The Silver Lining Claim Experience (S.L.C.E.) Recognition Program celebrates those Claims associates who deliver exceptional service to our customers. The Promise Kept Award is based on feedback from our policyholders, while the Silver Lining Standout Award goes to those who get great feedback from all others. Winners are chosen each month from all nominations received.

Congratulations to these September winners:
Josh S.; Justin F.; Tricia B.; Jim S.; Shaun D.; Teri G.; Derek F.; Geri W.; Brooke B.

Key Recognition celebrates individuals and teams who do what’s right and deliver results! Congratulations to these September Key Recognition winners!

Pamela A. – Argent Claims
Sandy T. – Claims - Legal
Lisa W. – Claims - Work Comp
Jeff L. – Claims - Property/Casualty
Tiffany H. – Executive Department
Krista L. – Argent Underwriting

This West Bend team helped make the 2015 Paws in the Park a success! Paws in the Park was a benefit for the Washington County Human Society held Saturday, September 12 at Jackson Park.

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, 1,200 runners started their half marathon in Milwaukee’s Estabrook Park, running through puddles and dodging rain drops. Several West Bend associates were among them. After two loops in the park, the route followed the Oak Leaf trail along Lake
Shore Drive and then back to the start where congratulations, food, music, and fun were had.

Jim Schwalen, West Bend vice president – Personal Lines and Marketing, recently accepted the 2014 “Fireplug” Award from Ansay & Associates in Port Washington for being the agency’s Personal Lines Company of the Year!

This award was largely bestowed on West Bend for the hard work and extra effort the Business Acquisition Team (B.A.T.) put in on the large Sentry rollover! Thank you to all who contributed to this achievement! Congratulations!

The IT, Enterprise Product Support, and Enterprise Portfolio Management Office Departments recently completed a Penny Wars competition to raise money for Children’s Hospital of
Wisconsin. During the four-week competition, associates in these departments raised $2,000 that will be donated in honor of Ryan Dove’s daughters, Lily and Bailey, for their courage and
determination as they battle leukemia.

The departments were divided into five teams, based on location, in a battle for bragging rights and a pizza party. Team Penny for your Thoughts won the competition by earning the most
points (28,062) with their strategy of “laying low” (much like the competitors on Survivor). Team Hickory raised the most money ($672.89) by being the most aggressive at filling their penny jar.

Four U.S. veterans shared their Honor Flight experiences with West Bend associates recently. Featured panel members included associates’ family members: Norman Feucht (father of Debbie Schultz), Howie Lange (father-in-law of Gina Lange), Harold Mueller (father-in-law of Gina Mueller), and Joseph Spaeth (father of Steve Spaeth). Joining them on the panel were Steve Spaeth (Honor Flight guardian), Ryan Jazak (nephew of associate Sue Jazak and Honor Flight volunteer and fundraiser), and Paula Nelson (president of Stars & Stripes Honor Flight).

Citizen Advocates of Washington County is an organization that works to make a difference in the lives of people by creating relationships that see beyond disabilities. Each year, they hold a gala with a competition similar to Dancing with the Stars, in which community members compete with professional dance partners to raise money for good causes. Wendy Schwake, West Bend EPMO team member, was an amateur dance competitor at this year’s event, taking second place overall in the competition and raising more than $1,300! Congratulations, Wendy!