In March, Ayr Farmers Mutual was presented with the 2026 Outstanding Contributor Award at the annual Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (OMIA) Convention.
Pictured: The Ayr Farmers Mutual Board of Directors, Executive and Management Team with former OMIA Board Chair, Kevin Konecny, and OMIA CEO & President, John Taylor, with the OMIA Outstanding Contributor Award.
Outstanding Contribution to the Mutual System
This recognition is given to a member Ontario Mutual company that demonstrates leadership and service within the mutual insurance system.
We're also proud to be the first company in the award's history to receive this honour twice, having first been recognized in 2005.
To say we're honoured would be an understatement, but more than anything, this recognition is a reflection of our people. The relationships our team builds with policyholders, each other, and our partners are what set us apart. They bring integrity to every decision. They carry enthusiasm into their work, even when it's difficult and complex. And they steward care, with our communities, our environment, and with the people who will depend on us long after today.
At This Year's Convention
That same spirit of thoughtful contribution, showed up in a big way at this year's convention. Alan Johnston, Manager of Data, Product and Pricing, took the stage as a panelist for Emerging Leaders: The "Future Mutual". The conversation focused on where the mutual insurance industry is headed, from technology to hybrid work to building organizations that last. His message was an important one: don't use technology just for the sake of using technology. Make sure there's a human involved wherever you can, because the value of mutual insurance companies lies in being a place where policyholders can pick up the phone and talk to someone who knows them.
Jodi Meiering, Chief Operating Officer, moderated Ontario Auto 2026: A Busy Year Ahead. The session covered the Ontario Mutual Automobile Plan, Ontario's Auto Reform, and the Fraud Reporting and Reduction Strategy. In Jodi’s own words, "Moderating this panel was a privilege. Our panelists brought deep expertise, and did a remarkable job making complex topics accessible and relatable for an audience with a wide range of familiarity with both areas. Everyone left with a stronger understanding of what these changes mean for member mutual companies and for consumers."
And within her first year on AFM’s Board of Directors, Heather McLachlin ICD.D, received her Director’s Certificate from the OMIA Certification Program - an impressive accomplishment, and one the whole team celebrated together.
Pictured: Alan Johnston, Manager of Data, Product and Pricing, on stage as a panelist for Emerging Leaders: The "Future Mutual".
Pictured: Board of Directors, Heather McLachlin ICD.D, receiving her Director’s Certificate from the OMIA Certification Program.
With Thanks
At AFM, we've always believed that a stronger mutual system means better outcomes for the policyholders and communities we serve. When member companies work together by sharing knowledge and growing together, everyone gets better. Better knowledge. Better practices. Better experiences for our policyholders. They say rising tides lift all boats, and Ayr Farmers Mutual feels privileged to be part of such a strong mutual community.
Thank you to OMIA, Farm Mutual Re, and the entire mutual community for this recognition. And above all, thank you to our team for being the reason Ayr Farmers Mutual was chosen for the Outstanding Contributor Award.
Pictured: Jeff Whiting, President & CEO of Ayr Farmers Mutual, with the 2026 Outstanding Contributor Award.