released 3-1-08

Governor honors Nationwide for 80 years of service

Charleston, WV — Today, Governor Joe Manchin recognized Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company’s 80 years of customer service and community involvement in West Virginia. 
 
Nationwide opened its doors in West Virginia in 1928 and has served the state’s farmers, businesses and citizens with insurance products to protect their homes, properties, autos and lives. Nationwide is the second largest personal lines insurance carrier in the state.
 
“We are proud to celebrate Nationwide Day at the Capitol in this, our 80th year in West Virginia,” said David Arango, Nationwide’s Regional Vice President for West Virginia and Ohio. “We continue our focus here in West Virginia to work with local leaders and you to provide affordable insurance protection and support the local communities where our customers live.”
 
Highlights of Nationwide’s community involvement:

• Supported Habitat for Humanity – Nationwide has provided funding to build more than 100 Habitat houses in West Virginia. Company associates and agents volunteered their time to build these homes.
• Nationwide, through its Prom Promise/THINK program, has reached many high school students to provide them the tools to make good decisions when dealing with drugs and alcohol.
• Nationwide associates in West Virginia have supported troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by sending more than 1,000 pounds of snacks and supplies. Nationwide received recognition from the base commanders where the supplies were sent and has been presented with U.S. and West Virginia flags that have flown over the bases in both countries for this service to the troops.
• Nationwide sponsored essay contests in West Virginia middle schools, with more than 500 children in 50 counties participating. Nationwide made donations to the schools of the essay contest winners.
• Nationwide employs over 200 West Virginians and is affiliated with 120 West Virginia exclusive Nationwide agents.
• Nationwide reduced its premiums by $12 million per year in cooperation with Gov. Manchin and the State Legislature’s improvements to state insurance laws.
• Nationwide has paid more than $500 million in West Virginia claims over the past three years, supporting West Virginia doctors, hospitals, auto dealers, body shops, contractors, building material dealers and businesses of every kind.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.