“That kind of impact is what makes Build My Future special,” said Charlyce Ruth, Southwest Missouri Manager of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, the organization that facilitates the program. 

The interactive event is designed as a construction-focused career day targeted towards high school students. Staffed by industry professionals, students can visit hands-on demonstrations and booths and ask questions. 

A volunteer guides a student through a simulated exercise.

A student practices using new equipment for the first time.

A student leans in for a closer look during a demonstration.

A Build My Future student participant gets a new view on the future.

MEM is a proud sponsor of five Build My Future days in the fall of 2025 that will reach more than 7,500 students across the state of Missouri. What began with a single site in 2017 has grown over the years to seven locations, reaching more than 11,000 students each year. At MEM, building a skilled workforce is one of the key focuses of our Corporate Impact program, alongside improving health outcomes and promoting safety, alongside improving health outcomes and promoting safety.  

MEM Safety and Risk Services consultants also regularly volunteer their time at Build My Future events, speaking with incoming students as they arrive on buses about the safety plan for the day. 

Build My Future: Forging connections between students, educators, and the construction industry 

Charlyce Ruth shared her experience with Build My Future in the interview below. 

What is the benefit of this event? 

This event raises awareness among students about the opportunities the construction industry has to offer. This is an opportunity for them to learn that there are opportunities available, such as apprenticeships or apprenticeships combined with a two-year college program. 

Many people are hands-on learners. Sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture, it just doesn’t sink in for them. In this industry, we offer numerous hands-on opportunities. At this event, we are doing things with the students, and I think that makes a difference. 

What do you like about this event? 

Honestly, it’s seeing a kid’s eyes light up. They see that they have choices. Many kids believe that a four-year college degree is the only option, but then they talk to people in the industry, participate in projects and activities, and realize they excel in these areas. 

A few years ago, an older gentleman was watching a student work with electrical implements, and he told the student that he was doing a good job. It seemed like maybe no one had told him before that he could do something like that. That student walked away knowing he might be able to have a successful career, maybe becoming an electrician.

What does this event provide for educators? 

The teachers now have a better understanding of the construction industry as a result of these events. It allows them to better guide their students. We have received feedback from vendors who have hired students after an event, and after that student graduates in the Spring. 

Learn More 

To learn more about Build My Future, follow the Associated General Contractors of Missouri on Facebook. 

Explore MEM’s annual report to learn how we support our communities. 

The post MEM Supports Construction Career Event that Builds Possibilities for Students  appeared first on MEM.

MEM is committed to building healthier, safer communities, and we aim to live those values all year long. With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70 percent of employees volunteering, MEM and its employees give time or treasure to more than 100 different organizations annually.  

Making an Impact One Project at a Time: 

Celebrating Graduates Ready to Enter the Job Market 

Job Point will soon celebrate its graduates, so we made kits to make entering the job market a little easier (mints, a padfolio and a coffee mug were among the items). 

Making Meals for Home Away from Home 

We took advantage of the beautiful day and grilled chicken for guests at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri’s house that evening, as well as assembling 80 additional meals to freeze for later use. 

Providing Comfort in Court  

Sitting in a courtroom can induce nerves in anyone. Our group assembled stress relief and activity kits for all ages being served by Heart of Missouri CASA to make it easier. 

Getting Ahead of Summer Hygiene Needs 

Voluntary Action Center requested hygiene kits in anticipation of demand in the summer months, so MEM departments teamed up to make quick work of kit assembly. 

Making Windows Shine for a New Family 

Community LINC in Kansas City serves between 120 and 150 families per year. Spending a few hours sprucing up an apartment for a family move in required a little elbow grease but our small group was up to the task. 

Piling Potatoes for Our Neighbors 

The group sorted donations of sweet potatoes for Harvesters Community Food Network. 

Packed Kits for Learning at Home 

A team assembled more than 800 arts and learning packs for Springboard to Learning to provide hands-on art activities at home for families in the St. Louis area. 

Helped Give Newborns a Bright Start 

We sorted and organized donations for Nurses for Newborns, an organization dedicated to helping infants and expectant mothers experiencing a wide range of medical, economic, environmental and social risks. 

Did you know?  

As a trusted partner with over 200,000 covered lives, we go beyond insurance to support our neighbors.  

The post Putting Compassion into Action: MEM Springs into Volunteer Service  appeared first on MEM.

It wasn’t always like this, though. Jim Guyre, executive director at the sheltered workshop, explained: “We used to have all employees leaving the building at once.” Several years ago, Guyre and his team realized that morning arrival and afternoon dismissal carried serious safety risks, including the risk of a moving vehicle hitting an employee. 

Through a generous donation of property from Ameren Missouri and a capital funding grant from the Productive Living Board, Valley Industries completely renovated its parking lot. They began releasing employees in shifts and allocating staff resources to help manage the traffic flow. 

The result? A drop in trip-related injuries and a much safer environment for employees navigating the lot. 

Longstanding relationships reap rewards 

Valley Industries is one of Missouri’s 92 sheltered workshops – supervised workplaces employing adults with developmental disabilities. When MEM began in 1995, Valley Industries was one of our first policyholders. They’ve been working with their agency, Yates Insurance Services, even longer than that. 

“We’ve really gotten to grow with them, from two employees to nearly two hundred,” Ed Yates Jr., vice president of Yates, said. According to Yates, Valley holds itself to an even higher standard than most when it comes to workplace safety. He’s seen them go to great lengths to ensure employees with special needs are set up to safely and successfully perform their jobs. For example, they might need to provide specialized safeguards or customized tools based on the individual. “It’s been great to see the inclusion and sense of purpose they’ve brought to the community through the years,” he reflected. 

Through long-term partnerships built on putting safety first, Valley has found that year after year, a work comp policy with MEM provides the most value for their organization.  

According to Guyre, most sheltered workshops have work comp insurance through a mutual that’s specific to their type of workplace. However, Valley has remained with MEM for all 30 years.  “Over the last 10 years, our premium has gone down or remained steady,” Guyre shared. Valley’s decreased number of work comp claims has lowered their e-mod, contributing to premium well below the industry average. 

Lowering premiums one habit at a time 

At MEM, we really can’t take the credit for Valley’s downward trend in premium. That goes to the leadership team and their facility’s employees. Teri Wilson, employee service provider and safety director, said that safety is the organization’s number one priority. 

And it seems that every employee understands that priority. If something is amiss or a hazard is spotted, supervisors are sure to hear about it from one or more employees. “They’re proud when they report a hazard to a supervisor and see it corrected,” Wilson commented. 

Valley’s safety mission is to go 365 days without a lost-time injury, a goal they regularly near or exceed. Currently, they’ve gone 1,215 days without one. Cathy Younker, who manages accounting and the MEM account, said that when they do have a claim, MEM is with them every step of the way. “They keep us in the loop on everything,” she mentioned. “We appreciate that.” 

Smoothing over hazards leads to fewer injuries 

The most common risks that Valley employees face are slips and trips.  

In addition to the parking lot improvements, Valley made another big investment to reduce trip hazards in its facility. Over time, the expansion joints in their aging floors broke, causing the floors to be uneven in spots. They had the joints removed and hired a contractor to diamond grind all the floors to a smooth, even finish. With these hazards removed, their trip-related injuries declined even further. 

Finally, the installation of additional cameras in their facilities has improved the team’s ability to identify the root cause of slip and trip incidents. “When we were a smaller company, it wasn’t as big of an issue,” Younker explained. “Now, with 160 employees, we need to be constantly aware of the environment.” 

Workplace safety pays dividends 

Valley Industries is a shining example of what you can achieve with a dedication to safety and strong partnerships with your agent and work comp provider. By holding regular safety meetings, rewarding employees for safe behavior, and investing in facility improvements, they have built a safety culture that protects their employees and saves money on their work comp insurance. 

The post Celebrating 30 Years with MEM: Workshop’s Safety Record Thrives   appeared first on MEM.

“Along the way, we’ve grown, and we’ve watched the businesses we insure grow,” Roger Walleck, MEM’s President and CEO said. “But one thing has never changed: we care about creating safe and healthy environments for everyone, and that means supporting the communities where we live and work.” 

Each year, through our corporate impact program, MEM gives back to causes focusing on: 

• Developing a skilled workforce for safety and economic growth. 

• Impacting health outcomes by promoting physical and mental wellbeing. 

• Creating safety and stability by addressing basic needs. 

Flourish: Fostering life-changing opportunities 

Flourish will use the funds to support its work providing basic needs and housing assistance to youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, and the Flourish Home. In addition, Flourish partners with area businesses and organizations to facilitate an internship program that provides programming in career exploration, job training, life skills development and mentorship.  

“We’re honored by MEM’s belief in our work,” Beatrice Stewart, Executive Director said. “This donation will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals and serve our youth.” 

Love Columbia: A partner in improving lives 

Love Columbia serves anyone in Columbia struggling to provide for basic needs or improve their life and wants help creating a path forward. The organization served more than 2,800 adults in 2024 with programs including: financial assistance and financial management coaching, career coaching, and those designed to meet basic needs of those in crisis with emergency housing and other assistance. 

“We’re amazed and grateful for all the ways MEM continues to serve our community,” Nathan Hansen, Chief Development Officer at Love Columbia said. “We are especially grateful considering what this gift is commemorating.” 

MEM employees have also volunteered for the organization. 

Job Point: Focused on employment 

Job Point will use the $10,000 donation from MEM to further their mission of preparing individuals for the workforce by providing education, training and employment assistance. Job Point helps adults with disabilities, the unemployed or underemployed, people with economic or mental health obstacles, youth ages 17.5 and up and those returning from incarceration. 

“It’s our deepest hope at Job Point that this training opens doors, not just for the individual, but for their entire family’s future,” John Scalise, Job Point’s President and CEO said. “We’re so thankful for MEM’s support, which helps us continue our work of providing new opportunities and helping to change the story.” 

Did you know? 

We are committed to building healthier, safer communities. As a trusted partner with over 200,000 covered lives, we go beyond insurance to support our neighbors. 

With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70 percent of employees volunteering, MEM and its employees give time or treasure to more than 100 different organizations annually. 

The post MEM Celebrates 3 Decades with $30,000 Gift to Three Area Nonprofits  appeared first on MEM.

As we look back on 2024, we’re grateful for the partners that allowed us to make an impact in the communities we serve: connecting with our communities and each other.  

Each year through our corporate impact program, MEM gives back to causes supporting education and skills development, health and wellness and safety. But we also encourage our employees to give time. With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70 percent of employees volunteering, MEM and its employees give time or treasure to more than 100 different organizations annually. When we pair the enthusiasm for giving back with the work of phenomenal nonprofit partners, we have quite a list.  

Please enjoy our Top 20 Corporate Impact Moments of 2024.  

1. Celebrated a new warehouse name 

In May, new signage was unveiled in recognition of MEM’s campaign contribution of more than $100,000 to create The Food Bank Market.

2. Made family time more fun

Employees filled kits for building fairy houses and for making cookies for families at Love Columbia’s Healthy Homes and Tables program.

3. Took underwear off the list of worries

It’s hard to concentrate on learning or make a friend when a child is afraid they will be “discovered” without undies. With the help of volunteers, MEM packaged 2,500 pairs of underwear in partnership with Undies for Everyone for donation.

4. Prepped breakfast and lunch for Veterans getting medical care

From breakfast sandwiches to burritos, we made sure there were 50 more meals for Veterans staying at Mid Missouri Fisher House. The facility provides free temporary lodging for families of Veterans.

5. Tied fleece to make cozy blankets

Residents of the Salvation Army Harbor House may experience chronic homelessness and receive shelter, meals, housing, life skills and case management assistance. We made more than 20 blankets for them. 

6. Went Green for Mental Health Awareness

We lit up the MEM home office in green lights to spread awareness about the importance of taking care of mental health. 

7. Put presents under the tree

We sponsored the Voluntary Action Center’s Holiday Program that served more than 1,000 families in Columbia, Missouri, this year. MEM employees volunteered during the week to assist in distributing presents.

8. Worked a book fair for elementary students

For the second year in a row, we spent a day with the Ozarks Literacy Council helping young readers at Williams Elementary. The council hosts special book fairs in select area schools where children are given a chance to pick out books. 

9. Wrapped diapers for families

Employees wrapped more than 10,000 diapers for First Chance for Children during two volunteer days for use in the Baby Bags program. 

10. Sorted, cleaned and repaired for families setting up housing

We spent a few hours with Flourish Furniture Bank in Kansas City. The group partners with social service agencies providing wrap-around services to empower families overcoming housing insecurity. By collecting, repairing, and providing donated furniture and home essentials for the entire home the organization serves up to 40 families per week. 

11. Packaged items for delivery

A group sorted donations into categories so the food needed could be delivered to local food pantries and distribution sites served by the St. Louis Area Food Bank. 

12. Cleaned and organized for a community center

Nursery shelves, closets with supplies and kitchens were cleaned to serve the Salvation Army Gateway Citadel.

13. Lived United

Employees volunteered as part of the Heart of Missouri United Way’s Week of Action. MEM   allows employees to donate paid time off each year to the United Way. 

14. Filled shelves for shoppers

Several MEM teams had the opportunity to stock shelves at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri’s pantry location, the Food Bank Market.  

15. Walked for good causes

We walked more than 1,000 miles for charitable causes in virtual 5ks and charity walks. Employees donated each month to participate in our virtual 5ks and organized teams for fundraising events benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and more. MEM matched the funds they raised.   

16. Supported safety training for more than 1,000

We sponsored and volunteered for the annual Missouri Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Summit in Springfield, Missouri. This two-day event reaches more than 1,300 with safety training. Annually, MEM impacts more than 8,000 employees with safety training.   

17. Sorted clothing for students

A group organized the clothing closet for our partner in education, Gentry Middle School. MEM celebrated 30 years as Gentry’s partner in education in 2024. 

18. Supported Safety Sciences

MEM celebrated its 12^th year of contributions and more than $75,000 to the MEM Safety Sciences Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri. 

19. Cooked for families needing a hot meal during a hard time

Two teams made more than 250 servings of freezer meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid Missouri facility. MEM has also sponsored a sleep room for families with children in treatment that are in critical need at MU Children’s Hospital. When the Ronald McDonald House is too far away, and the families need to be steps away, the room is there. 

20. Laced up boots for a new career

MEM donated work boots for participants in the MO Women Work – Women in Trades Program designed to help women enter the workforce in a new field. 

The post 20 Good Things in 2024  appeared first on MEM.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room just opened alongside the new Children’s Hospital floor. MEM donated $20,000 to a room in the Family Room. They’re also building a new Ronald McDonald House nearby on Stadium and College. 

“As we look forward to the opening of the new Ronald McDonald House in mid-June 2024, we remain dedicated to expanding our support system for families in need,” said Terri Gray, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a vital part of offering immediate, accessible care and comfort to families within the hospital.”  

Designed to feel like a ‘friend’s living room,’ The restorative space accommodates 20-30 people at a time and includes a living room area, kitchenette with food and snacks, laundry facilities, and comfortable areas to watch TV, rest and prepare for any medical challenges ahead with their child.  

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid Missouri served 206 families in 50 counties in 2023 with over 4,800 nights of stay. The organization aims to keep families together when a child needs medical care.  

MEM goes beyond financial support for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Employees in Columbia and Kansas City generously volunteer their time, making meals for families staying at the house. This dedication extends year-round through sponsorships, matching employee donations, and donating goods and services. In 2023, MEM supported over 110 organizations. With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70% of employees giving back, MEM fosters a culture of giving.

The post Giving Hope When It’s Needed Most: MEM Supports New Ronald McDonald Family Room appeared first on MEM.

MEM closed out 2023 with more than $100,000 gifts to 40 organizations. One of the largest gifts was a $25,000 match campaign with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

MEM has partnered with The Food Bank for the last six years in a matching gift campaign which has raised more than $482,000 for The Food Bank and The Food Bank Market project.

“The Food Bank Market project will make a difference for our neighbors in Boone County and beyond – from meeting the immediate need for food to connecting guests with wraparound services that better serve the whole-person,” Jennifer Peck, chief strategy and customer officer for MEM and Food Bank Board Member said. “We are honored to provide a matching gift to a project that will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

MEM’s generosity spans year-round through sponsorship, employee matching gifts, charitable gifts and in-kind services. MEM and its employees supported more than 110 different organizations in 2023. More than 4,400 volunteer hours are available for employees to volunteer annually, and more than 70 percent of MEM employees give their time and treasure.

MEM makes Community Impact funds available to nonprofit organizations on an annual basis. In addition, employees are invited to apply for funding for causes important to them through MEM’s Volunteer Impact Funds, and MEM supports agents by making a 1:1 charitable giving match available to those participating in the Signature Partner program. Funding is available to organizations within MEM’s charitable giving focus areas:

• Safety
• Health and Wellness
• Education and skills development

The post MEM Gives More than $100,000 to Missouri Nonprofits to End 2023 appeared first on MEM.

MEM closed out 2023 with more than $100,000 gifts to 40 organizations. One of the largest gifts was a $25,000 match campaign with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

MEM has partnered with The Food Bank for the last six years in a matching gift campaign which has raised more than $482,000 for The Food Bank and The Food Bank Market project.

“The Food Bank Market project will make a difference for our neighbors in Boone County and beyond – from meeting the immediate need for food to connecting guests with wraparound services that better serve the whole-person,” Jennifer Peck, chief strategy and customer officer for MEM and Food Bank Board Member said. “We are honored to provide a matching gift to a project that will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

MEM’s generosity spans year-round through sponsorship, employee matching gifts, charitable gifts and in-kind services. MEM and its employees supported more than 110 different organizations in 2023. More than 4,400 volunteer hours are available for employees to volunteer annually, and more than 70 percent of MEM employees give their time and treasure.

MEM makes Community Impact funds available to nonprofit organizations on an annual basis. In addition, employees are invited to apply for funding for causes important to them through MEM’s Volunteer Impact Funds, and MEM supports agents by making a 1:1 charitable giving match available to those participating in the Signature Partner program. Funding is available to organizations within MEM’s charitable giving focus areas:

• Safety
• Health and Wellness
• Education and skills development

The post MEM Gives More than $100,000 to Missouri Nonprofits to End 2023 appeared first on MEM.

Please enjoy our top 23 Corporate Impact moments of 2023. 

1. Helped High Schoolers Build Their Future   

Took time to share information about workplace safety and insurance careers with high school students across the state through the Build My Future Programs in Springfield and Macon. 

2. Created Kits for Children’s Hospital Patients 

From colored pencil kits for older patients to playdough for younger ones, our Customer Care and Medical Services teams assembled kits for patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and MU Children’s Hospital. 

3. Made Birthdays Brighter 

Birthdays are often a large expense for families working to make ends meet. Employees filled kits with balloons, streamers, cake mix, icing and more for 25 families at Love Columbia. 

4. Went Green for Mental Health Awareness   

We lit up the MEM home office in green lights to spread awareness about the importance of good mental health.    

5. Kept Kids Safe 

Our safety and risk services employees made a visit to Charlie’s House in Kansas City to complete a service project. They learned more about the nonprofit’s mission to keep families safe and prevent injuries in children. 

6. Warmed up Hands 

To prepare for winter, claims employees assembled kits for donation to the un-housed in Mid-Missouri with gloves, hand warmers, hats and other items. 

7. Created Cozy Rooms for Veterans 

Underwriting employees cut and tied no-sew blankets for future guests of the Fisher House in Columbia. The facility provides free temporary lodging for families of Veterans seeking hospital care. MEM Veteran employees also toured Fisher House and donated toiletries for guest rooms on Veterans Day. 

8. Wrapped Diapers for Families 

Employees wrapped more than 10,000 diapers in one day for First Chance for Children to use in the Baby Bags program. 

9. Put Presents Under the Tree 

We sponsored the Voluntary Action Center’s Holiday Program that served 1,008 families in Columbia, Missouri, this year. MEM employees volunteered during the week to assist in distributing presents. 

10. Worked a Book Fair for Elementary Students 

We spent a day with the Ozarks Literacy Council helping young readers shop for books at Williams Elementary. The council hosts special book fairs in select area schools where children are given a chance to pick out books. 

11. Cleaned, Constructed and Sorted for Refugee Families 

MEM employee groups spent time at City of Refuge this year: preparing a new space for a community daycare, sorting donations for the organization’s boutique and free closet, and cleaning up landscaping. 

12. Lived UNITED  

Employees volunteered at during the Heart of Missouri United Way’s Day of Action. MEM’s CEO Jim Owen also served as this year’s community campaign chair: an effort that raises more than $3 million in mid Missouri annually. 

 13. Stocked Shelves at the Food Bank Market 

The MEM marketing team had the opportunity to stock shelves at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri’s new pantry location, now called the Food Bank Market. 

MEM has partnered with The Food Bank for the last six years in a matching gift campaign which has raised more than $482,000 for The Food Bank and the new Food Bank Market project. 

 14. Assembled Freezer Meals for Foster Families 

From chicken burrito bowls to lasagna ravioli, Finance and Enterprise Services teamed up to assemble 20 freezer meals for foster families at Coyote Hill.  

The organization is more than 30 years old and now consists of three areas: foster care licensing and support (added in 2020), the foster care community at the original Coyote Hill location in Harrisburg and an equine program for veterans and children in foster care.  

15. Supported Special Needs Youth  

Premium consultation spent an afternoon with Alternative Community Training to help them organize materials for their youth services program. 

ACT offers long-term and short-term support programs for individuals with disabilities who desire to be included in the community. We asked them to tell us a little bit more about the experience. 

 16. Made the First Day at a New Job Easier 

Human Resources assembled Encouragement Kits that will be given to new Job Point graduates throughout the year. Each recipient received a travel coffee mug and various pens and paper supplies emblazoned with sayings of encouragement. Team members also wrote a note to each recipient to include in each bag.  

 17. Picked Up at a Park  

Our Wellness Committee worked with the City of Columbia to identify a park for litter cleanup and picked up trash around pavilions, baseball fields, a playground and archery range. 

18. Gardened for Good 

Several MEM teams cleaned up areas of the Center for Urban Agriculture in the summer helping to pull weeds, clear brush and more. In 2022, the organization grew and donated more than 40,000 pounds of produce to those in need through its Planting for the Pantry program. 

 19. Filled a Pantry for High School Students 

When we learned Frederick Douglass High School needed a few more items for the student hygiene and food pantry before the school year started, we decided to turn it into a volunteer project. Armed with shopping lists, the team made sure student needs were met. 

 20. Packaged High-Need Hygiene Items 

Employees assembled more than 80 feminine hygiene packs to fill in the gaps for the more than 20 percent of women who struggle to afford this item monthly. The packs were given to Voluntary Action Center. 

21. Funded Scholarships for Kids’ Chance of Missouri 

Employees played games to raise funds Kids’ Chance of Missouri during MEM’s WorkSAFE Day and netted more than $10,000 for the organization including a $5,000 match from MEM. Kids’ Chance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing post-high school scholarships to children of Missouri workers killed or seriously injured on the job. 

22. Stepped Forward for Good Causes 

We walked more than 1,000 miles for charitable causes in virtual 5ks and charity walks. Employees donated each month to participate in our virtual 5ks and organized teams for fundraising events benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and more. MEM matched the funds they raised.  

 23. Supported Safety Training for More Than 1,000 

We sponsored and volunteered for the annual Damage Prevention Summit in Springfield, Missouri. This two-day event reaches more than 1,300 with safety training. Annually, MEM impacts more than 10,000 employees with safety training.  

The post Our Top 23 Moments appeared first on MEM.

• 88% are likely to renew their policy  
• 87% are confident MEM and Previsor Insurance is the right provider for them 

• 85% believe MEM is a company they can trust 

Value is at the center of every MEM and Previsor policy. Policyholders consistently chose us to foremost connect with our great customer service.  

“MEM is a great company to work with, with friendly and professional Customer Service.” 

Our Customer Care experts are your frontline resource for information about your work comp policy. With their extensive knowledge, they can help with questions about billing, coverage, and more.  

“I have appreciated the support and outstanding Customer Service we’ve received.” 

We also provide our policyholders with unmatched support, including access to experienced health and safety professionals and customized training. Annual policy reviews are easier than ever. Expert consultants walk together with policyholders and their agents through end-of-year audits.

As our policyholders’ businesses evolve and grow, our premium consultation services ensure you pay premiums based on your actual payroll and exposure – nothing more, nothing less.   

“MEM has been exceptional when conducting our audits!”   

As a valued partner, we’re always looking for ways to improve your work comp experience. Thank you to all our policyholders who provided feedback on the 2022 Policyholder Survey. We appreciate you!  

Questions? Contact Customer Care at 800.442.0593 or customercare@mem-ins.com. 

The post Strong 2022 MEM Policyholder Survey Results appeared first on MEM.

Missouri businesses are invited to compete for cash prizes and help make our roadways safer in the inaugural Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) Business Showdown, sponsored by AAA Missouri and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, in collaboration with Missouri Employers Mutual, the Governors Highway Safety Association, and General Motors.

The BUPD Business Showdown is a new, FREE distracted driving prevention training course that provides participating businesses with cash incentives for employee participation. The goal of the program is to educate drivers on the dangers of cell phone use while driving and offer solutions for preventing distractions behind the wheel. 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S., killing more than 17,000 workers from 2011-2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, U.S. work-related vehicles cost employers $39 billion, according to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. 

“Statistically, car crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths, and we know cell phone distraction is playing an increased role,” said AAA Missouri Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations Angela Nelson. “To protect employees and keep work comp costs down, safety should be the top priority for every employer.  We know many businesses don’t have a safe driving policy – and that’s the first step to ensuring employees are safe when they’re behind the wheel.” 

According to data from Missouri Employers Mutual, work-related vehicle crashes also come at a high financial cost for employers. Lost time vehicle crash claims cost an average of $126,000. 

“The number of motor vehicle-related workers compensation claims rises each year, and more than half of them involve litigation expenses. The simple act of enforcing a company seat belt policy can reduce injuries and costs,” said Missouri Employers Mutual Vice President and Chief Claims Officer Jennifer Langan. 

How to Participate and Win Cash Prizes 

Missouri businesses with five (5) or more employees are eligible to participate. 

There are four easy steps for businesses to compete in the BUPD Business Showdown contest and be eligible to win cash prizes: 

1. Register your business 
2. Adopt a safe driving cell phone policy  
3. Have employees complete the 20-minute, online distracted driving prevention training video 
4. Once completed, have employees submit the online Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge 

Cash prizes, provided by AAA Missouri, funded through grants from the Governors Highway Safety Association and General Motors, will be awarded to three businesses with the highest percentage of employees who complete the training video and submit the online safe driving pledge. 

• 1st Place | $7,500 
• 2nd Place | $6,000 
• 3rd Place | $5,000 

The contest period runs from Jan. 9 to March 31, 2023. Winners will be announced and invited to an awards presentation at the Missouri State Capitol in April.  

Interested? Check out additional BUPD resources and complete contest rules.  

Eliminate Distracted Driving  

All motorists are encouraged to eliminate distracted driving by following these tips: 

• Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation. 
• Know where you’re going. If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving. 
• Pull over. If you must call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first. 
• Ask passengers for help. If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message. 
• Be a good passenger. Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted. 
• Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving. 
• Activate Do Not Disturb. Setting up this feature on iPhone or Android devices will prevent calls from coming in while you’re driving.  
• Everyone should prevent being ‘intexticated’. Just as drivers need to pay attention, so do pedestrians and bicyclists. Never call, text, or play games while walking or cycling. 

Accept the BUPD challenge today and encourage your employees to drive like it’s their job, by buckling their seat belts and putting their phones down while driving! 

The post Statewide Competition Rewards Missouri Businesses for Curbing Employee Cell Phone Use While Driving appeared first on MEM.

1. Helped High Schoolers Build their Future  

We took time to share information about workplace  safety and insurance careers with high school students across the state through the Build My Future Programs in St. Charles and Springfield.  

2. Saved Lives with Blood Drives  

We saw several first-time donors when we hosted blood drives in our office for The American Red Cross. Employees donated enough to save 170 lives! We also have employees who volunteer for the American Red Cross. 

3. Prepared Dinner for Foster Parents (And Some S’mores) 

We kicked off Volunteer Month in April by making 25 meals for the more than 100 foster families in the Coyote Hill Foster Family Services Program. In July, employees helped prepare for the organization’s annual party and in October, we filled 400 boxes with S’Mores kits for Coyote Hill’s annual fundraiser. 

4. Filled Cars for the St. Louis Area Food Bank  

Employees saw food insecurity up close when they  filled cars at a mobile food pantry site for the St. Louis Area Food Bank.  

5. Spent the Day with Some Amazing Third Graders  

MEM employees took the day to teach third grade classes at Hallsville Elementary how to earn, spend, save, and donate through Junior Achievement’s curriculum. Each volunteer was paired up with a partner teacher and given lessons and activities to share in the classroom.  

6. Went Green for Mental Health Awareness  

Along with other partners doing the same, we lit up the MEM home office in green lights to spread awareness about the importance of good mental health.  

7. Shared Career Experiences with Middle Schoolers  

Seven MEM employees made stops at our partner in education, Gentry Middle School, to share and field questions about their careers.  Professions included information technology, human resources, customer care, underwriting, and nursing. We also spent some time in Gentry’s clothing closet sorting donations. 

8. Learned About Child Safety at Charlie’s House  

We made a visit to Charlie’s House in Kansas City to complete a service project for the organization. Employees enjoyed learning more about the mission of the nonprofit which is to keep families safe and prevent injuries in children. A mission that mirrors our own! 

9. Spruced Up a Section of Springfield 

On a beautiful Spring morning, employees in the Springfield area met at the Fassnight Park trailhead for a few hours to clean up a section of the greenway. The City of Springfield allows groups to choose their own trail cleanup location and provides bags and pickup of the trash at project completion.  

10. Met Basic Hygiene Needs 

Employees in Columbia continued our celebration of Volunteer Month in April by assembling 100 hygiene kits for two different organizations serving the homeless in Mid Missouri. We finished our project by writing a note in each kit.  

11. Sent Out Mulch Crews 

Teams from information technology and human resources divided and conquered to spread a new layer of mulch on the playground at Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia and at Welcome Home. MEM donated the mulch. 

12. Stocked and Stacked for The Food Bank 

Members of the Information Technology team helped customers fill orders, stocked shelves, and cleaned for a few hours at the Central Pantry for Boone County. The pantry serves an estimated 10,000 people per month. Multiple employee teams also took shifts in the Volunteer room at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. 

13. Made Blankets for Refugees 

Employees put their crafty skills to use and assembled fleece blankets for an in-office volunteer opportunity. The blankets went to City of Refuge for shoppers to take home along with other items in the free closet. 

14. Cleaned Up Spaces for Early Childhood Learning 

Two teams spent time at First Chance for Children. Teams sanitized toys, packaged diapers and painted a fence on the playground for the organization that works to provide early childhood programs and resources for children and their families. 

15. Sorted Clothes for the Tiniest Hands and Feet 

Employees in St. Louis sorted clothes and cleaned toys for Nurses for Newborns. The safety-net organization working to prevent infant mortality received a donation from MEM in 2021 that was used to purchase 50 children’s car seats. 

16. Thanked Hundreds of Semi-Truck Drivers 

Volunteers from MEM helped at two different weigh stations to thank drivers during the Missouri Trucking Association’s Driver Appreciation event where 1,500 drivers across the state were recognized. 

17. Made Birthdays Brighter 

Our Claims Customer Care team helped families working toward permanent housing and financial recovery by assembling cleaning kits, bedtime kits, and birthday parties in a box for donation to Love Columbia. 

18. Raised Scholarship Funds for Kids’ Chance of Missouri 

Employees competed to raise funds for Kids’ Chance of Missouri during MEM’s WorkSAFE Week and netted $25,000 for the organization including a $5,000 match from MEM. Kids’ Chance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing post-high school scholarships to children of Missouri workers killed or seriously injured on the job.  

19. Supported Veterans at Welcome Home 

In addition to sprucing up the landscaping outdoors, several employee teams spent time in the kitchen at Welcome Home, and our Claims Department donated items on the organization’s wish list as a holiday project. 

20. Took Steps for Charitable Causes 

We walked more than 1,000 miles for charitable causes in virtual 5ks and charity walks. Employees donated each month to participate in our virtual 5ks and organized teams for fundraising events benefiting Relay 4 Life, The Cancer Research Center, The ALS Association, and The Alzheimer’s Association. MEM matched the funds they raised. 

21. Lived United 

For 10 Fridays, we hosted two very special groups of volunteers in training with the Heart of Missouri United Way Give 5 Program. We were honored with our own volunteer award. And once again, our executives dressed in costume to compete and help raise funds for MEM’s United Way Campaign. MEM’s employees pledged to donate more than $73,000 for United Way chapters in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield in 2022. 

22. Helped Build the Food Bank’s Central Pantry 

MEM completed a match campaign with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri for the fifth year in a row. During those four years, the match between MEM and The Food Bank has raised more than $423,000.

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