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Archived: Congratulations to the Classes of 1862, 1907 and 1912

Posted on July 17, 2012

Several longtime AIM member companies are celebrating a century or more in business during 2012, from John Hancock at 150 years and the Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) at 105 years to Liberty Mutual and Winchester Hospital, both at 100 years.

These companies opened their doors in eras much like the present, filled with both political and economic uncertainty. Their growth and success through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Space Age and the dawn of the 21st century underscore the determination and acumen that have made them all household names.

Hancock.MediumWho knew when John Hancock commenced its operations at the height of the Civil War in 1862, in a back room at 41 State Street, that its wealth management business would today oversee more 401(k) plans than any other firm in the U.S.?

SBLIWho would have foreseen a company with $114 billion of life insurance in force when SBLI was founded 105 years ago by Boston attorney and future Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis because he believed that savings banks could provide affordable or dependable life insurance to all families who needed it?

Liberty.SmallWho imagined 100 years ago when Liberty Mutual opened its doors with 15 people that it would grow to include 45,000 employees in more than 900 offices spanning five continents and 27 countries? The company generated more than $34.7 billion in consolodiated net revenues in 2011

WinchesterWho could have envisioned the current, cutting-edge Winchester Hospital a century ago after a young mother walked into the institution with gallstones – she was successfully treated and released five days later – to become the first procedure conducted at the hospital.

Congratulations to all of these companies on reaching such remarkable milestones. AIM is grateful for the support each enterprise has provided to our efforts to ensure that Massachusetts remains a good place to live and work.

Any AIM-member company celebrating a significant anniversary or achievement may post the news on the AIM Facebook page or contact me at bgilmore@aimnet.org.