North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Celebrates 140th Anniversary

In 1874, Waterloo area farmer Jacob Ziegler bought a fire insurance policy to cover his barns. His annual premium for this ‘peace of mind’ was $1.20. He was the very first mutual policyholder of The North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, established by local farmers to help protect one another.

Last week, the Company celebrated its 140th anniversary with an open house at its newly-expanded headquarters, still situated near its original location in Waterloo.

Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran was among some 300 guests who included brokers, business partners, vendors, industry associates and local community officials. During the ceremony, a $20,000 donation was presented to the Waterloo Region Food Bank. The company is a long-standing supporter of the Food Bank, having a shared purpose of helping people when they need it most. A good fit for a business that exists to protect the farmers who help feed us all.

The only federally chartered farm mutual in Ontario, the company is one of the largest insurers of agricultural property in the province, offering farm, home, auto and commercial protection through a network of independent brokers.

Carlos Rodrigues, president and chief executive officer, describes the company as “progressive within our rural niche, developing innovative solutions with our product, service, and technology offerings.”

He said the company’s farm and rural expertise built up over its long history provides an understanding of the unique insurance risks North Waterloo policyholders face. As an example, he cites “a vigorous loss prevention program which employs a team of qualified inspectors using the latest thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden dangers in electrical systems, heating units and sophisticated farm equipment.”

Much of our success relies on the strong relationships with have built with our broker partners. “We continually strive to be seen as friendly, responsive and flexible in our approach”. This philosophy has provided stable growth over our 140 years, to the $90 million in premium we write today.

To accommodate this growth, the organization’s head office building was recently doubled in size to house their staff of over 100. North Waterloo Farmers Mutual is also proud to have been named one of Waterloo Region’s Top Employers in 2014.

With much to celebrate this year, the company is excited to carry the momentum into the future.

Further information:

Heidi Montesanti, Marketing Co-ordinatorNorth Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company100 Erb St. E., Waterloo, ON N2J1L9Tel: 519-886-4530 ext. 6249; fax: 519-746-0222Email: hmontesanti@NWFM.com

PHOTO CAPTION: Cutting the ribbon celebrating the recent head office expansion of North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in Waterloo are (left to right): Carlos Rodrigues, President and CEO, Helen Johns, Board Chair and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran. The ceremony took place during a reception to mark the company’s 140th anniversary.