October 8, 2020

NMB’s Biggest Announcement in 118 Years

We are thrilled to announce that National Mutual Benefit will be consolidating as equals with Western Fraternal Life!

On February 24, 2020, National Mutual Benefit announced its intent to consolidate with Western Fraternal Life (WFL) pending a vote by WFL delegates, and we are excited to announce that WFL delegates voted in favor of the consolidation! Joining forces with another similar fraternal will open up exciting possibilities for the future of our organization, from new fraternal programs to strategic growth opportunities in marketing, sales, and technology.

Together, NMB and WFL will become a stronger fraternal life insurance company that is larger, more secure, and able to have a greater impact on our members’ lives and communities. The newly combined organization will have more than 64,000 members across the Midwest, Western and Southern regions of the United States, and approximately $2 billion of life insurance and annuities in force.

“This consolidation is truly in the best interest of our members. We will be a stronger, more vibrant organization that is well-positioned to protect and serve our current and future members for years to come,” explained NMB President and CEO, Dan Shinnick.

Western Fraternal Life and National Mutual Benefit have many things in common, which is why the two companies are an ideal match. Both organizations have a proud history of protecting members and supporting members’ communities for more than a century. They also have similar membership sizes, products, and member benefits, as well as about $1 billion of life insurance in force. Most importantly, both organizations have warm, genuine employees and members who really care about helping others.

WFL and NMB will be consolidating as equals, which means that the history and membership of both organizations will be protected. This opportunity allows NMB and WFL to build on each other’s strengths and become a more efficient company. As a combined organization, we will have more funds to support dividends and fraternal programs, which make a big impact in our members’ communities. We will also be better able to withstand whatever the future may bring.  

Western Fraternal Life President and CEO, Craig Van Dyke shared, “I truly believe that NMB and WFL are the perfect match. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both organizations, and joining forces unlocks so many exciting opportunities. Together we are going to be able to protect more families and do even more to support our members and their communities.”

To learn more about the consolidation between NMB and WFL, click here. You can also contact your local agency or call NMB’s Home Office at (800) 779-1936.

Member FAQ’s

Will this affect my policy?
The consolidation will not affect your policies with NMB. Serving and protecting you and your loved ones remains our top priority. If you have any questions about your policy, please reach out to your agent or call our Home Office at (800) 779-1936.

Will I be able to keep my NMB agent?
Yes! Our agents and agencies in Plymouth, WI, Wausau, WI, and Spearfish, SD will continue to serve you. If you need to get in touch with your agent or agency, please visit www.betterlifeins.com/contact. You can also call our Home Office at (800) 779-1936, and we will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Where will the new Home Office be?
Then NMB Home Office in Madison, WI will serve as the headquarters for the new organization. The address is 6522 Grand Teton Plaza, Madison, WI 53719.

Will NMB change its name?
When NMB and WFL legally combine on January 1, 2021, we will have a new name! Earlier this year, we worked with a consulting firm that specializes in fraternal life insurance companies. With input from both NMB and WFL, we selected a fresh, new name that represents what we are all about – protecting and supporting our members and their communities.

Who will lead the new organization?
NMB President & CEO Dan Shinnick and WFL President & CEO Craig Van Dyke will jointly lead the new organization and share leadership responsibilities. When we legally combine, Dan Shinnick will be the CEO, and Craig Van Dyke will be the President of the new organization.

When will the consolidation be complete?
Starting in June 2020, NMB and WFL began the process of combining our two organizations and filed the merger with Wisconsin and Iowa. In January 2021, NMB and WFL will become a legally combined organization. By January 2022, all of the integration work will be complete, and we will be functioning as a single organization headquartered in Madison, WI.

A New Focus on Fraternal

As a new combined organization, we will remain committed to our fraternal mission of supporting members and their communities, and we have several exciting initiatives underway to protect and grow our fraternal programs and benefits.

Creating a New Fraternal Advisory Board
The new organization will have an advisory board to provide advice regarding branch matters and member engagement. Board members will be involved with their local branches and serve as the voice of the members. This new committee will consist of seven NMB members and seven WFL members. We are looking for members who are passionate about our fraternal mission, connected to members in their communities, and interested in guiding future fraternal initiatives.

Keeping the Current Branches
NMB branches (and Western Fraternal Life lodges) will be able to continue in their current form and leadership. Both NMB and WFL feel it is vital to protect the amazing work that is done every year by our organizations’ members. The new Fraternal Advisory Board will help guide any future changes to our branch and lodge systems.

Continuing Regular Member Meetings
We will continue to have our annual fraternal seminars, where our branch leaders come together to learn, collaborate, and socialize. In future meetings, WFL and NMB members will be able to get to know each other, and learn new things from each other as well!

Expanding our Fraternal Programs
We will be focused on growing our fraternal footprint so we can help more members in the communities we serve. This will involve exploring new and innovative ways to increase our impact and offer modernized fraternal programs.