|
BY LELAND BURCH
EDITOR EMERITUS
A spokesman for State Auto Insurance has confirmed widespread rumors of an impending reduction in employees in the company’s Southern
Regional Office that has been a fixture in downtown Greer for decades.
Win Logan, Director of Corporate Communications, said the company plans to consolidate 10 regional offices into five, but will maintain a presence in Greer.
“We will be moving most of the personal line underwriters in Greer to Nashville, Tenn., with some going to the home office in Columbus,Ohio. But we expect to continue to maintain business line underwriters and service the sales side of the Southern Region out of the Greer office,” Logan said.
The number of jobs involved was not disclosed. “We cannot say to what degree the organizational changes will impact staffing in Greer,” Logan
said.
Logan said that the consolidation is not being undertaken because of financial issues.
“State Auto is stronger financially than ever before, but we are looking for ways to achieve greater efficiencies by setting ourselves up for faster, more efficient operation. In the past we have had 10 regional offices, and now will be focusing on five locations including Baltimore, Md., Indianapolis, Ind., Austin, Texas, Nashville and Columbus.”
Logan said that company officials would talk with each employee about their individual opportunities. “As these changes unfold, we will share the information with each employee. We are not asking anybody to resign. They will be offered the opportunity to relocate. I imagine some will want to stay in Greer, and they will be offered packages.” Logan said that State Auto “owns property in Greer. We have a tremendous history in Greer, and are honored part of the community for more than 60 years. We look forward to continuing that relationship, including our commitment as an employer in Greer for the foreseeable future.”
Logan said that State Auto “is an expanding enterprise, thanks in part to the work of our associates throughout our southern region.” He said the transition “will not sacrifice the personal touch that has characterized us in the industry.” State Auto has been one of Greer’s largest employers
since the early 1960s after acquiring the assets of Southern Home Insurance, which was founded in the 1940’s by the late John Ratterree.
Today, State Auto is engaged primarily in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through about 3,400 independent insurance agencies in 33 states. It is one of only 13 companies to be rated A+ (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company every year since 1954.
 Email This Post
|
