Our Hometown Commitment
Allstate takes a special interest in the greater Chicago area, our hometown for 80 years. A vibrant community life, solid infrastructure, good schools and a strong talent pool all contribute to the company's overall success.
Since our founding, Allstate has become one of the largest companies in Chicagoland. With over 600 agency owners and more than 8,500 employees, we have a very active presence in a metro area of more than nine million people.
Our focus is on supporting innovative civic, cultural and multicultural programs that improve the vitality of Chicago's communities while enhancing Allstate's reputation. In addition to volunteering in the community, in 2010 we:
- Partnered with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago chapter of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues to help young people develop critical thinking, writing and speaking skills.
- Established new cultural partnerships via WTTW-TV (Chicago's Public Broadcast System station) "Cultural Connections" on-air segments and the Chicago Public Library Foundation's "One Book One Chicago" program.
- Helped community groups work together for safer neighborhoods by supporting Genesis Housing Corporation, Goodcity and Enlace Chicago.
- Supported local performing arts organizations such as the Goodman Theatre, Black Ensemble Theater and Victory Gardens.
- Funded "community conversations" about the negative impact of bigotry and intolerance.
Allstate's involvement also has been critical to the success of two new exhibits at major Chicago museums. "Play It Safe," at the Chicago Children's Museum, teaches even very young children how to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a home fire. "Science Storms," at the Museum of Science and Industry, helps students and people of all ages understand basic scientific principles of weather and other natural phenomena.
Such sponsorships, partnerships and grants make Allstate a leading corporate citizen and a valued contributor to the quality of life in and around Chicago.
As part of our hometown commitment, our leaders and employees also volunteer their time to address many causes within the local community. In 2010:
- More than 200 officers and employees participated in Chicago area Give Back Day activities.
- 900 Allstate leaders took part building bikes that were donated to youth-focused Chicago nonprofit groups.
- 180 Allstate officers volunteered 600 hours of time at several Chicago-area nonprofits.
- 50 Home Office employees represented Allstate at the 2010 Chicago Cares Annual Serve-a-thon.
Allstate Fellows
In 2010 we launched The Allstate Fellows program, a new social impact initiative that applies the knowledge and skills of our leaders to help create lasting solutions to the challenges and opportunities our nonprofit partners face every day. Beginning in 2011, our initial cohort of Allstate Fellows was placed at Chicago-area nonprofits to help direct short-term projects that further the work and mission of participating organizations. These nonprofit partners are now benefitting from the knowledge and commitment of highly skilled Allstate business leaders who on average bring more than 10 years of business experience to their assignment. The program also provides our Fellows with unique insight into the communities and people Allstate serves.
Science Storms
Allstate committed $10 million to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry to create Science Storms, a one-of-a kind permanent exhibit aimed at highlighting the power of nature. Science Storms opened in March 2010 and allows visitors to stand inside a 40-foot tornado, create their own lightning, trigger a mini-avalanche or unleash a tsunami across a 30-foot wave tank. It also serves as a highly visible platform to reinforce Allstate's leadership in preparing and protecting Americans from the risk of natural catastrophes.
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