The Legacy of American-Amicable Insurance: A Century of Protection and Resilience

 

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Founded in 1910 in Waco, Texas, American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas has a rich history marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to protecting families across the United States.

Origins and the Iconic ALICO Building

In the early months of 1909, a group of local businessmen in Waco established Amicable Life Insurance Company, aiming to provide accessible life insurance to the community. The company quickly recognized the need for a headquarters that would symbolize its strength and permanence. In 1910, they completed the ALICO Building—a 22-story skyscraper that was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River and south of the Mason-Dixon Line at the time. Equipped with its own power plant and artesian well, the ALICO Building stood as a testament to the company's ambition and foresight.

Endurance Through Adversity

The ALICO Building's resilience was put to the test on May 11, 1953, when an F-5 tornado struck Waco, causing widespread destruction. Remarkably, the building withstood the intense winds, swaying but remaining structurally sound. It became a critical crisis center for rescue and recovery operations, solidifying its status as a symbol of resilience in the heart of Waco.

Expansion and Growth

Over the decades, American-Amicable expanded its reach, becoming licensed to sell life insurance in 49 states and territories. By 2009, the company had over $7.1 billion of life insurance in force, covering more than 211,500 policyholders. Its products were marketed through a national distribution network of over 6,000 independent agents, primarily targeting the middle-income market—a segment that was often underserved by larger insurers.

 Acquisition by Industrial Alliance

In July 2010, Canadian insurer Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. acquired American-Amicable for approximately CAD 145 million. The acquisition aimed to expand Industrial Alliance's presence in the U.S. market. Post-acquisition, American-Amicable continued to operate under its established brand, maintaining its headquarters in Waco and its subsidiary, IA American Life Insurance Company, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The acquisition allowed American-Amicable to leverage Industrial Alliance's resources while continuing its mission of providing accessible life insurance to American families. 

A Living Legacy

Today, the ALICO Building remains a vital part of downtown Waco, housing the home office of the American-Amicable Group of Companies and various local businesses. As both a historic landmark and a modern workplace, the building stands as a testament to Waco’s growth and enduring spirit. 

As part of Industrial Alliance, American-Amicable continues to offer innovative life insurance and annuity products tailored to the individual needs of protection, wealth creation, and estate preservation. With a solid financial foundation and a commitment to responsible management, American-Amicable looks to the future with enthusiasm, aiming to protect generations to come.

Forester Financial Insurance Mortgage Protection Insurance MPI

 

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The Independent Order of Foresters, operating as Foresters Financial, is a fraternal benefit society headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that provides life insurance and other financial solutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As of 2024, Matt Berman has served as the company's president and CEO.

History

Foresters traces its origins to a British Friendly Society, a mutual organization caring for the sick. Membership was originally gained by combat, first with quarterstaffs, then with swords and finally with cudgels, until initiation by combat was abandoned in 1843.

In 1834, the Royal Foresters formed a Friendly Society, the Ancient Order of Foresters (AOF). The Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) in the United States became independent of the AOF in 1874.

The expansion of the IOF into Canada in 1875 is attributed to a doctor and community leader, Oronhyatekha. Of Mohawk descent, he was born in 1841 at Six Nations near present-day Brantford, Ontario, Oronhyatekha ("Burning Sky") was baptized Peter Martin and later attended Oxford, where he became a medical doctor.

Dr. Oronhyatekha held the office of Supreme Chief Ranger (now called "International Fraternal President") from 1879 until 1906; he died in 1907. Foresters membership reached 257,000 in 1906. Through the 20th century it amalgamated with various other fraternal organizations, including the Ontario part of one of the oldest, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, acquired in 1926, the Modern Brotherhood of America, acquired in 1931, and the Order of Scottish Clans, acquired in 1971.

Like other friendly societies and fraternal organizations of the time, Foresters helped transform the insurance industry by extending insurance benefits to the average working family. In addition to admitting women as full members, Foresters provided orphan benefits to the children of deceased Foresters members.

Foresters acquired Unity Life of Canada in 2008, which subsequently rebranded as Foresters Life Insurance Company in January 2012.

As of 2014, Foresters Financial operated a separate UK division based in South London.

In April 2019, Macquarie Group's investing division agreed to buy $12.3 billion in assets from Foresters Financial, including Foresters' First Investors mutual funds business. In the same year, the company sold its U.S. broker-dealer to Cetera Financial Group, in efforts to focus on life insurance.

In May 2019, Foresters sold its Canadian money management unit, Foresters Asset Management, to Fiera Capital. In October 2019, the company sold Foresters Financial Holding and Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company to Nassau Financial Group.

In October 2020, Foresters Financial acquired life insurance distributor Canada Protection Plan. Canada Protection Plan was rebranded as "Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial company".

In July 2021, Foresters invested in a capital project to transform the UK London office. As part of Foresters sustainability roadmap, Renewable Energy Generation Assets and Energy Saving Products were utilized. The investment will reduce the CO₂ emissions by up to 10,000 kg per year.

In 2024, Foresters reached 150 years in business, serving 2.6 million clients and families in Canada, the US and the UK. The company continues to invest and support the community, including partnership with nonprofit KaBOOM!, which has helped Foresters build more than 170 playgrounds across the U.S. and Canada since 2006.

Products

Foresters Financial offers term and permanent policies, including:

• Term life insurance policies lasting 10, 20, or 30 years.
• Three types of Whole Life insurance covering children, all ages and 50-85.
• Various policy riders to cover spouses, children, disability and death benefits.

The company's structure as a fraternal organization also includes benefits such as discounted legal services, scholarships, and community grants.

Mutual of Omaha Mortgage Protection Insurance MPI

 

COPYRIGHT FROM WIKIPEDIA

Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company is an American Fortune 500 mutual insurance and financial services company based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1909 as Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association, Mutual of Omaha is a financial organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States.

The company provides a variety of financial services, including Medicare Supplement, life insurance, long-term care coverage and annuities, as well as group coverage including life, disability and 401(k).

Subsidiaries

Mutual of Omaha has multiple subsidiaries including:

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company

Founded in 1909, this company provides life insurance, pension and annuity products for groups and individuals.

United World Life Insurance Company

Through direct marketing and independent agent networks, this company has offered health and accident coverage and specialty life plans since 1983.

Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.

Mutual funds are offered to individuals through the company's agents and Retirement Plans brokers.

East Campus Realty, LLC

East Campus Realty, LLC was established to develop Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, which is directly to the east of Mutual of Omaha's headquarters.

History

Mutual of Omaha was founded in 1909 by a medical student at Omaha's Creighton University and his wife, Dr. C.C. Criss and Mabel Criss. It has grown into a Fortune 500 company offering insurance and financial solutions for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States.

In 1927, V. J. Skutt joined their team and was named president in 1949. With a license to sell insurance in all 48 states, an abbreviated name and distinctive Native American symbol, the company gained nationwide prominence in the 1950s.

In 1963, the company began sponsoring Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, a wildlife program hosted by Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler that remained on television for more than 20 years. The company was one of the first companies to provide disability insurance to non-professional workers, and in 1966 was among the first companies to provide supplementary coverage for people enrolled in Medicare.

March 5, 1909 – Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Association filed articles of incorporation with the Nebraska Insurance Department.

1920 – Premium income exceeded $1 million for the year.

1924 – Mutual of Omaha ranked 8th in comparison to other insurance companies.

1926 – The subsidiary, United Benefit Life Insurance Company, was founded.

1941 – The company founded its Group Insurance department.

1950 – Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association changed its name to Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company.

January 6, 1963 – Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom premiered on network television. The original show was hosted by Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler, and Peter Gros, and ran until 1988.

1974 - Slogan changed from "People who pay" to "People you can count on", through 2020.

1981 – United Benefit Life Insurance Company became United of Omaha.

2001 – The company revitalized its brand and began sponsoring USA Swimming.

2002 – A new Wild Kingdom series premiered on Animal Planet.

2005 – Daniel P. Neary is named chairman and chief executive officer.

2007 – Omaha Financial Holdings, Inc. was created as the parent company of Mutual of Omaha's banking initiatives.

2009 – Mutual of Omaha celebrates their 100th anniversary.

2015 – James T. Blackledge is named chief executive officer and elected to the board.

2016 – The company reaches $3 billion in policyholder surplus.

2018 – James T. Blackledge replaces Dan Neary as chairman of the board.

2019 – Agreed to sell Mutual of Omaha Bank to CIT's banking subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A., for a purchase price of $1 billion.

2020 – The logo was changed from the Indian to a lion. The new slogan was: "Protect your kingdom".

2022 − Mutual of Omaha announced they would build their new headquarters in downtown Omaha on the site of the W. Dale Clark Library, with the under construction height making it the new tallest building in Omaha.

As of 2020, Mutual of Omaha holds the 300th rank on Fortune 500's top companies. The current CEO is James T. Blackledge. The company and its affiliates have more than 5,000 employees plus a network of sales advisors. The home office remains in Omaha, NE, with satellite or sales offices in most states. The company holds an A+ rating from A.M. Best and AA− rating from Standard & Poor's.

Company governance

Chief Executive Officer

1964–1983 V. J. Skutt

1984–1996 Thomas Skutt

1998–2004 John Weekly

2005–2015 Dan Neary

2015–present James Blackledge

Chairman of the Board

1949–1953 Dr. C.C. Criss

1953–1985 V.J. Skutt

1986–1996 Thomas Skutt

1998–2004 John Weekly

2005–2018 Dan Neary

2018–present James Blackledge

Recognition

2016 - Mutual of Omaha received an A+ rating from A.M. Best Company, Inc. for overall financial strength and ability to meet policy holder-related obligations.

2017 - Mutual of Omaha was ranked 5th of 18 large life insurance companies by NerdWallet.

Wild Kingdom and professional golfing sponsorships

In 1963, Mutual of Omaha introduced a wildlife television program, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. The original show ran from 1963 to 1988, and their toll-free phone number of (800) 228-9800 was mentioned so frequently that many people still remember the number decades later. The show has been since relaunched several times, with its current iteration running as a Saturday morning offering as part of NBC's The More You Know and produced by Hearst Media Production Group

Mutual of Omaha sponsors 7 PGA Tour golfers and 2 LPGA golfers, including Russell Knox, Henrik Stenson, Pádraig Harrington, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Bud Cauley, Brandon Hagy, Robby Shelton and David Leadbetter.