Author: admin

CSC, one of the largest providers of software to the insurance industry, recently hosted their annual Business and Technology Conference in New Orleans for customers, employees, and partner companies. This year they invited Brad Rall, a computer programmer from Cumberland, to speak as part of their Social Media track. Companies are discovering that social media websites represent value to the industry directly by providing resources for collaboration, and indirectly in the insights they provide about consumer interests. Brad, who serves as Vice Chairperson of CSC’s Customer Community Board, focused on how Cumberland and other CSC customers are sharing experiences surrounding their CSC software via a social website called Wikonnect. He discussed several examples of how Wikonnect has saved Cumberland substantial time and effort by tapping into a network of CSC customers and employees to solve problems. As Brad stated, “mid-sized companies like Cumberland don’t have the luxury of having specialists in every area of technology, but through partnerships with companies like CSC and by sharing experiences with other CSC customers, we’re able to bridge the gap and support a variety of technology comparable with very large companies.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group Run Team placed 3rd overall at the NJYIP (New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals) Fun Run that took place on the Atlantic City Boardwalk on June 12, 2012. The 5k race was on the final day of the PIA Convention held at the Trump Taj Mahal. The NJYIP Fun Run raises money for the NJ Special Olympics and this year, over $141,000 was raised.

Cumberland team members included Glenn Watkins, Steve Catranis, Glenn Bell, Michele D’Agostino, Hal Soden, Kevin Clausen, Jodi Bell, Tom Heist, Bob Conner, and John D’Agostino. Thanks to all who participated in this great event!

Cumberland sent four employees to the annual Insurance Accounting & Systems Association (IASA) Conference in San Diego, CA. The conference included vendor connect tours, technical sessions, and more. Some highlights from keynote speakers include:

• “People leave managers, not companies” – Everything is about relationships and how we treat our staff.
• “The bottle neck is always at the top of the bottle” – Be careful not to obstruct the productivity of your staff.
• “Paint a picture of what success looks like” – Before you start a project, have a clear picture of what would be considered success.
• “Do not let perfect be the enemy of good” – Do not wait to implement something until it’s “perfect” when you can obtain immediate benefit by accepting what is good and improving as needed.
• “Many leaders are too busy playing Whack a Mole to look at the future and cast vision” – Leaders need someone else to deal with the daily issues so they can truly lead.

Conference attendees learned the top two reasons people switch insurance carriers are due to price and bad claims experience. In fact, 30% of customers leave after a bad claims experience. Reinforcing ideas such as these help insurance carriers focus on what their customers want. As a result, a number of carriers are aggressively looking into providing online claims statuses. The goal is to decrease the number of poor experiences and retain customers longer.

From an IT perspective, the biggest items of interest discussed included big data, cloud, social media, and mobile technologies. In a poll taken at a keynote session, only 2 out of approximately 200 insurance companies represented at the session have mobile apps running. Fortunately, Cumberland was among the crowd of companies who have invested in social media. If you haven’t already done so, follow the links at the bottom of the screen to view our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To learn more about the IASA and the conference in San Diego, visit www.iasa.org.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo had an enjoyable visit here at the Cumberland Insurance Group’s New Jersey office in May 2012. He walked around Cumberland’s office and visited with several employees. In the picture below, Cumberland’s CEO, Paul Ritter, and Frank LoBiondo can be seen in front of the minerva outside Cumberland’s New Jersey office.

The Cumberland Insurance Group sponsored a team to play in the 18th Annual Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) golf tournament at the Centerton Golf Course. 

_{L to R: Neal Pierce, Frank Wilson, Bill Cole, Carl Earnest, and Glenn Watkins}

To learn more about the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, visit http://baccnj.com/.

_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady, Cumberland County Guidance Center
Executive Director H. Dieter Hovermann, and Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group continues to support non-profit groups and organizations that inspire positive change in communities throughout Cumberland County. The Company seeks to build relationships with organizations that have a well-defined sense of purpose, a demonstrated commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for delivering high quality programs
and services.

These qualities accurately reflect the outstanding assistance provided by the Cumberland County Guidance Center (CCGC). The Cumberland Insurance Group was proud to donate $1,000 recently towards their general operating expenses.

“The Cumberland County Guidance Center provides person centered, recovery focused mental health services to the community in a highly qualified, professional, and compassionate environment,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “With both inpatient and outpatient programs and services, the CCGC helps individuals suffering from mental health illness to maximize their ability to live, work, socialize, and learn in the community of their choice. They also provide support, information, and education to family members of mentally ill patients.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: Glenn Watkins of Sewell, N.J. was awarded the NJYIP Director of the Year award by the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals at the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New York state’s Joint Annual Business Conference, held at the Trump Taj Mahal Resort Casino, June 12-14. Watkins is assistant vice president of the Cumberland Insurance Group in
Bridgeton, N.J.

The NJYIP Director of the Year award is given to an individual who actively supports and works for the goals and objectives of NJYIP. Watkins was honored for his leadership, attention to responsibilities and tireless work ethic.

In 2007, Watkins was awarded the John Laux Company Person of the Year award. This award honors a company member of NJYIP who exemplifies a commitment to the high standards of professionalism, networking and service. This award was instituted in 1995 in memory of John Laux, a former NJYIP company member, who lost his valiant battle with cancer earlier that year.

Watkins received PIANJ’s Company Professional of the Year in 2005. PIANJ presents this award to the company representative who best fosters a sound working relationship between insurance agents and companies, and who exemplifies a commitment to professionalism and service as a company professional.

“Glenn continuously strives to provide outstanding service and enthusiasm to association initiatives,” said Tom Wilkins, newly elected president of NJYIP. “His tireless commitment to NJYIP, and the industry make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

NJYIP is an organization dedicated to the professional and personal growth of newcomers to the insurance industry. It is affiliated with PIANJ, a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies and their employees throughout the state.

Click here for the original press release from the PIA.org website.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group Chairman Leo Hogan, Salvation Army Advisory board member Herman Evans,
Bridgeton Corps Commanding Officer Major Thomas Pierce, Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter,
and Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: At The Cumberland Insurance Group, we believe being a responsible corporate citizen includes demonstrating a positive commitment to the neighborhoods and families we serve. As such, giving back to the community is at the very center of our corporate philosophy. To this end, the Company recently donated $1,000 to support the essential community service work performed by the Salvation Army.

“As a Company, we are committed to living and working every day as a proud member of the community,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “For 107 years, the Bridgeton Corps of The Salvation Army has been offering social and spiritual services to individuals and families in need of help. Using a variety of creative solutions, The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to those in need. Salvation Army employees and volunteers touch lives through selfless acts of service. We are proud to support such a worthy cause.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady, Bay Atlantic Symphony Executive Director Paul Herron,
Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter, and Cumberland Insurance Group Chairman Leo Hogan.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: A commitment to integrity, a dedication to customer service, and a desire to take an active role in the community defines the men and women of The Cumberland Insurance Group. From promoting educational opportunities to looking for ways to minimize the Company’s environmental impact, we strive to enhance the health, welfare, and quality of life of our employees and their communities.

The Cumberland Insurance Group is pleased to support fund-raising efforts by a variety of community arts groups including The Bay-Atlantic Symphony. The Company recently donated $1,000 towards the organization’s general operating expenses.

“The Cumberland Insurance Group is proud to support arts and cultural organizations and initiatives in the communities we serve,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “To be sustainable, communities need to evolve. And to evolve, they need access to new ideas and to a diversity of people with talent, energy, and vision. The Bay-Atlantic Symphony not only presents world-class musical events, they also provide educational outreach to students and adults throughout the region that teach the principles of hard work, practice, teamwork, and cooperation. These services, along with others the Bay-Atlantic Symphony provides, helps to make our communities richer, more appealing, more interesting, and better places to live and work.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Vineland High School graduate Matthew Garvey and Cumberland Insurance Group
Human Resources Director Laurie LaTorre.}

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: Paying for college just got easier for two deserving and talented students attending Cumberland County College (CCC) after receiving scholarships awarded through The Cumberland Insurance Group continuing education program. Each student will receive $2,500 toward college expenses in recognition of excellence demonstrated through leadership, community service, and academic achievement. Scholarship award winners are selected by a committee of educators at CCC.

“Education is the key to the high-skill, high-paying jobs of tomorrow,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “The Scholarship Program was created to help further the education of students who demonstrate the potential to become the next generation of business leaders. By awarding these scholarships, we are investing in a brighter tomorrow for our children, our communities, and our company.”

The first $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Matthew Garvey who is attending Cumberland County College this fall in pursuit of a career in criminal justice. Matthew is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Vineland High School. “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for being a recipient of The Cumberland Insurance Group Scholarship,” Garvey said. “This means so much to me and my family in these difficult financial times. Not only do I have the support of my family to continue on to higher education, but now I have your support as well. Thank you.”

The second $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Bridgeton High School graduate Meredith Wuzzardo. “I was truly honored to be a recipient of The Cumberland Insurance Group Scholarship,” Wuzzardo said. “I am extremely grateful for your generous donation that will assist in my college education. I hope that one day I will be able to follow your wonderful example and help another student.”

“We were pleased to recommend both Matthew and Meredith from a number of exceptional students,” said Sue Perry of Cumberland County College. “We congratulate both of these fine individuals and wish them much success as they continue their education and career development.”

“These outstanding students have worked very hard to achieve the academic records that enabled them to qualify for and receive these awards,” Ritter continued. “As a company, we are very proud to support their continued studies and to be able to help them pursue their academic goals. If their educational achievements are any indication, I am confident that they will all have very successful careers when they move into their chosen professions.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group has been recognized by NJ BIZ Magazine as one of the Top 100 Privately Held Companies in New Jersey. The announcement came as part of an August special issue entitled “Top 100 Privately Help Companies – People, Power, Money.” The story features an interview with recently retired Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady, who continues to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

According to NJ BIZ Editor Sharon Waters, “The entire issue is dedicated to recognizing the companies and leaders keeping their roots and revenues firmly planted in New Jersey. CEO’s from the state’s top companies were interviewed and provide a firsthand account of how they are grappling with challenges in 2010, setting goals for the months ahead, and motivating staff.”

“Companies on the NJ BIZ Top 100 were ranked by 2009 revenue, which placed Cumberland Insurance at number 68 with nearly $109,000,000,” Waters said. “We also broke the list down by key industries, geography, and other notable characteristics which provide a detailed look at the diversity of the state’s economy.”

“We are honored to be included in such a select list of New Jersey companies,” said Cumberland Insurance Group Board Chairman Leo T. Hogan. “Cumberland Insurance was founded 166 years ago on the principles of doing what is right for the customer, delivering real value, and meeting our commitments. We continue to live by these values every day. This acknowledgement is a testament to the hard work of our entire team of insurance professionals.”

“We recognize that our customers frequently have complex insurance needs and yet they desire simple, tailored programs and competitive features,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “We have been able to meet these needs over the years through a defined vision and sustained financial results. As we navigate the current market conditions and look to the future, we will continue to deliver the products and services that have made The Cumberland Insurance Group a winning solution for our agents and policyholders since 1844.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group, a premier regional insurance company serving the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, today announced customer satisfaction survey results for the second quarter of 2010. The program was initiated in 2005, and for the 20th consecutive quarter the company maintained an outstanding 98% combined customer satisfaction rating for both staff and independent adjusters. In addition, survey results show that an overwhelming majority of respondents would recommend Cumberland Insurance to their family and friends based on their experience with the Company.

“Throughout the business relationship, we ask our clients, ‘how are we doing and what can we do better?’ The Client Satisfaction Survey puts a formal and measurable program around those questions,” said Harold P. Gunning, Senior Vice President of Claims. “The questionnaire, which is distributed to a random sampling of policyholders following the resolution of a claim, uses a mix of open-ended questions about the claimant’s overall experience, as well as a performance evaluation of the individual handling the claim. The information we are able to gather also allows us to identify excellence in staff performance, reward best practices, improve customer retention, and expand our customer base.”

While survey results provide valuable metrics, nothing is more gratifying than receiving a heartfelt letter from a policyholder who the Company was able to help in their time of need. “We recently received a letter from Anthony Iozzia, a new customer who had purchased his first home in 2009,” Gunning continued. “Unfortunately, he lost his roof in a severe storm earlier this year, which caused water damage to his second floor and to ceilings on the first floor.”

“Being a young and recent homeowner, dealing with this situation was even harder,” Iozzia wrote. “However, having a reliable and dependable insurer, like Cumberland, this ‘mini-disaster’ was made as easy as it possibly could be. The hard work and diligence the Company delivered has not fallen on blind eyes. My home is now better and stronger than it was before. This is a direct result of having Cumberland on my side. With service like this, it’s no wonder that Cumberland has been around for 166 years.”

“Our staff is successful in delivering this type of service because of their focused execution, teamwork, market knowledge, and passion. The motto in the Claims Department is ‘quick, efficient, and compassionate claims service in your time of need.’ I think it is fair to say we are meeting this challenge,” Gunning said.

“I am extremely proud of these outstanding results and our dedicated employees who provide excellent service every day,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “We take very seriously the results gathered from our internal quality control efforts, and the unsolicited comments we receive from policyholders like Mr. Iozzia. After all, customer service is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to individual attention and continuous improvement. By developing a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the consumer, we are able to develop business approaches that are flexible and adaptable, and provide a positive customer experience.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.