Portland, ME, June 3, 2010  –  At its annual Volunteer Appreciation Night in May, STRIVE recognized MEMIC with its Employer of the Year award. STRIVE, which stands for Socialization, Transition, Reflection, Innovation, Vocation, Education, is a program for adults with developmental disabilities.

MEMIC participates with STRIVE U, a post-secondary program which teaches its students important independent life areas such as residential, employment and community skills. Since 2004, MEMIC has provided employment opportunities for STRIVE U students. Most recently Sarah Zwicker worked as an Underwriting Policy Processing Assistant. Earlier this month, Sarah graduated and finished her internship with MEMIC.

"It's flattering to be honored for our participation with STRIVE," said Catherine Lamson, MEMIC Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer. "Working with STRIVE adds to the diversity of our workforce and our employees enjoy their interaction with our STRIVE interns. This is a great program that provides benefits on both sides of the relationship."

Karen Johnston, who supervised Sarah, attended the STRIVE presentation on MEMIC's behalf. She appreciates the program. As a supervisor, she works to make sure that the experience is productive for MEMIC and for the students.

"I've had the privilege of working with four STRIVE U student interns over the past several years," she said. "While each of them faces different life challenges, all show great spirit and the determination to follow their dreams. There are times it is a challenge working with these kids - but we focus on trying to prepare them for the real world. They do real work here at MEMIC - it's not just for show. They work hard. Sometimes they like what they are doing, and sometimes they don't. That's the real world! My hope is that these kids leave MEMIC and STRIVE knowing what they would like to do (or not do) for a living and feeling confident they have the skills to succeed."

About MEMIC

Specializing in workers' compensation insurance, MEMIC insures nearly 20,000 employers and their estimated 200,000 employees. Based in the Northeast, MEMIC is the leading workers' compensation insurer in Maine through Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company which is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The company is the parent of MEMIC Indemnity Company, rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best, with offices in Manchester, NH; Glastonbury, CT; and Albany, NY. MEMIC Indemnity Company is licensed to write workers' compensation in 45 states plus the District of Columbia.