Church Mutual to vacate former Walmart building in Merrill in 2022

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer) is thoughtfully reviewing options on how best to modify its operations to meet a reshaped post-pandemic reality. Based on lessons learned during the pandemic, the company plans to expand telecommuting opportunities for employees, resulting in a smaller in-office workforce. As a result, Church Mutual has decided it will not renew the lease on CM2 (the former Walmart building In Merrill) effective in March 2022.
“We remain committed to Merrill, a city we proudly call home,” said President and CEO Rich Poirier. “Merrill will remain the primary base of our operations. But at this juncture, with more employees telecommuting, we no longer need two large office buildings in Merrill.”
In response to COVID-19, Church Mutual transitioned nearly all 800 Merrill-based employees to work from home. Initially viewed as a short-term necessity, the ongoing work-from-home environment has proven that many job functions can be effectively performed remotely. Moreover, many Church Mutual employees have expressed a desire to continue telecommuting on a permanent basis.
Many of the employees with workspaces at CM2 may move to the Home Office location, while others may transition to permanent telecommuting. As COVID-19 remains a safety concern, Church Mutual employees will begin to return to offices no earlier than July 2021.
Founded in Merrill in 1897, Church Mutual has experienced tremendous growth to become a nationwide leader in insuring religious organizations and compatible markets. Church Mutual and its employees have maintained a strong and supportive presence in Merrill. The company will continue to provide financial support and employee volunteer hours to help a wide variety of community organizations and needs.
“Our financial strength has helped us remain a foundational and solid citizen of Merrill and the surrounding area for over 120 years,” Poirier said. “Our goal, as we address this new reshaped reality, is to make decisions that will allow us to continue being part of the fabric of this community for another 100 years. Consolidating into one Merrill facility will help us continue to strengthen our core and support fiscal responsibility.”
Church Mutual Church Mutual Insurance Company ffers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, senior living facilities, secular and non-secular camps and conference centers, and nonprofit and human services organizations throughout the United States. Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial property and liability insurance, including multiperil, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance. In addition to insurance, Church Mutual provides a spectrum of value-added solutions that benefit its customers.