Symetra, a national provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance, today announced that it won silver honors in the ‘Business of the Year’ (large firms) category of Seattle Business magazine’s 2015 Community Impact Awards. The awards recognize Washington state businesses and organizations that are making a tangible, measurable impact on their communities. The awards were announced last night at a sold-out event at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle.

Symetra’s Community Impact Award nomination focused on its employees’ commitment to community and community service. “Giving back to the community is a deeply shared commitment at Symetra that is at the core of who we are as a business and as engaged citizens. We are incredibly proud of our employees, who collectively embody one of Symetra’s core values—‘swift to serve’—contributing their time, energy, money, goods and leadership to the causes and organizations that inspire personal passion. Symetra nurtures this giving spirit through matching gifts, volunteer time and a commitment to supporting those with a passion for service,” said Symetra Chief Financial Officer Margaret Meister, chair of the company’s record-breaking 2015 I CARE employee-giving campaign.

Among the employee-led programs and activities cited in Symetra’s award were:

Symetra Week of Service — Since 2009, the Symetra Week of Service has connected employees with volunteer opportunities in the community for one week each summer. From clearing trails to tutoring students to assembling emergency preparedness kits, employees choose a project they care about and take time out of their work day to volunteer. From June 8–12, 2015, some 366 employees from Symetra’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters contributed 1,300 volunteer hours at more than 30 Puget Sound-area nonprofits.

Symetra ‘I CARE’ Employee Giving Campaign — “I CARE” is the overarching theme of Symetra’s annual employee giving campaign. Held each spring for two weeks, the I CARE campaign has generated record-setting participation rates for the last three years. Nearly 90 percent of Symetra’s employees participated in the 2015 I CARE campaign.

Symetra Service Squad — The Symetra Service Squad is a volunteer force of 128 employees ready to roll up their sleeves and give back. Led by volunteer-employee chairs, members meet to share ideas about volunteer opportunities and hear from local nonprofits about ways to get involved. Squad members help organize and recruit employees for Symetra’s signature volunteer events, including the Symetra Week of Service, the I CARE Employee Giving Campaign, cancer walks and annual Adopt-A-Family holiday wish program.

This is the second year that Seattle Business magazine has honored Washington state organizations for community contributions and achievements, recognizing 26 companies in 11 categories. Complete coverage of the 2015 Community Impact Awards is featured in the November issue of Seattle Business magazine and at seattlebusinessmag.com.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.