Church Mutual Insurance Company’s new Reflection Center quietly opened its doors today.
The quaint, white, wooden-frame building is intended to serve as a welcome respite for the property and casualty insurer’s approximately 750 home office employees.
The 26 by 44 building was a cooperative venture between instructor Mike Stellato’s Merrill High School Technical Education Department students and local contractors. The project got under way in October of 2014 and the opening less than a year later coincides with the first day of autumn in 2015.
“We have actively sought to introduce the concept of wellness physically to our employees through healthy initiatives,” Church Mutual CEO Mike Ravn said. “Since a healthy mind is every bit as important as a healthy body, it is hoped this Reflection Center is a mental oasis from our hectic lives. The location of this building ties in nicely with the miles of walking trails that allow employees to combine the physical and mental aspects of wellness.”
Church Mutual President Rich Poirier was happy to involve today’s youth in the project.
“This was a win-win for our company and the local high school students,” he observed. “They got valuable, practical hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified contractors. We received a quality haven for our employees. I could not be happier with the outcome!”