Grinnell Mutual makes donation to community aquatic center
To honor Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company’s 100 years in business, the local insurance carrier announced its intent to contribute $750,000 toward construction of the new family aquatic center in Grinnell, which will replace the city’s existing municipal pool.
Grinnell Mutual President/CEO Dan Agnew and Chief Operating Officer Steve Crawford announced the company’s pledge at a celebration July 17 at the Strand Theatre.
“We are pleased and honored to support the Grinnell area in its efforts to make our community a more enjoyable place to live. In honor and celebration of our company’s 100-year anniversary, we want to contribute to the enhancement of Grinnell for all area residents and visitors. By providing quality facilities in the community, we continue to make Grinnell and the surrounding area an attractive place to live, work, and visit,” said Agnew, a life-long Grinnell resident.
Grinnell Mutual’s gift constitutes the largest single campaign donation to date and provides Grinnell Mutual consideration of naming rights for the aquatic center.
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company is the 129th largest property-casualty insurance company and the primary farm mutual reinsurer in the United States, with a market share of 52 percent in its 11-state business area. Grinnell Mutual currently reinsures 295 affiliated farm mutual companies with nearly 4,000 licensed independent agents writing personal and commercial lines coverage in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
“I was absolutely thrilled when I was informed that Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company pledged $750,000 for the aquatic center. This gift provides a big step toward reaching the fundraising campaign goal,” said Grinnell Mayor Gordon R. Canfield.
“This gift demonstrates the importance Grinnell Mutual places on the need for this recreational venue for its employees and other people who live, work, and play in the Grinnell area,” Canfield added.
Canfield, who retired from GMRC in 1997 as senior vice president, said Grinnell Mutual has been an active part of the community for much of its history and has always stepped up in support of causes important for the common good.
“This gift is exemplary of what Grinnell Mutual means to our city. Speaking for all the citizens, we humbly accept what you have given with much gratitude and many thanks,” Canfield said.
“Grinnell Mutual has been a wonderful employer,” said Wendy Ramsey, who oversees Wellness, Occupational
Health and Safety for the company. “When I was asked to help lead the Splash! campaign, the first thing I did was seek advice from Dan and leaders in my division. Along with Dan, Tom Bachmann (vice president of Support Services) and Linn Davidson (director of Human Resources) were supportive and encouraging. These interactions illustrate a culture of community at all levels in the company.”
Grinnell Mutual’s commitment puts the Splash! campaign at the mid point of raising $3 million to match an equal investment from the city of Grinnell. Private donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and local businesses will be used to fund necessary equipment and amenities for a full-fledged aquatic center. The new facility will feature lap lanes, speed slides, geysers, and a Lazy River, plus a new bath house, concession building, modern restrooms, and more.
The aquatic center is at the heart of an expanded recreational complex that includes Lion’s Park, the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail, Bailey Park, Grinnell High School, and Iowa Valley Community College-Grinnell. When completed, these new facilities are intended for the enjoyment of all Poweshiek County residents and visitors.
“While the aquatic center will serve local residents well, it presents an opportunity to further the efforts of businesses and groups in welcoming others to our community,” said David Jones, a member of the Grinnell Tourism Group.
Additional information about the project is available on the campaign Web site at www.grinnelliowa.gov/splash.
Pictured accepting the award are (from left) Splash campaign co-chair Wendy Ramsey, the occupational health and safety specialist at Grinnell Mutual; Grinnell Mayor Gordon R. Canfield; Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Dan Agnew; and Splash campaign co-chair Delphina Baumann.