Nationwide is celebrating its 100th anniversary in April, as CEO Kirt Walker shared in a letter reflecting on the company’s milestones, community contributions, and gratitude toward partners and customers.
The centennial is significant because less than one-half of one percent of companies reach this milestone. Walker said Nationwide takes seriously its role in helping people protect what matters most. He wrote, “We’re grateful to have earned the trust of our partners, members and the community and take seriously our role in helping people protect what matters most.”
Walker described how Nationwide began when Ohio farmers sought fair auto insurance prices for rural drivers. The company’s first policy was issued on April 14, 1926. Since then, it has grown into a major provider of insurance and financial services across America.
In his letter, Walker outlined several historic firsts for Nationwide: paying its first auto claim within 24 hours in 1926; creating innovative road safety education with a custom paintball car in 1937; being the first insurer to offer mutual funds in 1954; rewarding seat belt use beginning in the 1960s; deploying mobile claims units after disasters starting with the Xenia tornadoes in the mid-1970s; introducing deferred compensation annuities for public employees in 1975; combining long-term care benefits with retirement savings products by 1999; launching telematics-based discounts for safe driving in 2007; developing fee-based fixed indexed annuities for advisors by 2017; and offering protected lifetime income solutions within workplace retirement plans since 2021.
Community involvement has been central to Nationwide’s identity. The Nationwide Foundation has contributed more than $745 million to communities since the year 2000—including $170 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital since 2006. The company also operates a corporate blood donation center established with the Red Cross and encourages employee volunteerism nationwide.
Walker concluded his letter stating: “We believe our past informs our future and value your enduring partnership. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we pursue our vision of becoming the most trusted, most caring and most customer-focused protection company.” He added that additional community investments will be announced during April as part of their centennial celebration.
Nationwide continues to invest in long-term strength through strong capital positions and relationships with members across the country. The company holds an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s.
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce promotes a more inclusive business environment through initiatives supporting community prosperity according to the official website. It focuses on advancing prosperity through advocacy efforts at city, county, and state levels while providing resources such as networking opportunities for members according to its website. The Chamber also participates collaboratively via groups like the East Valley Chamber Alliance according to its official site.
