Award in Innovation | 2023 Winners

Congratulations to our 2023 winners!

• OVERALL WINNER: Alfa Mutual Insurance Company
• BEST IN CATEGORY – CREATIVITY: Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
• BEST IN CATEGORY – ADAPTABILITY: Church Mutual Insurance Company S.I.

2023 OVERALL WINNER – ALFA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies today presented its annual Award in Innovation, sponsored by Guy Carpenter, to Alfa Mutual Insurance Company, headquartered in Montgomery, Ala. With the creation of the Alfa Leadership Academy, the company has been successful in developing emerging leaders, enhancing its company culture, building innovative solutions, and providing exceptional service to customers.

"Since the launch of the academy in 2015, we've been placing a critical emphasis on developing Alfa's next generation of leaders," said Jimmy Parnell, president and CEO of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company and the Alabama Farmers Federation. "Academy classes have been transformative, helping our company break down organizational silos, build trust, and improve self-awareness among those participants who take on leadership positions. In addition, in-house promotions have increased. These steps have been critical in helping our company continue to grow."

The Alfa Insurance family includes more than 2,500 team members across 14 states in two main business segments: Alfa Insurance and Trexis Insurance. Alfa was founded by the Alabama Farmers Federation, which is a partner in the Leadership Academy. Alfa Insurance credits initiatives of academy classes for helping to spur growth across the organization, such as the development of innovative strategies for retaining employees, creation of an employee engagement survey to evaluate corporate culture, and formation of a new marketing strategy based on Alfa's Core 4 values of faith, family, community, and integrity.

In presenting the overall award to Alfa during NAMIC's 2023 Management Conference, Neil Alldredge, NAMIC president and CEO, remarked, "Alfa's efforts to develop an extensive educational program show the company is deeply committed to what all our members value - making sure the mutual insurance industry is positioned for the brightest possible future.

"The Alfa Leadership Academy is the hallmark of innovation at Alfa Insurance and demonstrates the difference it can make when insurers embrace and implement innovative processes, technologies, and critical thinking. By positioning the people who serve Alfa's region to take charge, the company has proven just how effective innovation can be in making sure policyholders can continue to receive a high level of service. I am grateful for Alfa's continued ingenuity and commitment to education."

BEST IN CATEGORY – CREATIVITY: FARMERS MUTUAL HAIL INSURANCE COMPANY OF IOWA

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance took a customer-centered approach to creating FMH Precision Solutions In the Cab Services, enabling farmers to better leverage their precision ag data. The solution provides technology support and education so farmers can utilize their data to gain efficiencies across their operation, including enhancing their crop insurance experience.

BEST IN CATEGORY – ADAPTABILITY: CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY S.I.

Church Mutual® implemented a digital adjustment process to marry the operational efficiency of traditional desk adjustment with the virtual, automated and simple digital experiences today’s customers love. It provides us with a more efficient and effective process to manage and resolve low complexity property claims.