Company News

Hastings, Michigan - March 20, 2013:  Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, a regional Property Casualty insurance carrier serving six states and based in Hastings, Mich.,  is honored to be selected as one of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) in 2013.  This is the third consecutive year that Hastings Mutual has been recognized by the MBPA as a top West Michigan employer demonstrating innovative human resources strategies.

“Hastings Mutual is defined by the talent, dedication, and commitment of our employees,” said Dana Walters, vice president of Human Resources at Hastings Mutual. “We are pleased to be acknowledged as a company that exceeds traditional human resources practices and to represent our community as an award-winning organization.”

An independent research firm evaluates each company’s entry based on key measures in various categories.  These categories include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance; and the Best of the Best Small Business.

The winning 101 companies will also compete for eleven elite awards, one in each evaluation category and an overall winner that has excelled in each category will receive the Best of the Best Overall award. The winners will be announced during the MBPA’s awards luncheon taking place on Thursday, May 2 at the Pinnacle Center in the greater Grand Rapids area.

“Profitability and stability is essential for businesses in today’s economic climate. Companies that recognize that their employees are the key to their success, achieve staying power. Our 2013 winners style their business standards to ensure employee satisfaction and they set standards for every business to aspire toward.” saidJennifer Kluge, MBPA president. “We are very impressed by the commitment that they have demonstrated to their employees.”

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

Hastings Mutual Insurance Company is an award-winning, A. M. Best: A+ rated, regional Property Casualty insurance company. Hastings Mutual operates in six the Midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The company, based in Hastings, Michigan, was founded in 1885. Hastings Mutual writes commercial, farm, and personal lines business through a network of independent insurance agents. For more information about Hastings Mutual visit the company website at www.hastingsmutual.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

About Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA)

Based in Warren, Mich., theMichigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) is thelargest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 200,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and thelike.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to theMichigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) with more than 3,400 members. Visit them online at www.michbusiness.org or www.michfood.org.

Hastings, Mich. – January 3, 2013:  Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, a regional Property Casualty insurance carrier serving six states in the Midwest, was again awarded an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company in 2012. This top rating is based on an independent evaluation by A.M. Best. The continued financial strength and performance of Hastings Mutual is highlighted in the affirmed rating.

“We are pleased that Hastings Mutual was again recognized by A.M. Best for superior capitalization and five-year operating results,” said Joe Babiak, president and CEO of Hastings Mutual. “This rating allows our policyholders to rest assured, knowing Hastings Mutual will be there to fulfill the promises we make.”

The rating affirmation reflects the company's superior capitalization with moderate underwriting leverage, a conservative investment risk profile, and favorable loss reserve development, as well as the five-year operating performance driven by solid investment income. These positive rating factors are derived from the company's long-standing agency relationships and the company’s adherence to sound operating fundamentals.

Although Hastings Mutual’s A+ (Superior) rating was affirmed, A.M. Best revised the outlook from stable to negative. The negative outlook is based on the company’s geographic concentration and corresponding exposure to severe weather-related losses. In spite of less than favorable underwriting results and operating earnings due to storm losses, Hastings Mutual maintains a strong risk-adjusted capital position. 

“Going forward, we have the challenge and the great opportunity to deliver more consistent profitability to Hastings Mutual’s results in order to maintain our long tradition of excellent financial strength,” said Babiak.  “I have the utmost confidence that, together with our dedicated employees and outstanding independent agency partners, we will achieve this goal.”

A.M. Best is among the most respected rating organizations. Now a global, full-service agency, A.M. Best has served the insurance industry for more than 113 years.  Best’s Financial Strength Rating is assigned exclusively to insurance companies based on financial strength and the ability to meet insurance policy contractual obligations.

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
Hastings Mutual Insurance Company is an award-winning, A. M. Best: A+ rated regional Property Casualty insurance company. Hastings Mutual operates in the six Midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The company, based in Hastings, Michigan, was founded in 1885. Hastings Mutual writes commercial, farm, and personal lines business through a network of independent insurance agents. For more information about Hastings Mutual visit the company website at www.hastingsmutual.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

About A.M. Best Company
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Hastings, Mich. – December 19, 2012:  Hastings Mutual Insurance Company recently announced the recipients of the annual Hastings Highest Award, the most prestigious award in the Hastings Mutual award and recognition program.  The award was presented on Friday, December 7 by Hastings Mutual President and CEO, Joe Babiak, during the annual Service Awards Program.

This year, the Hastings Highest recognition was awarded to multiple recipients. The first recipient is a team of employees who led the effort to research, quantify, and correct a payment error that recovered 2.8 million dollars for the company in overpaid expenses. This team consisted of Annette Roth, Accounting Manager, and Karen Lancaster, Programmer Analyst. Lindsay Nichols, Product Development Technician, also received a Hastings Highest award for her contributions in providing critical leadership during the implementation of the company’s new production printers.

The Hastings Highest Award was established to formally honor and recognize Hastings Mutual employees who demonstrate behaviors identified as key to the continued growth and success of Hastings Mutual.  Employees considered for the annual award are selected from the group of PRIDE award recipients for the year. PRIDE stands for Positive Recognition of Initiative Demonstrated by Employees. These awards are presented during quarterly recognition ceremonies. 

During the ceremony, Service Awards were also presented to employees for their many years of service and dedication to Hastings Mutual.

Five years: Bud Sager, Mike Murphy, Joe Hunold, Melissa Mesara, Bill Mansfield, Nancy Metzner,  Andrew Coates, Renee Beauford, Faith Laubaugh, Rebecca Ruley, Leslie Bender, Jody Armstrong, Shannon Heads, Carl Lickley, and Mike Schaper.

Ten years: Travis Possehn, Sarah Bible, Kim Dingman, Laura Dutcher, Debbie Mead, Mark Smith, Reggie Medendorp, Tracy Neil, Tammy La Lone, Katie Daugherty, Sandi Reidsma, Ryan Peel, Chad Swearingen, Doug Fall.

Fifteen years: Sossity Bolen, Jennifer Rhoades, Brian Wagner, John Yoder, Candice Mapes, Kathy Davis, Holly Throop, Kristy Cabral, Louanne Oaks, Barb Scott, Char Madden, and Sue Dryer.

Twenty years: Karen Lancaster, Mindie Harmon, and Becky Lumbert.

Twenty five years: Kim Hilton, Phil Fye, and Mindy Shepler, Vicky Jiles, Jane Blake, and Terry Hilborn.

Thirty years: Ginger Laubaugh, Sandy Cranmore, Traci Leedy, Louanne Fields, and Frederic Halbert (Board of Director).

Thirty five years: Wayne Kidder and Barb Mix.

Additionally, the company recently recognized Don Hendricks, Pricing & Data Analytics Manager, and Sherry Oyer, Support Services Manager, with the Chairman’s Choice award. The Chairman’s Choice recipient is selected solely by the Chairman, Joe Babiak.  It is an award open to employees in all positions at Hastings Mutual and is entirely up to the discretion of the Chairman and the efforts he observes. 

Don was recognized for the increased sophistication he has brought to the pricing process at Hastings Mutual as a result of his actuarial training and experience.  Sherry was recognized for being a selfless leader who is dedicated to the development, growth, and promotion of her team. 

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
Hastings Mutual Insurance Company is an award-winning, A. M. Best: A+ rated, regional Property Casualty insurance company. Hastings Mutual operates in the six Midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The company, based in Hastings, Michigan, was founded in 1885. Hastings Mutual writes commercial, farm, and personal lines business through a network of independent insurance agents. For more information about Hastings Mutual visit the company website at www.hastingsmutual.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Hastings, Michigan – November 5, 2012:  Hastings Mutual Insurance Company was recently recognized as one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest Wellness Champions for 2012 by the Michigan Business & Professional Association. Newly launched this year, the Best and Brightest Wellness Champions awards program celebrates organizations that promote the health of their employees by making their workplace and community a healthier place to work and live. In addition to being named a Wellness Champion, Hastings Mutual was honored with the Elite Award in the Best of the Best Medium Business category.

“Health and wellness programs are at the forefront of every business looking to retain a healthy workforce, said Jennifer Kluge, Michigan Business and Professional Association /Michigan Food and Beverage Association president. “This year’s winning companies represent high standards and an exceptional commitment to healthy employees, healthy families, and a healthy community.”
Fitness and wellness is an integral part of the culture at Hastings Mutual. The company offers extensive employee wellness support including Weight Watchers groups and onsite fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and boot camp aerobics. In addition, Hastings Mutual brings in registered dieticians to help employees create a personalized nutrition program. Fees for these programs are rebated to employees who maintain weight loss and a healthy lifestyle over time.

“The wellness initiatives of our employees have created a spirit of health and wellness at Hastings Mutual,” said Julie Hutchins, human resources manager at Hastings Mutual. “Employees are taking control of their lives by getting healthy and, as a result, the business is being transformed. We are thrilled to be recognized as an Elite Wellness Champion.”

To determine the companies who would take home the Elite category awards, the Best and Brightest Wellness Champions used the WellCompanies assessment, created and administered by Wellco, the nation’s leading wellness systems provider. Nominated companies were put through an examination based upon eight criteria to benchmark and improve wellness program effectiveness: policies, environment, leadership, awareness-motivation, assessment-intervention, incentives-integration, measurement, and health care costs. This year’s elite winners excelled in all criteria required.

“While there are countless evaluations, this is the first to recognize and improve wellness effectiveness. Employers want to know what is proven to make a difference in their bottom line. The WellCompanies Assessment is the only system of its kind to quantify, track and improve wellness program success,” said Scott Foster, Wellco president. “We were very impressed with this year’s Elite winners. They have set the bar high.”

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

Hastings Mutual Insurance Company is an award-winning, A. M. Best: A+ rated, regional Property Casualty insurance company. Hastings Mutual operates in six the Midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The company, based in Hastings, Michigan, was founded in 1885. Hastings Mutual writes commercial, farm, and personal lines business through a network of independent insurance agents. For more information about Hastings Mutual visit the company website at www.hastingsmutual.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

About Best & Brightest Wellness Champions

The Best & Brightest™ Wellness Champions is an innovative initiative that recognizes and celebrates quality and excellence in worksite health promotion.  The program highlights companies that promote a culture of wellness, and those that plan, implement, and evaluate efforts in employee wellness promotion.  The Best and Brightest™ Wellness Champions uses the WellCompanies™ assessment, created and administered by Wellco, the nation's leading wellness systems firm. This is the premier awards symposium that celebrates the companies that are making their business, their employees and the community a healthy place to live and work.

About Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA)

Based in Warren, Mich., the Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 200,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) with more than 3,400 members. Visit them online at www.michbusiness.org or www.michfood.org. 

In 1880, and again in 1882, tornadoes tore through parts of the small community of Hastings, Michigan, destroying over $225,000 worth of property. At the time, this amount was nearly 500 times the cost of a new home. D.W. Rogers, a local farmer, took action. At his request, his brother, state legislator Jeremiah Rogers, sponsored a bill legalizing the formation of windstorm insurance companies in Michigan, which became law in February of 1885.

On April 5, 1885, the Hastings-based Michigan Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Company was incorporated. By 1908, "The Windstorm Company" had grown from 160 to 43,000 policyholders, sharing $74,000,000 of insurance in force. At the end of 1925 the company was the second largest mutual windstorm insurance company in the world. Prosperity continued through the 1930's, 40's and 50's, even during the Great Depression.

On January 15, 1959, "The Windstorm Company" formally reorganized as a general, non-assessable mutual known as Hastings Mutual Insurance Company. Insurance policy documents weighing almost four tons had to be rewritten to facilitate the change.

For well over 100 years, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company has had an outstanding reputation based on good customer service and needed insurance products, backed by sound company finances. We are indeed proud of our past and look forward to a progressive future of serving you!