The Bloomington, Ill.-based State Farm Insurance Co., the nation’s largest property and casualty insurer, has launched a series of initiatives to expand its markets while contributing to the economic vitality and safety of low-income neighborhoods. State Farm has invested in excess of $100 million in support of community revitalization. To help reach its goals, State Farm has developed a long-term, strategic business relationship with Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation and the members of the affiliated NeighborWorks® network. NeighborWorks members are all community-based nonprofits that are typically referred called Neighborhood Housing Services, community development corporations, or mutual housing associations.

In Chicago, for example, State Farm — in alliance with network member NHS of Chicago — formed the Home Safety Program. Working with the Chicago fire department, the NHS sponsors inspections of potential safety hazards such as furnaces and electrical systems and provides loans if repairs or replacements are needed. State Farm funds the loans once the homeowners have undergone training in repair and fire safety. The company also established home buying seminars in cooperation with NHS. Corporate representatives explain the home and insurance purchasing process, help with credit repair, and educate prospective buyers on property inspection and upkeep. These courses help future homeowners in the neighborhoods and identify new business for State Farm.

Hear Clayton Adams, Vice President, State Farm Insurance and Todd Pittman, National Insurance Manager, National Insurance Task Force (NITF) discuss their partnership at "Business with a New Beat 2002," a Journalists Roundtable.

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