 10th to 12th, 2024in Woodstock, Ontario.IBAO CONVENTION www.ibao.orgThis Convention is a highly anticipated educational and networking event for Ontario brokers and industry partners. We will have a presence at the tradeshow and hospitality night.Sheraton Centre HotelOctober 23rd and 24th, 2024Toronto, Ontario.THE INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2024The IPM is a celebration of agriculture and rural living. There are a range of activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, and near-constant live entertainment.Ontario Mutuals is a Presenting Partner October 1st to 5th, 2025Lindsay, OntarioPRESIDENTS & MANAGERS MEETING www.omia.comMembers will hear updates from OMIA, Farm Mutual Re, and The Fire Mutuals Guarantee Fund and will take part in a variety of important education and networking sessions.Fairmont Chateau Laurier October 27th to 29th, 2024Ottawa, Ontario
pg. 6We’re excited to welcome Kelly Workman to North Blenheim Mutual as an Insurance Agent. Kelly joins us with over 10 years’ experience specializing in commercial and farm insurance. Welcome, Kelly!West Wawanosh MutualWe’re pleased to welcome Jenya MacKinnon to our Underwriting Department in the role of Property & Farm Underwriting. Jenya’s insurance experience spans over 3 years as a personal lines broker. Jenya is extremely excited to be working as an underwriter and being part of our team. Welcome, Jenya.North Blenheim MutualMaple MutualWe’re pleased to welcome Colin Edmondstone to the team, as an Insurance Agent. Colin has been in the insurance industry since 2020, previously working for large national companies as a claims assistant and a registered insurance broker. He is looking forward to taking what he’s learned and using it to help people in the community. Colin can’t wait to meet clients, and he’s looking forward to helping you continue in the Mutual Way of doing insurance. Colin will be available in our Chatham and Dresden ofces. Maple Mutual is condent that Colin will provide superior customer service. Welcome, Colin.Welcome to Candie Johnson who has joined us as Account Manager. Candie is a graduate of Western University and has 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry in the greater Toronto area, the last 16 as a Contact Centre Supervisor. She moved back to her hometown of Dresden four years ago and is excited to be part of an organization that prioritizes the importance of exceptional customer service and supports the community it serves. Welcome, Candie.NewTeam MembersWelcoming New Facesto the Mutual System
pg. 7Blair Connelly has joined Ayr Farmers Mutual in the role of HR Generalist. Blair joins us with well rounded HR experience including previous roles as Human Resources Business Partner and as a Leadership Development Coach (entrepreneur). Blair’s passion to build relationships and contribute to our ‘people rst’ culture will make her a great asset to our team. Blair has completed her Certied Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation along with her Certied Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) designation. Welcome, Blair.Om Patel has joined Ayr Farmers Mutual in the role of Data Analyst and Developer Co-op. Om will be joining us on an 8-Month Co-op which is part his Bachelor of Computing- Computer Science program at the University of Guelph. Om is also taking a minor in Business Administration. Om’s combination of programming and business interests along with his friendly and outgoing nature will make him a great t at AFM.Lauren Cowan has joined Ayr Farmers Mutual in the role of Claims Representative Accident Benets. Lauren joins us with both accident benets and property claims handling experience. She prides herself on her customer service demeanor and this will be a welcome asset to our claims team. She is also a graduate of Brock University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Her experience, education and values are all great additions to the AFM family!Usborne & Hibbert MutualAyr Farmers MutualWe’re pleased to welcome Jason “Jay” Handsor to the U&H team as our new Claims Team Lead. Jay has more than 25 years’ experience working as an independent adjuster with mutual insurers and most recently as a large loss property adjuster with a stock company. He brings a wealth of claims experience to the role and we look forward to working with him. Welcome, Jay!Howick MutualPhaedra Scott joined our Farm Underwriting Team in April. Phaedra is a graduate of the University of Guelph where she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in Agricultural Business and minor in Agricultural Science. Phaedra was raised on a hobby farm and continues to work with family on her cash crop farm. While attending University, she was the President of ENACTUS Guelph, a representative of Women in Agriculture, the Director of Advertising for the OAC Leadership Conference and a member of the Soil and Crop Club. Phaedra’s education, skills and experience make her a wonderful addition to our team. Welcome the mutual family, Phaedra! Blair Pollock joined our Farm Underwriting Team in June. He has a diploma in Journalism and Print from Conestoga College. Blair was most recently an Associate Broker, where he traded commodities for The Westland Corporation. Prior to this, he worked at Pollock Electric. Having been raised on a farm in Bruce County, he is also active in his community as an Assistant Coach of the Kincardine Bulldogs and as a referee. Blair’s skills, knowledge of farming and experience in agri-business, make him a great addition to our team. Welcome, Blair!
pg. 8We’re very pleased that Nicole Fazekas has joined us in the role of Administrative Assistant. Nicole enjoys the charm of small-town living and is a great addition to our team.Rob Dalton has joined us in the role of Claims Manager. Rob is coming to Salus Mutual with a wealth of expertise in claims management and a proven track record in leadership. He will be a wonderful addition to our team.Joanne Burke has joined us in the role of Administrative Assistant and comes to us with diverse experience. Joanne has background in music and belongs to a great choir in London that exclusively performs music from the Broadway stage. Welcome to the team, Joanne.Salus MutualTina Beaulieu has joined our team as a Property Underwriter. She comes to us with a wealth of experience. Outside of work, Tina is passionate about community involvement, having served on the Dorchester Fair Board for 14 years. Tina is a welcome addition to the Salus team.Preena Girishkumar has joined us as a Property Underwriter. She brings a diverse skill-set and a passion for continuous learning and improvement. Welcome to Salus, Preena. Welcome also to Paige Balogh, Natalie Pettit, and Amelia Simpson who joined us as Data Entry Clerks (contract).Erie Mutual is excited to welcome Penny Charlebois to our team in the role of Account Executive. Penny has over 35 years experience in the insurance industry, with 15+ years handling farm and commercial business. We are condent that she will prove to be a wonderful resource of experience and knowledge for our members and staff. Welcome to Team Erie Penny!Erie Mutual
pg. 9Please join us in welcoming the following new team members to K&E Mutual:Kent & Essex MutualMelanie Hudson Senior Accident Benets AdjusterLisa ThomasCommercial Property UnderwriterAshley Bushey Auto UnderwriterAlex Bernardi Data AnalystMary Anne Bilodeau Commercial Auto UnderwriterDesi Atin, CIP Residential UnderwriterSarah Taylor Broker Support SpecialistBrent RolosonManager of Agribusiness UnderwritingChristine Paquette Business Development ManagerTHINK DIFFERENTLYWE ARE CALDWELL SECURITIES LTD. A TEAM OF OUTSIDE THE BOX THINKERS,BUILDING SOLUTIONS THAT OUR CLIENTS NEED.WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT FIRM,WORKING FOR OUR CLIENTS’ BEST INTERESTS. IF YOU CAN THINK IT, NEED IT.WE CAN BUILD IT.FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Brendan T.N. CaldwellDirector & Investment Advisor150 King Street West, Suite 1710Toronto, ON M5H 1J9416-862-7755 ext. 250 | 1-800-387-0859 bcaldwell@caldwellsecurities.comwww.caldwellsecurities.com
pg. 10OMIA is pleased to welcome Ankita Kizhatil to a role of Accounting Assistant. She took over the role from Donna Barlow who retired at the end of June. Ankita attained her Bachelor of Arts, Mathamatics from the University of Guelph and comes to us with experience in customer service and bookkeeping. Welcome to the team, Ankita.We’re happy to announce the addition of Rachel Willms to our team. Rachel has seven years’ experience with Allstate, as a Business Development Agent and Customer Care Agent. She has worked the last six years on the family Egg farm in St Anns with tasks ranging from the daily operations in the barns to managing the audits and daily paperwork. Welcome to the team, Rachel.HTM InsuranceKatie McNichol was a summer student at HTM while completing her undergrad studies and loved it so much, she decided to stay full-time and start her career as Underwriting Administrator. She has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at Ontario Tech University. Thank you for choosing HTM and the mutuals, Katie!We’re pleased to welcome Manley Wong to the role of Underwriting Administrator. Manley’s experience encompasses over two decades in the banking industry in Hong Kong. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lingnan University Hong Kong and a Master of Arts degree in Quantitative Analysis from the City University of Hong Kong. Upon immigrating to Canada, she wanted a change in career and pursued the P&C insurance industry. Welcome, Manley.We’re pleased to welcome Jessica Brown to the role of Underwriting Administrator. Jessica recently worked for 10 years as a law clerk at various law rms. She graduated with a Law Clerk Diploma from Seneca College and has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from York University.Edge MutualShelby Mikel has joined our team as an Underwriting Assistant in the Personal Lines department. Shelby recently graduated from the Business Insurance program at Conestoga College and had started with us as a summer student in 2022. Shelby is actively pursuing her CIP (only 1 more course to go!) and is looking forward to her career in the insurance industry. Welcome to the team, Shelby.We’re pleased to introduce our new Risk Inspector, Peter Kazarian. Peter lives in Meaford and has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years. Peter brings a wealth of insurance and loss control experience with him and will be a great addition to the team.Belinda Voisin has joined us in the role of Front Desk Administrator. Belinda comes to us with a background in business administration and over 18 years’ experience. She currently lives in Drayton along with her husband and her three dogs. Welcome to the team, Belinda.Erie Mutual OMIA
pg. 11We’re excited to welcome Jessica Nichol to our team. In addition to a Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science degree from Conestoga, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and skills to Axiom. Her previous experience includes Operations Executive and Underwriting Clerk. Her creative problem-solving and organizational skills will make her a valuable addition to our team. Welcome, Jessica! Emily Loreto joined the Axiom team in June as the Director, Accounting & Finance. Emily brings extensive knowledge and experience, previously working as an auditor for KPMG. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of best practices in accounting make her an incredible addition to our leadership team. Her background in both auditing and nancial control will make her instrumental in driving our nancial strategy forward and ensuring continued growth and success of our company.Nicole Archibald was appointed to our Board of Directors in June upon the recently announced vacancy on our Board. Our Board conducted a number of interviews in accordance with the By-Law. Nicole was selected as the successful candidate bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in nance and executive leadership. Nicole has been a CFO for a variety of companies so her knowledge of nancial management will be invaluable to our board.Axiom MutualJonathan Osborne is a recent graduate from Fanshawe College where he received a Business Insurance Diploma. Along with his diploma, Jon was awarded the top General Insurance Essentials Program for Ontario, and also received the highest exam score in the General Insurance Essentials exam across Canada! We are thrilled to have Jon and his strong academic background and dedication to insurance join our Personal Lines Underwriting Team. Welcome, Jon!Caradoc Townsend MutualWe’re excited to welcome Cheryl Woolvett to our team as Manager of Agency & Business Development. Cheryl brings over 30 years’ experience to the team, having started her insurance career in the Ontario Farm Mutual system in 1993 and obtaining her CIP in 1997. She has a diverse background, transitioning from the underwriting side of the industry at various insurance companies to the brokerage side in 2007. Welcome to the CTM team Cheryl! Meet our newest Intermediate Accountant, Sohely Zaman. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English and Modern Language before moving to Canada in 2018. Sohely pursued a diploma in Accounting at Fanshawe College, which included two co-op terms, and secured a co-op position at a public accounting rm during her studies. After graduating, she gained valuable experience working at another public accounting rm for a year. She is now transitioning her career path into the Ontario Mutual Insurance industry. We’re so excited to have her on our team!
pg. 12Please welcome Debrah Gopsill to our team as our new Data Entry Clerk. Debrah brings over 24 years of experience as a graphic and web designer at LifeGlobal Group, where she honed her skills in design and digital media. She is eager to transition into a new role and expand her skill-set. Debrah’s passion for creativity and precision extends beyond her professional life, evident in her talents as a baker and cake decorator, and her dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a group tness instructor. We’re excited to have you with us, Debrah!Caradoc Townsend MutualMichelle Lucas has joined our corporate services team as an Administrative Assistant. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities from McMaster University. Raised in Waterford, Michelle brings a deep understanding of the local agriculture community that CTM serves and takes pride in welcoming members and visitors to the Waterford ofce. Welcome to our team Michelle (aka administrative extraordinaire!) Deanna Brown joins us as our newest Customer Service Representative. Deanna offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in customer service. Having earned her Certications & Diplomas in Business and Medical Administration elds, with her most recent achievement of attaining a RIBO license through IBAO in May of 2023, and converting to an OTL license in June of 2024. Over the past twenty years, she has worked in several different public sector capacities, joining the insurance sector two years ago. She is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to establishing relationships and prioritizing new and current members. We’re delighted to have you on our team, Deanna! HD MutualPlease join us in welcoming Angad Varma, our new Personal/Commercial Intermediate Underwriter. Angad brings over four years of insurance industry experience, having worked as an Insurance Underwriter at Intact and an Insurance Advisor at BrokerLink. His background in both underwriting and brokerage provides him with a unique perspective. We’re excited to have you on the team, Angad!Please join us in welcoming Suzanne Kelley, our new Farm Underwriter. Suzanne brings over four years of diverse experience in sport management, social media, marketing, event planning, and talent management. We’re excited to have Suzanne join our underwriting team and bring her unique skills to HD Mutual. Suzanne is also an active member of her agricultural community. Welcome to the Mutual family, Suzanne!Krishna Mistry has joined us as our newest IT Systems Administrator, bringing over 4 years of experience from roles such as IT Analyst at TELUS Business and Technical Support Representative at Alorica. With a strong foundation in virtualization, cloud computing, and network administration, Krishna is poised to ensure our technology operates seamlessly at HD. Krishna values teamwork and discipline, traits that shape her approach to challenges in both her personal and professional life. We’re thrilled to have you on board, Krishna!
pg. 13Join us in welcoming Daniel McKinnon, our AP/AR Clerk. Daniel lives in Hespeler and recently graduated from McMaster University with a degree in History. Daniel is excited to kick-start his career alongside our nance team and learn more about the accounting world. Welcome, Daniel!We’re excited to welcome Annalynn Murray to our team of Personal Line Underwriters. Annalynn brings over 17 years of insurance industry expertise, starting her career in 2007 and holding roles such as Registered Insurance Broker at The Ostic Group and Insurance Account Representative at Andrew Lake Desjardins Insurance and Sutherland Insurance Agency. We’re looking forward to embarking on this new adventure with you, Annalynn! We’re excited to welcome Brad Abdul to the team as Commercial Underwriter. Brad brings extensive experience in the insurance industry, starting his career in 2016. His background includes roles such as Commercial Lines Underwriter at Cowan Insurance Group and Personal Lines Account Manager at PIB. Brad has a strong track record in risk assessment, client relations, and business process improvement. His expertise in underwriting and client management will be invaluable to our team. We’re so happy to have you on the team, Brad! Kenneth Matira has joined us as a Software/Data Engineer with a robust academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial & Financial Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Computing & Software from McMaster University. His expertise spans deep learning, machine learning, and advanced databases, honed through roles at Scale AI and Kenna. Kenneth excels in devising prompts to enhance language models, optimizing SQL queries, and leading full-stack application development projects. We’re thrilled to welcome Kenneth and look forward to his contributions to our team!Let’s extend a warm greeting to Agnes Gollnick as she joins our team as AP/AR Clerk. Agnes brings with her a wealth of experience in statistical analysis and a vibrant personality that enriches our workplace. She’s excited to embark on her new role in accounting and looks forward to contributing her skills and enthusiasm to our team dynamic. We’re thrilled to have you on the team!Please join us in welcoming Sara Klooster to the HD Mutual underwriting team as our new Farm Underwriter. Sara is a self-proclaimed insurance enthusiast who thrives on diving into policy wordings and mastering multitasking. Sara is excited to bring her passion for insurance to HD Mutual and looks forward to making valuable contributions while getting to know the team better. We’re so glad to have you on the team, Sara!HD Mutual
pg. 14Please join us in welcoming the following new team members to Heartland Mutual:Heartland MutualDarrell SecordSolution LeadSaba BerenjiIT StudentConstantin AdumitroaieSr. Network, Cloud & Security EngineerSara FalkinsFarm Underwriting StudentReid StewartClaims StudentIvy VannatterSr. Personal Lines UnderwriterKyle BrossSenior Farm UnderwriterMadina HomayounClaims Representative IAngel LloydClaims AssistantRachit SharmaJunior Network AdministratorSwapan KauraExecutive AssistantVanessa OteleClaims Representative IJessy MounphaCommercial Property Underwriter IIAbel Espinosa CañiveClaims Representative IJennifer Ingram-CottonManager, Personal Lines UnderwritingIsaac Ayala HerreraClaims StudentAlexis LohnesDirect Sales Representative IStefan MilanovicSr. Commercial Auto Underwriter
pg. 15Vaughn Shideler has joined the Innovation Department in the role ofData Engineer. Vaughn completed the Foundations of Business Intelligence from Google and previously completed the AWS Certied Solutions Architect - Associate. Vaughn has also completed certications in Data Science.Farm Mutual Re Helen Zhang has joined the Actuarial Department in the role ofActuarial Analyst. Helen graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Actuarial Science and Statistics. Arald Tudoran has joined the IT Department in the role of Software Development Manager. Arald holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest. He is a Certied Scrum Master (CSM) and Certied SAFe® Practitioner.Allison McCann has joined the People and Culture Department in the role of People and Culture Coordinator. Allison holds a Bachelor of Sociology Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as a post-graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management from Conestoga College. Allison obtained her Certied Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation and is currently pursuing her Certied Employee Benets Specialist (CEBS) designation. Zuber Jeewa has joined the Innovation Department in the role of Senior Innovation Product Manager. Zuber holds a Bachelor of Business Management with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Cape Town. Zuber has certications in Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Digital Marketing from York University. Tejas Ajwalia has joined the Innovation Department in the role of Senior Innovation Engineer. Tejas holds a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Dharmsinh Desai University. Tejas has professional experience in all stages of software development lifecycle and agile methodology.Himanshu Himanshu has joined the IT Department in the role of IT Technical Support Co-op. Himanshu is currently enrolled in the Computer Systems Technician – Network Systems program at Mohawk College. Sarah Buehlow joined the Business Operations Department in the role of Business Operations Associate on a 12-month contract starting in April 2024. She then transitioned to a full-time role in July 2024. Sarah previously worked at Buehlow Farms Inc. as an Ofce Manager processing accounts payable invoices and conducting monthly payroll.Gord Dauncey has joined the Underwriting and Loss Control Programs department in the role of Senior Underwriting Quality Analyst. Gord has 25 years’ in P&C insurance. He holds a Diploma in Computer Programmer/Analyst from Seneca College and has his CIP Designation.Michael Boulton has joined us in the role of Chief Technology Ofcer. In this new role, Michael will be responsible for leading the IT, Innovation, and Data & Insights teams. Michael brings a wealth of technology experience, with a career spanning over 20 years in various industries.
pg. 16Mutuals Give BackThis is How We Support Our CommunitiesBay of Quinte MutualBay of Quinte Mutual hosted its 29th annual charity golf tournament on May 23rd, 2024 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ontario. We welcomed 127 people, including directors, staff, mutual friends, brokers and business partners - each participating in fundraising activities and generously giving to this year’s charity.The proceeds from the tournament were donated to Sunny Days Group Program located in Brighton. It’s a not-for-prot that provides a place for adults with different challenges to develop friendships, laughter and give purpose to their day. One of the Directors of Sunny Days, Deanna Opsteen was thrilled to accept a cheque in the amount of $12,560. In thanking the participants, Deanna expressed her sincere gratitude and surprise for the signicant donation as it will help to achieve their mission and provide much needed programs to many in the community.Howick MutualThe Daniel & Melanie Craig Memorial Tournament was founded in 2015 and is currently held at the Saugeen Golf Club outside of Port Elgin. Danny had Parkinson’s Disease, and as such, $5,000 from the tournament proceeds is donated yearly to the Parkinson’s Society to help with research into its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Both Danny and Melanie were strong proponents of community involvement and giving back. Additional proceeds from the tournament are also used to help support many additional causes and organizations. Howick Mutual continues to support this ne event as a Platinum Sponsor as well as participating in the tournament. Pictured above is Team Howick: Kevin Inglis, CEO, Bill Reddon, retired CMR principal, Shawn Cottrill, CFO and Tammy Hickling, VP Operations.
pg. 17Stanley MutualStanley Mutual’s Angèle Palmer held a quilt fundraiser to provide books for Stanley Consolidated School as well as the Tree of Hope, spreading comfort and care to cancer patients. Our Stanley team volunteered to build a shed for the Harvey Minor Baseball League in the Community of Harvey at the local high school. Michael Bartlett and David MacMinn, Directors, Greg Dunlap, President & CEO, Colin Brewer, Business Development Leader, Melissa Coleman, Member Service Leader, and Gary Jones, Commercial Account Manager were on site for the build.Stanley Mutual participated at the Fredericton Trails Coalition Adopt-A-Trail 2024 Cleanup. We rolled up our sleeves, soaked in the sunshine, and gave back to our community by keeping Fredericton’s trails safe and stunning. Pictured (from left to right): Colin Brewer, Business Development Lead, Gary Jones Commercial Account Manager, Tony Curtis, Account Executive, Sheila Bartlett, Finance, Janelle Boies, Underwriting, Jodi Simpson, Claims, and Melissa Coleman, Member Service LeaderKent & Essex MutualWe were proud to team up with our broker partner, Lundy Insurance as the Bronze sponsor of the annual Mitchell’s Bay Bass Tournament. This highly anticipated event is a favourite among local shing enthusiasts and offers a wonderful opportunity for community engagement.Together with BrokerLink, we were the Diamond Sponsor for the Essex Fun Fest, Essex’s biggest event of the year. We were excited to see our logos featured on both the Main and Secondary Stages.We’re excited to be a joint Gold Sponsor, along with HUB International, for Leamington’s 150th AnniversaryCelebration which kicked off on Canada Day, July 1st, with a concert headlined by country music legend, and our very own Chatham-born, Terri Clark.
pg. 18Ayr Farmers MutualWe’re a proud sponsor of the Ayr Pump Track. We were happy to donate $10,000 towards the construction of a resting area with a bench for the public, anticipated to be installed in 2025. The goal of the Ayr Pump Track Committee is to construct a permanent, free to use, multi-use, asphalt pump track located centrally in the town of Ayr.On April 17th, our Board of Directors, Agents, and staff gathered to honour our incredible volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve provided $30,200 in donations to 33 local organizations, including 4-H Clubs, Hockey Clubs, Agricultural Societies, Optimist Clubs, and more. Our Board Chair, Dave Thompson (pictured, right), presented each organization with a donation cheque and shared our heartfelt gratitude to be part of this phenomenal community.In May, our Green Committee planted a vegetable garden for the second year! Not only did we put in two varieties of tomato plants and bell peppers for our staff to savor all summer long, but we also discovered some surprise lettuce that must have seeded itself from last year! We also planted lots of carrots, all set to be donated to a local organization within our community.Ayr Farmers Mutual is also pleased to announce that we have joined Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Impact Network program! As a member, we become connected to an extensive network of like-minded organizations to share and learn best practices. Members of the Impact Network have invested in better understanding the impacts of their operations on environmental sustainability. The Impact Network program facilitates setting voluntary reduction targets in greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste diversion and provides a customized approach to inspire action and support transformation in organizations of varying size and industry.
pg. 19Trillium MutualTrillium Mutual’s ROOTS Community Fund is proud to support the Canadian Mental Health Association’s stress management program, “Balancing Session” through Agriculture Wellness Ontario with a $25,000 donation. This one hour workshop aims to provide practical strategies for coping during high stress periods, including planting and harvesting.The Fund has donated $10,000 towards the Caring Together Campaign for the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation. The donation will be dedicated towards the purchase of a new CT scanner.The Blessings to You centre in Palmerston received $10,000 in funding towards renovations within their store’s processing area. The funds went towards opening additional accessible locations to expand their merchandising area while moving the processing out of the basement.The Hanover Fire Department is developing a new training environment within the station. The $5,000 donation will be used to purchase training mannequins that reghters will use during training to simulate patients for rescue activities.We have donated $5,000 to the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory. The funds will be used to purchase two new propane refrigerators for the researchers and volunteers.ROOTS is also proud to support Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health with a $10,000 donation to implement their rural mental health sessions. Gateway aims to improve the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education, and communication.Please join us in welcoming our two newest ROOTS Council Members, Doug Bell and Raisa Abrahim. Doug Bell recently retired after more than 35 years, including his career as a Commercial Executive for McFarlan Rowlands. Beyond his insurance career, Doug’s passion for small town values and the farm lifestyle has led him to be involved with multiple initiatives throughout his community. Raisa Abrahim, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, came to Canada in 2020. Holding a BA in Business Management and an MBA, she works at the City of Guelph, contributing to workforce development projects. Serving as the co-chair of the North Perth Public Library Board, Raisa is dedicated to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and emotional intelligence development. We look forward to both joining our team!
pg. 20As part of Trillium Mutual’s commitment to the community, every Trillium staff member is provided a day each year to volunteer with an organization that has meaning to them. These organizations vary greatly, but are all organizations that support the communities that our staff work and live in. We love to see our amazing staff volunteering in our community!Karen has dedicated her time to volunteering at Pride Stables, assisting with horseback riding therapy for individuals with disabilities. She spent her time grooming horses, saddling/unsaddling them and guiding them to their pasture.Tami dedicated her volunteer day assisting with a variety of tasks at the Holstein Maplefest!Andrew Dickson, Jason Borth, and Laura Kovacs volunteered at the Belmore Maple Syrup Festival.A bunch of our staff volunteered at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Rob, Tracy and Dave helped get the Festival setup for the weekend, and Ev assisted with Farm & Food Care Ontario’s Breakfast on the Farm Initiative. Sandra spent her day helping clean up the Goderich Beach and surrounding area.Trillium Mutual also had the chance to host a site for the Monkton Lions of A-15 E-Waste Fundraiser over the weekend. Thanks to the community’s support, the Monkton Lions will send 20 children to Nipissing Lodge for a summer camp experience!Trillium Mutual
pg. 21Grenville MutualThe Habitat for Humanity project at Kemptville Korners is winding up, with 16 families now having new homes! Grenville Mutual had the pleasure of taking part in 10 build days over the last two years. Not only did our team get to learn some new skills, but we also had the distinct honour of presenting one of the Habitat families with the keys to their new home. This was an awesome way for us to live our core value of helping our community thrive!Tradition MutualThis past April, Tradition Mutual’s retiring CEO Paul Burns and incoming CEO Charles MacLennan presented L’Arche Stratford with a $25,000 donation toward their Be Become Belong capital campaign.“This is a really important initiative that supports folks that don’t always have the easiest path, and that’s great to support,” said MacLennan.This donation will be used towards development of a 13,000 square foot community hub at 426 Britannia Street in Stratford. “We are extremely grateful to Tradition Mutual for this wonderful gift,” shared Elaine Clark-Siberry, Chair of L’Arche Stratford’s Be Become Belong Campaign.Our Board of Directors is also pleased to have rolled out a new program to employees. Staff will be eligible to spend a work day volunteering for a local charity/non-prot, and Tradition will provide a $1,000 donation to each organization. Many employees have submitted their requests, with more coming in. We will be sharing pictures and details of their efforts on our website throughout the year! Germania MutualGermania Mutual has long supported local healthcare with annual donations to multiple hospitals within our region. Recently the Board approved going a little further, by donating $100,000 towards two major regional projects.$50,000 is earmarked to the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation’s MRI Campaign while the other $50,000 is going to the Kincardine Hospital Foundation for their major building renovation and MRI Campaign. “Keeping Quality Health Care Close to Home is the mantra of our local hospitals which ts very well with our own philosophy of In your Community, for your Community,”noted Germania President & CEO Dan Hill.
pg. 22We are proud to be Annual Sponsors of the Norfolk Agricultural Society and help to support each of the amazing community events they host throughout the year. As part of our ongoing sponsorship with them, we had the unique opportunity to partner on a Fairgrounds Beautication Project. We’ve worked on numerous community murals and felt this was the perfect project for us. The building that we’re painting is home to the weekly Simcoe Farmers’ Market, host to many of our members. It gave us a huge canvas to share this three-panel story showcasing the area’s agricultural roots, the crops changing hands from farmers to the community via the market, and then the annual celebration of the harvest at the fall fair. Our in-house Creative Architect and Muralist Shane is bringing his design to life as he free hands the entire piece, with support from the rest of our Brand Team. Two sections are now complete, with one remaining. Nova MutualAt Nova Mutual, we strive to embody the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and understand that they are essential to creating a strong and vibrant workplace culture and community. We are committed to supporting, respecting, and including all of our team, members, broker partners, and community. We felt it was important to recognize both Pride and Indigenous History Month by taking action and showing our support to two great local organizations in our community that we have and continue to learn from. We made donations to both Woodland Cultural Centre and Pride Haldimand Norfolk, with our thanks for all that they do to create safe spaces and educate our community.
pg. 23We created a “Can-struction” challenge between our ofces to see who could build the greatest can or boxed food structure or picture. The only thing on the line was bragging rights and of course our new champion belt! This event is a food drive and a chance to help the people in our communities when the food banks don’t see the same level of donations as at other times of the year. The goal throughout construction was to keep the cans, boxes, and their labels undamaged. Each ofce donated the goods to our community food banks. Congratulations goes to: 1st: Playable mini golf hole - Aylmer Ofce; 2nd: Inukshuk - Rodney Ofce; 3rd: Campground - Dutton Ofce; 4th: Canadian Flag - Ridgetown Ofce. Honorable mentions to both the Shedden and Blenheim Ofces who contirbuted monetary donations.Salus MutualCognition+ is more than a platform, it’s an ecosystem that allows the flow of data to interact freely and safely. Allowing you to bring customers into focus and deliver a modern insurance experience to policyholders and users.From Quote — to Policy — to Claim resolution and everything in between, the Cognition+ Platform provides a 360-degree control of your P&C business. SCHEDULE YOUR EXPERIENCE TODAY www.gocognition.com/insurancexperienceTHEINSURANCE PERIENCE
pg. 24The re-opening of the Marsh Trail in Rondeau Provincial Park was celebrated on April 22nd. The Marsh Trail in Rondeau offers stunning views of the Bay which makes it a wonderful bird watching location, hiking trail, and a path for hunters to get to the blinds. Now that the restoration is complete it will allow hunters with disabilities to access the duck blinds. With the money that was donated they were also able to put out a launch for canoes and kayaks. Seen here is Vanessa Sloan, Marketing and Branding Coordinator, Roberta Gifn, Business Development and Marketing Manager, and Ed Myslik, President, Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers Association (RBWA).The Longest Day of Golf is an annual fundraising event held “Fore The Kids” where money is raised through sponsorship, donations, and green fees. This cause supports children in our local communities by providing funding for a positive experience that normally wouldn’t be possible for them. A few examples of support provided in the past are: music lessons, swimming lessons, soccer registration fees, summer camp fees, backpacks and school supplies to the St. Thomas Women’s shelter, and the list goes on! This year’s golf tournament raised a generous $8,612.69. The goal is to ensure that no child is left out from participating in activities due to nancial strains at home.When we began our garden project, the goal was simple: to support two local food banks, the Dutton Auxiliary Welfare and the Caring Cupboard in Rodney. It has since blossomed into a wider effort to address food insecurity among seniors, those on assisted living support, and low-income residents. Staff members at Salud get their hands dirty planting, pruning, and weeding with community volunteers and the Worker Bees Youth Gardening Club. It has become a hub for community engagement, bringing volunteers together to plan, plant, and harvest. This social aspect is particularly valuable for seniors and others who may feel lonely or isolated. Salus Mutual has the privilege to cultivate something even more valuable than fruits and vegetables: a stronger, more connected community.Salus Mutual
pg. 25Erie Mutual donated $5,000 toward the Canadian Foodgrains Bank via members of the Oneida United Church. There are 15 churches involved in the CFGB. Since its inception 23 years ago, their partnerships have recognized over $2 million towards helping end world hunger. Pictured (left to right): Russell Perkins, Agent, Arlene Everets, Board & Community Relations Member, Sharon Woods, Oneida United Church Treasurer, Dr. Bill Clarke, Board & Community Relations Member, Don V. Smith, Oneida United Church Chairperson.We’re also proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation’s “Hearts & Soles Annual Hospital and Healthcare Walk” to raise funds for healthcare in Dunnville. Members of our Community Relations Committee presented a sponsor cheque to members of the DHHF. Pictured (left to right): Arlene Everets, Roydon King, and Dr. Bill Clarke, Erie Mutual Board Members of Community Relations Committee, Rachel Schmalz, Donor Relations, DHHF), Brad Spencer, Board Chair, DHHF.We were happy to greet a few players at our ofce from the Haldimand Heat Under 15 Baseball Organization and present a donation of $250.Erie Mutual Community Relations & Board Members, Arlene Everets, Dr. Bill Clarke, and Roydon King presented this donation to the players.Dr. Bill Clarke (left) and Warren Burger (right) of the Erie Mutual Board of Directors presented a cheque supporting the 2024 Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament. Erie Mutual has been a long-time supporter of our local Crime Stoppers Haldimand Norfolk programs. Roydon King and Dr. Bill Clarke, Erie Mutual Community Relations Committee and Board of Directors, presented a donation cheque to Joy Quail, Family Service Worker at one of our local Salvation Army locations. Erie Mutual has been a long-time supporter of the Salvation Army which provides essential services to the community. Erie Mutual
pg. 26North Blenheim MutualWe recently made a meaningful contribution to Innerkip Central School by donating a selection of trees. This gesture not only beautied the school grounds but also underscored our commitment to fostering green initiatives within the community. Members of our staff participated in planting the trees alongside the outdoor education teachers. Together, they engaged Kindergarten classes in a hands-on lesson about the importance of tree planting and environmental stewardship. This collaborative effort not only enriched the students’ understanding of sustainability but also instilled a sense of pride in caring for their school environment. We’re proud to announce the success of our 2nd Annual Community Recycling Day. Each year, we raise money for the Blandford Blenheim Food Bank, demonstrating our community’s dedication to supporting those in need. We also distributed 20 trees to be planted within our community, promoting a greener, healthier environment for all. This event highlighted our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being, and we are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to its success.The North Blenheim Mutuals Community Veggie Stand, established by our ESG committee, embodies a heartfelt commitment to sustainability and community well-being. This is the second year of the garden, which has expanded this season to yield even more fresh produce throughout the summer. Through diligent planting, nurturing, and harvesting, the committee tends to vibrant vegetable gardens, offering a diverse array of nutritious options free of charge to the community. The stand promotes healthier lifestyles and a greener environment while addressing local food insecurity. Well done, team!Our Road Clean-Up Day took place in June and is a cherished tradition where our team rallies together to maintain the beauty of our community. We take pride in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness or an adopted section of road adjacent to our ofce. Armed with enthusiasm and a commitment to environmental stewardship, employees gather annually to remove litter and debris, fostering a safer and more attractive environment for all. This initiative not only showcases our dedication to community service but also underscores our values of responsibility and care for the neighborhoods we call home.Two of our Board Members, Valerie & Denise, were judges for the Oxford County 4-H Association Go For Gold at the Salford Community Centre yesterday. The top 2 winning teams will go on to represent Oxford at the Regional Level on August 15th in Wyoming. Seated are the four team members representing the Brooksdale 4-H club, standing between Denise and Val are the four team members representing the Hickson 4-H club.
pg. 27HD MutualContinuing on the legacies of Halwell Mutual and Dumfries Mutual, HD Mutual is excited to broaden its community impact as a newly amalgamated company. With over $55,000 already committed in the rst half of 2024 to local events, organizations, and causes across southwestern Ontario, HD is thrilled to continue investing in its local communities. Some highlights from 2024 so far: UofG Ontario Agriculture College Prize & Bursary; HD Scholarship Program; The Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston Hespeler 3rd Annual Gala in Support of Porchlight Counselling Addiction Services; The Paris Agricultural Society River ‘n’ Roots Music Festival; The Paris Fair; Conestoga College HD Mutual Award; St George Fireghters Canada Day Pancake Breakfast; Van Allen Insurance 65 Roses Gala in Support of CF Canada; Lynden Canada Day Parade; Lucknow Music in the Field Festival; Guelph Hope in the Street in support of Hope House; SHARE Agricultural Foundation Annual Golf Tournament; Food4Kids Staff Volunteer Day.
pg. 28Maple Mutual co-workers and friends represented everyone in a one-day take-all charity baseball tournament in support of Ronald McDonald House. For a mixed bag of MISFITS we played very well! We came in 2nd place in a round robin of 6 teams and ended up in the seminals!Our team created a unique Can Structure for a local food drive. Donations were made to The Community Church. Special Thanks to Maple Mutual Agents, Conagra, Maple Mutual Staff and Management. A special shout out to our “community guy” Gord Purchase who along with some assistance created this masterpiece.We’re proud to sponsor The Special Olympics Ontario. Dean Muharrem (left) and Gord Purchase are pictured attending the opening ceremony. The event brought almost 1,000 athletes to Chatham – Kent to compete over two days. Congratulations to the organizing committee and all volunteers who made this event such a success.We’re pleased to sponsor the YMCA Youth Awards. Maple Mutual sponsored the Science & Technology Award which recognizes youth who have a curiosity for the world of science and technology. This years recipient is Jack Smolders. Congratulations, Jack!Maple Mutual
pg. 29Edge MutualEdge Mutual’s Board of Directors and Staff attended the 21st Starlight Gala benetting the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation! Edge Mutual has pledged $250,000 to the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation MRI+ Campaign. The pledge will be spread out over ve years with the goal of bringing much needed MRI technology to the hospital.Pictured, left to right: Dan Hill, Campaign co-chair, Carlos Rodrigues, Edge Mutual President & CEO, Richard Wright, Edge Mutual board chair and Mark Leslie, Campaign co-chair.Edge Mutual staff volunteered at Tim Hortens to decorate smile cookies. When you purchase a smile cookie, a $1 donation goes to help support local charities like hospitals, food banks, and children’s programs.YOUR MUTUAL CLAIMSPARTNERCall the Experts888-272-6671Turnkey Service Structural, Fire, Mechanical & Electrical ExpertiseOMIA Claims ProgramCarbon Offset InitiativeClient Services TeamIndependent Since 1965
pg. 30Since its launch in 2021, the SEEDit program has been dedicated to tackling the issue of food insecurity in Ontario, where around 1.5 million residents, or 11.5% of households, can’t afford nutritious food on a regular basis.The Commonwell’s answer to this growing problem is SEEDit, where individuals are empowered to establish home gardens and are provided with a $50 voucher to kickstart their efforts. This initiative not only fosters self-sufciency but also strengthens connections among neighbors, family, and friends, creating a supportive network of backyard farmers. By providing fresh produce, SEEDit actively addresses food insecurity, relying on backyard gardeners to support their communities.This year, SEEDit experienced an incredible surge in interest, with all vouchers claimed in less than 24 hours across 31 participating garden centers. The program’s Facebook community group also saw impressive growth, increasing by 43% compared to last year. This vibrant online community helps visualize the signicant impact SEEDit is making in communities and beyond. An important component of SEEDit is education. To help participants get the most out of the program The Commonwell partnered with My Nordic Garden to offer a free webinar on the fundamentals of garden planning. More than 100 participants took the opportunity to share resources, discover sustainable gardening practices, and plan their own garden.It’s what being a mutual is all about. Participants are regularly engaging with The Commonwell and experiencing what it means to be supported by a company that gives back. The group builds capacity and resiliency in our communities by giving participants a platform to share what they know about gardening and work together to support food security in their communities.Bryan M. Hickswww.bryanhickslaw.caProviding legal solutions to Ontario Mutuals since 1997.Barrister & Solicitorbryan@bryanhickslaw.ca(519)369-0979• Claims: Opinions re Coverage, Liability & Damages; Settlement Assistance. Litigation defence in Walkerton & Owen Sound Courts Only.• Underwriting Opinions & Wordings Review• Governance & Compliance Consulting & Education
pg. 31We’re excited to share that Ashley Henderson-Marchildon transitioned from Agent to Agribusiness Underwriter earlier this year. Ashley initially joined Ayr Farmers Mutual in August 2023 and has been a great Agent with her positive demeanor and desire to provide quality service. Her agriculture background and insurance knowledge will be an asset to the Underwriting team.We’re excited to share that Michelle DaSilva transitioned from Ofce Assistant to Loss Prevention and Building Maintenance Coordinator in July. Michelle initially joined Ayr Farmers Mutual in March 2023 and has excelled in her role as Ofce Assistant with her dedication to the role and organizational skills. Her strong customer service skills will be a valuable asset to the Loss Prevention and Building Maintenance Coordinator role.Ayr Farmers MutualTeagan Pennock joined us in the contract role of Receptionist in April and transitioned to the new role of Claims and Accident Benets Administrator in July. Teagan is a graduate from Queen’s University where she earned her degree in Life Sciences. She joins us with experience as a Sales & Public Relations Coordinator for a large animal conservation attraction. She has found a strong interest to grow and develop, which she has shown through her continued completion of insurance courses.HTM MutualCongratulations to Lori Bouwmans on her promotion to Commercial/Farm Lines Team Leader. Lori has been a long-term member of the HTM family spanning over 20 years, working in various positions in the Underwriting department, most recently as Senior Commercial Underwriter. All the best in the new role, Lori!Appointments & Positions ChangesTransforming the Mutuals
pg. 32We wish to congratulate Anne-Marie Patterson who recently took on the new role of Manager, Compliance & Governance. As Anne-Marie transitions into this role she will be mentored by Andrea Schaefer. Anne-Marie has excelled in her previous role as a Personal Lines Underwriter since she joined Axiom in March 2022. Her work ethic and keen eye for details contributed signicantly to our Underwriting team and will continue to serve her well in the compliance position. Congratulations Anne-Marie we are condent that she will be bring valuable insights in this new role and career milestone!Melanie Chase has accepted the position of Learning and Development Manager. Since joining West Egin Mutual (now Salus Mutual) as an Underwriter in July 2022 and, most recently, moving to the Sales team as Sales Lead in March 2023, Melanie has been instrumental in driving many of the changes we have undergone as an organization.Lexi Sherriff started her journey with the Salus Mutual Admin team in September of 2023 as an Administrative Assistant and has accepted the position of Underwriting Submissions Coordinator within the Underwriting department. We’re excited to see Lexi grow and development with Salus Mutual.Shae-Lynn Vitek has accepted the positions of Underwriting Submissions Coordinator within the Underwriting department. Shae-Lynn started her journey with the Salus Mutual Admin team in July 2023 as an Administrative Assistant. We’re thrilled to see Shae-Lynn’s growth and development with Salus Mutual!Trent Wayne has accepted a promotion to the role of Operations Lead. As we grow as an organization, the operations function is evolving and, to support the Underwriting, Admin, Claims, and Sales teams, we created the role. Trent began his journey with Salus Mutual in January 2023 as a Sales Assistant within the Sales department. He then moved into the role of Operations Administrator in November 2023. Congratulations, Trent. We’re excited to share that Nova Underwriter, Nicole Martin, ACIP, has recently stepped into our new Underwriting Technical Specialist role. This position will add more value and support to our Underwriting team, improving the service that we’re able to provide to both our members and brokers. It allows an additional layer of insight and expertise, ensuring that we have the right guidance and oversight in unique situations across all lines. Nicole is a well-versed Underwriter with experience across each line. She has built fantastic relationships with brokers, agents, and coworkers alike, and will be such a great support to everyone. Congratulations, Nicole!Salus MutualNova Mutual Axiom Mutual
pg. 33Lisa Camillo began her Maple Mutual journey in 2013 as a receptionist. Months later, she obtained her agents license and was promoted to Customer Service Representative. A resident of Dresden, Lisa loves interacting with clients and is excited to provide a personal customer experience. We’re condent that Lisa will excel in this role. Congratulations, Lisa.Congratulations to Andrea Goss who has accepted the role of Underwriting Manager. Andrea has been a valued member of Lambton’s underwriting team since 2002 with her latest role being Auto Underwriting Supervisor. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and she is also a Chartered Insurance Professional. We look forward to Andrea’s continued success in this new role.Eric Montgomery started at Maple Mutual in the fall of 2019 as an Insurance intern. In this role, he worked in all departments and gained exposure to all aspects of the industry. He moved to claims and was quickly promoted to Claims Adjuster, then to Team Lead of Underwriting, further expanding his insurance knowledge. Eric has now taken on a new role as an Account Manager. He plans to further his insurance knowledge by taking more CIP courses to better serve our clients. Congratulations, Eric.Maple MutualLambton MutualYou dedicate yourself to protecting your policyholders, but who’s protecting you? Secure your financial and operational future, with our help.MNP.caYou deserve protection too
pg. 34Congratulations to Kristyn Curran on accepting the role of Reinsurance Technical Associate in June 2024. In her new role, Kristyn supports all functional areas of the Reinsurance Department.Josh Van Rootselaar expanded his role as Senior Risk Assessor with additional responsibilities in June 2024. Josh will now oversee the building and facilities maintenance services at 350 Pinebush Road in collaboration with contractors.Henry Wouda has changed roles to Software Development Technical Lead. Henry is responsible for driving software changes and release management processes, assisting with the overall maturity of the software development lifecycle.Bob Brown transitioned to a part-time position as AVP, Financial Special Projects in June 2024. In his new role, Bob will support high-impact nance projects across the organization and its subsidiary.Grenville MutualWe have a few people taking on new challenges on our Claims & Loss Prevention Team. Pictured from left to right: Julie Vaux will be expanding her responsibilities to take on more complex property losses; Julie Blair is transitioning from adjusting auto claims to handling property claims; and Beth Milne, our Ofce Administrator, will be joining our Claims’ Team in the dual role of Claims Administrator, as well as adjusting Auto property damage claims. We wish you all the best in your new roles! Congratulations.Heartland MutualOver the past year, compliance has become an increased focus with our regulators and the requirements are rapidly changing and becoming more complex. The increased requirements, along with the signicant growth we’ve experienced, has allowed us to develop our own stand-alone compliance leader. We’re proud to appoint Vanja Popic-Imamovic as our new Compliance and Privacy Ofcer. In this role Vanja will continue to function as our Ombudsperson. Vanja has been an invaluable member of our team for over ve years, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of our business. Her skills and experience make her a great t for this crucial role. We’re pleased to announce that Ana Sharpe will step into the position of Team Leader Finance. Ana has been an integral part of our Billing team for three years, providing invaluable support with software testing and serving as a go-to resource for our team members. With her background in billing and prior leadership experience, Ana is well-equipped to lead our Billing team effectively. The Finance Representatives will report directly to Ana, and she will continue to report to Vanja.To support these changes, we are delighted to promote Jelena Petkovic to the role of Finance Representative II. Jelena’s positive attitude and unwavering tenacity have been instrumental in her success within our team over the past 2.5 years. Her dedication, knowledge and hard work make her a natural choice for this promotion. Areej Aldulaimi began at Heartland Mutual as an Underwriting Assistant over four years ago and discovered farm underwriting to be her calling. Recently Areej was promoted to Senior Farm Underwriter. Areej’s commitment to learning and professional development reached a milestone earlier this year, when she received her CIP designation. As a regular “weekend warrior” Areej completed the CIP program in ve years.Farm Mutual Re
pg. 35We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Patrick Lutz to the role of Business Development Representative. Patrick joined our underwriting team over a year ago, bringing immense value and enthusiasm to our company. His strong underwriting and analytical skills, complemented by his farming background, positive energy, and exceptional relationship-building abilities, make him an ideal t for this position. OMIA is pleased to share that Christine Senior has moved into the role of Manager, Training & Education. Christine began her career with OMIA over 15 years ago as a Training & Research Ofcer and was most recently in the role of Supervisor of Training & Education. Christine and her team are integral to the development and implementation of Member education at OMIA and will continue to build current and relevant technical and interpersonal course content delivered live online, on demand, and in person. We’re excited to announce that Sharon Leitch is stepping into the newly created role of Accounting Operations Technical Specialist. With 36 years’ experience, Sharon will leverage her systems and process expertise to drive harmonization, process improvements, and automation within the Accounting Operations team. Her invaluable experience will support the team as she leads improvement projects and navigates ongoing changes.We are excited to announce Bernice Winter’s promotion to Accounting Operations Team Lead. With two years at HD, Bernice has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skills, and abilities, particularly in training and onboarding and in process improvement efforts. She will lead the day-to-day functions of the team, working closely with our Accounting Operations Technical Expert. We’re pleased to announce Mel McGovern’s promotion to Assistant Controller, reporting to our Financial Controller. Mel brings extensive Accounting Operations experience and a keen eye for process improvement to the role. With the challenges of harmonization, multiple systems, and IFRS-17 implementation, Mel’s support on the accounting side is invaluable.We’re thrilled to announce that Emily Ferber has been promoted to Underwriting Assistant. Emily has been an invaluable asset to our team in Shefeld as the Workow Coordinator. In her new role, she will support both the Guelph and Shefeld Personal Lines Underwriting teams. Emily will continue managing Zendesk ticket sorting for Shefeld while taking on additional responsibilities for Guelph PL. Congratulations, Emily! We’re looking forward to seeing the value you bring to the underwriting team. We’re excited to announce that Naveed Janwari has been promoted to Senior IT Systems Administrator. Since joining our team in 2023, Naveed has brought immense value with his expertise and dedication. While he will continue to provide IT support to the team, Naveed will now focus more on infrastructure and backend services. Congratulations, Naveed! We are so lucky to have you on our team!HD MutualOMIA
pg. 36Course Date & NameSeptember 9 (5pm - 7pm) - Enterprise Risk Management for Directors - Live OnlineSeptember 11 (9am - 3pm) - Farm Discovery Day - In PersonSeptember 11 & 12 (9:00am - 3pm) - Ontario Mutual Loss Prevention League - In PersonSeptember 12 (9am - 3pm) - Commercial & Farm Underwriting Roundtable - In PersonSeptember 13, 20, & 27 (11am - 12pm) - Building Resilience during Challenging Times - Live OnlineSeptember 16 (5pm - 8pm) - Insurance Finance 101 - Live OnlineSeptember 17 & 18 (9am - 12:30pm) - Commercial Lines Auto Program - Live OnlineSeptember 18 - (9am – 3pm) Towing and Storage Forum – In PersonSeptember 19 (9am - 3pm) - Claims Manager/ Adjusters Roundtable - In PersonSeptember 19 (9:30am - 12pm) - Personal Cyber Exposures & Coverage Review - Live OnlineSeptember 23 (5pm - 8pm) - Governance Basics for New Directors - Live OnlineSeptember 24 (9am - 3pm) - Automobile Underwriting Roundtable - In PersonSeptember 25 (9:00am - 3:00pm) - Underwriting Managers Roundtable - In PersonSeptember 27 (9am - 12:30pm) - Insuring Residential Condo Unit Owners - Live OnlineOctober 3 (9am - 12:30pm) - Claims Series: Applying the Fault Determination Rules - Live OnlineCourse Date & NameOctober 7 (5pm - 8pm) - Identifying the Regulatory Obligations of the Board & Insurance Company - Live OnlineOctober 8 (9am - 12:30pm) - Residential Underwriting Roundtable - Live OnlineOctober 9 & 10 (9:30am - 12:30pm) - Commercial Property Coverage Review - Live OnlineOctober 16 & 17 (9am - 12:30pm) - Residential Property Coverage Review - Live OnlineOctober 17 (9:30am - 3pm) - Marketing Forum - In PersonOctober 22 (1pm - 3pm) - Sales, Business Development & Marketing Managers Roundtable - Live OnlineOctober 23 (9am - 3pm) - Accident Benets Claims Handling Workshop - In PersonOctober 24 (9am - 4pm) - Agents Roundtable - In PersonOctober 29 & 30 (9am - 12:30pm) - Personal Liability Coverage Review - Live OnlineOctober 30 (9am - 3pm) - Accountants Roundtable - In PersonOctober 30 & 31 (9:30am & 12:30pm) - Farm Property Coverage Review - Live OnlineNovember 1, 8 & 15 (11am - 12pm) - Mindfulness at WorkNovember 5 & 6 (9:00am - 12:30pm) - Personal Lines Auto Program - Live OnlineNovember 7 (9:30am - 11:30am) - Underwriting Managers Roundtable - Live OnlineNovember 7 (9am - 3pm) - Human Resources Roundtable - In PersonNovember 7 (9:30am - 12:30pm) - Farm Livestock - Live OnlineEducationMap Your Path to Success at OMIAUpcoming Sessions (subject to change). Members, please refer to www.omia.com to review a current calendar of courses offered by OMIA. Hover on “Education” and click “Education Calendar”.Remember to sign up for our On Demand eLearning courses at www.omiaelearning.com!
pg. 37OMIA was pleased to host its annual CEO Conference at Kingbridge Conference Centre in King City, Ontario from May 27th to 29th. This conference provides an opportunity for member CEOs, and senior management, to hear from industry experts and reinsurance partners, and discuss issues of common concern. This year’s agenda included an update on Operational Risk Resilience and Corporate Governance; presentations from Farm Mutual Re on CAT Preparedness, Reinsurance Audits, and Innovation; an “Ask Me Anything” with FSRA; a panel discussion on Change Management and Prioritization; and a Roundtable Discussion on trending topics like articial intelligence, strategic planning, and recruitment and retention. We’re looking forward to our December CEO Roundtable on December 5th at our 350 Pinebush training rooms where we’ll be able to further our discussions and learning opportunities.Course Date & NameNovember 8 (9am - 12:30pm) - Personal Umbrella Liability Coverage Review - Live OnlineNovember 13 & 14 (9am - 12:30pm) - Commercial Liability Coverage Review - Live OnlineNovember 14 (9am - 3pm) - Regulatory Compliance Roundtable - In PersonNovember 15 (9:30am - 11:30am) - Sales Skills - UpsellingNovember 18 & 25 (5pm - 8:30pm) - Board Self Evaluation & CEO Evaluation - Live OnlineNovember 19 (9:30am - 12:30pm) - Commercial & Farm Underwriting Roundtable - Live OnlineNovember 19 (1pm - 4:30pm) - Automobile Underwriting Roundtable - Live OnlineNovember 21 (9:30am - 12:30pm) - Claims Manager/ Adjusters Roundtable - Live OnlineCourse Date & NameNovember 26 (10am - 11am) - Enterprise Risk Management Forum - Live OnlineNovember 26 (2pm - 4:30pm) - Promoting Insurance to Value - Commercial Insurance - Live OnlineNovember 27 & 28 (9:30am - 12:30pm) - Farm Liability Coverage Review - Live OnlineNovember 27 & 28 (1pm - 4:30pm) - Claims Series: Understanding Medical Terminology - Live OnlineNovember 29 (9:00am - 12pm) - Ontario Mutual Loss Prevention League - Live OnlineDecember 2 (9am -12pm) - Board Chair & Vice Chairs Roundtable - Live OnlineDecember 3 & 4 (9am - 12:30pm) - Commercial Lines Auto Program - Live OnlineDecember 5 (9am - 3pm) - CEO Roundtable - In PersonOntario Mutuals CEO Conference
pg. 38Congratulations to Andrea Publuske on celebrating 5 years with Germania. Thank you, Andrea!Congratulations to Bridget Hart who celebrated 30 years with Lambton Mutual on May 31st. As an Underwriter with 30 years of expertise, Bridget is a true asset. We thank you for your commitment, loyalty and dedication Congratulations on this milestone!Germania MutualMilestonesRecognizing Mutual Members’ Signicant AnniversariesLambton Mutual Tradition MutualCongratulations to the following Tradition Mutual staff on their recent anniversaries with the company.10 Years: Jeff Irwin, Chief Operations Ofcer. Jeff has over 30 years of insurance experience, mostly in Claims. 20 Years: Steven Riehl Jr., Agent. Insurance runs through Steven’s veins, with both his parents having worked with Tradition as Agents! 35 Years: Jim Stacey, Agent. Jim began working with Blanshard Mutual, before their amalgamation with Downie Mutual in 2002 to become Tradition Mutual.Heartland MutualSalus MutualA big congratulations to our dedicated Salus Mutual staff on their anniversaries. 5 Years: Vanessa Sloan and Connie Mills (not pictured); 15 Years: John McWilliam; 30 Years: Laurie SuraCongratulations to the following Heartland Mutual staff on their recent anniversaries with the company.5 Years: Maureen Truong, Junior Actuarial Analyst andKirsty Madden, Payroll and Benets Specialist10 Years: Jen White, Document Assistant25 Years: Russell Acomb, Team Lead, Loss Prevention40 Years: Karen Mckay-Harding, Manager, Property ClaimsKaren started as a summer co-op position in June 1984 with Kings Mutual in Nova Scotia. After completing her co-op term, she was offered a full-time job and while she didn’t realize it at the time, it would be for 40 years as the company grew and merged with Heartland. Along the way she held a variety of positions within the company and nally settled in the claims department where she is the Manager, Property Claims. Karen has mentored many people during her time here at Heartland and seen tremendous changes from when she started in 1984. Congratulations Karen on hitting this very signicant milestone and thank you for your contributions to the growth of Heartland to the company it is today.
pg. 39CollectivdeCollectivde Insurance Group is proud to announce that in our fth year of operation, we have joined the 100/100 Club— over $100 million in GWP (Gross Written Premium) and over 100 employees throughout our network! In 2019, when Collectivde was rst formed by a collection of mutual insurance companies to protect Mutual volume in the face of ongoing acquisitions, the goal was to purchase and own between $75 - $100 million of premium volume in the broker channel by December 31, 2028. Thanks to the leadership and dedication from the team and the Board of Directors, Collectivde reached its goal 4.5 years earlier than originally projected.Talking about this milestone, Tony Ngo, President & CEO of Collectivde Insurance Group said, “I am incredibly proud of what Collectivde has accomplished and how we have made ourselves successful. Collectivde is unique in who we are and how we do business, and we have our Mutual roots to thank for that. Collectivde is a success story because of our values and the people we have here, and broker owners recognize that. Hitting 100/100 within ve years shows that our business model works, and the industry needs us. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible, and we look forward to more future successes.”Collectivde Insurance Group has 13 broker partners, 19 ofce locations, 112 employees throughout the network, and now over $100 million in GWP, safeguarding the broker distribution channel.The law rm Madorin, Snyder LLP has changed its name to Bennett Grant LLP. We’re grateful for the contributions of both H. Wayne Snyder and W.H. Peter Madorin to the history of our rm. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to providing you with legal services for many years to come. Tel: 519.744.4491 Toll Free: 1.800.387.6419 Email: info@kw-law.comYour Mutual Insurance Partner for Over 60 Yearswww.kw-law.comCorporate:Litigation:Coverage Issues: Employment: Steve Grant, Ross WeberJamie Bennett, Leanne WayTed DreyerRob Bickle
pg. 40We’re thrilled to announce that Katie Witt has been elected as Verge Insurance Group’s Canadian Broker Network (CBN) 2024 Personal Insurance Underwriter of the Year! This prestigious award is a testament to Katie’s dedication and excellence. Her exceptional underwriting, service, and relationship-building skills have earned her this recognition. Katie’s achievement will be celebrated in the October/November issue of Canadian Underwriter Magazine and on the CBN Awards Hub. Please join us in congratulating Katie. Katie, we are incredibly proud of you!HTM MutualHTM is proud to announce that Warren Ting, our VP of Underwriting has graduated with his Masters degree in Insurance Management at Columbia University in New York. This program is the only one of its kind at the Ivy League level. Throughout his 18 months of studies, Warren was able to balance his work, family, and academics - no easy feat. He was also nominated by his peers as Student Marshall to lead his class out in the graduation ceremony and also picked up the “Heart of a Lion” award, which is presented to a student that has gone above and beyond to contribute to the student life experience of the Columbia community. Congratulations to Warren on this ne accomplishment. Way to represent HTM and the mutual insurance community!HD MutualNova MutualOur Employee Experience Director, Sue Rivard is ofcially a Certied Coach through Leader Coach Intensive after working diligently over the last 8 months toward this goal. She has obtained her Level 1 towards her Associate Certied Coach designation with the International Coaching Federation. We are so fortunate to have a coach on our team, a great addition which shows the value we place on our people. This approach helps leaders increase engagement, break down barriers, and support new thinking and innovation. Sue is a unique asset to our team, and the perfect t to help empower our people through these skills. Congratulations Sue on this impressive accomplishment! AccomplishmentsCongratulating Mutual Members on Professional Development
pg. 41Bridget Lee is this year’s recipient of Grenville Mutual’s “Leadership in Agriculture Award,” given annually for academic excellence in the 2-year Business-Agriculture Program at Algonquin College. Otia Bates, Business Analyst with our Products & Pricing team, attended Algonquin College’s Perth campus convocation on June 6 to present the award on behalf of Grenville Mutual. Bridget’s leadership qualities are already helping support the future of the agribusiness sector! Congratulations!Grenville Mutual Trillium MutualPlease join us in congratulating Patrick Bushby, a respected member of our Board, for successfully obtaining his OMIA Board Director Certication during the OMIA Convention held Toronto in March.YOUR FORENSIC ENGINEERING ALLIESUnearth Expert InsightsWhether you’re handling a kitchen fire, or a loss at a multimillion-dollar agricultural facility, you can rest assured that you have our skilled and experienced investigative team at your service. CEP Forensic’s team of engineers and investigators prides itself on the cultivation of client relationships and unparalleled investigative expertise.Clear. Effective. Partners.cep-experts.ca
pg. 42Kent & Essex MutualWe were thrilled to exhibit at the Chatham Kent Home & Garden Show from March 22nd to 24th and, for our rst time, at the Windsor Home & Garden Show from April 5th to 7th. These events provided us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with our valued policyholders and engage with the wider community. Throughout our time, we had numerous meaningful conversations, answered questions, and shared information about our services. It was a pleasure to meet so many people, hear their stories, and understand their needs.Lambton MutualWe have had the pleasure of participating in the Fire Inspection and Fire Safety Education mentorship program through Fanshawe College. The program allows enrolled students to pair with volunteer mentors such as re chiefs, re inspectors, prevention ofcers, education ofcers and insurance loss prevention inspectors. The students shadowed their mentor, gaining knowledge in different elds. Pictured here is our Loss Prevention Inspector Paul Van Lieshout with mentee Liam Spiegelberg as they head out to conduct preventative inspections. Participating in this mentorship program helps us highlight to students how great a career in the mutuals can be.Other News & EventsMore Mutual News
pg. 43The Mutual’s Emerging Leaders Committee was pleased to work with OMIA to host the second annual Next Generation of Mutual Professionals Conference at 350 Pinebush Road, Cambridge on July 8th and 9th. The Conference was developed as an avenue for the next generation of mutual professionals to network, build their brand, and make their mark. This year’s conference was designed specically for individuals looking for ways to harness their potential, develop and dene their professional identity, and make an impact in the mutual insurance community.The Conference kicked off with a presentation from David Rashty, H2H Group, on discovering your unique brand and traits that can lead to professional success. A panel of mutual peers spoke on preparing for the future of the Ontario Mutual system, and Farm Mutual Re’s Innovation team ran a workshop on building innovation awareness and developing innovation skills. The event offered attendees an opportunity to speak on camera about their experiences in the mutual system and have a professional headshot taken for their online proles. The Emerging Leaders Committee would like to thank everyone who helped pull this Conference together, and especially our generous sponsors for contributing to its success. We’re looking forward to more opportunities to bring together our mutual community. Keynote Speaker, David Rashty, H2H Mutual Panel: Dave Colyn (Trillium Mutual), Stephanie Murray (North Blenheim Mutual), Andrea Kerswill (Farm Mutual Re), and Stephen Matusiak (HD Mutual)Attendees from North Blenheim MutualThe Emerging Leaders Committee: Seated: Caitlyn Wyatt (North Blenheim Mutual), Kathleen Linder (South Easthope Mutual), Nicole Emmerson (Grenville Mutual). Standing: Michelle Surlaya (HD Mutual), Tavia Tobey (OMIA), Ken Poort (Nova Mutual), Alan Johnson (Ayr Farmers Mutual), Hilary Toth (HD Mutual), Jenna Leigh (BCM Mutual),and Tia Milnes (Farm Mutual Re).Attendees from Usborne and Hibbert Mutual enjoying donuts from Lady GlazeNext Generation of Mutual Professionals Conference
pg. 44OMIA and Chair, Marg Torrance, hosted our Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, June 10th at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ontario. This beautiful location was perfect for our fully sold out tournament with great, albeit chilly, weather overall. Proceeds from the day were given to the Farm Mutual Foundation and Indwell, an organization that creates affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness, and belonging. Thank you to our mutual friends for your participation, staff from HD Mutual for your volunteer support, and to our sponsors for helping make the day a success. Your efforts raised just over $10,000. Congratulations, as well, to our rst place team, Maple Mutual, second place team, Ayr Farmers Mutual, and our various competition winners throughout the day. We’re looking forward to seeing you all again in Kincardine, June 11th, 2025. OMIA Golf TournamentWest Wawanosh MutualIn late May, our staff and Directors travelled to beautiful Gravenhurst for our Broker Appreciation event; a three hour cruise on the RMS Segwun! It was a gorgeous day to be on the water and everyone enjoyed beautiful scenery, snacks, beverages, and lots of laughs!In June, staff competed in the Huron Chamber Corporate Challenge. Everyone enjoyed the sunny afternoon participating in fun and games while building a culture of teamwork and collaboration. It was a great opportunity for networking and bringing our business community together.
pg. 45Heartland MutualHeartland Mutual was started by a group of local farmers who met on July 9th, 1874. They discussed starting a farm mutual in Waterloo to provide adequate insurance to their community on a cooperative basis. We celebrated our 150th anniversary with events at our Ontario and Nova Scotia ofces on June 12th with broker, vendor, and business partners. Heartland owes its success over the past 150 years to growth through amalgamations and mutual collaboration with our business partners and the communities we do business in. Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated with us. In July, Heartland Mutual’s claims department completed their rst Claims School focused on auto physical damage. The goal of the claims school is to develop current and new staff through a robust training program, providing opportunities for individuals who are looking to start their career in insurance, or upskill and explore a new role. The program is designed to develop the talent necessary for the future of mutual insurance and introduce prospects to the variety of career opportunities in the industry. The program was developed with a balanced approach between classroom and hands on training opportunities held on alternating weeks over the six-week program. Students had the opportunity to learn about different automobile policies, endorsements, estimatics, negotiation, and investigation while providing exemplary customer service to claimants. For the hands-on sessions the students were partnered with an experienced adjuster who guided them through the proper processes and procedures for auto claims. With this success, we plan to develop programs for other types of claims, including property damage. Congratulations to our rst cohort of students as they transition into their adjusting roles with the knowledge and skills to succeed. Your Outsourced Investment Governance Expert Inquire about our proven expertise in: ➢ Governance documents ➢ Portfolio assessments ➢ Money Manager assessments ➢ Complete Quarterly Monitoring Services Contact Jeffrey Hand at 905-336-1879 or info@bonnycastle.ca .com1-888-576-3010
pg. 46Bettina Weber and Amanda White recently represented Trillium Mutual at the Young Brokers Conference Trade Show in Niagara Falls. We extend our gratitude to the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario for the invitation and to everyone who attended the event! Ayr Farmers MutualTrillium MutualMarch and April bustled with activity as Ayr Farmers Mutual Agents and employees participated in several tradeshows around southwestern Ontario, including the London Farm Show, Canadian Dairy XPO, and the Woodstock Home Show.Our Wellness Committee hosted a lunch and learn with a local a RN Diabetes Educator. She taught the team about diabetes, signs and symptoms, and how small changes can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. We also celebrated pride month with cookies that represent the meaning of the colours of the pride ag. Each colour symbolizes a different aspect of LGBTQ+ life and identity: Red - love and living life to the fullest.Orange - healing and the journey towards recovery and growth.Yellow - sunlight as a beacon of hope and happiness.Green - nature and the importance of growth, renewal, and harmony.Blue - serenity and emphasizes peace and tranquility.Violet - spirituality for resilience, determination, and courage.
pg. 47Farm Mutual Re Slo-Pitch TournamentOnce again, Usborne & Hibbert Mutual put an amazing team together for the annual slow pitch tournament, hosted by Farm Mutual Re. The team had a fantastic day and enjoyed winning the rst two games. If it hadn’t been for the rain in the third game we would have been contenders for the nals. A big thank you to Farm Mutual Re for organizing a fantastic slow pitch tournament. We would also like to thank our Trillium staff team who performed admirably with three wins and one loss, securing second place in the A Division. Our team had a great time with the friendly competition and camaraderie. It was a terric day!Salus Mutual had a lot of fun at the Farm Mutual Re Slo Pitch Tournament. The day didn’t come easy as the team battled the heat AND the rain, but Salus Mutual was undefeated and took home the trophy. An excellent display of teamwork by all. A huge thank you to everyone who played and everyone who supported (from the stands and the ofce)!Farm Mutual Re hosted the annual Ontario Mutuals Slo-Pitch Tournament at the Cambridge Sports Park on June 21st. It was great to see the lively participation from the mutual insurance community. Congratulations to the winners, Salus Mutual! We also applaud the Trillium team for securing an impressive second place, while Farm Mutual Re and Commonwell Mutual agreed to share the consolation trophy, as their game ended in a tie.
pg. 48MAMIC Conference 2024Stanley Mutual and United General Insurance were honored to host the Maritime Association of Mutual Insurance Companies’ annual conference in beautiful Fredericton, NB. This event took place from June 13th to 15th at the Delta Hotel. The theme for the conference was “Being Well.” Through shared knowledge, collaboration, and a commitment to thriving together, we strive to empower each other toward lasting success and well-being in an ever-evolving landscape. This is precisely why we selected this year’s theme. It resonates across various facets of our lives, encompassing both corporate and personal wellness. After all, the universal desire for well-being unites us all.The MAMIC companies donated a cheque to 12 Neighbours Community Inc., the keynote speaker’s amazing organization, to support their efforts in helping underprivileged individuals in the Fredericton area.We were entertained by the amazing comedian James Mullinger on Thursday night and enjoyed live music by Cookshack on Friday.Sessions Included: • Marcel LeBrun, Keynote Speaker - BSc. Eng (EE), D.Sc., Founder & Chairman of 12 Neighbours Community Inc., speaking about community wellness • Amy Parrill, President of Parrill + Co., speaking about Team Wellness • Melanie Lyons, Fitness Trainer, Aerialist and Body Builder, speaking about physical wellness• Aaron Cushing, Founder + Creative Director of Square Thunder, speaking about AI and digital wellness • Stephen Franklin, speaking about workplace wellness • Andrew Chamberlain, Chamberlain Wealth Management CEO / Investment Funds Advisor, speaking on Employee Wellness
pg. 49Volunteers from Farm Mutual Re spent the afternoon cleaning up over seven bags of trash from Pinebush Road in Cambridge on May 30th. This was in partnership with the Adopt-A-Road program.In partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region, volunteers from Farm Mutual Re, Collectivde and OMIA spent the morning of May 1st expanding our microforest by planting an additional 100 trees and shrubs outside our ofce.Thank you to everyone who came out to our annual Business Partners Appreciation Golf Tournament in June. This fun day was dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the collaborations and partnerships that play a crucial role in propelling our mutual community forward.On June 4th, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) publicly announced the Resilient Homes Task Force, marking a signicant development in their ongoing collaboration. According to a press release, the Task Force is working to create evidence-based solutions for more resilient new homes, renovations, and homeowner maintenance. These solutions will help inform the residential construction industry and Canadians about options to protect property and residents from increasing weather extremes and catastrophic loss.The Resilient Homes Task Force will conduct pilot eld trials with builders using homes in various locations across Canada, testing four specic natural hazard contexts: basement ooding, wildre, hail, and high wind. The learnings from those outcomes will be used to create resources and guides for the residential construction industry and homeowners, outlining voluntary risk reduction initiatives for Canadian homes.“The important message for Canadian homeowners is that their home can be protected from increasing risk from extreme weather and wildre. The collaboration with CHBA is an exciting partnership for the protection of Canadian homes from increasing risk,” says Paul Kovacs, Executive Director of ICLR. ICLR provides homeowners and municipalities with evidence-based risk reduction strategies, including homeowner risk reduction guides which can be downloaded at www.iclr.org/homeowner.The Resilient Homes Task Force is creating a unique opportunity to align insurers’ goal of risk reduction with builder know-how, benetting Canadian residents. The goal of the task force is to create awareness for industry and Canadians about what can be done to reduce the risk to homes and families.www.chba.ca www.iclr.orgFarm Mutual Re
pg. 50JB Elliot and Stanley Mutual would like to announce the retirement of Helen (Elliot) LeFort on June 28th, 2024. Helen began her insurance career during her high school summers at Elliot Insurance. Later, she joined the underwriting department of the Home Insurance Company and later returned to Elliot Insurance, becoming a partner with her brother John Elliot. She was an invaluable team member, epitomizing the brokerage motto of “Servicing What We Sell Since 1954.”Helen’s unwavering focus on client satisfaction and her consistent availability have left a lasting impression on her colleagues and clients through her extensive insurance knowledge and warm, infectious demeanor. All the very best, Helen!Congratulations to Greg Brenneman on reaching the remarkable milestone of 37 years with North Blenheim Mutual and on your well-deserved retirement. Your dedication and commitment as an insurance agent have been nothing short of extraordinary. Over nearly four decades, you have exemplied excellence, providing unparalleled service and support to countless clients. Your expertise, unwavering professionalism, and genuine care for your clients have set a gold standard in the industry. As you embark on this new chapter, we reect on the profound impact you have made on our team and the community. Your legacy of integrity, hard work, and compassionate service will continue to inspire us all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your immense contributions and wish you a fullling and joyous retirement. Congratulations once again on an incredible career and a well-earned retirement!Congratulations to Dave Hall on reaching an incredible milestone of 29 years with North Blenheim Mutual as an insurance agent. Your dedication and expertise have made a lasting impact on our company and the clients you’ve served. As you retire this year, we wish you a future lled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished moments with loved ones. Thank you for your contributions, enjoy this well-deserved next chapter!Debbie Delair retired in May 2024 after 15 years at Farm Mutual Re. Debbie began her Farm Mutual Re journey in our previous Loss Control Services department as an Administrative Assistant in May 2009. Debbie was an integral part of the Loss Control Services workow and developed close working relationships with internal staff, members, brokers and agents over the years. We wish you the best in your retirement, Debbie. Stanley Mutual North Blenheim MutualFarm Mutual Re RetirementsCelebrating Those Who Helped Us Thrive
pg. 51Sandra Leys began her career at West Elgin Mutual (now Salus) as an Auto and Commercial Underwriter in October 1987. During her tenure she served as Chair of the OMIA Auto Roundtable, Secretary of OMIA’s Group 1, on ad hoc committees with Farm Mutual Re, and is a subject matter expert to OMAP. She also served on the Development Steering Committee at MCCG (now Cognition+) and on the OMIA Stats Committee. She served on the Board of Directors of MCCG from 2010-2019, including being Chair from 2015-2018.Sandra would like to share her thanks for all the opportunities she has been provided in the mutual system and for support in professional development as she earned her CIP, FCIP and CRM designations. Please join us in congratulating Sandra on her retirement.Brian Downie retired from Salus Mutual on July 31st, 2024 following more than 33 years of service. Brian began his career in April 1991 at West Elgin Mutual (now Salus)as the Accountant, gradually taking on more responsibilities until being named General Manager (CEO), Treasurer and Corporate Secretary in late 1996. During his tenure, Brian served on the Board of Directors, including a term as Chair, for Farm Mutual Financial Services and Farm Mutual Re, as Trustee of the Fire Mutuals Guarantee Fund and currently serves on the Board of Collectivde Insurance Group. In addition, Brian served on the Development Steering Committee at MCCG (now Cognition+) and on the OMIA Statistics Committee. He is thankful for all the opportunities he has been provided and for support in professional development as he earned his CIP, FCIP and CRM designations. Please join us in congratulating Brian on his retirement. Lori Kornaker, will be retiring on August 30th after over two decades of dedicated service, which began September 2003. Lori is now set to embark on a well-deserved new chapter.Throughout her tenure with Salus Mutual (former West Elgin), Lori has been an essential part of our Administrative team. She has contributed immeasurably to our success throughout our amalgamation. Her dedication to excellence, commitment, and infectious enthusiasm and smile set a standard of integrity and diligence.Lori will be greatly missed but we’re excited for her as she steps into retirement, where she can enjoy more time with her family, including grandkids.Thank you, Lori, for your years of service, your loyalty, and your passion. You have set an example for us all.Salus MutualAxiom MutualBob Gauthier, served as a Director for over ten years with Axiom Mutual, beginning with Town & Country Mutual in 2014. He was instrumental in the amalgamation of Town & Country and Hay Mutual and was elected as the rst chair of Axiom Mutual. His insurance background and business knowledge provided the board with the necessary leadership to guide the company in its formation. His passion, dedication and insight will be missed by the board and the entire organization. We thank Bob for his outstanding service to Axiom Mutual and wish him and his wife, Cathie all the best.
pg. 52We wish to congratulate Donna Barlow, Accounting Assistant - Receivables, on her retirement, effective July 25th, 2024. Donna has been a valuable contributor to our Administrative Services department, and our entire team, since she began in a contract position in November 2014. She became a full-time Accounting Assistant in August 2016. Donna is a proud grandmother and has plans to devote more time to hosting family dinners, painting, learning guitar, and becoming more active. We wish Donna all the best in her well-deserved retirement. OMIAAfter 36 years at Lambton Mutual, we wish to announce the retirement of Heather Straatman, Underwriting Manager. We want to thank Heather for her years of service and dedication and wish her the very best as she embarks on new adventures with plans to travel in her retirement Staff at Erie Mutual joined together on May 30th for a celebratory BBQ honouring Susan Fleming’s retirement. Susan joined our nance team on December 1st, 2009, bringing her wealth of knowledge in the nance sector. We are grateful for Susan’s time at Erie Mutual and thank her for her dedication and commitment to our nance department for the past 14+ years. Although her smile will be missed around the ofce, we wish Susan all the best as she enjoys her retirement and begins the next chapter in her life. Congratulations, Susan!Lambton MutualErie Mutual
pg. 53We’re in this together.ontariomutuals.ca
pg. 54We are very saddened to share the passing of Vern Inglis. His career in Insurance at Formosa Mutual began in the early 1970s after a successful career in banking. Vern held several prestigious positions, including Chair of OMIA, Chair of Farm Mutual Re, and the only Canadian to have ever served as Chair of National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). .Vern’s forward thinking leadership guided the development of Trillium Mutual’s current culture and workow. Please join us in sending our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.Vern InglisStephanie HarrisIt is with great sadness that Axiom Mutual shares the news of the sudden passing of one of our team members, Stephanie Harris on May 19th following a brief illness. Stephanie joined our team in 2017 as an Auto Underwriter. In addition to her skillset and knowledge which made her an incredible asset to our team, Stephanie was a true member of our Axiom family and we will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her husband Clayton, their three young children, her family (notably Kim Wolfe from Tradition Mutual) and friends as they continue to navigate the days ahead. In honour of Stephanie, our organization and staff have done our best to support the family, including establishing a Partners for Life group through Canadian Blood Services and planting a tree at our Zurich location in her memory. In MemoriamRemembering Our Mutual Family Members
pg. 55It is with heavy hearts that Salus Mutual share the news of the passing of former West Elgin and Salus Mutual Director, Ruleen Lilley on August 4th.Ruleen grew up on a farm and started working at the standardbred horse farm called Mac Lilley Farms in September 1981 where she met her husband, Jeff. Their early careers were lled by training horses and racing around North America. Ruleen was a director for Standardbred Canada and the rst female Director and Chair of West Elgin Mutual (now Salus). Ruleen’s biggest joy was in promoting her community, farm, and horses. Highlights would be hosting many open houses, barn dances and especially the RCMP Musical Ride in 2022 and creating the comedic play called “The Dunwich Scotch” (celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary by showcasing local history).We offer condolences to Ruleen’s friends and family.It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Scriver, who was an active and dedicated director of Dufferin Mutual at the time of his passing. John joined our board in 2016 and provided invaluable leadership, serving as Chair in 2020 and 2021. John was a man of unwavering integrity, whose contributions signicantly enriched our company. His commitment to Dufferin Mutual and the broader Mutual system was evident in his active participation in numerous conferences hosted by OMIA, CAMIC, and NAMIC. John’s presence, passion, and belief in our shared mission will be sorely missed. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us all.Ruleen LilleyJohn Scriver
Address: 350 Pinebush Road, Cambridge Ontario N1T 1Z6 (519) 622-9220 Fax: (519) 622-9227Mail: P.O. Box 3187 Cambridge ON N3H 4S6 www.omia.com And keep that news coming!Please send your news, photos, updates and more to marketing@omia.com. OM News can be read online at OMIA.com and sign-in is not necessary. Just visit www.omia.com and pick Ontario Mutuals Newsletter from the menu on the left of the page.READY TO GO GREEN? Please drop us an email if you’d prefer to read your OM News online and help us save paper and ink. Email marketing@omia.com and we’ll be sure that your name is included on the email notication that goes out when a new issue is available.