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Central Insurance, a leading property and casualty mutual insurance company, and its affiliates have reorganized under Ohio law into a mutual holding company structure, effective January 1, 2025. The reorganization created a new mutual holding company, Central Mutual Holding Company (CMHC), that directly or indirectly owns all of the Central Insurance affiliates.
Additionally, Central Insurance converted to a stock insurance company, Central Insurance Company (CIC), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of CMHC. CIC will continue to present itself in the marketplace as Central Insurance.
The reorganization also created two new intermediate holding companies: CMIC Holdings, Inc. and 1876 Holdings, Inc.
Just as it operates today, Central will continue to be governed by its policyholders and provide exceptional insurance coverage through its agency partners.
“This initiative underscores Central’s commitment to our long-term success, ensuring we remain vigilant in the face of volatility while innovating for the future,” said Evan Purmort, Chairman, CEO and President of Central. “We are excited for this organizational change and the flexibility and growth opportunities it provides.”
Central Insurance provides premium personal and commercial coverage to hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses across the country. With operations spanning 45 states, the company writes business in 25 states through a trusted network of independent agents and four regional offices located in Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Van Wert, where its headquarters remain. Additionally, Central Insurance operates satellite offices in Columbus and Salt Lake City. CMHC has combined assets of more than $2 billion.
POSTED: 01/09/25 at 11:06 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
Van Wert Manor ended 2024 on a positive note is looking forward to 2025. In December, HCF Management hosted their annual administrator’s conference, which included an awards ceremony. Van Wert Manor was recognized as a top facility for the company, earning multiple awards including the President’s Award and the Barbara Marsella Quality Assurance Award. The President’s Award criteria included customer service, activities, volunteer program, and community involvement. The Barbara Marsella Quality Assurance Award is based on overall clinical performance including the 5-star rating, as well as an outstanding commitment to providing the best quality of care. Van Wert Manor was also recognized for their results from their Family and Resident Satisfaction Surveys, earning 95 percent satisfaction with overall quality of care, and 95 percent would recommend to others. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 01/01/25 at 10:02 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff
Van Wert will soon have one less pizza place.
In a Facebook announcement made Friday night, Nicko’s Pizza announced it will close for good after this weekend. The final day of business will be Sunday.
“Due to rising food costs and the saturated area of pizza businesses in our community, we can no longer compete,” the post said. “We wish the best of luck to our local pizza competitors Klosterman’s and Wild Willy’s.”
The post also thanked all the customers that supported Nicko’s.
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Citizens National Bank (CNB) is pleased to welcome Bain Wannemacher as a mortgage loan originator in their Van Wert Office. In this role, he will facilitate mortgage, home equity, and other retail loan applications.
Before coming to CNB, Wannemacher started his career in insurance and supply sales, and had a six-year stint as a business owner.
“I am excited to join the already top-notch team here at CNB,” he said. “I have always appreciated the way CNB puts their customers first and makes an impact within the community. I am looking forward to getting more involved within the community, working with realtors, and helping customers navigate the process of homeownership.”
“We are excited to welcome Bain to our Van Wert office,” said Al Saylor, Van Wert Market President. “He has a real passion for working and being part of the Van Wert community. His experience in insurance and business ownership will prove to be a great addition to the team. I look forward to seeing him work with our customers and walk them through the home-buying process.”
In his free time, he spends time with his wife of five years and their daughter as well as golfing and working out. He also serves at his church and volunteers at his local Youth for Christ Chapter.
With offices in Bluffton, Celina, Defiance, Elida, Findlay, Lima, Springfield, Van Wert and Toledo, Citizens National Bank has assets totaling more than $1 billion and has been serving the communities of west central Ohio since 1920.
POSTED: 11/25/24 at 2:23 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
Historic Main Street Van Wert has announced the grand opening of The Maeve Salon, now open at 117 N. Washington St. in the heart of downtown Van Wert. This locally-owned salon brings a fresh, modern space to our community, offering personalized beauty and wellness services. The Maeve Salon’s opening is a testament to the vibrant growth and revitalization efforts in the historic downtown area. Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price welcomed the new salon and said such businesses enhance the diversity and appeal of downtown, as well as bringing new energy and services to the community. Photo submitted
POSTED: 11/13/24 at 2:22 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Central Insurance has announced the appointment of Ryan Maconachy to its Board of Directors, effective October 24. Maconachy’s extensive expertise in healthcare, capital markets, and commercial real estate make him a valuable addition to Central Insurance.
“Ryan’s expertise and character align perfectly with Central’s vision and values of integrity, relationships, and excellence. His insight into market dynamics and strategic growth opportunities will help us continue delivering financial stability and innovative solutions for our customers,” said Cindy Hurless, COO, Director and Corporate Secretary.
As co-head and vice chairman of Newmark’s Healthcare and Alternative Real Estate Assets platform, Ryan is responsible for healthcare and seniors housing-related investment sales advisory, mortgage banking, and equity transactions throughout the U.S. With more than 22 years of commercial real estate experience, particularly in healthcare and seniors housing, Ryan has completed transactions valued at over $37 billion throughout the U.S.
The Central Mutual Insurance Company was founded in Van Wert, Ohio, in 1876 and has since evolved into Central Insurance, a property and casualty insurance carrier providing premium coverage for hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses across the country. Central Insurance remains based in Van Wert and operates regional offices in Boston, Atlanta, and Dallas, with satellite offices in Columbus and Salt Lake City.
POSTED: 11/08/24 at 10:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert County Foundation has made a significant investment in the future of Van Wert County by donating $150,000 to the Business Development Corporation of Van Wert’s capital campaign. This generous contribution will help the BDC continue its mission of promoting economic growth and job creation in the region.
The BDC plays a vital role in working alongside local economic development efforts to attract new businesses, retain existing ones, and foster a thriving business environment. With the support of the Van Wert County Foundation, the BDC will be able to expand its programs and services, including:
- Business Retention and Expansion: Providing support and resources to existing businesses to help them grow and create jobs.
- Business Attraction: Recruiting new businesses and assisting with site selection, permitting, and other development processes.
- Workforce Development: Collaborating with businesses, local educational institutions, and training providers to develop a skilled workforce.
- Community Development: Supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life in Van Wert County.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Van Wert County Foundation’s generous support,” said John White, Capital Campaign Manager at the BDC. “This investment will help us continue to drive economic growth and create a brighter future for our community.”
For more information, please visit www.bdcvw.com to connect or learn more.
About the Business Development Corporation of Van Wert
The mission of the Business Development Corporation is to provide economic development opportunities through assisting businesses with land and building acquisitions and providing favorable financing opportunities to create a fertile business environment and serve the people of Van Wert County.
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Farm Credit Mid-America is now accepting applications for its Customer Scholarships and Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars Program. Over the past decade, Farm Credit Mid-America has awarded more than $2 million in financial and educational support to deserving students pursuing careers that promote agriculture and rural communities.
Customer Scholarships are available to the children or grandchildren of Farm Credit Mid-America customers pursuing careers related to agriculture or rural communities. Applicants can attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational school or trade school.
“We want to encourage young people to pursue these careers and support them in their journey because we recognize they will be the future of our industry,” said Randy Barbee, community investment manager at Farm Credit Mid-America. “Through direct financial support, we are working to secure the future of agriculture and rural communities.”
The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars program is available to rising college sophomores and juniors pursuing careers in agriculture. Each year more than 25 students receive $5,000 in financial support over two academic years. In addition to financial aid, recipients also participate in onsite learning and travel experiences aimed at developing leadership skills and enhancing financial literacy.
“The financial support provided through the scholarship is extremely helpful, but on top of that, you get to meet great people in the field,” said Victoria Holliday, a recent Farm Credit Mid-America Scholar. “It’s nice to be surrounded by others who have similar goals to you and bounce ideas off of each other.”
Students who meet the eligibility requirements for a Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship are encouraged to apply before the December 15, 2024, deadline. Customer Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply before the January 15, 2025 deadline. Recipients for both programs will be announced in 2025.
“It’s important to support college students who are interested in agriculture because we’re the future of the industry,” said Daniel Lester, a recent Farm Credit Mid-America Scholar. “If I could talk to other students, I would tell them to apply for the program in a heartbeat. It opens many doors to new friends, experiences and opportunities.”
To learn more about Farm Credit Mid-America’s scholarship programs or to submit an application, visit www.fcma.com/scholarships.
A 10-year milestone award was recently presented by the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce to local State Farm agent Tisha Fast. Pictured above from left to right are Judy Loughrie, Ashley Rickard, Tisha Fast and Van Wert Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Verville. Photo submitted
POSTED: 10/05/24 at 12:00 am. FILED UNDER: Business
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Area residents and businesses are invited to Citizen’s National Bank’s Customer Appreciation Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, September 27, at the Van Wert office, 1199 Westwood Drive. Free pulled pork or brat sandwiches, chips and ice cream will be served. Attendees may enter to win a variety of door prizes.
This is an annual event the office hosts to show appreciation for its customers. With the convenience of online banking and drive-thru services, many customers don’t visit the office throughout the year.
“We really enjoy taking the time to mingle with our customers in person and show our appreciation for the trust they place in us,” said Al Saylor, Van Wert City President.
Citizens National Bank is a community bank with a special focus on small business and agriculture.
POSTED: 09/21/24 at 1:03 am. FILED UNDER: Business