MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Racine, WI (9/7/22) - Vizance, a leading independent insurance agency serving Wisconsin and surrounding states, recently announced that Rita Napieralski is joining the team as Regional President of the Racine Region, overseeing locations in both Racine and Kenosha. Rita comes to Vizance with a strong background from various roles in the insurance industry. Her career started in claims, then soon after shifted into sales for over 7 years, eventually becoming the Director of Sales at Wausau Signature Agency. Her experience in sales allowed her to develop strategic selling skills and execute sales development plans while managing her own book of business.

In 2010, Rita moved to the carrier side of the business at Erie Insurance, where she supervised a Risk Management Region. She then became the Senior District Sales Manager managing relationships with multiple agencies and was first introduced to Vizance. Rita moved into the Wisconsin Vice President role, where she was responsible for the growth, profitability, and distribution strategy for the entire Wisconsin territory. Most recently, she worked as the Brokerage and Alliance Sales and Service Director at American Family Insurance.

“I am thrilled to join a visionary agency such as Vizance, because of the commitment to independence and strong focus on associates,” said Napieralski. “When I considered this opportunity, I felt that the ability to join a team that I know and trust was something that I could not pass up. I am excited to contribute to the ongoing success of the organization and cultivate an environment that puts associates first.”

Jeff Cardenas, President of Vizance, echoed Rita’s thoughts. “We are blessed that the timing has worked out with an individual whom we’ve known for a long time, and who has already been instrumental to our growth as an agency. Vizance will always be a fiercely independent agency, allowing us to re-invest in our associates and in the business, while reinforcing the long-term relationships we have with our clients. Rita will play a large part in developing and realizing our vision of being the leader in associate loyalty and client relationships in the Racine Region. Her skills, experience and passion for the role are why we know she will be a great fit at Vizance.”

Vizance’s former Regional President, Chris Antonneau, is transitioning into his new role as Business Development Executive, in which he will be part of the strategic planning and execution of the Vizance growth model. He is eager to have the capacity for additional focus on organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, and recruiting.

Vizance is a privately-held company that provides risk management, business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, and financial service solutions to companies, families and individuals. The company is dedicated to remaining independent which provides assurance to associates and clients that Vizance is unwavering in its commitment to them and not investors. Vizance associates create an award-winning culture that is focused on values, performance, and fun.

Sheboygan, WI (9/15/22) - Acuity earned Gold Spark Awards in both Commercial Lines and Personal Lines from Ivans for the insurer’s agency connectivity successes. Ivans Spark Awards recognize companies that are sparking digital connectivity by using technology to support the growth of their agency partners across the policy lifecycle. Acuity is one of only nine companies worldwide to achieve Gold status for both Commercial Lines and Personal Lines.

“Acuity is committed to remaining on the leading edge of agency connectivity and extending digital capabilities that help agents do business with us in both Personal and Commercial Lines,” said Ben Salzmann, Acuity President and CEO. “We are honored to be recognized by Ivans for our leadership in supporting agents’ digital strategies that increase their operational efficiency.”

“This year’s Spark Award class has a great group of companies that are really pushing the industry forward, and I am stoked to recognize them,” said Reid Holzworth, Ivans CEO. “So many outstanding organizations are truly paving the way in using technology to support independent agents’ needs for digital connectivity, and we are proud to be at the center of this intersection of insurance and technology to be drivers in this movement.”

The Gold Spark Awards honor Acuity for offering independent agencies a comprehensive range of automated servicing and digital distribution products. Gold Awards are earned by companies that are in the top percentile of digital technology adoption when compared to their peers.

Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, insures over 125,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 30 states. Rated A+ by A.M. Best and S&P, Acuity employs over 1,500 people.

West Bend, WI (9/15/22) - West Bend Mutual Insurance Company presented a check for $25,000 to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin from proceeds collected at a recent fundraising event involving independent insurance agents who represent the company, key business partners, friends, and West Bend associates.

"We’re grateful this year’s event was so successful,” stated Rob Jacques, senior vice president – Commercial at West Bend. “It affirms that our agencies and partners understand and are compelled to help organizations fighting hunger so they may assist those in greatest need.”

Second Harvest Foodbank, through its core services of food acquisition and storage, food distribution, and FoodShare Outreach, provides those facing hunger in the community access to enough nutritious food to thrive.

In addition to Second Harvest Foodbank, West Bend is proud to sustain its 2022 charitable giving through the West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust and the Independent Agents’ Fund. Grants were made to organizations that include Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, MACC Fund, Arbor Day Foundation, the United Performing Arts Fund, and the American Heart Association.