Badger Beacon - November 2020

BADGER BEACON BADGER MUTUAL INSURANCE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2020

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 L to R: Mike Haeger (30 years), Kathy Bubeck (35 years), Chris Klemens (10 years), Kathy Hernandez (20 years), Dan Nigro (15 years), Shelly Cubias (25 years), Julie Bender (15 years)

WHAT’S INSIDE

NOVEMBER 2020

call 800.837-7833

02.

Employee Events

09.

Badger Family

06.

In The Community

12.

Kudos & Holiday Hours

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS #BIGMOVES – A TIMELINE

It’s crazy how much can happen in a year! Take a look to see how far our new HQ has come in just 12 short months.

OCTOBER 2019 All of Badger hears the news and is invited to a celebration at The 42 to see the space for the first time and hear F Street Hospitality announce our lease to the press.

JANUARY Sean Costello with his son, Colin, checking out the space before construction begins.

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

MARCH Parking signs are up, executive offices are built out, and the scene for the social staircase is set.

EARLY APRIL We can start to see what the office space will look like as drywall is hung.

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS #BIGMOVES – A TIMELINE (CONT’D)

MID-APRIL Hi neighbors! Our signage is placed on the exterior of the building.

LATE APRIL Friday afternoon pit-stop to check on progress – we can start to see where our Training Bay + golf simulator will be.

EARLY MAY Paint is on the walls and John Klauer, Jen Krier, and Joe Seitz stand in what will soon be the underwriting department on the second floor.

LATE MAY Starting to feel like home – carpeting is in!

Matt Drobka, Diana Kirk and Drew Falkner from the PL Underwriting team scope out progress on the second floor.

JUNE 15 Move-in day!

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

SINCE THEN Even though 2020 came in like a wrecking ball and much of our staff is working remotely, we continue to break in our new HQ and make it feel like home as much as we can. Looking forward to opening our doors to visitors once it is safe to do so in 2021!

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

IN THE COMMUNITY Despite the challenges of 2020, the Badger Fam rallied together to show up for our community when it needed us most.

MAKE-A-WISH WISCONSIN WALK FOR WISHES: AUGUST 22-29 This year, with so many wishes in the pipeline as the pandemic takes its toll, Badger pulled out all the stops to raise money for local children battling critical illnesses. We set a new personal record and raised the most money of any corporate team in Milwaukee, almost $24,000! In addition to donations that came in from our Badger Fam and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin’s virtual Walk & Scavenger Hunt, we got creative when it came to fundraising: Virtual Trivia event, with CFO Darrin Groendal & his wife Sue taking 1st and 2nd place

Bake sale hosted by our resident baker and Claims CSR, Cassandra Kirk

Custom jewelry sale courtesy of our talented Claims CSR, Aga Jesmanowicz

Backyard beekeeper and Senior Underwriter Chad Bubeck sold jars of his locally-harvested Grandpa Chad’s Honey

Recently, Make-A-Wish let us know that the money we raised granted Jada’s one true wish of having a camper.

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

IN THE COMMUNITY

UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER (UCC) 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Viewing party at the café in our corporate HQ

A group of Badger employees raised a glass to the UCC as we hosted a small viewing party for their virtual 50th Anniversary Celebration. In addition to the toasts & speeches, we were able to hear from the five students who were selected to receive this year’s Badger Mutual Wall of Fame Scholarship: • Alondra Mercado, freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Needs

• Dalia Chairez Alba, eighth-grader at Bruce Guadalupe Middle School, interested in a career in the medical field

• Denise-Arlene Cevilla Covarrubias, junior at Brookfield Academy, two-sport student-athlete

• Rafael Morales, eighth-grader at UCC Acosta Middle School, currently the Assistant Coach to the UCC Chess Club

• Leonardo Astorga, junior at Brookfield Academy, hopes to study engineering at Case Western University after graduation #SOCIALLYDISTANTSNACKING

As local small businesses, bars & restaurants – many being our policyholders - continue to pivot and adjust to these challenging times, we continue to collaborate with our employees and agency partners to support them in any way we can.

Most recently, we ordered a classic BBQ + mac ‘n cheese lunch from longtime policyholder and Milwaukee staple, Speed Queen BBQ, for our October Quarterly Meeting. 10/10 recommend!

Assistant VP, Laura Michna

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

IN THE COMMUNITY

Accounts Representative Jennifer Zubek & Claims Representative Julie Bender

UNITED WAY FLASHCARDS: WEEK OF OCTOBER 19

Joanna Glaser’s son, Joshua, lending a hand

During their lunch break, after work before they left the office, or at home with their families, the Badger Fam helped assemble dozens of flashcard sets that the United Way will distribute to local families who are adjusting to virtual learning.

NATIVITY JESUIT VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER: OCTOBER 29 As a Platinum Sponsor of the event, we were able to chat one-on-one with a Nativity educator, hearing firsthand how they continue to adapt and enhance their curriculum to meet the needs of their students and remain the #1 K4-8 school in southeastern Wisconsin.

Overall, the event raised almost $200,000 to support the students at Nativity Jesuit Academy.

The 21st annual Badger Mutual Insurance Women’s Amateur (BMIWA), one of the largest amateur women’s tournaments of its kind in our area, took place on July 27 and 28 at the Brown Deer Golf Course in Milwaukee. The 2020 event raised over $20,000, benefiting two local nonprofit organizations here in Milwaukee: LOTUS Legal Clinic & Sojourner Family Peace Center.

2020 Tournament Champion – Mackenzie Hahn of Bull Valley Golf Club

CEO Dan Nigro with Ann Devine, co-chair of the tournament

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY

NEW EMPLOYEES Date of Hire: May 16, 2020

Date of Hire: May 11, 2020

Growing up, what did you want to be?

A Musician

Song you always turns up the radio for?

Any song by Morgan Wallen Next thing you want to cross off your bucket list?

Go to Australia Favorite Dessert? Dirt Cake Dream Vacation? Greece

Song you always turns up the radio for?

– Fleetwood Mac Most interesting place you have visited?

Portland, Oregon Favorite book? Bassoon King

Favorite Quote?

“You have to work hard to play hard.”

Next thing you want to cross off your bucket list? Visit Yosemite National Park

AUBREY THIEDE

TY EVANS

College Intern

College Intern

Date of Hire: November 9, 2020

Date of Hire: August 10, 2020

A hobby you would like to pick up if time & money weren’t issues? Building cars

Growing up, what did you want to be?

News Reporter

What can you not live without?

Family

As an adult, what is your favorite activity: Running What can you not live without? Peanut Butter

Favorite movie?

Pulp Fiction

Where is your dream vacation? Nice, France What is your favorite quote?

Something I keep in mind on a challenging run: “Your body is capable of anything, it’s whether you can put your mind to it.”

Most interesting place you have visited?

Costa Rica Favorite TV Show? Mr. Robot

EMMA BRITTAIN

Sean O’Brien

Marketing Assistant

Software Developer

NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE BADGER BABY CLUB: Noelle, daughter of Corporate Counsel Joanna Glaser

Rylan, granddaughter of Director of IT Andy Thiede

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY

CONGRATULATIONS, MCNEELY FAMILY! On May 21, Dan McNeely and his wife Amy adopted their son, Davis.

Update since May: Davey cheers for the green & gold and has taken his first steps!

BADGER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Dec. 2 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 24 Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 8 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 23 Jan. 25

BIRTHDAYS Tom Boser IT Ben Zielinski C. Lines Lynda Strzykalski P. Lines Debbie Podlesnik Accounts Chelsea Sanchez Claims Chad Bubeck C. Lines Rose Hoban Accounting Minu Perez Claims Dali Kojic Accounts Brian Wiza VP Underwriting Pam Heidenreich P. Lines Ryan Kelley Marketing Lori Loveless Claims Nikki Alston Claims Mark Miresse Accounting Margaret Warner Accounts Kelly Becker P. Lines

Jan. 27 Joe Seitz

Claims

Dec. 2

Dan Wolfgram, COO

Jan. 27 Gary Diener

Claims

Dec. 4

Lynda Strzykalski, P. Lines 31 yrs.

Jan. 27 Dan Nigro

President/CEO

Jan. 31 Kris Wagner

Dec. 15 Laura Michna, VP Admin.

1 yr.

17 yrs.

C. Lines

Dec. 15 Tyler Protz, C. Lines

6 yrs.

Feb. 1

Aga Jesmanowicz

Claims

Dec. 27 John Klauer, P. Lines

3 yrs.

Feb. 2

John Klauer

P. Lines

Dec. 27 Joe Macaluso, P. Lines

4 yrs.

Feb. 6

Ivana Golubic

Claims

Dec. 27 Andy Laine , C. Lines

Feb. 10 Julie Bender

Claims

Jan. 2

Nikki Alston, Claims

20 yrs.

Feb. 11 Lisa Semski

Accounts

Jan. 2

Jenny Zubek, Accounts

20 yrs.

COO

Jan. 5

Toula Hellauer, Accounting 10 yrs.

Accounting

Jan. 6

Matt Drobka, P. Lines

Feb. 13 Dan Wolfgram Feb. 19 Darrin Groendal Feb. 20 Alli Spencer

P. Lines

Feb. 28 Mike Haeger

Marketing

Dec. 1

Quinton Gustavson, Claims 6 yrs.

Dec. 1

Theresa Perry, HR

Dec. 1

Ben Zielinski, C. Lines

17 yrs.

6 yrs.

1 yr.

Jan. 15 Debbie Taylor, Accounting

13 yrs.

Jan. 15 Chad Bubeck, C. Lines

20 yrs.

Jan. 16 Brian Wochele, IT

ANNIVERSARIES

3 yrs.

Jan. 21 Ivana Golubic, Claims

4 yrs.

12 yrs.

Jan. 30 Jeff Kolmodin, IT

4 yrs.

Feb. 3

6 yrs.

Javon Alston, P. Lines

Feb. 12 Lisa Cuevas, Claims

3 yrs.

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY

IN MEMORIAM Lavern “Vern” Burhop On October 5, Badger retiree Lavern “Vern” Burhop passed away at the age of 94. Vern was the Regional Manager of our Illinois territory for 36 years. During his impressive tenure at Badger, Vern, dubbed “a real pro” in his award announcement, was selected as Field Representative of the Year by the Illinois PIA twice, once in 1973 and again in 1988.

Lorraine Erickson On October 28, Badger retiree Lorraine Erickson passed away at the age of 93. Lorraine worked within Badger’s Claims Department for 27 years, from 1958 to 1985. Informally, she was also a Badger historian, sending us boxes of Badger Beacons from the 1960’s and 70’s ahead of our recent move to The 42. In her honor, we have made a $100 donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Chris Centeno On November 17, Badger Claims representative, our Badger “Mom,” and resident Mrs. Claus lost her battle to cancer at the age of 79. Chris’s infectious laugh, kind heart, iconic fashion sense, and sweet friendship will be missed dearly by all of us.

Thank you to Jane Pedersen, wife of Senior Claims Examiner Doug Pedersen, for this touching tribute to our dear friend:

In Loving Memory of Chris She’s passed on to Paradise But she’s left behind Sweet thoughts and memories On everyone’s mind

She entertained us at her home Before heading to Amelia’s bar Sharing good food and drinks Margaritas - best by far!

When it was time for the Christmas party Never to be outdone Chris and Betty got decked out “Hot chicks” havin’ fun!

She gave much of her life to Badger Where she made many friends She was a dedicated employee Right up ‘til the end

Then off to Amelia’s To play “bags” with our team She’d knock off the youngsters and Say, “Only in your dreams!”

They say Attitude is everything And Chris embraced this view Her life overflowed with joy An example for me and you

We loved to be around her Just to hang out for a while Her laugh was infectious And made us all smile

After we beat our opponents Pull-tabs was the game – We once won 500!

Bringing us fortune and fame :-)

Though she’s gone onto Heaven And is no longer here Our memories and experiences Will always keep her near.

And then there was Betty Her “partner in crime” They gambled and partied And drank plenty of wine!

BEACON NOVEMBER 2020

BADGER & AGENT KUDOS! To Claims Representative

To Claims Representative

from a Policyholder

from an Agent

Alex Szulczewski

I just wanted to thank you for your help getting our cabin repairs covered. You made the process easy.

Thanks again.

To Claims Representative

Quinton Gustavson from a Policyholder

Thank you so much for your help with our recent home insurance claim. From our perspective, you went above and beyond to advocate for us during a time we were stressed and uncertain. Working with you was awesome. Please accept these cookies as a token of our gratitude.

And pass this card on to whoever fills out your performance evals; your customer service has been outstanding!

Aaron Huntemann

I am sharing positive feedback with you from [policyholder] regarding her home claim from an electrical surge. She is very happy and satisfied with how her claim was handled. She felt she was really taken care of with no issues! She has been with Badger Mutual for many, many years and is a very loyal policyholder. Badger is her company!

To Underwriter

Kathy Kallenberger

Congratulations to Badger agent

Mark Nordahl for being named MIIAB's

2020 Agent of the Year.

Mark is one of the agency principals at Ekblad, Pardee & Bewell Inc. located in Mapleweood, MN.

from an Agent

It was my pleasure! We are all very pleased with your kindness & service!

HOLIDAY HOURS Dec 24-25

Thursday-Friday

Christmas Holiday

Office Closed

Dec 31-Jan 1

Thursday-Friday

New Years Holiday

Office Closed

If you have any suggestions or articles you would like to feature in the next Badger Beacon, please contact: Melissa Theisen mtheisen@badgermutual.com 414/647-3664

1134 North 9th Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 800.837.7833

badgermutual.com call 800.837-7833

click www.badgermutual.com

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