Published: January 29, 2008 09:42 pm      

Mutual of Omaha to stay in Woodward

Officials of the Nebraska based company Mutual of Omaha announced Tuesday a satellite customer service center will be maintained in Woodward.

Mutual of Omaha has been operating in Woodward since 1991 and announced in 2007 the office would be closing due to the company getting out of the employer-based health insurance business.

Since then, the company has decided the Woodward office will transition from a claims and customer service center to a short-term disability claims management center. Mutual of Omaha officials said in a news release he company has experienced strong growth in short and long term disability areas and other employer-based products.

“With their extensive knowledge and experience in medical claims administration, our Woodward associates are well suited to transition to disability claims management,” said Mutual Executive Vice President for Customer Service Madeline Rucker. “We see developing a satellite service center in Woodward as a win-win opportunity – both to meet the company’s business needs and to provide continued employment or many of the current Woodward associates.”

“It’s a very positive statement for Woodward and its future,” said LaVern Phillips, President of the Woodward Industrial Foundation. “Mutual of Omaha is an exceptional company. We’ve had a long positive relationship with this company.”

“A few years ago a strong effort was put forth by the Industrial Foundation and civic leaders to attract this business to our area,” said Brad Haines, president of Haines Capital Group, who owns the Mutual of Omaha building on Oklahoma Ave. “We are pleased that Mutual of Omaha has reconsidered and realizes the potential for employment this community has to offer.”

“Mutual of Omaha has leased the entire east building and will continue to occupy the west building while the 90-day renovation is being completed,” Haines said. Haines Capital purchased the building from Mutual of Omaha in late 2007.

Mutual of Omaha Woodward Branch Manager Sandi Liles said the decision came as a surprise to the Woodward employees.

“I think my staff is excited,” said Liles. “It’s a great compliment to my staff.”

Liles said since the April of 2007 announcement that the branch would be closing the 60 staff members continued to work hard and learn new things even though they knew they were going to lose their jobs.

“Since that time they have continued to have high results, to serve customers, as though nothing was going on,” said Liles.

Liles said the strong work ethic of the Woodward staff combined with some changes in the Omaha office resulted in the company keeping a branch in Woodward.

“At some point we anticipate to exceed our current employment,” said Liles. Liles said the primary concern is taking care of the current 60 employees and smoothly making the transition before additional employees are added.

In the meantime, 60 locals who expected to lose their jobs have now received knowledge to the contrary.

“It’s a wonderful day for Woodward,” said Phillips.