FUI sends Rene, Johnston to Panama

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(The Jamestown Sun) Farmers Union Insurance agents Mike Rene, James-town, and Neil Johnston, Wimbledon, N.D., were two of 65 agents nationwide to earn a company-sponsored trip to Panama that included outreach efforts in a local Indian community.

Prior to arriving in Panama, Farmers Union agents asked that part of their time there be devoted to humanitarian efforts, said Odean Olson, general manager of Farmers Union Insurance. The U.S. Embassy in Panama coordinated the details of the project which benefited an impoverished Embera Indian community on the outskirts of Panama City.

The community of 12 adults and 30 children received almost $13,000 in goods that were purchased by the insurance agents. Gifts included stoves, freezers, fans, mattresses, bed frames, live chickens and feed, medicines, sewing machines and fabric, clothing, school supplies and backpacks and a septic tank with piping.

The sewing machines and fabric, chickens and feed, medicines and freezers were especially appreciated, said Olson, as these items will help the community start and grow self-sustaining businesses.

“Farmers Union Insurance began this program of humanitarian outreach during its agent sales celebration last year,” said Olson. “This effort will continue and is another example of Farmers Union Insurance’s commitment to building stronger communities.”

Rene and Johnston earned the award trip for excellent client service and sales growth.