Gulf Coast Region

The calm after the storm

In the early morning hours of August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 137 miles per hour. One of FCCI’s agency partner’s office in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was nearly destroyed by Laura when their roof was torn away by wind. Their employees’ homes were also heavily damaged, leaving some uninhabitable.

While the agency secured temporary, unfurnished apartments in nearby Lafayette as living and working spaces for their employees, FCCI’s Kim Ramer, Sr. Risk Control Consultant, and Crystal Baer, Sr. Business Development Specialist, rallied and delivered folding tables, chairs and other household furnishings. Practicing social distancing and wearing masks, they helped one employee assemble her new bed. In addition, before heading home, they provided more than $1,000 in Walmart gift cards to those needing the most assistance.

In late September, after the winds had calmed and floodwaters receded, Kim and Crystal went back to see their friends in Lafayette, bringing with them home-cooked meals, more donations, and Halloween trick-or-treat bags for the children. Then in December, they delivered gifts and holiday cheer, visited the agency’s temporary mobile work center, and toured their under- construction office building. “For the most part, we were out of harm’s way during the hurricane,” Kim commented, “but for these folks it was a difficult time. They’re not just business partners, they’re our friends, our families and our neighbors.” Crystal added “It wasn’t much for us – some folding tables and chairs – but it meant the world to them.”

Southwest Region

Hurricane help

In November of 2020, Tracey Pfab, SVP, Southwest Region, sent out a call for clothing and food to assist families who were affected by Hurricane Eta in Chamelecon, Honduras. The Southwest Region teammates answered the call to help with compassion and vigor.

Teammates purchased and donated food, clothing, blankets, shoes, diapers and countless other items. A local Dallas resident helped coordinate the shipment. Her family lived in Honduras and was affected by the storm. Upon seeing all the items for delivery, she responded with overwhelming gratitude saying,

“Oh, wow, that’s awesome! Thank you so much for all you are doing. I’m sure it’s going to be a huge help for the people in Honduras. I’m so happy! You guys are awesome; so generous. I know God is going to multiply your blessings.”

Midwest Region

The most wonderful cards of the year

Cards and artwork from the Midwest Region

More than 40 teammates and countless family members, friends and Boy Scout & Girls Scout Troops from six states in FCCI’s Midwest Region used company-paid volunteer time to support their region’s Holiday Card Writing Campaign. Teammates created more than 1,000 cards and letters, delivering them to 11 care facilities, bringing holiday cheer to those who were alone, unable to get out, or receive visitors during that time.

It is so important to remember those who are missing their loved ones during the holidays and let them know they are important, appreciated and loved, in what, otherwise, could be a lonely season. Providing a bright spot in someone’s day can help shine light on the days to come. FCCI teammates, as well as all those who contributed, provided a beacon of hope in these especially challenging circumstances.

Southeast Region

Protection made personal

Mindy Nix, Associate Underwriter, Angie Hardy, Claim Adjuster, Mark Kwiatkowski, VP, Claims, along with his wife and son, partnered with 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, turning their Hamilton Mill Campus worship center into a mini Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) facility. PPE gowns fill a critical need for hospitals, keeping caregivers safe from exposure. The team devised a process that rivaled the most efficient production facility: one team measured gown sizes and folded the plastic while three other teams cut head and arm slots, and heat-sealed the gowns on the sides.

These Southeast Region teammates made more than 400 customized PPE gowns, ready to serve the health care providers of northeastern Georgia – free of charge.

Florida Region

A friend in need

Brock discussed the stress he and his family were facing with his friend and colleague, Chris Kaczmarek, Director, Business Development, FCCI Miami team. Always looking for an opportunity to connect with and help others, Chris informed Brock that he had obtained several N95 masks in the previous weeks after hearing of the shortages for front-line workers. He offered the masks to them without hesitation, making the more than four-hour round trip drive across Florida to personally deliver them.

Relieved, Madeline returned to work with some peace of mind that she was reducing her chances of becoming a carrier herself. Looking for opportunities to serve others is something Chris always preaches to his sons and the Miami underwriting team alike. Brock and his wife felt very fortunate to have a friend like him, especially during this time.

Mid-Atlantic Region

Expanding recovery

Angie Noon, a Sr. Commercial Lines Underwriter, along with her husband James and two partners, opened a second location for the Susquehanna Recovery Initiative (SRI) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. They provide housing for men suffering from substance abuse and addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Due to COVID-19, SRI saw an increase in those requesting help with sober, safe and secure housing for their recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of June 2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to the virus. Overdoses have also spiked since the onset of the pandemic. Adding to the existing burden of the rehab facilities is the need to keep a group living environment healthy and safe.

Facing the reality of putting clients on an extended waiting list, Angie and James started looking for an additional location to meet the rising need for shelter. They eventually found the perfect site and made an offer. Thankfully, for the 16 men it will house, the offer was accepted. They anticipate a grand opening in Spring 2021.

During the latter half of 2020, the CDC noted that almost 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse. More than 31% reported symptoms of anxiety or depression; 13% started or increased substance use; and 26% reported trauma or stress-related disorder symptoms. For those with an addiction, coping and functioning, even on a basic level, can be very challenging. With that in mind, Angie and James are also planning to open a third SRI location; this time for women and children.

Agribusiness

Facemasks for front-line workers

Hanna Roberts, Nurse Practitioner and Mary Kulhmann’s daughter

In early April, Mary Kuhlmann, Sr. Business Development Specialist, and Tracy Stoeckel, SVP, Agribusiness, teamed up to make face masks with HEPA filters for front-line workers and others in need within the community. Word quickly spread, and other Agribusiness teammates stepped up to help. Sarah Thompson, Underwriting Technician, and Eileen Wolfe, Sr. Underwriter, also put their talents and resources to good use. One agency partner donated to the team’s efforts so even more supplies could be purchased.

In total, the Ag teammates came together to make more than 100 face masks that were donated to the medical community, Agribusiness agency partners, family members, and friends in need. Their goals were bold, yet kind: Bring peace and strength during a time of chaos and fear; exemplify FCCI’s core values – Loyalty, Integrity, Vision, Excellence and Service – in and out of the office.

FCCI Young Professionals

Going back to school

For FCCI Young Professional’s Teacher’s Aid Serve event, we collected funds that were used to help our education professionals in the cities and towns where we live, work and send our kids to school. We raised funds for three weeks and requested supply lists from schools and teachers nominated by FCCI employees across the regions. Every penny went to the purchase of items teachers need the most. The FCCI Young Professionals were pleased to have raised nearly $1,000 for this worthy cause.

Leslie Bustin, Teacher, Florence Elementary

Surety

A most tender rescue operation

Jennifer Rumancik, FCCI

In 2020, the local humane society seized 50 animals, all with parvo, needing emergency placement. Jennifer worked with Scott Paice, SVP, Surety, and the Surety team to contribute toward this cause. FCCI teammates joined to help the shelter, raising more than $150,000 in community donations.

Home Office

Packing healthy food to help end hunger in our community

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. They serve whoever might be in need – a family facing financial crisis due to an economic downturn, an older adult having a hard time making ends meet on a fixed income, a veteran experiencing challenges after years of brave service, or a child without access to free or reduced cost meals because school is not in session – our top priority is to feed the hungry; their dream is to end the scourge of hunger, forever – and FCCI is proud to join them in their fight.