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83 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N neighborliness grew to include each other, and they combined offices. In 1977, a century after their parallel beginnings, the com- panies formally merged. New growth and new services Although a landmark change, the merger was a natural one, stemming from the common interests of both companies and their policyholders. And it wasn't the last major transformation. In 1997, to access capital for continued growth and to ensure financial stability, Patrons Oxford Mutual Insurance Co. became part of Quincy Mutual Group. (Quincy is another former mutual fire insurance company, formed in 1851 and based in Quincy, Massachusetts.) In 2014, Patrons extended its property and casualty insurance to include commercial lines. Today, Patrons has grown to become one of Maine's 10 larg- est underwriters of auto and home insurance, with a rating of A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. After starting with a single type of policy, the company now offers the following portfolio of insurance products: Personal Lines • Auto, Homeowners • Personal Umbrella • Boat & Snowmobile • Inland Marine • Endorsements to customize coverage for unique needs Commercial Lines • Property • General Liability • Commercial Auto • Commercial Umbrella • Business Owners • Endorsements to customize coverage for individual accounts Home-grown commitment Despite this growth, the insurer's connection to the communities it serves is as strong as during its Grange days. Bannister points to Patrons' local claims service as an example. Handling claims is one of an insurer's most critical functions, she says. It's the service policyholders hope is never necessary — but when it is, they require flawless performance. No wonder a recent J.D. Power survey found that 81% of home-insurance policyholders who were "highly satisfied" with a claims experience said they would "definitely renew" their policies, and an equal number would "definitely recommend" their insurer. Providing excellent claims service requires local knowledge, and that's one of the areas where Patrons excels, according to Bannister. "As a Maine-based, Maine-grown company," she says, "Patrons Oxford is close to its policyholders — and to the resources that can help when they're in need." e connections don't stop there. Patrons Oxford plays a role in many Maine communities through its volunteerism and charitable giving, and each year designates a generous percent- age of its revenue to assist people and organizations in need. e company is an active supporter of the Center for Grieving Children, which helps children, teens and families throughout the state deal with grief and loss, and Patrons Oxford President & CEO Mark Pettingill serves on the center's board of directors. e company enthusiastically fields teams in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk and the Maine Cancer Foundation Tri for a Cure. Patrons also contributes time and resources to the United Way, Central Maine Medical Center, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, L/A Arts, Preble Street Resource Center, Sweetser, Junior Achievement and many other local nonprofits. e new headquarters is just the latest example of Patrons' responsibility to those it serves, according to Pettingill. "Patrons' new location is a commitment to our employees, policyholders, business partners, environment and community," he says. "In the short time since our relocation, we have seen our employee morale increase significantly as well as an increase in a very talented pool of professionals applying for our open posi- tions. is will anchor our commitment to the insurance industry and the state of Maine for years to come." Portland Technology Park could soon be home to as many as six additional businesses — the city is working to attract pioneering leaders in IT or biotechnology that, like Patrons Oxford, recog- nize the beauty and value of the setting. Patrons, too, incorporates advanced technology in its new headquarters. But for those who are still surprised by the siting of an insurance company in a "technology park," Pettingill says the location is a natural fit for another reason. "Many technology companies today are known for their sense of social responsibility, for using their position to do good in the world," he says. "at ethic may be more associated with a 21st- century tech company than a 19th-century insurer. So in a way, Patrons Oxford isn't just an insurance company with the latest technology, we're a tech company that focuses on insurance." l P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F E R I C A N D E R S O N P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R O B E R T B E N S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y Patrons Oxford Insurance Company 97 Technology Park Drive, Portland, ME 04102 Insurance Mark Pettingill, President & CEO Founded: 1877 Maine employees: 48 www.patrons.com Top: The Patrons headquarters, in Portland Technology Park, features rooftop solar-energy panels that provide up to 40% of the building's power. Bottom: The Patrons Oxford team has plenty of room to collaborate on insurance solutions for the company's growing number of commercial and personal policyholders.

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