September 6, 2023

The Tennessee Farmers Life Insurance Company commemorated its momentous 50th anniversary in a celebration held at its corporate headquarters in Columbia, Tenn., on September 1, 2023. Attendees included former employees, the company’s first employee and inaugural chief operations officer Dennis Stephen, former CEO Matthew M. “Sonny” Scoggins, Jr., and former chief operations officer Neal Townsend.

A Journey of Success and Gratitude

Chief Operations Officer David Bell expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated current and former employees for their remarkable five decades of service. He emphasized the shared narrative of accomplishment and attributed the company's success to visionary leadership steering the course with an unwavering commitment to its customers and Farm Bureau members.

Chief Executive Officer Jeff Pannell extended his gratitude to current employees and retirees, acknowledging their significant contributions. Pannell reflected on the unforeseen success of the Life Company since its inception by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, highlighting its growth with over 430,000 active policies. He underscored the pivotal role of life insurance in enabling families to maintain their homes, support higher education, and preserve generational farms. Pannell lauded the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, noting its profound impact on approximately 3 million Tennesseans as part of the nation's largest Farm Bureau.

A Testament to Human Connection

Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry commended the profound human impact of the Life Company's initiatives. He emphasized the crucial role of life insurance in protecting the lives of Tennesseans following the loss of loved ones, sharing his personal experience and connection to the value of life insurance.

Stephen recounted the humble beginnings of the life company in the basement of the Tennessee Farm Bureau headquarters. Reflecting on the journey from manual operations to automation and substantial growth, Stephen commended the loyalty and dedication of past and present employees in upholding the company's values.

Milestones of Growth and Compassion

Bell concluded the celebration by presenting a snapshot of the company's remarkable evolution over 50 years. From its modest start of issuing 2,500 life insurance policies in the first four months of operations, the company has flourished to encompass over 430,000 active policies. The face amount value of policies issued has soared from $41 million in 1973 to a staggering $47 billion today, reflecting the company's consistent progress.

Bell highlighted the company's substantial growth in assets, from $4 million in 1973 to an impressive $2.6 billion, providing security to its policyholders. A unique hallmark of the company's service is the personal and compassionate delivery of every death claim by dedicated agents. With over 28,000 death claims paid, amounting to $1.4 billion, the company's legacy of delivering on its promise is unmistakable.

Bell encouraged employees to embrace the life company's mission with enthusiasm, emphasizing the privilege of enriching lives daily by offering the gift of life through insurance coverage.