Strengthening women's leadership a priority at Economical Insurance

Women's Leadership Network a key pillar in Economical's diversity strategy

WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The fifth annual leadership conference for the 80 members of Economical's Women's Leadership Network is underway in Orangeville, Ontario, featuring a panel discussion today with four dynamic leaders from insurance brokerages. Also participating in the conference is former LPGA champion and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Sandra Post, as well as Canadian comedienne Jessica Holmes.

Members of the panel delivering their views on leadership and a broker's perspective on current industry issues are:

• Joyce Usher-Mesiano, president of National Brokers Insurance Services Inc. and president of Monarch Intermediaries Inc.;
• Wendy Dasilva, president & CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Brokers;
• Danielle Tisi, owner of McLean & Dickey Ltd.; and
• Jennifer MacLeod, director of marketing and development at MacLeod Lorway.

"Our Women's Leadership Network continues to be recognized as a key differentiator in attracting highly qualified women to Economical," said Karen Gavan, president and CEO. "The success of this development program has directly contributed to the depth of leadership capability we have among women throughout the company."

"Developing female leaders has made a great impact on the success of our business, the leadership within our industry and the workforce," said Joyce Usher-Mesiano, president of National Brokers Insurance Services.  "I am excited to return to speak for the second year at the annual women's leadership conference.  I must congratulate Economical Insurance for their breakthrough insight on women's leadership and for helping to re-think how mentorship, leadership and culture effectively impacts job satisfaction, the customer experience and, inevitably, the growth and profitability of the company."

Wendy Dasilva, president & CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Brokers, says "It is important that we openly recognize and develop female leaders in our industry.  It delivers a powerful message to young women that they have choices and can be anything that they wish to be."

The Women's Leadership Network was developed in 2010 and has supported the development and promotion of women into leadership roles across the enterprise. Through an integrated talent strategy, Economical identifies, assesses, acquires and develops female leaders to meet strategic goals. The network provides a forum where female leaders share best practices and engage in generative dialogue on business challenges unique to women. Each leader in the network has a development plan in place and participates in mentoring and formal learning events.

About Economical Insurance
Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, with approximately $1.9 billion in annualized premium volume and $5.1 billion in assets as at June 30, 2014. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and operated company services the insurance needs of more than one million customers across the country. In 2010, Economical announced its decision to become the first federally-regulated mutual property and casualty insurance company to pursue demutualization. Economical Insurance conducts business under the following brands: Economical Insurance, Economical, Western General, Economical Select, Perth Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, Federation Insurance and Economical Financial.

SOURCE: Economical Insurance