Specialty Markets Presents Prius to Calif. Charity at PRIMA
June 5, 2008 -- Uniquely combining a dedication to reduce greenhouse gases with a desire to support strong local communities, Munich Re America ’s Specialty Markets donated a 2008 Toyota Prius this week to the Orangewood Children’s Foundation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) in Anaheim, California. Registered conference attendees were invited to select from among three Orange County California charitable organizations. Runners-up were the Orange County Food Bank and South County Senior Services. Each received a $1,000 donation from Munich Re America.
Approximately 1,500 professionals representing risk management, human resources, legal, financing, public administration, and the insurance industry attended the conference held June 1 through 4. The announcement of the winning organization and presentation of the car keys was held Tuesday at the Munich Re America exhibit in the Anaheim Convention Center. For more than 25 years, Specialty Markets has provided alternative market expertise and risk financing to public entities such as municipalities, school districts, and public utilities.
Registered conference attendees were invited to select from among three Orange County California charitable organizations they believe was most deserving by its outstanding community service. Runners-up were the Orange County Food Bank and South County Senior Services. Each received a $1,000 donation from MRAm.
“In every community, local charities play a vital role in connecting government, individuals and businesses that impact the quality of life for all of us,” said Specialty Markets President Craig Smiddy. “This year’s PRIMA was also a great opportunity to underscore our corporate commitment to the environment. So instead of building a new exhibit booth and shipping it to Anaheim, we came up with this cost neutral, carbon neutral option of using the Prius as our conference centerpiece for meeting clients and potential clients.”
“In addition, contributing such a fuel-friendly vehicle to a worthwhile organization fits perfectly with the very public entity niche we support with our insurance and reinsurance offerings,” added Craig.” According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the USA averaging about 46 miles a gallon."
In June 2007, Munich Re’s Board of Management decided on the climate neutrality strategy of the reinsurance group. Munich Re headquarters in Munich is scheduled to become carbon neutral by 2009. The Munich Re Group international organization - over 50 locations worldwide including MRAm – is set to become carbon neutral by 2012. (View the Munich Re Group sustainability web site)