A Legacy of Giving: Western Reserve Group's Impact on Wayne County

As stated on the homepage of the Work in Wayne website, “With a large number of employers, excellent educational facilities, affordable housing in idyllic neighborhoods and strong community ties; it’s easy to see why so many are proud to call Wayne County home.” In addition, companies like Western Reserve Group make Wayne County an even better place through their continued commitment to give back through community outreach.

Community outreach has always been important to Western Reserve Group (WRG), which is shown throughout its 100+ year history. In more recent years, employees were given the opportunity to use Volunteer Time Off (VTO), a type of paid time off where employees can volunteer, during business hours, for a non-profit or community organization without using their regular paid time off. “Each employee receives 16 hours of VTO annually,” stated Jimmy Williams, Assistant Vice President of Commercial and Farm Underwriting. “The time is very flexible. Employees can break it down to even a 30-minute chunk of time.”

“Each employee is motivated by different things,” said Nathan Todich, Farm Underwriting Manager. “We survey employees every two years, so WRG can support organizations employees are passionate about.”

Organizations such as 4-H, American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, Wayne County Humane Society and many others are highlighted on an ‘Outreach’ wall, where each organization signifies a leaf on a tree with the saying, “Making a difference in our community.”

The Community Outreach Committee at WRG organizes employee events that support non-profit organizations. “Every department is represented on the committee,” said Williams. “Along with the events, there’s a learning component. For example, our Employee Appreciation Day and WRG Olympics supported the Wayne County Heart Walk. Along with raising funds to support the organization, we also learned many heart health facts and tips.”

Another example shared by Todich, “On national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, the theme was “Working Better Together – Safety Heroes” and there were fire trucks and other safety vehicles in the parking lot, so the children were able to learn about fire safety, safe driving and more.”

“Being in the insurance industry, our employees like to serve,” said Williams. “We help people in their greatest needs, and we have a corporate responsibility to give back. It’s important to be part of the community making a better Wayne County.”

WRG had nearly 900 hours of recorded VTO in 2022. “With the majority of employees living in Wayne County, our employees are vested in this community,” said Todich.

Just like the employees who are giving back to their community, WRG in turn, gives back to them. Having a Joyful Café on campus, quarterly food trucks or catered lunches, Cleveland Guardians tickets, a WRG community garden coming next spring, and endless educational/developmental opportunities are just some of the perks that WRG offers their employees. “It’s wonderful to work for an organization that supports you,” said Williams.

To learn more about WRG, including current career opportunities, visit wrg-ins.com.

Thank you, WRG, for your investment in the Wayne Economic Development Council and for your commitment to Wayne County.