Employees Celebrate 100 Years
Dan F. Agnew Centennial Park Dedicated
Laughter, speeches, applause, and buzzing conversation—the sounds of celebration—were heard in Centennial Park on July 29. Under blue skies and sunshine, employees gathered for the climax of Grinnell Mutual’s centennial year events, the Employee Centennial Celebration. The celebration featured the ‘Memories,’ ‘Celebration,’ and ‘New Beginnings’ tents, each filled with food, a special host, activities, and prizes.
“The company’s making it a fun year. They’re trying to have a lot of activities that all of the employees are involved in so we know it’s our celebration as well as Grinnell Mutual’s,” said Mary Hedrick, administrative assistant in Special Investigations.
“It’s fun to celebrate with your own division and walk from tent to tent. It’s nice to relax and enjoy the progress the company has made,” said Joyce Beyer, BIS training specialist.
In the Memories tent, employees were greeted by Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Dan Agnew, who spoke about the company’s founding. In the Celebration tent, quick-witted comedian Tim Cavanaugh had employees nearly rolling on the ground with jokes about the life and culture at Grinnell Mutual. In fact, bursts of laughter from the tent echoed across the pond.
To kick off the next 100 years, employees headed to the New Beginnings tent where Chief Operating Officer Steve Crawford greeted them. After taking credit for the fantastic weather, Crawford discussed the future direction of Grinnell Mutual in supporting farm mutuals.
“It was a great party for all of the employees to enjoy. I was really touched with Dan and Steve’s recap of the company and how different people contributed so much to where we are today. We’ll miss Dan but we look forward to Steve’s leadership,” commented Pam Hinshaw, manager of Document Services.
After traveling through all of the tents, employees gathered together for a company photo and the grand finale of the celebration, the dedication of the park in Dan Agnew’s honor.
“Most fitting of all, as we begin our second century, the board has authorized us to dedicate the park as Dan F. Agnew Centennial Park,” Crawford announced. “What better namesake for an employee park to have than Dan Agnew, a man who’s been committed to employees for his entire career.”
“Thank you very, very much. It’s not often that I’m at a loss for words but I am now. This means a great deal to me, as you all have during my 40 years here at Grinnell Mutual. Good luck to all of you,” Agnew responded.
A plaque in Agnew’s honor was also placed beside a new tree planted in the park on his behalf.
“After several years of planning with so many people devoting their time, ideas and dedicated passion to Grinnell Mutual’s employees, everything went perfectly. Everyone involved couldn’t have been more pleased with the celebration. Dan and all of the employees deserved such a day,” said Susan Pickens, assistant vice president of Corporate Development.