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State Farm Donates Equipment to UA Fort Smith
(Posted: March 30, 2005) (Printable Version)
Several pieces of office furniture have been donated to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from State Farm’s Claims Office in Fort Smith. The donation came as a result of a company consolidation of claims offices in the state, which was announced by State Farm officials in February 2004.
The gift from State Farm includes a number of desks, small and large file cabinets and storage cabinets.
UA Fort Smith Chancellor Joel R. Stubblefield said the university appreciated the donation:
“It was very thoughtful of State Farm Insurance to offer us the desks, filing and storage cabinets that were surplus to their needs,” Stubblefield said. “The university will benefit by being able to accommodate our growth in equipment needs at no additional cost to our citizens.”
Gary Stephenson, State Farm spokesman for Arkansas, said that supporting community development and education is one of the insurer’s philanthropic goals.
“We believe that it is important to give back to the communities in which we do business,” Stephenson said, “and we’re pleased that the university is able to use these materials.”
Company officials have emphasized that claims office changes will not affect State Farm Insurance agency operations or products.
The consolidation of some claims offices by State Farm is made possible by advances in technology and changes in claims workflow processes. Stephenson said that gains in operating efficiencies are helping State Farm plan for its long-term commitment to its customers in Arkansas and the nation. Officials at State Farm point to its winning the JD Power Award for Auto Collision Repair - Customer Service Satisfaction in 2003 as evidence of the positive impact of improved technology and service.
State Farm has nine agents in Fort Smith and 180 agents across the state. State Farm is the largest insurer of autos and homes in Arkansas and in the nation.
| Article by: Sondra LaMar, Director of Public Relations | |
| Photo(s) by: Jamie Mitchell, Jamie Mitchell Photography |
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