2008 Choice Employers, 301+ Employees, No. 2: American National Property & Casualty

As one of Springfield's larger private employers, American National Property & Casualty relies upon its staff of 915 to provide service to clients in 46 states. Insuring everything from homes and family

autos to boats, RVs and classic cars, the company launched in Springfield in 1973 has a lot on its plate.

As of December 2007, ANPAC and its subsidiaries had more than 4 million insurance policies in force across the country, generating direct-written premiums of more than $855 million.

The company holds an AA rating from Standard & Poor's and an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

According to ANPAC Chairman, President and CEO Greg Ostergren, the company's employment philosophy relies on instilling a sense of pride and confidence in its team members, and it is that sense of pride that drives ANPAC employees to provide clients with the highest caliber of service.

Among the workplace policies that bolster this philosophy are the supportive services and benefits ANPAC provides.

These include flextime, adoption assistance and transportation assistance, as well as more traditional health, vision and dental benefits.

ANPAC pays more than 50 percent of full-time and part-time employees' health insurance premiums, as well as more than 50 percent of dependents' premiums.

"We're always looking out for the employee," says Kristee Buff, assistant vice president of human resources. "We have a goal each year to implement a new

benefit."

Last year, the company added dental insurance; this year it's enhancing the dental plan and the vision plan. Also, a new

wellness plan is being enhanced to provide reimbursements on health insurance for healthy behavior.

On-site weight management programs; financial, emotional and health education programs; and on-site health screenings and flu shots also add to the company's benefits package.

One of ANPAC's most utilized benefits, however, is its education assistance program. Unlike many such programs,

it does not reimburse employees for job-related education but pays 100 percent upfront.

Another popular program is an employee assistance program through Employee Services Inc.

The program, in place for more than 10 years, allows employees and their family members to privately access company-paid counseling for stress, family-related issues, financial issues and substance abuse. The payoff for offering supportive benefits is healthier, and happier, employees.

"For instance, with the EAP, when they can deal with their stress, they're more productive at work, they're more engaged, they're happier, and they seem to be here more often," Buff says.

ANPAC provides a $200 attendance award to employees who do not use their sick time, and about 34 percent of employees receive the award each year.