Nationwide Insurance Expands Urban Initiative

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. has opened a new Urban Sales and Service Center in Columbus, OH. The office is at 2572 Cleveland Avenue. The Columbus office is the third urban office opened by Nationwide this year and is part of the company's ongoing commitment to increase its presence in urban markets. Nationwide has similar offices in San Antonio, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, Richmond, VA and Louisville, KY. Additional offices will be opened in Toledo, Lexington, Atlanta and Dallas in the next 12 months.

"Nationwide believes that urban markets offer an excellent opportunity for us to grow market share," said Jack Wood, vice president in charge of Nationwide's Ohio operations. "The opening of this office also supports the efforts of other local Nationwide agencies that are serving the urban market," Wood said. The company says its goal is to offer auto and homeowners insurance to all segments of the Columbus market.

"Urban markets represent attractive sources of business for us and this office is another step toward win-win solutions serving the needs of urban consumers while positioning Nationwide to further increase its business in the community," said Lorraine Brock, Nationwide's associate vice president of urban markets development.

Terrance Williams has been appointed the Columbus sales and service manager. Williams began his Nationwide career in 1995 as a claims representative. Williams is a board member of Columbus Neighborhood Housing Services and the Columbus Compact Group. He is also a member of the NAACP, Columbus Urban League and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

The company says the urban sales and service center staff will heighten Nationwide's presence at community festivals, fairs, and educational seminars.