Worcester Business Journal

8 Worcester Business Journal • Giving Guide 2016 www.wbjournal.com Nonprofit Status 2016 (continued) T he Hanover Insurance Group has been in the business of providing finan- cial security and helping people when the unexpected occurs for more than 160 years. While the company offers a variety of insurance products to individuals, families and businesses in approximately 179 countries, The Hanover also devotes a significant amount of volunteer efforts and financial support to local non-profit organizations. "The Hanover and its employees are committed to making our local communities stronger, healthier and more vibrant," said Paul Belsito, president of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation. "We support a wide range of needs in the communities we call home, and place a special emphasis on education and youth, helping to build strong public school systems and helping our youth reach their full potential." In 2015, for instance, employees of The Hanover and the company donated $1.6 million through its annual United Way campaign. More than 87 percent of employees participated in the program. The Hanover's gifts were the largest made to the United Way of Central Massachusetts, as well as the Livingston County United Way in Michigan, where the company has about 600 employees. The company also supports other local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the EcoTarium, Boys & Girls Club, Worcester Art Museum, The Hanover Theatre, YMCA, Girls Inc., Worcester Center for Performing Arts and many others. "We approach the work we do in the community in much the same way that we approach our business," said Belsito. "We work with strong and respected partners, set clear goals, and deliver on our promises every day. Together, we make good things happen." The Hanover proudly supports AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program that helps approximately 2,300 students each year, from elementary through high school, build the skills necessary to succeed by providing academic support, study skill development and individual coaching to help students achieve their goals of a college education. Partnering with AVID, The Hanover Foundation created AVID Students for Change, a social entrepreneurship curricu- lum where students partner with a local nonprofit to identify opportunities/chal- lenges in their communities and work to implement solutions. In collaboration with the City of Worcester and the YMCA, The Hanover's Foundation contributed funds to install a new play- ground, picnic areas and boat launch for the renova- tion of Shore Park. The company also continues to sponsor the Worcester Bravehearts minor league baseball team and will do the same for the Worcester Railers, a new professional hockey team slated to begin play in 2017. Additionally, The Hanover employees donate tens of thousands of hours to better the community. "Our company and our employees do more than simply provide financial support. We get actively involved. We help create strategies that will have a positive, lasting impact, and, at the same time, we roll up our sleeves and help do the work that needs to be done," Belsito said. For example, in 2015, as part of the United Way's Day of Caring campaign, employees helped revitalize the grounds and a playground at a local Boys & Girls Club, spruced up two elementary schools and completed home repair projects for seniors and individuals with special needs. The Hanover and its employees have, over many years, established a reputation for responsiveness, for being there when they're needed most – in their business and in their local communities. n THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP Reputation for Responsiveness in Its Business and in the Community F or nearly a quarter century, the Provo Wealth Management Group (PWMG) has built its business from the ground up by creating personal- ized plans for all aspects of financial management for its clients. One of the key principles by which the company operates is commitment to commu- nity and social responsibility. Focused on trust, accountability and client-centric practices, PWMG has earned a reputation as a responsible wealth management advi- sor for its clients and as a good corporate citizen. PWMG educates their clients-- individuals, businesses and non-profit organiza- tions -- on how to align their values with what they are investing in. Pamela Provo, executive vice president, Business Development, said, "We definitely encourage people to live in alignment, or operate their business in alignment, with whatever their values are." Clients may want to support sustainable companies – those that take care of their employees, provide transparency to custom- ers and profitability for investors, and focus on doing the right thing for mankind – in accord with the "Human Impact and Profit" (HIP) philosophy. "It's an imperative is this day and age, to not just be about profits. It's Human Impact and Profit," said Christopher Provo, RFC, CRPC, President/ CEO. "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." Chris brings this philosophy of sustainability and human impact into the greater community, particularly the academic arena. He has served on Becker College's board of trustees for the last nine years and is deeply involved with the new Yunus Social Business Centre, the first in the US. The Centre was founded on the principles of Muhammad Yunus, the only economist to win the Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Grameen Bank, which helps underserved people unleash their creativity and end poverty. The Centre focuses on identifying real-world social problems and creating inno- vative, self-sustaining business solutions that will help transform lives and commu- nities. In a groundbreaking move, thanks to the Provos' educational efforts, Becker is the first college in the country committed to a 100 percent sustainable endowment; Chris is a founding member of the Intentional Endowment Network. Recently, Chris was nominated for a National Community Leadership Catalyst Award for Financial Advisors for his work with Becker College. This award is pre- sented to an advisor who has actively advocated for positive change and who has displayed entrepreneurial vision and leadership. Additionally, Chris and his wife Pamela are committee members for 15-40 Connection. They are also lifetime members of the Ouimet Society and the St. Xaverian Society at St. John's High School. The com- pany is a corporate member of the Worcester Art Museum. Everyone at Provo Wealth Management Group is involved in some way with the community. Pedro Silva, CRPC, CDFA, sits on the executive board at Rachel's Table. Since 2012, Gerald Dufault, CFP®, has been a board member at Centro, a social service commu- nity organization in Worcester. Another member of the Provo team, Kurt Brown, sponsors a child from Nicaragua through the Christian Foundation of Youth and Aging, a program run by the Medical Missionaries of Mary, a group of nuns who travel the globe to provide medical assistance and spiritual healing to the poorest communities in the world. Professionally and personally, Provo Wealth Management Group strives to do right by doing good. Pamela Provo said, "We want whatever we are doing now to mean something in the future." n Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Provo Wealth Management Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Provo Financial Services, Inc. and Provo Wealth Management Group are separate entities from LPL Financial. PROVO WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP

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