NYCM Stories: Employee Appreciation Day

A company’s success is a direct result of the steadfast hard work and dedication of its employees. Without a strong foundation of people who truly care about their work, their teammates, and their communities, it’s impossible for a company to carry out its mission or accomplish its goals.

Every year on the first Friday in March, National Employee Appreciation Day is observed, affording employers another opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to employees for all they do.  For the NYCM Strategic Planning Committee and Business Planning Team, Employee Appreciation Day is a welcomed occasion to remind employees that the commitment and zeal they bring every day is not only appreciated, but that it makes up the bedrock of the company.

Cheryl Robinson, President/CEO

“When I reflect on Employee Appreciation Day, it is evident to me that the employees that have walked the halls of NYCM past, present, and future are the heart and soul of this organization. Some may say that our location is not an asset, but I feel that's exactly what it is. The individuals of upstate NY and the communities surrounding our office locations are genuinely kind, caring, and supportive people. They bring these principles, values, and characteristics to everything they do, so when they are at work it's not just about getting the tasks done; it becomes about being there for each other: extending support when in need and celebrating each other when we have joyous occasions or moments.

I have had the pleasure to work with some of the greatest team members through stressful challenges and often crises like emergencies. Even through some long sleepless nights trying to resolve the issue at hand, it never ceases to amaze me when I take a moment and watch how everyone shows up, despite what might be going on outside of work, and comes together to collectively get us to the other side.  I often say that is when we do our best work. None of that happens if we don't feel a high level of respect, care, and trust with our teammates.

Who our employees are at their core is what creates the foundation for this organization that is built on relationships with each other that we extend out to our customers. Our North Star simply elevates and acknowledges the importance of always putting team and relationships at the center of everything we do to lift others up.”

Mike Perrino, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Treasurer

"To me, Employee Appreciation Day is a time not just say thank you, but to reflect on who we are and just how far we’ve come together.  Our employees are the grass roots that nourish our organizational tree, propel our growth, and provide for our collective success. The family-like relationships we continue to cultivate and cherish serve at the core of delivering on the promises we make to our customers. The story of our employees is “our story,” and for the last 125 years they have been the heart and soul of this company and our journey.  

Each day as I pull up to the office, I’m inspired by what we are achieving together. I’m grateful to serve our talented employees as they spend their days caring, giving, building relationships, and devoting themselves to our purpose. It is truly uplifting to be a part of something bigger and to experience how we come together in the most challenging of times to be there for others, as well as each other, when it matters most. This is what it’s like to be part of our NYCM Family!  

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of our valued employees. Your contributions are essential to our shared achievements and future aspirations, and because of you, our future is bright! This is a day is meant to celebrate you!"

Jeremy Robinson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

“The aspects I value most about my team members is that they are unique individuals that are passionate about what they do. They each bring their own perspectives and lean on past experiences to shape new ideas that will take NYCM into the future. I think the part that inspires me the most is how caring they all are, from volunteering for their favorite charity to being there for each other in times of need.

They all live our North Star in their own way, but all in the name of hope for others. Whether together as a group or as individuals, they give us their best each and every day to make NYCM and the world around them a better place. Our team members open doors for NYCM to give, to serve, and to be a community partner that we cannot do without everyone’s ideas and collaboration. The stories being shared each month of employees helping each other, going the extra mile for customers, and performing acts of kindness toward others is what inspires me to be a better person each day.”

Tim Trueworthy, Senior Vice President of Claims

“The aspect I value most about my team is their dedication to each other and to our customers!
Every day our teams demonstrate purpose through the care, hope and courage they provide to our customers. Whether we are directly customer facing or work in another capacity, it all matters.

Together, our teams are able to create an environment where the close connections we share inside with each other are translated to connections with customers. I believe our customers appreciate that.
Without our teams we wouldn’t have achieved all the things we have: Best Companies to Work For, AM Best A rating for 75 years, and the list goes on.”

Julie Palmer, Senior Vice President of Employee Experience

“Employees equal team to me. Without our team, NYCM wouldn’t be able to provide the excellent service to our customers that we do internally and externally, and we wouldn’t be as successful as we are now.

Our team displays the nature and foundation of our North Star through their caring behavior and dedication to be their very best. Not only do we see this through the financial results, but more importantly through the stories we hear from our customers and from each other.”
 

Kevin Plows, Senior Vice President of Technology

“NYCM’s Technology team rocks! Technology is just a tool and achieving great things with that tool becomes a reality when there are highly talented people who have a can-do attitude and work together as a team.

Pele said, ‘Success is no accident: It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing.’ My heartiest thanks go to each and every one of our employees. 

Thank you for your contribution to the success of this company. You have made us proud!”

John Holdorf, Senior Vice President of Risk Management

“Our employees have always been dedicated individuals who go above and beyond whenever necessary. It doesn’t matter what area they work in, they take great pride in their work and they’re just good people, every one of them. I can’t say enough good things about the divisions that I’m responsible for.

They care about each other. They care about not just NYCM individuals, but they care about others in their own communities. From that aspect, the North Star just comes natural to them.

I’m always very proud of the members within the team. Most of the team has been here a long time but when they have retired or left, we always find more good people and it makes my job easier because of the high quality of dedication and effort that they put in every day.”

Tiffany Florenz, Senior Vice President of Customer Relationship Management

"Our employees are the heart of everything we do. They embrace our customers with care and compassion every single day, and they have served the people of New York with pride for 125 years. It is because of our employees commitment to our shared purpose that we continue to achieve success together. 

Employee appreciation day allows us time to celebrate each of them, their dedication and passion for what they do. They are the reason that our organization keeps moving forward, cultivating new ground and delivering the best for our customers. 

Each day I am truly inspired by our team members creativity, their genuine care, and how they continue to go above and beyond. I want to say thank you to all of the NYCM Insurance employees for all you do, and wish you each a Happy Employee Appreciation Day!"

At NYCM Insurance, employees are a big part of our award-winning company culture. Read about NYCM Insurance winning Commerce Chenango’s first ever Culture Creator award here!