Assembly Resolution No. 902

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Merchants
Mutual Insurance Company of Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Merchants Mutual Insurance Company
of Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, For the last century, Merchants Mutual Insurance Company
has diligently worked to provide its loyal customers with all of their
small-business insurance needs; and

WHEREAS, After attending a grocers' convention, Urban F. Jehle saw
the need to bring merchants together to mutually insure their delivery
vehicles; he was joined in this venture by J.R. Young, a local insurance
man; Owen B. Augspurger, a lawyer; and C.W. Brown, a civil engineer; and

WHEREAS, The prominent businessmen established Merchants Mutual
Liability Company on March 5, 1918, and Urban F. Jehle assumed the title
of President; in the 1930s, the organization rebranded itself as
Merchants Mutual Casualty Company; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1957, Merchants Mutual Casualty Company
began offering casualty and property insurance, and consequently,
renamed the business, Merchants Mutual Insurance Company; and

WHEREAS, In the 1960s, Merchants Mutual Insurance Company moved to
its current location at 250 Main Street; the spectacular and well-known
building was designed by architects who were part of one of Buffalo's
most illustrious firms; and

WHEREAS, After being acquired by American European Group, Inc. in
2007, the Company has conducted business with clients in 11 states
including New York, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi,
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont; and

WHEREAS, Aware of its role in its community, Merchants Mutual
Insurance Company umbrella and its employees take pride in supporting
various local organizations; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Merchants Mutual Insurance Company;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Merchants Mutual Insurance Company.