_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady, Cumberland County Guidance Center
Executive Director H. Dieter Hovermann, and Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group continues to support non-profit groups and organizations that inspire positive change in communities throughout Cumberland County. The Company seeks to build relationships with organizations that have a well-defined sense of purpose, a demonstrated commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for delivering high quality programs
and services.

These qualities accurately reflect the outstanding assistance provided by the Cumberland County Guidance Center (CCGC). The Cumberland Insurance Group was proud to donate $1,000 recently towards their general operating expenses.

“The Cumberland County Guidance Center provides person centered, recovery focused mental health services to the community in a highly qualified, professional, and compassionate environment,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “With both inpatient and outpatient programs and services, the CCGC helps individuals suffering from mental health illness to maximize their ability to live, work, socialize, and learn in the community of their choice. They also provide support, information, and education to family members of mentally ill patients.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: Glenn Watkins of Sewell, N.J. was awarded the NJYIP Director of the Year award by the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals at the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New York state’s Joint Annual Business Conference, held at the Trump Taj Mahal Resort Casino, June 12-14. Watkins is assistant vice president of the Cumberland Insurance Group in
Bridgeton, N.J.

The NJYIP Director of the Year award is given to an individual who actively supports and works for the goals and objectives of NJYIP. Watkins was honored for his leadership, attention to responsibilities and tireless work ethic.

In 2007, Watkins was awarded the John Laux Company Person of the Year award. This award honors a company member of NJYIP who exemplifies a commitment to the high standards of professionalism, networking and service. This award was instituted in 1995 in memory of John Laux, a former NJYIP company member, who lost his valiant battle with cancer earlier that year.

Watkins received PIANJ’s Company Professional of the Year in 2005. PIANJ presents this award to the company representative who best fosters a sound working relationship between insurance agents and companies, and who exemplifies a commitment to professionalism and service as a company professional.

“Glenn continuously strives to provide outstanding service and enthusiasm to association initiatives,” said Tom Wilkins, newly elected president of NJYIP. “His tireless commitment to NJYIP, and the industry make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

NJYIP is an organization dedicated to the professional and personal growth of newcomers to the insurance industry. It is affiliated with PIANJ, a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies and their employees throughout the state.

Click here for the original press release from the PIA.org website.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group Chairman Leo Hogan, Salvation Army Advisory board member Herman Evans,
Bridgeton Corps Commanding Officer Major Thomas Pierce, Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter,
and Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: At The Cumberland Insurance Group, we believe being a responsible corporate citizen includes demonstrating a positive commitment to the neighborhoods and families we serve. As such, giving back to the community is at the very center of our corporate philosophy. To this end, the Company recently donated $1,000 to support the essential community service work performed by the Salvation Army.

“As a Company, we are committed to living and working every day as a proud member of the community,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “For 107 years, the Bridgeton Corps of The Salvation Army has been offering social and spiritual services to individuals and families in need of help. Using a variety of creative solutions, The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to those in need. Salvation Army employees and volunteers touch lives through selfless acts of service. We are proud to support such a worthy cause.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Cumberland Insurance Group board member Robert Brady, Bay Atlantic Symphony Executive Director Paul Herron,
Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul Ritter, and Cumberland Insurance Group Chairman Leo Hogan.}

BRIDGETON, NJ: A commitment to integrity, a dedication to customer service, and a desire to take an active role in the community defines the men and women of The Cumberland Insurance Group. From promoting educational opportunities to looking for ways to minimize the Company’s environmental impact, we strive to enhance the health, welfare, and quality of life of our employees and their communities.

The Cumberland Insurance Group is pleased to support fund-raising efforts by a variety of community arts groups including The Bay-Atlantic Symphony. The Company recently donated $1,000 towards the organization’s general operating expenses.

“The Cumberland Insurance Group is proud to support arts and cultural organizations and initiatives in the communities we serve,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “To be sustainable, communities need to evolve. And to evolve, they need access to new ideas and to a diversity of people with talent, energy, and vision. The Bay-Atlantic Symphony not only presents world-class musical events, they also provide educational outreach to students and adults throughout the region that teach the principles of hard work, practice, teamwork, and cooperation. These services, along with others the Bay-Atlantic Symphony provides, helps to make our communities richer, more appealing, more interesting, and better places to live and work.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 167th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2010, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $324,406,000 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $130,477,533. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

_{(L-R) Vineland High School graduate Matthew Garvey and Cumberland Insurance Group
Human Resources Director Laurie LaTorre.}

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: Paying for college just got easier for two deserving and talented students attending Cumberland County College (CCC) after receiving scholarships awarded through The Cumberland Insurance Group continuing education program. Each student will receive $2,500 toward college expenses in recognition of excellence demonstrated through leadership, community service, and academic achievement. Scholarship award winners are selected by a committee of educators at CCC.

“Education is the key to the high-skill, high-paying jobs of tomorrow,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “The Scholarship Program was created to help further the education of students who demonstrate the potential to become the next generation of business leaders. By awarding these scholarships, we are investing in a brighter tomorrow for our children, our communities, and our company.”

The first $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Matthew Garvey who is attending Cumberland County College this fall in pursuit of a career in criminal justice. Matthew is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Vineland High School. “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for being a recipient of The Cumberland Insurance Group Scholarship,” Garvey said. “This means so much to me and my family in these difficult financial times. Not only do I have the support of my family to continue on to higher education, but now I have your support as well. Thank you.”

The second $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Bridgeton High School graduate Meredith Wuzzardo. “I was truly honored to be a recipient of The Cumberland Insurance Group Scholarship,” Wuzzardo said. “I am extremely grateful for your generous donation that will assist in my college education. I hope that one day I will be able to follow your wonderful example and help another student.”

“We were pleased to recommend both Matthew and Meredith from a number of exceptional students,” said Sue Perry of Cumberland County College. “We congratulate both of these fine individuals and wish them much success as they continue their education and career development.”

“These outstanding students have worked very hard to achieve the academic records that enabled them to qualify for and receive these awards,” Ritter continued. “As a company, we are very proud to support their continued studies and to be able to help them pursue their academic goals. If their educational achievements are any indication, I am confident that they will all have very successful careers when they move into their chosen professions.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group has been recognized by NJ BIZ Magazine as one of the Top 100 Privately Held Companies in New Jersey. The announcement came as part of an August special issue entitled “Top 100 Privately Help Companies – People, Power, Money.” The story features an interview with recently retired Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady, who continues to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

According to NJ BIZ Editor Sharon Waters, “The entire issue is dedicated to recognizing the companies and leaders keeping their roots and revenues firmly planted in New Jersey. CEO’s from the state’s top companies were interviewed and provide a firsthand account of how they are grappling with challenges in 2010, setting goals for the months ahead, and motivating staff.”

“Companies on the NJ BIZ Top 100 were ranked by 2009 revenue, which placed Cumberland Insurance at number 68 with nearly $109,000,000,” Waters said. “We also broke the list down by key industries, geography, and other notable characteristics which provide a detailed look at the diversity of the state’s economy.”

“We are honored to be included in such a select list of New Jersey companies,” said Cumberland Insurance Group Board Chairman Leo T. Hogan. “Cumberland Insurance was founded 166 years ago on the principles of doing what is right for the customer, delivering real value, and meeting our commitments. We continue to live by these values every day. This acknowledgement is a testament to the hard work of our entire team of insurance professionals.”

“We recognize that our customers frequently have complex insurance needs and yet they desire simple, tailored programs and competitive features,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “We have been able to meet these needs over the years through a defined vision and sustained financial results. As we navigate the current market conditions and look to the future, we will continue to deliver the products and services that have made The Cumberland Insurance Group a winning solution for our agents and policyholders since 1844.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group, a premier regional insurance company serving the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, today announced customer satisfaction survey results for the second quarter of 2010. The program was initiated in 2005, and for the 20th consecutive quarter the company maintained an outstanding 98% combined customer satisfaction rating for both staff and independent adjusters. In addition, survey results show that an overwhelming majority of respondents would recommend Cumberland Insurance to their family and friends based on their experience with the Company.

“Throughout the business relationship, we ask our clients, ‘how are we doing and what can we do better?’ The Client Satisfaction Survey puts a formal and measurable program around those questions,” said Harold P. Gunning, Senior Vice President of Claims. “The questionnaire, which is distributed to a random sampling of policyholders following the resolution of a claim, uses a mix of open-ended questions about the claimant’s overall experience, as well as a performance evaluation of the individual handling the claim. The information we are able to gather also allows us to identify excellence in staff performance, reward best practices, improve customer retention, and expand our customer base.”

While survey results provide valuable metrics, nothing is more gratifying than receiving a heartfelt letter from a policyholder who the Company was able to help in their time of need. “We recently received a letter from Anthony Iozzia, a new customer who had purchased his first home in 2009,” Gunning continued. “Unfortunately, he lost his roof in a severe storm earlier this year, which caused water damage to his second floor and to ceilings on the first floor.”

“Being a young and recent homeowner, dealing with this situation was even harder,” Iozzia wrote. “However, having a reliable and dependable insurer, like Cumberland, this ‘mini-disaster’ was made as easy as it possibly could be. The hard work and diligence the Company delivered has not fallen on blind eyes. My home is now better and stronger than it was before. This is a direct result of having Cumberland on my side. With service like this, it’s no wonder that Cumberland has been around for 166 years.”

“Our staff is successful in delivering this type of service because of their focused execution, teamwork, market knowledge, and passion. The motto in the Claims Department is ‘quick, efficient, and compassionate claims service in your time of need.’ I think it is fair to say we are meeting this challenge,” Gunning said.

“I am extremely proud of these outstanding results and our dedicated employees who provide excellent service every day,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “We take very seriously the results gathered from our internal quality control efforts, and the unsolicited comments we receive from policyholders like Mr. Iozzia. After all, customer service is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to individual attention and continuous improvement. By developing a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the consumer, we are able to develop business approaches that are flexible and adaptable, and provide a positive customer experience.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders through a network of 400 independent agents. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group has once again been recognized as a Super Regional Insurance Company by the prestigious industry magazine Insurance Journal. The complete listing of 165 companies appears in the May 17 edition of the magazine.

A number of property/casualty insurers call themselves Super Regionals as a way to differentiate their company in the marketplace. However, until 2007, there was no industry-wide, objective definition of a Super Regional. To spur industry discussion on the subject and to give definition to this important group of insurers, Insurance Journal called upon their official research partner, Demotech Inc., to conduct the necessary research in order to develop an objective list.

According to Demotech President Joseph Petrelli, “Insurance Journal came to us with the idea of establishing objective financial standards for stratifying property/casualty carriers. We saw this as an opportunity to bring definition to the Super Regional term and to recognize these insurers for their achievements.”

In outlining the reasons for selecting Cumberland Insurance, Demotech found that “The Cumberland Insurance Group has successfully competed against national and international insurance companies and forged a significant and well-respected presence in the marketplace they serve.”

Criteria used by Demotech included the following:

• Active, individual companies not in regulatory supervision as of December 31, 2009.
• Companies reporting data to the NAIC using the property/casualty annual and quarterly
  statement format.
• Companies with more than $1 million of direct written premiums in each of two to 34 states as of December 31, 2009.
• Companies with less than 90% of their direct written premiums in any one state as of
  December 31, 2009.
• Companies with less that 90% of their direct written premiums in any one line of business as of December 31, 2009.
• Companies with at least $100 million of surplus as of December 31, 2009.
• Companies with net written premiums of a least $50 million as of December 31, 2009.
• Companies with direct written premiums of a least $25 million as of December 31, 2009 and greater than $0 at September 30, of 2009.

“The Super Regional list compiled by Demotech and the Insurance Journal is an impressive group of companies who we are proud to be associated with,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Paul J. Ritter, III. “For 166 years, Cumberland Insurance has demonstrated resolve and resiliency through challenging economic cycles, maintained financial ratings which place the company among the top performing property-casualty insurance carriers in the United States, and adhered to the basic principle of high-quality personalized service for our policyholders and agency partners.”

“We are very proud of what we have achieved, and are pleased that our hard work has not gone unnoticed among our peers. This prestigious industry recognition further solidifies the Company’s position as a leading insurance carrier, and most importantly, provides our agents with independent substantiation of the Company’s financial strength,” concluded Ritter.

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Board of Directors of The Cumberland Insurance Group announced today that Paul J. Ritter, III, ESQ. has been named the new President and CEO of the Company. The appointment follows the retirement of current President and CEO Robert P. Brady after 33 years of service. Mr. Brady will continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

“Paul Ritter is ready, willing, and able to assume the leadership of The Cumberland Insurance Group,” said Board Chairman Leo T. Hogan. “He is a consummate professional with a long track record of making sound business decisions and successful team building. He has already demonstrated his grasp of the business challenges and his ability to get things done. As President and CEO, Paul will effectively guide the Company through the ongoing challenges presented by the national economy, ensuring Cumberland Insurance continues to be a well-capitalized company whose surplus exceeds its written premiums and who has the financial strength to aggressively compete for new business.”

“I also want to recognize my good friend Bob Brady for all he has given the Company,” Hogan continued. “His leadership has been a big part of the Company’s growth and operational success over the last 10 years. These skills, the business relationships he has formed over the years, and his deep understanding of the insurance industry helped the Company to grow and expand its regional market position. I am very pleased that he will continue to serve on the Board.”

Paul J. Ritter, III, Esq. graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and received his law degree from Widener University in 1987. In 2009, Mr. Ritter completed the prestigious Insurance Executive Development Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined The Cumberland Insurance Group in 1999 as the Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors. Prior to joining Cumberland Insurance, Mr. Ritter served as Senior Vice President, CFO, and Corporate Secretary for the Farmers and Merchants National Bank in Bridgeton; and as an attorney for the law firm of Chance and McCann, LLC in Bridgeton.

Mr. Ritter is an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Cumberland County College, and is also active in the community serving as the Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township, New Jersey and as a member of the Hopewell Township Planning Board. He is also currently a member of the Cumberland County Historical Society Board of Trustees, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cumberland Development Corporation, and the Bridgeton Rotary Club. He is the former Vice Chairman of the Hopewell Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and former Treasurer and member of the Cumberland County Guidance Center Board of Trustees.

“I want to thank the Board for their confidence in me,” Ritter said. “I have big shoes to fill in taking over as President and CEO from such an accomplished professional as Bob Brady, but I look forward to the challenge. As we chart a course through these complex insurance market conditions, our goal remains achieving operational excellence in product innovation, underwriting, claims management, and distribution in order to strengthen our market position and provide the highest level of customer satisfaction.”

“My congratulations and best wishes go out to Paul,” Robert Brady said. “He has been an integral member of our leadership team for several years and has made many significant contributions to our ongoing success. I have enjoyed everyone of my 33 years working with the entire Cumberland family, but it is time for me to step away from the day to day operations. I wish everyone the best and look forward to continuing my service on the Board of Directors.”

The Cumberland Insurance Group currently serves 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

David Raczenbek

Michael Roche

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group, which serves 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, proudly announces the appointments of Michael J. Roche, AAI as Personal Lines Manager and David Raczenbek as Staff Attorney. Both will be based at the Cumberland Insurance home office in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

“We are very excited to announce that these two very talented individuals have joined our management team,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady. “Michael brings valuable industry knowledge and great local market experience, as well as a tremendous commitment to the independent agency system. He will work closely with our agent partners, helping them to meet their clients’ needs and to profitably grow their businesses. David brings leadership skills, practical experience, and a breadth of legal knowledge. As the senior legal officer for The Cumberland Insurance Group, he is responsible for guiding all aspects of our corporate legal functions.”

Before joining The Cumberland Insurance Group, Michael J. Roche, AAI spent 30 years in the agency side of the business with Allied Insurance Services and Bollinger, Inc., both located in Vineland, New Jersey. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Rowan University in 1978, and earned his Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) designation in 1983. Mr. Roche served on the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey Board of Directors, as the President of the Cumberland/Salem Independent Insurance Agents, and as the President of the Aetna Casualty & Surety Young Agents Association. He also served as the Chairman of the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

David F. Raczenbek, Esq. was a Partner in the Bridgeton law firm of Casarow, Kienzle & Raczenbek prior to joining The Cumberland Insurance Group. In addition, he spent four years as an Associate in the Washington D.C. firm of Koonz, McKenney & Johnson. Mr. Raczenbek began his career at the Department of Health and Human Services serving as an Assistant to the United States Attorney representing the Social Security Administration before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. He received his law degree from the George Washington National Law Center in 1985. He is a member of the Cumberland County Bar Association and the New Jersey Land Title Association, and has served as President of the Bridgeton Main Street Association.

Established in 1844, The Cumberland Insurance Group was recently recognized by Best’s Review magazine as one of only 55 Property and Casualty insurance companies that have maintained an A. M. Best financial strength rating of “A” for at least 50 years. In 2009, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $323,285,582 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $133,442,366. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

BRIDGETON, NJ: The Cumberland Insurance Group announced the results of their 2009 philanthropic endeavors, which resulted in thousands of dollars in corporate and employee donations and hundreds of volunteer hours benefiting causes in communities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware.

“At The Cumberland Insurance Group, we believe that we are more than just an insurance company, we believe that we are an integral part and a contributing partner to the places where we live and work,” said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady. “The communities in which we do business are the lifeblood of our organization, and are where our employees live and raise their families. As such, giving back to the community and its residents is at the very center of our corporate philosophy.”

“Charitable endeavors have taken on additional meaning given the current economic state and the burdens felt by residents and organizations throughout the region,” Brady continued. “It is inspiring to see the continued level of participation among our staff during this time of need. Cumberland employees are doing amazing things to build stronger and more vibrant communities through their participation in Company-sponsored volunteer events, service on the boards of local community organizations, and the utilization of their professional skills and talents.”

During 2009, corporate citizenship initiatives within the community focused on a number of different areas. These included sponsorship of charitable events such as the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Golf Classic, and a gala to restore a historic high school stadium and build a new community center; employee fund-raising events and walk-a-thons for cancer and juvenile diabetes; and voluntary contributions from employees for a variety of non-profit organizations. Cumberland also continued its successful college scholarship program, and participated in national career public education programs. In addition, Board members, officers, and staff gave their time and expertise to a variety of civic groups, charitable organizations, faith-based groups, and special events which provided much needed support to the community.

Organizations receiving significant support in 2009 include:

Angel Food Ministries
Make-A-Wish Foundation
American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Cumberland County Historical Society
American Diabetes Association
Salvation Army
Bridgeton High School Stadium Restoration Committee
Cumberland County College
Delaware County Community College
Bridgeton Firefighter’s Mutual Benevolent Association
Shelby Help Line Ministries
Bridgeton Save The Library Foundation

According to Executive Vice President Richard M. Ritter, “Cumberland’s dedication to strengthening our communities is a year-round commitment. Our ties to the community give us an in-depth knowledge of the unique needs each faces. So when the local library needs a new roof or an inner-city family won’t have a Christmas because they don’t have the money, our employees find a way to help. In most cases, they do so without much recognition or fanfare. It is important for them to know that the Company backs them in these efforts and is committed to working to ensure that they have the time, the resources, and the energy to give back to the community in a meaningful way.”

“In addition, many potential new employees, especially those who have done community service in high school or college, see company sponsored volunteer programs as a sign of a well-rounded organization, one that values its employees along with the community. By demonstrating our commitment, we create an environment which encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees to make functional decisions at all levels of the Company. This results in motivated individuals willing to help make our communities better places to live and work, which in turn, allows the Company to prosper,” Ritter concluded.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 166th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2008, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $315,595,220 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $140,166,468. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.

(L-R) Georgia artist Beverly Babb and Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady.

The Minerva sculpture, which is made of steel, is 8 feet high, 14 feet long, and weighs 1,500 pounds.

BRIDGETON, NJ: In February of 1844, a group of Bridgeton, New Jersey area residents met at Potter’s Tavern to launch a new mutual insurance company which would provide fire insurance coverage at the lowest possible cost to farms, private residences, and small businesses located in and around southern New Jersey. The Company came to be symbolized by an early 1800s fire engine called the Minerva. In recognition of this beginning, the Company recently unveiled a full size replica of the Minerva at the main lobby circle of their Shiloh Pike corporate offices.

According to Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady, “The Minerva is a very important part of Cumberland’s history. Organized fire protection in the City of Bridgeton started in 1819. Sometime around 1840, the City’s original volunteer fire brigade was replaced by the Minerva Volunteer Fire Company. These volunteers used a horse drawn hand pumper fire wagon they called the Minerva. After the formation of the Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company, we worked closely with the organized fire brigades in the area. This cooperation ranged from fire inspection services to outright ownership of fire apparatus such as the Minerva.”

“The Minerva Fire Company disbanded sometime in the 1850s, and unfortunately, the original apparatus was lost,” Brady continued. “However, the Minerva continued to live on as it became a part of our Company logo. Early in 2007, the Board of Directors, spearheaded by Chairman Leo Hogan, commissioned the creation of a Minerva sculpture. After a long journey all the way from Carlton, Georgia, the sculpture has finally arrived.”

The 8′ x 14′ x 5′ Minerva sculpture was created by Georgia artist Beverly Babb. The steel sculpture weighs 1,500 pounds and contains over 100 yards of welds. Babb graduated from welding school in 1995, and for several years worked in large welding factories on the West Coast. In 2001, she moved to Carlton where she set up her workshop and began creating her incredible steel sculptures. Since then she has had shows in several galleries, including Galapagos Art Space in New York City, Jittery Joe’s in Athens, Georgia, and Ciné in Athens, Georgia. She won First Place prizes for her sculptures in the 2008 and the 2009 Lyndon House Juried Art Exhibits.

Although the idea of creating a replica of the Minerva had been percolating for a while, the actual project arose out of a chance meeting Leo Hogan had in 2007. “I happened to be on vacation in the same location as Beverly’s parents, Jack and Juliette,” Hogan said. “After spending some time with them, somehow the conversation about Beverly came up. Upon my return from vacation, I passed the information on to our advertising agency, Lee Tofanelli and Associates, Inc., who contacted her and began the process. After speaking with her and presenting some of her work and drawings to the Board, we decided that she would be the perfect person to bring the Minerva back to life.”

“It has been a great experience working on this project,” Babb said. “Once Cumberland decided to proceed with the sculpture, I needed some good photos of what the Minerva looked like. The Company only had one small photo, so after some research, I located a fire engine very similar to the original Minerva at the Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville. I visited the Museum and was able to take several photos to guide me in the creative process. I then worked with Tofanelli and Associates on the initial designs which were presented to Cumberland Insurance for review. Once approved, the actual construction took about six months. I actually had to move to a friend’s studio so I would have enough space to complete the finished product. We received plenty of interested looks and some wonderful comments as we moved it on a trailer from Georgia to Bridgeton.”

“With the installation of the sculpture complete, the Minerva will once again proudly stand as a shining monument to Cumberland’s roots, honor the employees who for over 165 years have worked to make Cumberland a success, and pay tribute to the firefighters of today who continue to protect our homes and businesses,” Hogan concluded.

The Cumberland Insurance Group, established in 1844, is celebrating its 165th anniversary and currently serves over 120,000 policyholders in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2008, the Company had Total Admitted Assets of $315,595,220 and a Policyholders’ Surplus of $140,166,468. For more information about The Cumberland Insurance Group, or to find an independent agent near you, please visit www.cumberlandgroup.com.