On Feb. 19, Farmers Mutual Insurance Company (FMI), Ellinwood, held their 119th Annual Meeting of the Policyholders. Farmers Mutual Insurance Company is a Kansas Domiciled Mutual Insurance Company that is and has been based out of Ellinwood since 1896. Originally formed by a group of Barton county citizens who had a need to insure property that the insurance industry in the late 1800’s would not insure, FMI has continued to serve Kansans with insurance protection on residential and farm property throughout those 119 years. A mutual insurance company is one that has no stock investors nor individual owners, being mutual means that all policyholders of the company have an equal interest as stakeholder and therefore the leadership is guided by a Board of Directors that consist of Policyholders of the company.
In today’s insurance industry and volatile storm climate that affects Kansas, the company believes that a good blend of Policyholders composing the Board of Directors includes those with skills to help guide the company in a variety of capacities. In providing guidance for the management of the company, directors are sought who have a focus on longevity of the company and appropriate protection provided fairly to all Policyholders. This aids the efforts of FMI to maintain a niche market that is needed to serve Kansans in the highly competitive insurance industry. The Mission of FMI is to “Provide Kansans with insurance Protection that is reliable and personal.” FMI distributes its insurance products through independent agents across the state and insures nearly 5000 properties for individuals, families, farms, and businesses.
At this 119th Annual Meeting of FMI honored a retiring Director from the Board, Joseph (Joe) Wirtz. Joe has been a lifetime resident and farmer near Ellinwood in Barton County. Joe has been on the Board of Directors for FMI since 1979, with over 36 years of service to the company. FMI greatly appreciates Joe’s outstanding performance and lasting contributions to FMI and the Policyholders. FMI is making a donation in honor of Joe’s service to St. Joseph’s School, Ellinwood, for technology improvement and advancement.
Also at their Annual Meeting, FMI elected a New Director to the Board, Jim Harris. Jim is a former Ellinwood resident and graduated from Ellinwood High School as valedictorian in 1965. Jim achieved a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Emporia State University and a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Jim has been a business professional for 43 years as an Accountant and Business owner/leader throughout the country. Currently and since 1995 Jim has worked with Med James, Inc., an insurance wholesaler and managing general agent in Overland Park. Currently his position is Senior VP, CFO and Treasurer of Med James, Inc. and is CFO, Director, Secretary and Treasurer for Key Insurance Company (an affiliate of Med James, Inc.). Jim welcomed the opportunity to return to Ellinwood a few times a year and be of service to an Ellinwood based business, he views this as an opportunity to give a little back to the community that he holds very dear as his childhood home. FMI is very pleased to have Jim joining and looks forward to what added benefit his experience and knowledge will bring to the leadership of the company.