The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co.

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The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. was established as a farmers' mutual insurance carrier in 1896 in Wawanesa, Manitoba under the laws of Canada and was subsequently incorporated by an Act of Parliament on May 1, 1929. It was founded by Alonzo Fowler Kempton. Executive offices are located in Winnipeg

The company began modestly. A small room was rented above a local drugstore. The staff consisted of Alonzo Kempton - secretary-manager, and Charles Kerr - bookkeeper. Seven of the 20 original investors were named directors. Wawanesa issued its first policies without a premium payment because farmers didn't have cash until after harvest.

The United States branch was established under the laws of California on May 23, 1974. Initial funds were realized from a contribution of the Canadian parent corporation. The first policy was written in the United States in April 1975. Head office for the U.S. unit is in San Diego, California.

Today, the company employs 1,800 people in Canada and the U.S. as well as 1,300 independent brokers in Canada.