To Our Shareholders continued...
A Platform from Which to Build a Future
I view 2008 and 2009 as years in which we continue to hone our skills and strengths to take advantage of future opportunities. While the current economy is difficult, it will recover. When that happens we will be poised to grow our business in our urban and Hispanic markets. I am confident of that.
We already have in place the planks of a solid platform, including a formidable agency force of 12,500. Systems and processes improvements, already undertaken, will lower costs and allow us to deliver more affordable products. But the number one reason for my optimism is the confidence I have in the people of Infinity. It is our people who take the business strategy and transform it into shareholder value. They are greatly aided in their success by their character and their values—values such as integrity and honesty, teamwork and service, tenacity for hard work, a sense of fair play, a balance between work and family, and a commitment to their communities. These values manifest themselves in daily interactions with customers and agents. It’s all about “serving others.” I see it in a call center specialist working overtime to help a customer with a problem. I see it when a mailroom clerk, just three weeks on the job, offers me suggestions on how the company can save money and provide better service to our customers. I see it in the charity drives by our employees and agents for under-privileged children in their communities. These are not easily quantified in a profit-and-loss statement, but are nonetheless indispensable to our future success and profitability. I know our agents and customers appreciate it as much as I do. Service to others may lead to financial reward but, with our people, serving others is a value that comes from within and is one that each employee naturally brings with them into the workplace everyday. I feel fortunate to work among such compassionate, caring and dedicated men and women and believe deeply that in this culture of “making a difference in the lives of others,” we will build a successful future for our customers and our shareholders, for whom we are “designed to serve.” I am grateful for your ongoing support.
James R. Gober, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer