The strengthening of its financial base plus relocating offices to Cleveland, Ohio, were the focus of reports to directors of both the United Church Insurance Company and UCC Insurance Board in meetings May 10-12.

"It’s clear," CEO and President, Cathy Green, told directors, "from our financial results at the end of six months and from the communications to our office, that we are on track to meet our goals for this year, including regaining financial stability and rebuilding confidence in our property, liability and risk management services for UCC and Disciples churches."

Green noted in her report to board directors that the retention rate of churches in Insurance Board programs was running four percent above projections, providing stronger operating results than anticipated. "Assuming current loss trends continue, we expect a positive bottom line during this fiscal year," she said.

Green did note, however, that the move of corporate offices and the transfer of management services to Willis brokerage, in the short term, have delayed a planned marketing campaign to bring new churches into the Insurance Board program. "We certainly will be ready for a strong push for new participants in the fall," the president noted.

United Church Insurance Company the risk-bearing subsidiary of the Insurance Board, reported net equity well in excess of regulatory requirements. Board members were told that the financial issue with partner insurance fronting groups pertaining to the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes is now fully resolved and that the audit is underway.

During the meeting, Insurance Board directors approved a new set of "Mission, Values, and Vision Statements." Board Chair, the Rev. Gene Miller, Conference Minister of South Dakota, named a strategic planning group that will work with Insurance Board management on a revised strategy built on the new mission statement.

The new "Mission, Values, and Vision Statements" can be seen at the Insurance Board website, www.insuranceboard.org.

Green announced to board members that the moving dates for the Insurance Board corporate offices will be June 1-4. The move is from its current location in Gaithersburg, Maryland, to new offices on the fifth floor of the United Church of Christ office complex at 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115.

President Green also announced that Sophia Cardoza, Director for Information Systems, will be relocating to Cleveland, joining three staff members already working out of the new offices, with others to be hired. Three other staff members will remain on staff and work remotely from Maryland.

The board recognized Emil Corno, Vice President - Finance & Administration, during the May board meeting, as he concludes more than 13 years of service to the Insurance Board and its thousands of participants. Other Gaithersburg staff will complete their service in June, receiving severance and benefits.

United Church of Christ Insurance Board, established in 1981 in California, has been located in Maryland for the past 14 years and will move corporate offices to Cleveland in June. The UCCIB, a not-for-profit corporation, administers property and liability insurance programs for churches and related organizations of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

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