Worcester Business Journal

W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s 77 Similarly, the company and its employees are committed to building strong, vibrant communities, leveraging employee volunteerism and charitable contributions that help address critical needs. rough its charitable foundation, e Hanover works to improve the quality of life in communities where the company has a major presence, with a mission to enact meaningful and positive change in the lives of underserved youths and to empower the difference makers who support them. With this mission, the foundation focuses on supporting four key areas of pressing needs in the local community: creating pathways to positive academic experiences; promoting growth and job opportunities for diverse youth; liing barriers to positive health outcomes and healthy futures; and supporting those in crisis. One of the most important ways e Hanover and its employees make a difference is through their annual United Way campaign. For more than 70 years, the company and its employees have come together to support its United Way employee giving campaign. Most recently, the annual campaign raised $1.5 million, providing support and services through the United Way and nonprofit organizations across the country. e company's campaign has one of the highest participation rates in the world among companies that are part of the United Way's Global Corporate Leadership program, and has a participation rate five times the national average. Separately, as part of its support for education, e Hanover offers an annual college scholarship program for local students and children of employees. For the last 18 years, the company has recognized students for their commitments to academic excellence and community involvement, awarding more than $1 million in total to deserving students. Similarly, the company's foundation has been a long-time supporter of Worcester Public Schools and has helped fund e Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts and AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination. A national program, AVID supports students in the academic middle, helping them to graduate and pursue a college education. In addition to charitable giving, the company's dedicated employee volunteers contribute in many ways, giving their time, talents and resources to make a difference. In recent years, the company has brought its community involvements to a new level, helping drive projects considered key to the economic growth and vitality of Worcester and the region. ese efforts include serving as a founding partner of the Worcester Red Sox, helping to bring the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to Worcester. Similarly, the company played a lead role in the development of e Hanover eatre for the Performing Arts, a historic 2,300-seat theatre in the heart of the city's downtown district, and continues to be a strong supporter of the organization. e theatre has helped make the city a destination for performing arts and entertainment, while serving as a catalyst for the revitalization of Worcester's downtown. e Hanover also has helped foster the revitalization of Worcester's downtown district, primarily as the lead developer of and investor in CitySquare, an ambitious, multi-year development project. With its 12 acres of mixed-use office, medical, retail and residential development, combined with convenient access to public transportation and parking, CitySquare is widely regarded as the centerpiece of Worcester's plans for a thriving and vibrant downtown district. In addition, the company has made major gis to UMass Medical Center, supporting the construction of a state-of-the-art emergency and trauma center, and to the EcoTarium, an interactive science and nature center. It has aided in the launch of other Worcester sports teams, and has provided significant support to the Worcester Public Library and Mass Audubon, helping to foster growth and advancement within the city. "For 170 years, we've embraced change with strategic vision, financial strength and agility, but most importantly, with a skilled and committed team," said John C. Roche, president and chief executive officer of e Hanover. "e Hanover has been a consistent source of strength throughout Worcester's history, as we have evolved to become a leading property and casualty organization, serving agents and customers across the country. We've watched Worcester grow and evolve. We have helped foster its progress, and we'll be here as Worcester writes its next chapter, continuing to serve our partners, customers, and our community along the way, as we have for the past 170 years." n S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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