Every few years, a milestone birthday or anniversary comes along that gives one pause to reflect on the past, celebrate the good times, and look ahead to the future. As a company, we have a special opportunity to do that during 2017 as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas marks 75 years in business. We are a locally owned and operated company that has been part of the Kansas landscape since 1942.

As Blue Cross enters our 75^th year in business, we reflect on our beginnings and see that the more things have changed, the more our company has stayed true to its core values set forward so brilliantly by our forward looking first president, Sam Barham.

We were not the first insurance company in Kansas. We are, however, the product of Kansans who very early on saw the need to pool their resources to help pay for their health care needs. We were built Kansas community by Kansas community, by residents who worked together to educate and enroll members of their community.

It is this idea of Kansans serving Kansans that has set our company apart from others. From the first three employees in 1942 to the now more than 1,600, our employees have dedicated themselves to providing peace of mind and access to a better quality of life for all Kansans. As a mutual insurance company – meaning Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is owned by its policyholders – our employees know that their first duty is to our members, and that is why we have consistently been recognized for our outstanding customer service.

Other insurance companies may come and go, but I am confident that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will remain a fixture in our state’s business landscape. Our employees live and work in the communities we serve and recognize the importance of service to their fellow Kansans. They understand that part of our duty is being good corporate citizens. They demonstrate that commitment by volunteering and supporting community agencies like the United Way, American Red Cross and March of Dimes.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is never going to be a huge company, but I am confident that we will always be here for Kansas. More change is likely on the horizon and we know how we’ll approach the challenge. Commitment to serving Kansans, showing compassion by providing financial security during times of need and demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.

We are Kansans serving Kansans. That will not change.

I recently had the honor of accepting the Ad Astra Award from the Kansas Chamber. Each year, the Chamber recognizes one Kansas business for its unique contribution to the economic health and welfare of the state, choosing a business that exemplifies both business and civic excellence within the state. It was truly an honor to accept the Ad Astra Award on behalf of our board of directors, 1,600 employees and the more than 930,000 Kansans that we serve.

As part of the recognition at that event, we shared a video that illustrates how much we cherish our 75-year tradition of serving Kansans. You can view it below. I hope you enjoy it.

Ad Astra video