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Central Insurance held its 151st annual member meeting in Van Wert, Ohio, on Wednesday. The event marked a major milestone as the company celebrated 150 years of its steadfast commitment to its mutual promise: protecting policyholders while ensuring the organization’s long-term strength.
“As Central marks 150 years, we stand on a legacy shaped by integrity, relationships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, said Chairman, CEO and President Evan Purmort. “Looking back, we’re proud of what our people and partners have built together, but I’m confident our best days are ahead because we stay true to our purpose of taking care of our policyholders.”
Purmort noted that the company fulfills this purpose through financial strength and hospitality.
“In 2025, we delivered exceptionally well on both fronts,” Purmort stated. “Our operating performance remained robust with a strong combined ratio, a healthy return on surplus, and solid growth in targeted commercial lines. We also upheld our commitment to genuine, human-centered hospitality, delivering world-class service with responsiveness and care.”
Purmort also highlighted Central’s strong focus on community investment, including ongoing support for the Van Wert Forward downtown revitalization project and $100,000 in scholarships awarded to local students in 2025.
Chief Financial Officer Jessica Seymour detailed Central’s financial stability over the past year.
“Central’s performance in the prior year highlights the stability and strength afforded by our exceptional financial foundation,” Seymour said. “Throughout the year, the company executed with discipline, strengthening our financial position in support of our mutual promise to policyholders.”
The company wrote $135 million in new business for 2025, achieving a growth rate of approximately 21 percent. The company’s business mix ended the year at nearly 70 percent commercial lines and 30 percent personal lines,reflecting a meaningful shift toward targeted commercial growth. This premium revenue supported $463 million in claims payments, allowing the company to fulfill its promises through a dedicated culture of hospitality.
Combined underwriting and investment results yielded a net income before tax of $88.8 million. This performance drove a 6.8 percent return and contributed over $85 million of additional strength to Central’s Policyholders’ Security Fund.
In other business, Chad Glenn, Evan Purmort, Richard Staropoli, and Chris Toomer were elected to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Other directors include Tom Kearney, Ryan Maconachy, Ed Noonan, Romel Salam, Dennis Stripe, and David Ward.
To learn more about the innovation, investments, and culture of excellence behind the company’s successful performance in 2025, read Central’s Annual Report.
Founded in Van Wert, Ohio, in 1876, Central Insurance is a property and casualty insurance carrier providing premium coverage to hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses across the country. Central is based in Van Wert and operates regional offices in Boston, Atlanta, and Columbus, Ohio
POSTED: 05/14/26 at 8:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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INDIANAPOLIS (IN) — Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has announced that Brett Buhl has been promoted to deputy general counsel. Buhl assumed the role that was previously held by Jessica Philleo, who recently retired after 18 years of service with the company. Buhl began his new role last month.
Buhl joined Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance in 2016 as associate general counsel and most recently held the position of senior associate general counsel. He also currently leads the company’s strategic People Leadership Team, which works to ensure company strategies are implemented effectively and appropriately.
Prior to joining Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, he spent 10 years as a litigation attorney at Ogletree Deakins, a national labor and employment law firm. In his new role, Buhl is responsible for the company’s legal, compliance, and vendor contracting functions.
“I’m looking forward to partnering with our leaders and business units to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, while supporting the company’s continued growth,” said Buhl. “I’m grateful for the support and mentorship that’s helped me get here, and I’m excited to lead a talented team.”
Buhl is passionate about maintaining and building the trust, accessibility and solution-oriented approach of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s legal team.
“That includes developing our team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring we’re delivering clear, actionable guidance that helps the company operate effectively while managing risk,” Buhl said. “I further hope to have an impact by helping the company stay ahead of change to enable continued growth, whether that’s evolving regulation, emerging risks or shifts in the insurance market.”
A graduate of Miami (OH) University, Buhl earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. He earned his juris doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. He currently serves on the Indiana Legal Foundation board as a representative of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
Buhl is originally from Van Wert, and now lives in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife, Ashley, and their three children: Kennedy, Finely and Will. The family is active in Westfield Youth Sports. Additionally, Buhl is an active member at Northview Church and The Club at Chatham Hills.
POSTED: 05/14/26 at 8:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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LIMA — S&P Global Market Intelligence recently released its ranking of 2025’s 100 best-performing credit unions. Superior Credit Union, based in Lima, credit union was also ranked second in the state of Ohio and first in western Ohio, where it currently serves its members and communities.
S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked the nation’s credit unions using six weighted financial metrics: member change, shares and deposits per member, net worth as a percentage of total assets, return on average assets, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans, and delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans.
To be eligible for the ranking, a credit union had to report at least $100 million in total assets and a net worth ratio of at least seven percent as of December 31, 2025. Based on these criteria, 1,797 credit unions qualified for the ranking.
“Superior is proud to be ranked as a Top Performing Credit Union,” said Phil Buell, President and CEO of Superior Credit Union. “We feel that it represents our commitment to the cooperative principles of our organization. We strive to make sound financial decisions that will benefit our members and the communities that we serve.”
“Our continued growth and success will make it possible for Superior to provide the financial products and services that our members want and deserve,” he added. “We are thrilled to be ranked No. 1 in our service area and will continue to serve our communities with that mentality.”
POSTED: 05/01/26 at 1:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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First Financial Bank will soon launch its annual book drive to support financial literacy, collecting books from the community in specially marked bins at all First Financial locations from May 4 through May 30.
Books can be left with First Financial at 1163 S. Shannon St. in Van Wert and 202 N. Main St. in Delphos. Donated books can focus on financial literacy or any topic. At the conclusion of the book drive, First Financial will deliver books to local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations.
“Supporting financial literacy is key to our goal of becoming a strong financial partner to the communities we serve, but supporting literacy initiatives of any kind is extremely important,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial. “Delivery day, when we hand off these books for the people in the community, is always a fun moment for us. We’re excited to team up with our neighbors to fill the collection bins with some great titles this year.”
Facilitating opportunities to enhance financial literacy is an important element of First Financial’s community development strategy. First Financial has been conducting local book drives since 2022, and last year’s drive brought in 5,726 books from throughout First Financial’s footprint. First Financial also provides free, self-paced financial learning resources on its website, bankatfirst.com.
First Financial supports local communities with several other initiatives throughout the year, as well. First Financial teamed up with local communities in five states to fight hunger last fall by collecting more than 9,800 food items to be donated to people in need.
First Financial and the First Financial Foundation are making significant progress in multiple areas on the $2.4 billion, five-year Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition that began in 2024. The bank has already reached $9.6 million of its $18 million goal for philanthropy under the CBA.
POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:23 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Citizens National Bank will once again host Community Shred Day on Friday, April 24, for Community Banking Month, offering the public an opportunity to safely shred personal information. Items to be shredded will be accepted during normal business hours of each office. There is a limit of three standard office-size boxes or grocery bags per household. Items to be shredded could include:
- Financial statements
- Canceled and blank checks
- Paycheck stubs
- Credit card and account numbers
- Personal records and tax records
- Medical records
- Any items containing your social security number or signature.
- Any mail or magazines that have personal identifiers
There is no need to remove staples or paper clips. No electronic items will be accepted. All paper material will be destroyed by Allshred Services, a NAID Certified Company.
The offices will have sweet treats available that day in celebration of Community Banking Month. For more information, visit our website at https://www.cnbohio.com/community-banking-month-2026/.
Community Banking Month focuses on the many contributions community banks make to the areas they serve through local lending, employee volunteerism, and personal service. CNB will be including a fun financial debate question for customers each week as part of the bank’s campaign this year, as well as an opportunity to win a $50 gift card each week. The topics are:
- Week one: Buy vs Rent
- Week two: Emergency Fund vs Vacation Fund
- Week three: Pay Online vs Pay By Check
- Week four: Spot the Scam Activity
For more information on how to enter in office or on CNB’s Facebook page click here.
POSTED: 04/02/26 at 8:38 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
Work continues at the site of a new drive-thru beverage stand in Van Wert. 7 Brew recently and literally dropped its stand last Friday at 860 N. Washington St., in front of the Holiday Inn Express. 7 Brew offers over 20,000 unique drink combinations, including coffee, smoothies, sodas, teas and energy drinks. The stand, which is scheduled to open this summer, is expected to add 50 jobs to the Van Wert area. Those interested in joining the Brew Crew should apply at 7brewteam.7brewcareers.com. Photos submitted
POSTED: 04/01/26 at 8:03 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Staff at Van Wert Manor came together to celebrate National Doctor’s Day by passing out everyone’s favorite scones to honor the dedication and compassion of their medical providers. With the help of resident volunteer Mike Hire, the team distributed the treats bringing smiles to staff and physicians alike. Director of Nursing Elaine Barnes said Van Wert Manor’s doctors play a vital role in the health and well-being of our residents, and this was a small way to show gratitude for everything they do. Those helping lead the celebration included Barnes, Shante Norton RN, Katie Mosier LPN, Shenett DeWitt AD, Joy Flum FSS and Amy Beining ESS. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 03/31/26 at 10:24 am. FILED UNDER: Business
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Van Wert Cinemas will host a special community celebration as part of the statewide Ohio Goes to the Movies initiative on Wednesday, March 11.
The evening will begin with complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., followed by a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m. exploring the history of movie theatres in Van Wert County. After the presentation, guests will enjoy a screening of the cult classic film Howard the Duck on the big screen.
Admission to the event is free but seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online or at the Van Wert Cinemas box office in advance.
“Movie theatres have always been more than just places to watch films,” said Donna and Rod Saunders, owners of Van Wert Cinemas. “They are gathering places where communities come together to share stories, laughter, and memories. We’re excited to celebrate that history here in Van Wert County and invite everyone to join us for a fun and nostalgic evening.”
The Ohio Goes to the Movies program is part of the statewide America 250-Ohio celebration, recognizing Ohio’s deep connection to film and moviegoing while bringing communities together through special screenings and events across all 88 counties.
Guests attending the Van Wert event will enjoy:
- Complimentary hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6 p.m.
- A short presentation on the history of movie theatres in Van Wert County at 6:30 p.m.
- A free screening of Howard the Duck immediately following the presentation
Van Wert Cinemas invites the community to experience a fun night celebrating movie history, local heritage, and the magic of the shared theatre experience.
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GreenWay Bank has announced the addition of Carly Buchanan as its new SVP, Chief People Officer. With a diverse and accomplished background in human resources, leadership, and organizational development across multiple industries, Carly will oversee GreenWay Bank’s HR operations, helping shape the bank’s HR strategies to promote a positive, engaging workplace that supports team member satisfaction and growth.
With more than 18 years of experience, Carly brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to workforce strategy. Her background includes leading HR functions at respected organizations such as Farmers & Merchants State Bank and Brooks Construction Company.
In addition to her professional experience, Carly is deeply committed to ongoing learning and leadership development. She currently serves as a committee member for the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne and most recently led a 600-member SHRM chapter as President of the Northeast Indiana Human Resources Association (NIHRA). This scope of experience positions her to thoughtfully support the evolving needs of GreenWay Bank’s workforce while fostering a strong and inclusive organizational culture.
“We’re excited to welcome Carly to GreenWay as our new SVP, Chief People Officer,” said Rob Slusser, President and CEO. “As we continue to grow, maintaining a strong, people-centered culture is essential. Carly brings both the experience and passion needed to support our team members, strengthen employee engagement, and ensure our workplace continues to reflect our values.”
Beyond her professional work, Carly is actively engaged in the Fort Wayne community. Her involvement includes supporting Fort Wayne Community Schools through the Trade Pipeline and Career Academy at Anthis, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, and the Aboite Girls Basketball League, among other community-focused initiatives.
“I’m excited to join GreenWay Bank and contribute to an organization that values its people and community,” she said. “I look forward to partnering with leadership and all team members to create strategies that support growth, engagement, and a strong workplace culture.”
GreenWay Bank is a community bank headquartered in Van Wert.
POSTED: 02/18/26 at 8:17 am. FILED UNDER: Business
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HAVILAND – MCK Trucking, based in Haviland, has been named a 2026 TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), earning national recognition as one of the best places to drive in the truckload industry.
The TCA Elite Fleet program, developed in partnership with the Transportation and Supply Chain Institute at the University of Denver, identifies carriers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to their drivers through competitive compensation, strong safety performance, meaningful engagement, and innovative practices that enhance quality of life on the road.
This recognition reflects MCK Trucking’s ongoing investment in safety, driver support, and operational excellence. The company has made measurable improvements in safety performance, reduced accidents, strengthened compliance, and implemented structured coaching and incentive programs designed to reward safe, professional driving.
“We are proud to be recognized as a TCA Elite Fleet,” said Mike Keysor President and CEO of Custom Assembly and MCK Trucking . “This honor belongs to our drivers. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety are what set us apart. We’ve worked hard to build a culture that supports our drivers both on and off the road, and this recognition validates that effort.”
“The TCA Elite Fleet program has quickly become a meaningful benchmark for excellence in our industry,” TCA President Jim Ward stated. “The carriers recognized in 2026 have demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in their drivers and fostering environments where professionals can thrive.”
MCK Trucking will be formally recognized at the TCA Annual Convention, taking place February 28 – March 3.
As the trucking industry continues to evolve, MCK Trucking remains focused on raising the bar—prioritizing safety, strengthening driver programs, and building a workplace where professional drivers can build long-term, successful careers.
For more information about MCK Trucking, visit mcktrucking.net or follow MCK Trucking on social media.
POSTED: 02/18/26 at 8:17 am. FILED UNDER: Business
