Roemer Insurance Celebrates Founder Dud Roemer’s 100th Birthday at Toledo Civic Hall of Fame 10th Anniversary Event

Trucking insurance industry pioneer, Wellington F “Dud” Roemer was inducted to the Toledo Civic Hall of Fame in January 2008 in recognition of his work with disabled children.

Toledo, OH, October 22, 2008—The Toledo Civic Hall of Fame’s 10th anniversary celebration holds special significance for Roemer Insurance this year. Wellington F. “Dud” Roemer, trucking insurance pioneer and founder of the Toledo-based risk-management firm, was inducted into the Toledo Civic Hall of Fame in January. According to his grandson, President and CEO, Wellington F. “Rocky” Roemer III, Dud Roemer was chosen for this honor for his many years of service to the community and his dedication to the area’s disabled youth. “My grandfather was an incredible man,” said Rocky Roemer.  “Not only did he set an example for all of us with his devotion to the cause of supporting and encouraging handicapped children, but he founded a firm that is still thriving today—in its third generation.” According to the Small Business Administration, two-thirds of family businesses fold before reaching the second generation and only about 12% stay viable into the third generation. Roemer Insurance plans to make a donation to the Civic Hall of Fame fundraiser in honor of Dud Roemer. The company will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2009.

Born in 1908, Wellington F. Roemer founded Roemer Insurance in 1934 and was considered a pioneer in the trucking insurance industry for his early work in developing trucking insurance as a specialty industry. “The term ‘run-of-the-mill’ was just not in my dad’s vocabulary,” said Roemer Insurance’s Vice Chairman of the Board, Tom Roemer. “Writing insurance policies for the trucking industry intrigued him greatly and he was really good at surrounding himself with experts or people who had the potential to become expert,” he stated. While building his insurance business, Mr. Roemer also focused on championing a cause close to his heart, supporting the needs of the area’s disabled children. Dud Roemer served on the Rotary Club of Toledo’s Handicapped Service Committee, worked with the Toledo Crippled Children’s Society, The Good Sports, and the Toledo Handicapped Association (now known as the Abilities Center). Dud Roemer was also instrumental in getting appropriations from Washington to fund the construction of Vistula Manor. “Every summer my dad would host a function for the children at the lake,” said Tom Roemer. “He would recruit football coaches and players from UT to help get the children and their wheelchairs in and out of the boats and everyone would have a wonderful time. Dad believed so much in the importance of mainstreaming handicapped children with able-bodied children and worked tirelessly toward that goal,” stated Tom Roemer.

Over his lifetime Dud Roemer experienced injuries that may have helped him empathize with the children whose cause he championed. Mr. Roemer himself was seriously injured in three separate accidents – 2 motor vehicle mishaps and an airplane crash – that left him with permanent damage to his leg and back. In spite of these injuries, Dud Roemer remained active and vital until the end of his life. “I remember pulling him on water skis when he was 70 years old,” said Tom Roemer. “He enjoyed it thoroughly.”

Dud Roemer’s 100th birthday was October 6, 2008 and his children, grandchildren, friends and the employees of his business plan to attend the Toledo Civic Hall of Fame 10th anniversary celebration and fundraiser. The event will be held downtown at the main Library in the McMaster Lobby. “We were so proud when he was inducted to the Hall of Fame. He was such a wonderful man and such a great citizen,” said Rocky Roemer. “I think it will be powerful to be able to point to Grandpa’s plaque on the wall and thank him for everything that he gave us.”

For more information about Roemer Insurance visit www.roemer-insurance.com or
call 419.475.5151.

                                     
About Roemer Insurance
Established in 1934 by trucking insurance pioneer, Wellington F. “Dud” Roemer,
Roemer Insurance is a third-generation family owned and operated insurance and risk-management firm. The firm will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2009. Roemer Insurance is a Toledo-area leader in employee health and benefit package plans, with an emphasis on workplace wellness, strong community ties and active participation in business and charitable organizations. Roemer Insurance specializes in trucking insurance packages for large and small fleets. Its Health Life Benefits division offers group and personal coverage. Committed to technology and sound insurance practices, Roemer Insurance continues to set the standard in risk management and customer service. Roemer Insurance is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and The Professional Insurance Association. For more information, visit www.roemer-insurance.com or call 419.475.5151.

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