NEWS RELEASE
September 9, 2009

CELEBRATING TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE

BRISTOL, Va.- Settlers Life Insurance Company will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of its formation by hosting the Bristol Chamber of Commerce's Business After-Hours Reception on September 29, 2009.

"For two and a half decades Settlers Life has been an integral part of the Bristol community, helping found events such as the Rhythm & Roots Reunion Celebration, strongly supporting the Bristol United Way, and contributing time and money to local and regional charitable and non-profit organizations," said Settlers Life President Michael Lowe. "We believe that a company has a duty to support the community where it is located, and we do our best to live up to that belief."

"We are also proud of our record of claims payments to the policyholders and beneficiaries who count on us to be there at their time of need," said Lowe. "Over the past ten years, Settlers Life has paid out more than $168 million in death claims, with $22.7 million paid out in 2008 alone."

"I would like to thank our employees and our agents for their hard work on our behalf, and our policyholders for their loyalty. We would not be standing here today celebrating twenty-five years of success without their valuable contributions."

As part of Settlers Life's celebration, the company will make two gifts to the community during the Reception. The company will make a special $1,500 donation to the United Way of Bristol, as well as an $1,100 donation to the Salvation Army. The latter amount was raised by the sale of cook books filled with recipes submitted by Settlers Life's employees and agents.

Settlers Life was formed in 1984 as the successor to the Huff-Cook Mutual Burial Association. It was acquired by National Guardian Life Insurance Company in 1999, and now exists as a wholly-owned stock subsidiary. The company has 64 employees located in its Bristol offices, and partners with 3100 independent life insurance agents across 28 states.

Settlers Life is rated "A minus" (Excellent) by the A.M. Best Company, Inc., who states that an A minus rating "is assigned to companies which have, in our opinion, an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders." Settlers Life has maintained this rating throughout the recent economic difficulties.

For more information please contact Michael Lowe at 276-645-4303 or Jane Lucas at 276-645-4384.

Return to Press Articles and News Releases