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Cumberland Supports the Special Olympics by Competing in the NJYIP Fun Run.

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The New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals held its 30th annual Fun Run on Tuesday, June 10th as part of the PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference, at the Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, N.J. raising more than $152,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey. The Cumberland Run Team came in second place overall. Cumberland team members included Glenn Watkins, Steve Catranis, Glenn Bell, Bob Conner, Jodi Bell, Dan Catranis, Kevin Clausen, Vince Cieslik and Michele D’Agostino.

Cumberland Insurance Group American Red Cross Blood Drive!

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 The Cumberland Insurance Group American Red Cross blood drive will be held on Tuesday June 24, 2014. 

11:00am to 2:00pm

Cafeteria

633 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton NJ 08302

 

 Every donor will be entered for a chance to win a raffle basket!

Appointments are preferred: Click HERE to sign up!  

 

Cumberland Insurance Group Sponsors IIABNJ Charity Golf Outing to benefit the Make-a Wish Foundation

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On April 28, 2014, The Cumberland Insurance Group was a proud sponsor of the IIABNJ Annual Trusted Choice Charity Golf Outing which benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This is the 14th year that Cumberland has been the Title Sponsor for this event. More than 120 golfers showed off their golfing skills for this worthwhile cause. To date, the New Jersey chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted over 7,500 wishes since its inception in 1983. We are happy to be a part of this great event and help the Make-a-Wish New Jersey restore the hope, strength and joy for seriously ill children and their families. For more information on this event, click HERE.

*NEW* – Cumberland’s Mobile Pay Option!

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Paying your Cumberland insurance bill just got even more convenient! Our web “Make A Payment” option is now also available on your mobile device, simply by accessing our website, www.cumberlandgroup.com on your Smart Phone or Tablet. Select the “Make A Payment” option, enter your policy number and zip code, and complete your payment. It’s just that easy to make your payment-anytime, anywhere!

Cumberland Insurance Group Joins Trusted Choice

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Cumberland Insurance Group Joins Trusted Choice®
New Jersey based carrier is latest brand movement company partner.
TC_2color_RGB_72dpi_tag.jpgALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 20, 2014 – The Cumberland Insurance Group is the newest member of the Trusted Choice® consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers. Cumberland, headquartered in Bridgeton, N.J., has joined 69 leading companies nationwide as a Trusted Choice® company partner.
 
“Trusted Choice® is pleased to welcome the Cumberland Insurance Group as the newest company partner,” said Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “The team at Cumberland exemplifies the Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance and we look forward to working with them to serve the needs of Trusted Choice® agents and their clients.”
 
Cumberland provides a variety of commercial lines and personal lines products in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.
 
“The Cumberland team is proud to have built a company with the integrity and vision to provide individuals, families and businesses with the security necessary to protect their assets and grow their enterprises,” says Paul J. Ritter III, Cumberland Insurance Group president & CEO. “The Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance goes hand-in-hand with our mission and we are excited to be part of this network of like-minded companies committed to service.”
 
Founded in 1844, Cumberland has a rich history as the oldest Mutual Property and Casualty Insurer domiciled in New Jersey. The company has grown along with the Garden State and currently boasts more than 160 employees, 120,000 policyholders, 375 agents, $315,000,000 in total admitted assets and $136,000,000 in total surplus at the end of 2013. Cumberland’s directors, officers and employees are committed to providing the necessary wisdom and integrity to sustain Cumberland’s tremendous growth and provide exceptional service to its customers. For more information, go to www.cumberlandgroup.com.
 
“The Trusted Choice® Pledge of Performance best represents the agents with whom we have the privilege to work with at Cumberland,” says Glenn W. Watkins, Cumberland Insurance Group vice president of marketing. “Cumberland proudly supports the independent agency system and especially the agents committed to Trusted Choice®.”
 
Trusted Choice® was launched by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support. It is the premier consumer brand for independent insurance agents and provides national advertising and other strategic tools to reach consumers.  
    
Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 25,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 70 leading insurance and financial services companies. For more information, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

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Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “strength” of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
  • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
  • Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

  • Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
  • Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
  • Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
  • For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

 

A.M. Best Upgrades Outlook to Stable and Affirms Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent)

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A.M. Best Upgrades Outlook to Stable and Affirms Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) for Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Cumberland Insurance Company, Inc.

Bridgeton, New Jersey-Jan. 29, 2014 –A.M. Best Co. upgraded the outlook ratings for Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company (Cumberland Mutual) and its subsidiary, Cumberland Insurance Company, Inc. (CIC), to stable and affirmed the previous financial strength ratings of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a-.” A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best) is the insurance industry’s leading rating organization.

According to A.M. Best, these upgraded outlooks are due to both Companies’ “strong risk-adjusted capitalization and recently improved operating performance” which have resulted in large part from “management’s strategic initiatives.” A.M. Best attributed Cumberland Mutual’s strong capital position to its modest underwriting leverage and favorable loss reserve development while commenting that the excellent capital position of CIC was accompanied by five-year pre-tax returns on revenue and equity which compared favorably to the industry norms.

Updated underwriting tools and systems, a more focused underwriting approach, product enhancements, and territorial diversification, coupled with a year of less severe weather have resulted in improved underwriting results, operating earnings and surplus position in 2013. While working diligently to improve underwriting results and to update technology we are proud to maintain our long-term market presence and long-standing relationships through our independent agency force.

The Minerva Baseball Club of Bridgeton Wins Its 1st game

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The Minerva BBC of Bridgeton won their first game on Sunday over the Brandywine BBC 19-9 at Pocopson Park in West Chester, Pa. The Brandywiners made a valiant comeback in the final inning but Minerva held on for the victory. The final game of the season is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 at 2 pm against the Philadelphia Athletics at Alden Field in Bridgeton to commemorate the first base ball game in Bridgeton 150 years ago.

The roster for the winning Minerva Baseball Team included the following:
Christie Willoughby, Ray Wilkerson, Sean Weir, Glenn Watkins, Mike Roche, Paul Kosherzenko, Norm Hetzell, Paul Ritter, Adam Lamanteer, and Will Fowler.

The Cumberland Bowling Team Takes First Place

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The “Cumberland Islanders” recently captured first place in the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce Bowling Challenge. The team, led by Captain Adam Lamanteer, included Linda May, Dee Nelson, Matt MacDonald and Laurie LaTorre. Adam also had the highest individual series for the evening and took home that trophy. 

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The Minerva Baseball Club of Bridgeton Plays its Inaugural Game

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On Sunday, July 28th, The Minerva Baseball Club of Bridgeton played its first game at Alden Field in Bridgeton. Unfortunately, the team lost to the Diamond State Baseball Club of Delaware 12-5. Despite the defeat, it was a good time had by all. The roster for the Minerva Baseball Club was as follows:

Sean

Hercules

Weir

Rob

Downtown

Walsh

Christie

The Governor

Willoughby

Matt

Big Mac

MacDonald

Rich

The Hammer

Husted

Adam

Beaner

Lamanteer

Ray

Wheelhouse

Wilkerson

Lauren

Batwoman

DuBois

Paul

Road Runner

Ritter

Will

The Quartermaster

Fowler

Frank

Legs

Wilson

Norm

Stormin Norman

Hetzell

Colin

Skully

Scull

Brad

High Ball

Haldeman

Dave

Rottweiler

 

Glenn

Fungus

Watkins

Neal

Curly

Pierce

Bill

Stringbean

Cole

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