News Releases

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January 14, 2008

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
Builders Mutual
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual board pledges commitment to safety (and dividends)

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual is distributing $3 million in dividends to policyholders
during the first quarter of 2008 and its new officers and board member are pledging their commitment to help builders in the Southeast keep safe and keep getting dividends.

“The 2007 dividend that policyholders are receiving now is our largest since 2001,” said newly reelected board chairman, Rick Judson of Charlotte. “And it’s a direct result of policyholders paying strict attention to safety on the jobsite.

“That’s what Builders Mutual is all about – helping our policyholders avoid injuries whenever possible, recover when they occur, and sharing our success. And that’s what we’ll always be about.”

New board member:

Frank Wiesner (Raleigh, NC)

Wiesner is CEO of Olde South Homes, Inc. in Raleigh. He serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity in Durham and is a member of the Home Builders Associations of Raleigh/Wake County and Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties.

New officers:

David Stormont (Kitty Hawk, NC), Vice Chairman
Don Betsworth (Summerfield, NC), Secretary/Treasurer

Builders Mutual’s WorkSafe program helps builders increase safety at jobsites and reduce injuries, workers’ compensation claims and company costs. Thanks to builders’ active participation in WorkSafe, Builders Mutual has returned more than $41 million in dividends to members since 1985.

Builders Mutual is the insurance resource for residential and commercial builders and sub-contractors in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

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December 11 , 2007

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
Builders Mutual
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual to return $3 million in dividends to policyholders

Raleigh, N.C. –Builders everywhere could use a little good news this year, and those insured by Builders Mutual are getting it.

The company is distributing $3 million in dividends to eligible workers’ compensation policyholders as a result of lower than expected workers’ compensation claims. Checks will be distributed shortly near the end of first quarter 2008.

Builders Mutual is the insurance resource for residential and commercial builders and sub- contractors in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, providing not only commercial coverage, but also safety programs and education to help builders reduce losses and qualify for dividends.

“Reducing injuries is the right thing for business – the people and the bottom line,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the board. “Builders Mutual is in the business of helping our policyholders avoid injuries whenever possible and helping them recover when they have one. This dividend is a direct result of policyholders paying strict attention to the risk management of their respective companies.”

Builders Mutual’s WorkSafe program helps builders increase safety at job sites and reduce injuries, workers’ comp claims and company costs. Through WorkSafe, builders can take several “Builders University” courses, such as OSHA-approved courses, specialized fall protection, and enterprise risk management.

As a mutual company, Builders Mutual is owned by its policyholders. The company is proud to distribute dividends to eligible policyholders who display that consummate commitment to worksite safety.

Since its founding in 1984, Builders Mutual has returned nearly $36 million in dividends to policyholders.

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April 4 , 2007

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
Builders Mutual
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual Announces A.M. Best Rating Reaffirmed

Raleigh, N.C. –Builders Mutual Insurance Company’s rating of “A” (Excellent) has been reaffirmed by A.M. Best Company, the leading source for information on the financial condition and operating performance of insurance companies worldwide.  According to A.M. Best, the rating “reflects the company's favorable operating history, sound reserve position and strong niche market presence in the residential construction market with a specific focus on workers' compensation. These positive attributes are supported in part by the company's local market expertise and affiliation with the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA). Strong underwriting results have contributed to solid earnings, providing internally generated growth in surplus over the last five years.”

“We are very pleased by this announcement,” stated BMIC President John Q. Beard.  “With ever-changing competitive market conditions, it is a true tribute to our policyholders, agents and employees that our results have been so favorable.  We remain committed to the building industry and to the safety practices of our policyholders.”

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company that has been serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.  More information can be found on their web site at www.buildersmutual.com.

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March 16 , 2007

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Laurie Bowser-Sever
Strategic Insights
919-272-5984
lbowser@strategicinsights.net
Darcy Dye
Builders Mutual
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual To Return $2.8 Million To Policyholders

WorkSafe program helps reduce home builders’ injury costs

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company, a leading regional insurance provider to the home building industry, announced today that the company will distribute $2.8 million in dividends back to eligible workers’ compensation policyholders in late spring as a result of lower than expected workers’ compensation claims.

Since Builders Mutual was first founded in 1984, the company has returned a dividend to policyholders in 18 out of 22 years. To be eligible for a return, workers’ compensation policyholders must have a favorable loss experience.

Through its WorkSafe program, Builders Mutual works side by side with builders and their staff to help them manage safety more effectively, with the goal of reducing the number of workers’ compensation claims and decreasing company costs. WorkSafe provides builders with the opportunity to participate in OSHA-approved courses, specialized fall protection courses along with a certification program, risk management training, and a detailed documentation program that focuses on prevention management. Builders Mutual also offers classes for policyholders, agents and employees through its popular Builders University program.

“The cost of workplace injuries can be staggering, especially those involving medical and compensation payments, employee turnover and decreased productivity,” said John Q. Beard, president and chief executive officer at Builders Mutual. “Anytime we can provide a return on investment to our policyholders indicates that our efforts have been effective at helping prevent workplace accidents and injuries.”

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January 31, 2007

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Burton, Houck and Visintine Named Assistant Vice-Presidents

Raleigh, N.C. –Builders Mutual Insurance Company (BMIC) is pleased to announce that Charles Burton, SPHR, Allen Houck, CPA and Gerald (“Jerry”) R. Visintine, FCAS, MAAA have been named assistant vice-presidents, effective January 2007. 

Burton joined Builders Mutual in 2004 as Director of Human Resources.  Previously, he served as Vice President of Human Resources for a Raleigh-based health insurance company and has experience in venture- based firms.  Burton has more than 20 years experience in the fields of management and human resources.

Houck joined Builders Mutual in 2004 as Controller.  Prior to joining Builders Mutual, he served as Senior Audit Manager at KPMG, an international accounting firm that provides audit, tax and advisory services to its clients.  Houck has more than 13 years experience in accounting.

Visintine was hired in 2005 as Director of Actuarial.  Prior to joining Builders Mutual, he was a consulting actuary in Atlanta, where his expertise in improving process efficiencies, as well as his experience in working with mutual companies and self-insured funds were invaluable in rate development, reinsurance review and reserve evaluation.  Visintine has more than 26 years experience in the insurance industry.

“Charles, Allen and Jerry are highly qualified individuals who have made significant contributions to our success,” stated John Beard, President/CEO of Builders Mutual, “they will play vital roles in the success of BMIC as we continue to grow and accomplish our strategic business goals.”

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.  More information can be found on their web site at www.buildersmutual.com.

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October 27, 2006

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual Hires AVPs of Business Development, Underwriting

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company (BMIC) is pleased to announce that Bradley Moock, CPCU, CLU has been hired as assistant vice president of business development and Gina Schwitzgebel, CPCU, ARM, CIC, AIC as assistant vice president of underwriting, effective October 2, 2006. Prior to joining BMIC, Moock managed operations areas for Nationwide Insurance Company in North Carolina, Indiana and Ohio. In his business development role at BMIC, he will oversee marketing, sales, risk management and business analysis.

Prior to joining BMIC, Schwitzgebel’s experience in commercial lines was gained at Ohio Casualty Group, Great American Insurance Company and Nationwide Insurance Company. Her experience in processing and support operations will be critical as the company moves to one operating platform and increases its e-business initiatives.

“Builders Mutual is fortunate to have found two equally experienced individuals to add to the management team,” noted vice president/chief marketing officer Mike Gerber, who will directly supervise both Moock and Schwitzgebel. “As we move forward in our efforts to provide our agents and policyholders with the best and most efficient processes and services, it is imperative that we have the leadership to oversee those functions.”

Builders Mutual is rated A (“Excellent”) by A.M. Best Company and is one of the largest writers of workers’ compensation insurance in North Carolina. The company has nearly 13,000 policyholders in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia and employs nearly 150 out of its Raleigh home office. Endorsements include the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) and Home Builders Association of Tennessee (HBAT).

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January 9, 2006

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual Announces New Board Chairman, Officers

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company announces the election of Frederick "Rick" Judson as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Judson, a Charlotte, NC-based developer and builder of residential single-family and town homes, is principal owner of Evergreen Home Builders.

Since joining the Board of Directors in 2002, Judson has served as vice-chairman, as well as a member of the executive and compensation & succession committees.

Judson is an active member of the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA), where he is a Life Spike, Association Member of the Year in 1988 and President in 2004. In addition, Judson has served as secretary/treasurer, director, chairman of the Energy Committee and chairman of the Associates Committee.

At its annual meeting on December 2, 2005 the following officers were named for 2006:

  • Rick Judson (Charlotte, NC), Chairman
  • Don Betsworth (Summerfield, NC), Vice-Chairman
  • Greg Isenhour (Chapel Hill, NC), Secretary/Treasurer

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company that has been serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

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January 3, 2006

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Builders Mutual Announces A.M. Best Rating Reaffirmed

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company's rating of "A" (Excellent) has been reaffirmed by A.M. Best Company, the leading source for information on the financial condition and operating performance of insurance companies worldwide. According to Best, this rating "reflects the company's historically favorable operating performance ... and strong niche market presence offering insurance products for the residential construction market with a specific focus on workers' compensation. These positive rating attributes are enhanced by the company’s local market expertise and affiliation with the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA). More specifically, the company maintains strong penetration of the NCHBA with approximately 65 percent of its members obtaining workers’ compensation coverage from Builders Mutual. Sound underwriting results have contributed to solid earnings, providing internally generated growth in surplus over the last five years."

In addition, going forward, A.M. Best "expects the company to continue to generate favorable operating results given the company's prudent operating strategies, active risk management initiatives and its strong policyholder retention rate."

"Of course, we are pleased by this announcement," stated BMIC President John Q. Beard. "Over the years, our commitment to the residential building market coupled with our conservative loss reserving has certainly contributed to the affirmation of our 'A' rating."

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company that has been serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. More information can be found on their web site at www.buildersmutual.com.

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November 16, 2005

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

Gerald Visintine Named Director of Actuarial Services

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company (BMIC) is pleased to announce that Gerald (“Jerry”) R. Visintine, FCAS, MAAA has been named full-time director of actuarial services, effective September 2005.

“We’re looking forward to working with Jerry in the coming years,” stated Vice President/CFO John Boggs. “Our plan is to improve efficiencies by having a designated actuarial fellow inhouse who can align our product and pricing efforts to our company’s strategic plan. As we are constantly evaluating our service and profit centers, it is invaluable for us to have experienced internal staff.”

Prior to joining Builders Mutual, Visintine was a consulting actuary in Atlanta, where his expertise in improved process efficiencies, as well as his experience in working with mutual companies and self-insured funds, were invaluable in rate development, reinsurance review and reserve evaluation.

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company that has been serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. More information can be found on their web site at www.buildersmutual.com.

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May 20, 2005

Builders Mutual Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Media Contact:
Darcy Dye
919-845-1976
ddye@bmico.com

The Stevies™ will be presented on June 6 in New York City

Raleigh, N.C. – Builders Mutual Insurance Company was named a Finalist in the "Best Customer Service Organization" category in the third annual American Business Awards.

Hailed as "the business world’s own Oscars" by the New York Post (September 22, 2002), The American Business Awards are the first national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace.

Nicknamed the Stevies™ for the Greek word "crowned," winners will be announced during presentations on Monday, June 6 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The ceremonies will be videocast on the Internet and broadcast on radio. Donald J. Trump will receive the first Lifetime Achievement Stevie Award that evening.

More than 1,200 nominations from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, Best New Product or Service and Best Support Staffer. Builders Mutual will be competing in the "Best Customer Service Organization" category for "Companies with Fewer than 500 Employees," based on improvements made in customer service.

"Employees of Builders Mutual were motivated to work together to create and execute the Campaign ‘04 Customer Service, tagging onto the national campaigns that were part of 2004. Goals were set, expectations outlined and results communicated throughout the entire year. Everyone could be a part of this great change in corporate mindset," notes President/CEO/General Counsel John Q. Beard upon learning Builders Mutual was named a Stevie finalist.

Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie winners from among the Finalists. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in February through April.

The elegant Stevie trophy was designed by R. S. Owens, the same company that makes the Oscar and the Emmy.

"The Stevie Award has quickly become the most coveted business honor in America," said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards. "We began the Stevies in 2002 with the mission to generate recognition of deserving companies and individuals among the business community, the press, and the general public. Being selected as a Finalist is an important achievement, because it means that independent judges have agreed that the Finalist is worthy of national recognition. We congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition."

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

Based in Raleigh, NC, Builders Mutual Insurance Company, rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company is a mutual insurance company that has been serving the building industry since 1984 and operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. More information can be found on their web site at www.buildersmutual.com.

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