Philanthropic Agency GoodWorks of Mass. Opens in Conn.

GoodWorks Insurance, LLC, a Massachusetts insurance agency that promises to donate 50 percent of its profits to local charities, has expanded into Connecticut with a branch office in Granby.

The Granby agency, located at 33 Hartford Avenue, will provide consumers with all lines of personal and business insurance products, while pledging half of its annual operating profits to local community charities.

“We are excited to offer Connecticut citizens an opportunity to partner with us in our philanthropic mission of enhancing local communities,” said Joseph L. Grochmal, president and CEO of GoodWorks. “We intend to contribute to multiple communities across the state, starting with Hartford County.”

According to Grochmal, GoodWorks’ Granby office will primarily service customers from the Granby and Simsbury area, however, customers from anywhere in Connecticut can contact the Granby office for insurance.

A percentage of GoodWorks’ charitable donations will return to a customer’s town of residence. “For example, if a Glastonbury resident purchases a policy from GoodWorks, a percentage of our community donations will be allocated to the Town of Glastonbury,” said Grochmal.

GoodWorks will donate 50 percent of its annual operating profits (minimum $15,000) to local non-profit organizations serving education, healthcare, and public safety. Each organization will determine how funds are allocated within each community.

Today, the Granby office made its first donation of $4,000 to the Granby Education Foundation. Funds will be utilized to provide innovative educational programs in Granby.

“We are thrilled to see a company like GoodWorks, with its commitment to supporting education, make a home in Granby,” said Patricia Percival, chair of the Granby Education Foundation. “GoodWorks’ philanthropic mission is similar to that of the Granby Education Foundation, and we are pleased and honored to have their support.”

In April, GoodWorks introduced its unique corporate philosophy to Massachusetts with the opening of its first-ever branch office in Great Barrington.

“We’ve received very positive feedback from our customers, partners, employees, and communities since the opening of our Great Barrington office,” said Grochmal. “Our first Great Barrington office donation is already being put to work in support of education in Berkshire County. We plan to have the same effect in Granby.”

Each GoodWorks branch agency offers consumers personal insurance products including homeowners, automobile, personal umbrella, and others. In addition, GoodWorks provides small, medium and large corporations with extensive commercial insurance coverage including workers compensation, property and liability, employment practices liability, and more.

Insurers including Arbella Insurance Group, Chubb, Litchfield Mutual, National Grange Mutual, Patrons Insurance Group, St. Paul/Travelers, The Hartford, and Drive Insurance from Progressive have appointed GoodWorks. Grochmal said other appointments from nationally recognized insurance carriers are presently in the works.

GoodWorks delivers its 50 percent donation commitment in the form of an enforceable Charitable Contract, which holds GoodWorks responsible for providing donations and for remaining a fully transparent organization. The contract also ensures GoodWorks donations support worthy opportunities in each community.

“Our primary responsibility is to donate to communities in a tangible, trustworthy manner. We instituted the Charitable Contract to provide customers and communities with the security that GoodWorks will fulfill its donation commitment – even if the agency does not earn a profit,” said Grochmal.

GoodWorks plans to open branch offices throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and eastern New York before expanding nationally.

GoodWorks currently provides personal and commercial insurance products for customers in Connecticut from its Granby office. The company is in the process of expanding its business approach to include life, health, disability and long-term care insurance for both individuals and groups seeking employee benefits coverages.

GoodWorks is headquartered in North Canaan, Conn.

Source: GoodWorks