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6 Worcester Business Journal | Book of Lists 2017 | wbjournal.com T hink creative. Think local. These are hallmarks of Acadia Insurance's operating philosophy, where giving customers better coverage means having in-depth knowledge of their individual businesses. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, Acadia Insurance, a Berkley Company, is a regional property and casualty insurer, serving small and midsize businesses throughout the Northeast. Since Acadia's founding, the com- pany's mission has remained steadfast: serve the insurance needs of businesses by having a local presence to better under- stand their operations and to provide greater responsiveness when losses occur. In other words, provide "Closer Coverage." In 1992, Acadia Insurance's founders saw opportunity as Maine's workers' compensation market was collapsing. They secured initial capital investment from W.R. Berkley Corporation, a global Fortune 500 insurer known for entre- preneurial leadership, enabling them to offer solutions to businesses navigating a tumultuous market. Acadia quickly expanded its lines of insurance to include general liability, property, automobile and umbrella coverage. Two years later, the company expanded into New Hampshire and Vermont. In 2008, Acadia Insurance was in Massachusetts and, in 2012, opened offices in Connecticut and New York. Acadia Insurance has developed tailored insurance pro- grams for businesses of all types and sizes, from construction firms to clothing stores. Acadia can provide customers with a total account solution, offering property, liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto and umbrella coverages to address major exposures businesses have. Recognized for the quality of its Loss Control Engineering Services, Acadia provides education, information and tools that help customers reduce risk and prevent accidents. Acadia's Synergy Risk Management provides numerous resources to help larger accounts with complex needs develop strong risk management plans. Acadia's underwriting, claims and loss control professionals work with the insurance agent to help customers reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, and reduce exposures that lead to accidents. With offices throughout New England and New York State, Acadia's Exceptional Claims Service guides customers through the entire claims process, delivering responsive ser- vice and expertise when customers need it most. Acadia's greatest accomplishment to date is its consistency in sticking with the original mission statement: to be the best regional carrier in the Northeast and to provide closer cover- age—defined as delivering local service and the right coverage with a personal touch, supported by experts in the industry— to agents and customers. In practice, this means investing in being local, with offices and locations in each state so employees have a better oppor- tunity to understand local businesses. Acadia employees spend a lot of time with insurance agents and customers sharing industry expertise, loss prevention tips, and providing cover- ages that are targeted to customers' primary exposures, with continued investment in new and enhanced products. Acadia Insurance's culture is also strengthened by employee retention; many have been with the company since its incep- tion and many more have provided 20+ years of service. Committed to supporting the communities in which its employees work and live, Acadia provides financial support and paid time for employees to volunteer at local nonprofit organizations. In 2016, Acadia Insurance donated over $95,000 and, since 2008, over $650,000 to local charities. Donations focus on combatting hunger, homelessness, providing health education and prevention awareness and improving the lives of those in our local communities with the goal of achieving long-term sustainability. Acadia is proud of the impact it has made in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast region, and looks forward to serv- ing its local communities for many years to come. n Acadia Insurance: Providing "Closer Coverage" Street Address: 250 County Road, Westbrook, ME 04092 Website: www.acadiainsurance.com Product or Service Description: Insurance Number of Employees: 400 Head of Company and Title: Doug Nelson, President Year Founded: 1992 ACADIA INSURANCE Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to applicable underwriting guidelines and the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued. In 2017, Acadia Insurance is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The employees celebrated the milestone at the Mount Washington Hotel. Founders, Acadia Insurance P H O T O S / A C A D I A I N S U R A N C E A D V E R T I S E M E N T