Mainebiz Special Editions

M a i n e — A P h oto P o rt r A i t o f t h e P i n e t r ee S tAt e P r o f i l e s i n e x c e l l e n c e 140 A cadia Insurance was founded April 2, 1992 in response to the Workers' Compensation crisis in Maine to provide insurance to lo- cal businesses throughout the state. Its first office was located in South Portland with approximate- ly 60 employees. As the business quickly expanded, Acadia relocated to its current location on County Road in Westbrook. Today, Acadia employs over 200 people in Maine, and another 150+ people in offices located throughout the Northeast. The declaration page of the first policy written still hangs in the amphitheater of the Westbrook office – a reminder of the company's beginning only 20 years ago. Charlie Hamblen, Chief Financial Officer of Acadia Insurance, has been with the company since its inception. "Maine was a great place to start an insurance com- pany in the 90s, and not that many people realized it," says Hamblen. "Most insurance companies had left the state and left us with a pool of talented people, a com- mitted independent agency force and many policyhold- ers looking for a local, customer-oriented insurance company that was financially stable. The first account that we wrote in 1992, we still write today." Acadia has been propelled by the vision and belief that local businesses want a local insurance carrier with a hands-on approach to service. This means being located in the states in which it operates, and employ- ing people in the communities it insures so the compa- ny can provide responsive service and local expertise. This continues to be Acadia's differentiating value to its customers. The key to Acadia's 20 years of success in the insur- ance industry has been knowledge of its local markets, focus on commercial insurance, and a steadfast com- mitment to working in close collaboration with its agent and association partnerships. "This local model embodies our vision of 'closer coverage.' We feel a strong sense of responsibility to provide the best insur- ance solution to the customers in the communities we operate because these are our communities, too," says Doug Nelson, president of Acadia Insurance. Fifteen employees who were part of Acadia's first year still work at the company today, like Steve Rich, vice president of claims." Acadia has provided me with the opportunity to work with many committed em- ployees over the years, delivering superior service to our customers, while impacting our company results each and every day," says Rich. Employees at Acadia believe in the company's vi- sion, which can be witnessed in the commitment to delivering excellent service to its customers. Businesses choose Acadia because of its dedication to excellence and expertise in the insurance field. Expanding from one office located in Maine, Aca- dia now has additional offices in Connecticut, Mas- sachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Businesses choose Acadia because of its dedication to excellence and expertise in the insurance field. Acadia Insurance office on County Road in Westbrook Acadia Insurance P h o t o s B y G r e t a r y B u s

• Cover