Home Office: Cottonwood, Minnesota

December 2020

2020, ANYTHING BUT CLEARTo say that 2020 has been a strange year is an understatement. Pandemic, shutdowns, and work from home were not in the plans when we ended 2019. We knew about the election, but that has just added to the drama. A good “positive” outcome in 2020, however, is that North Star Mutual is having a successful year as of this publication.

A great start in the first quarter gave us some room for the bumpy second and third quarters. We ended the third quarter with a 92.5% combined ratio and we would expect to improve on this with our normally good fourth quarter, but this is 2020 so we will knock on wood at this point.

Through November, premium income is up 5.1% and over 14,500 policies have been added. We know many of you have earned turkeys this year so that is one tradition that has not been upended. Thank you for your great support for North Star Mutual!

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Jeff Mauland for his leadership of North Star Mutual. Jeff is retiring in early 2021 after 42 years with the company. Yes, 42 years with North Star. His accomplishments as President and CEO are remarkable. Jeff began his career at North Star in 1979. He became President and CEO in 2001 when premium income was just over $85 million and surplus was just over $58 million. He will retire as CEO with premium income likely exceeding $475 million and surplus likely exceeding $600 million, depending on how the stock market ends the year. Incredible numbers! We wish Jeff and Lynn all the best in their retirement.

Jeff will be a hard act to follow but fortunately, he has established a good, experienced team to lead North Star into the future. We hope to keep earning your support with the same commitment to service and integrity as Jeff has established.

Pete HelliePresident

Perspective

Thank You Agents & Mutuals!Thank You Agents & Mutuals!

Pete Hellie, President

ALL OF US AT NORTH STAR WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A VERY

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thank you for the outstanding support you have given us again this year. We greatly appreciate the excellent relationships we have with our independent agents and township mutual partners.

Your business is important to us, and we look forward to working with you again in 2021.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE: A PERSONABLE COMPANY – KEEPING YOU ON COURSE!

Rolf Purdy, Field Representative for the Agency/Support Services department has announced his retirement effective January 4th, 2021. Rolf began his career with North Star in 2002 as a Field Representative for central and western North Dakota. Currently, his territory includes south central and southeastern North Dakota. Rolf will be retiring with 18 years of service.

Reflecting upon his retirement, Rolf stated: “It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with many good people at North Star Mutual and the independent agencies. I only wish I could have started earlier in my career. I would like to thank everyone that has helped me, put up with me, gave me knowledge, or made my job easier along the way over the years. Retirement is something that I have looked forward to and also dreaded at the same time. I’m not sure that I could tell you why it has been that way, but it was a tough decision to make. May North Star Mutual and its people continue to prosper!”

Rolf and his wife, Sue, currently reside in Jamestown, North Dakota. They have three children and eight grandchildren. In regards to his retirement plans, Rolf had this to say: “I am looking forward to making more sawdust, attending many more grandkids hockey and baseball/fast-pitch games, and playing hide and seek with my wife (or at least look like I am busy) so I have time to work on my projects and not too many of hers. When I told Sue I notified the company of my retirement and last day, she said “Well if you are not going to work, I am not going to work.” So her last day is January 5th. We plan to leave for Arizona on the 6th”.

CONGRATULATIONS, ROLF, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE!

North Star Retirements

Bev Schrupp, Agency Support/Services Technician for the Agency Support/Services department has announced her retirement effective January 5th, 2021. Bev began her career with North Star in 2008 as an Assistant Policy Processing Technician in the Personal Lines Underwriting department. In 2018, she transferred to the Agency Support/Services department as an Agency/Support Services Technician. Bev will be retiring with 12 years of service.

Reflecting upon her retirement, Bev stated: “Thanks to North Star for giving me the opportunity to work here. It is a good place to work…one that cares for the people who work here, and knows that family & faith is important. Wish the best to you in the next “100“ years”.

Bev and her husband, John, currently reside in Marshall. They have two children and eight grandchildren. In regards to her retirement plans, Bev had this to say: “I don’t have ‘big’ plans for retirement, just ‘a lot’ of plans. Relax, spend more time

with family, friends & especially grandchildren. Do crafts, puzzles, read & flower gardening. Won’t need to ask for ‘the day off’! It’s time to take life easy and enjoy the many blessings we are given”.

CONGRATULATIONS, BEV, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE!

North Star Retirements

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL! As I count down the final days to my retirement, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for your business and support over the years. I thought my final year would be a busy one with one more round of Spring Agents Meetings, Agency Advisory Councils, General Agents Meetings, Conventions, and 100th Anniversary Open House Celebrations. I had hoped to use these opportunities to say farewell and express my gratitude in person to so many friends and business associates, but it was not to be, as the global pandemic has changed things for all of us.

As I look back on the past 42 years, I can say that the journey has been a great one. I was fortunate to wind up in this important industry and was very blessed to have many outstanding mentors and co-workers who helped me along the way. I have so many great memories and the time really flew by! Yes, there were a few tough and difficult times, but they were minor compared to all the good times and great people I met. I especially enjoyed the hundreds of meetings we had with our agent and township mutual partners over the years.

I am very proud of the growth and success we have had at North Star. A great deal of credit for this success belongs to you, our agency and township mutual partners, for your wonderful support. You have built our company and we greatly value the excellent relationships we have with you. Thanks so much for your partnership, for all the memories, and friendships! My best wishes to you all going forward.

- JeffTake care and be well!

Jeff Mauland, Chief Executive Officer has announced his retirement effective March 2nd, 2021. Jeff began his career with North Star in 1979 as an Inspector/Field Underwriter in the Loss Control Department. From there he moved into Underwriting, and later, Product Development, prior to being named Vice President of Administrative Services in 1992. In 1996, Jeff was named Senior Vice President and Secretary for the company. In 1999, he was elected to the Board of Directors and was named Executive Vice President. He succeeded Cliff Hanson as President of the company in 2001. Jeff will be retiring from North Star with 42 years of service, and plans to remain on the Board of Directors.

CONGRATULATIONS, JEFF, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE!

A Career in Mutual Insurance

IN 1979, JEFF STARTED AT NORTH STARNorth Star had:• 70 Employees• 93,000 Policies• $12.6M Written Premium• $7.7M Surplus• $20.3M Assets

• Began Writing in ND

• Began Writing in NE

• North Star's first website is launched, along with employee email

• North Star named to Ward’s Top 50® for First Time

• Began writing in Iowa

• Began writing in Wisconsin

• Began writing Auto in KS in Partnership with Marysville Mutual

• 1st computer rated and printed policies

IN 1992, JEFF BECAME A VICE PRESIDENTNorth Star had:• 107 Employees• 146,368 Policies• $47.5M Written Premium• $40.5M Surplus• $78.4M Assets

IN 2001, JEFF BECAME PRESIDENTNorth Star had:• 142 Employees• 159,525 Policies• $96.0M Written Premium• $58.5M Surplus• $135.7M Assets

IN 2021, JEFF RETIRES AFTER 42 YEARSNorth Star has approximately:• 270 Employees• 345,000 Policies• $475.0M Written Premium• $640.0M Surplus• $980.0M Assets

19801990

20002010

2020

• Personal Auto line was Introduced

• Awarded IIAN's 5-Star Company of the Year

IN 2013, JEFF SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF MAFMIC

• Awarded MN PIA's Company of the Year

• Awarded MIIAB's Company Award of Excellence

Company Highlights

• Paper files are digitized

• 1st Addition to the Home Office

• 2nd Addition to the Home Office

• 3rd Addition to the Home Office

• Merger with Walle Mutual of Grand Forks

• Record storm events in 2010 ($27.1M) and 2011 ($47.9M)

• North Star celebrates 100th Anniversary

A Tribute to Jeff

A TRIBUTE TO JEFF!As I mentioned in the perspective article, Jeff Mauland’s career at North Star Mutual is unmatched in terms of company success and growth. In this section, I would like to point out the elements to Jeff that have allowed this success to happen.

Jeff is a tireless worker on behalf of North Star Mutual and the Insurance Industry. He often remarks how grateful he is to work in an industry as important as insurance. Jeff is authentic. What you see is what you get. He is straightforward in his approach and yet is a team player and promoter. His energy and passion for North Star is never in question, and as a leader it shows. Jeff leads by example.

You will always get Jeff’s best effort. He will sometimes relate how his Mom would tell him; “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it the best you can”. Jeff takes that approach to heart. He will always strive to do the “right thing” even though it may be the harder decision. Jeff values our partnership with agents and township mutuals. Advisory councils are listened to and we try to implement ideas from these discussions. Jeff places great importance on this and that sets the standard for North Star Mutual.

Now Jeff would say that he has had a lot of help and mentors along the way, and he has. But to all of us, and to his credit, it is what you do with those relationships that matter. Dedication, respect and humor are all part of Jeff’s toolbox and he will be missed.

One other item to point out about Jeff is his math and statistical ability. He has the uncanny skill to look at a report and immediately point out a wrong formula or result. North Star has put in place an actuarial department to help us replace his presence in this area. Jeff is staying on the Board of Directors so we hope to keep using his wealth of knowledge into the future.

We are hopeful of having a celebration in his honor sometime in 2021 as our 2020 plans were not able to happen. Please join me in wishing Jeff and Lynn all the best in their retirement. Jeff will be in the office through January 12th then taking some well-deserved vacation time before returning for his last working day on March 2nd, 2021.

- PeteThank you, Jeff, for your leadership and friendship!

MALVERN, PA — Ellen Kroger, CPCU, AINS, has been awarded the professional insurance designation Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU®) by The Institutes for successfully completing courses and examinations on risk management principles, insurance policy contracts and coverage analysis.

Ellen is a Senior Research and Filings Analyst for the Research and Development department and has been with North Star since June of 2014. She joins the growing number of North Star CPCUs,

which presently includes: Sara Anderson, Tandi Anderson, Randy Bakke, Stephen Belden, Todd Bossuyt, Sheila Brockman, Jon Brower, Chris Dahl, Brian Doose, Jan Falkum, Mike Flugum, Cody Fruin, Scott Gleitz, Deb Gniffke, Ashley Grams, Desiree Grunewald, Sarah Hansen, Pete Hellie, Cory Hubbard, Chuck Jahn, Chad Johnson, Larry Johnson, Ryck Jorgensen, John Kucera, Darik Lyons, Jeff Mauland, Gary Metz, Bret Moeller, Brandon Olson, Zeb Prairie, Zach Pringle, Curt Schake, Ellie Schuster, Tom Sloan, Travis Tjaden, and Deb Trevett.

PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING ELLEN ON ACHIEVING THIS MILESTONE IN HER CAREER!

ELLEN KROGER EARNS CPCU DESIGNATION

Designations Earned

Jeff Nuese, AU, Underwriter for the Commercial Underwriting department, recently completed the requirements to earn the Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) designation.

Promotions

Ying Vue has been promoted to Developer 3 for the Information Technology department.

Ying has worked for North Star since 2015 and previously held the position of Developer 2.

Yuepan Vue has been promoted to Developer 2 for the Information Technology department.

Yuepan has worked for North Star since 2018 and previously held the position of Developer 1.

Justin Eichten has been promoted to Developer 2 for the Information Technology department.

Justin has worked for North Star since 2018 and previously held the position of Developer 1.

Lisa Anderson has been promoted to Senior Underwriter for the Farm Underwriting department.

Lisa has worked for North Star since 2013 and previously held the position of Underwriter.

Department

Heather Brewers has been promoted to Senior Policy Processing Technician for the Personal Lines Underwriting department.

Heather has worked for North Star since 2013 and previously held the position of Policy Processing Technician.

Carrie Bladholm has been promoted to Underwriting Technician for the Personal Lines Underwriting department.

Carrie has worked for North Star since 2009 and previously held the position of Senior Policy Processing Technician.

Julie Gregoire has been promoted to Senior Claims Representative for the Property/Casualty Claims department.

Julie has worked for North Star since 2011 and previously held the position of Claims Representative.

Tom Sloan has been promoted to Senior Marketing Representative for the Agency/Support Services department.

Tom has worked for North Star since 2012 and previously held the position of Marketing Representative.

Anthony Holwerda has been promoted to Senior Claims Representative for the Property/Casualty Claims department.

Anthony has worked for North Star since 2011 and previously held the position of Claims Representative.

Wanda Hanson has been promoted to Senior Claims Technician for the Property/Casualty Claims department.

Wanda has worked for North Star since 1999 and previously held the position of Claims Technician.

2020 Service Awards

Darla MorkenSenior Underwriter,

Farm

Corrine HancockSenior Underwriter,

Personal Lines

Randy BakkeAssistant Manager,

Commercial

Brenda OlsonSr. Policy Processing Tech,

Farm

Steve AndersonSenior Claims Representative,

Auto Claims

Larry JohnsonSenior Vice President,Senior Management

40 YEARS 35 YEARS 30 YEARS

20 YEARS25 YEARS

Zeb PrairieVice President,

Finance

Tanya LundinSr. Policy Processing Tech,

Farm

Steve BauneSenior Developer,

Information Technology

Linda RaddatzSenior Claims Rep,

P/C Claims

15 YEARS

2020 Service Awards

Shawn GrossmanClaims Adjuster,

P/C Claims

Angela SerreynHR Assistant,

HR

Sara AndersonUnderwriter,

Personal Lines

Cody FruinAssistant Manager,

Agency/Supp. Services

Adam BlakeUnderwriter,

Personal Lines

Mark Vander ZwaagSr Marketing Rep,

Agency/Supp. Services

Mary LundSr Agency/Supp. Tech, Agency/Supp. Services

10 YEARS

5 YEARS

JeRae FreiborgUnderwriter,

Personal Lines

Ben BeeboutAsst Claims Rep,

Auto Claims

Kurtis ParlinManager,

Legal-Compliance

Scott HovaldtClaims Rep,P/C Claims

Dane TammeusClaims Rep,Auto Claims

Collin NickelAssistant Underwriter,

Farm

Casey PolzineClaims Adjuster,

P/C Claims

Kira SmiejaPolicy Processing Tech,

Personal Lines

Brenda MuehlenhardtPolicy Processing Tech,

Personal Lines

Megan McPhailPolicy Processing Tech,

Commercial

Christopher NemitzUnderwriter,

Personal Lines

Ying VueDeveloper 3,

IT

Greg SchwartzClaims Rep,Auto Claims

Thank you for your hard work and dedication!Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Upcoming Dates to Remember

OFFICE CLOSED AT 2:30PM - DECEMBER 24TH - CHRISTMAS EVE

OFFICE CLOSED - DECEMBER 25TH - CHRISTMAS

OFFICE CLOSED - JANUARY 1ST - NEW YEAR

DECEMBER 1952 - SEASON’S GREETINGSIn honor of our 100th Anniversary we leave you with a Christmas message, on the following page, from our 1952 December Gazer. We felt it was almost as relevant today as it was 68 years ago.

Good Ol’ Days

Bits and Pieces

• Agent Advisory Council meetings were not able to be held this year, but we look forward to getting the group together again when we are able. In the meantime, please feel free to share any ideas, issues or feedback to your local representatives.

• A big thank you to the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska for awarding North Star your 5-Star Company of the Year award. We appreciate this honor and it is a privilege to serve the agents of Nebraska and your policyholders!

• North Star has transitioned over to a new phone system as of December 7th. While we hope that you did not and will not notice any disruption in service, please let us know if you have issues as we are gathering feedback on our new service.