Federated Insurance® is one of ACCA’s longest-standing Corporate Partners, supporting ACCA for 20 years. That kind of commitment shows that Federated Insurance believes in ACCA’s work for HVAC contractors across the country. ACCA spoke with Patrick Cunningham, senior national account executive at Federated Insurance, about why they continue to support contractors through the association, the resources they provide ACCA members, and why contractors should be members of ACCA.
Q: Federated® has partnered with ACCA for 20 years now. Why continue partnering with the association, and what is the value for everyone involved?
Association Marketing is at the core of Federated’s existence, as we were formed by a group of association members in 1904. ACCA continuously seeks out various ways to add benefits for its members. This increases the likelihood that ACCA can attract new members while retaining current members. We are proud to be a value-added member benefit through our quality insurance programs, risk management services delivered by our marketers, field services, and through conventions, presentations, and other media and articles.
Most importantly, ACCA members benefit as they have access to a professional insurance specialist who understands their needs and how to best program their insurance coverages with a value-added insurance program that specializes in their industry. They also have the peace of mind of knowing that when they do have a problem, they will receive expert claims service from Federated.
Q: Federated provides all ACCA members, even those who are not Federated clients, with some complimentary resources. Why do you do that, and how can ACCA members access them?
Federated offers various risk management resources that can be applied across many fields. General information covers many risk management topics that can be applied to various types of business. We host monthly webinars and Risk Management Academies to help educate on creating and maintaining a culture of risk management.
One of our other assets is Federated’s mySHIELDSM, a personalized online destination with risk management support. This resource is available to Federated clients and includes many helpful features, including a Training and Resources section where clients can access useful topics, get a custom safety manual, access partner resources, and more.
Q: Federated holds a risk management program every year in beautiful Owatonna, MN. Can you tell us a little about this program and who can attend it?
Designed for business owners. Federated’s Risk Management Academy provides a unique opportunity for businesses to learn best practices and network with industry peers through our 2 ½ Day Risk Management Seminar. Seminar topics target specific risk management exposures for all industries as well as targeted exposures for the air conditioning and cooling industry. The key to a successful business is implementing and leading a strong risk management culture, so attendees can take action!
Q: One of Federated’s biggest programs with ACCA is the Federated Insurance® ACCA Super S.T.A.R. Award. Can you share a little bit about the award and why it is so important for you to partner with ACCA to honor contractors with it?
Each year, Federated Mutual Insurance recognizes an ACCA member who is also a Federated Insurance client and who represents the four components of the award: Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, and Responsibility. We select from a pool of candidates that were nominated by our marketing representative force from around the country and are considered the best of the best in safety and risk management.
This award is a true measure of the value that Federated brings to our clients while surrounding them with our risk management programs and services to help them prevent losses. Our commitment to ACCA for the past 20+ years is to bring value to its members with our insurance programs and risk management services, and we believe it is important to recognize each year a client and ACCA member who is thriving in providing a safe, team-friendly, accountable, and responsible work environment for its employees.
Federated presented Justin Lauten of Total Air & Heat Company with this year’s Super S.T.A.R. Award at ACCA 2023 in New Orleans, LA.
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Q: Does Federated have anything new they are working on for the rest of 2023 and 2024?
Continued focus on risk management and safety is a main priority. We want our clients and association partners to practice safety in all aspects of their day to day lives, especially at work. Among other things, this includes safe driving habits, use of in-cab technologies, preventing fires, being aware of natural disasters, and continued training for all employees on safe work habits. This means having fully formed risk management plans in place that are understood and accessible to everyone.
Q: When contractors ask why it’s important to be an ACCA member, what do you tell them?
ACCA is the leading advocate and provider of resources for the air conditioning and cooling profession. They maintain a level of responsibility, reliability, and accountability in their actions, and their hard work sets an example for others. Federated is proud to have a strong relationship with ACCA and looks forward to many years of continued success together.
This article is only for general information and recommendations regarding risk prevention and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations presented may help reduce or eliminate the risk of loss but are not guaranteed to do so. Seek qualified counsel with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.
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