In honor of America’s 250^th anniversary, organizers from all 50 states highlighted contributions that people, businesses and organizations from their states made to the country over the last 250 years to help improve the lives of their fellow Americans. In Ohio, the America 250 - Ohio Commission chose to recognize the seatbelt advocacy campaign, started by Nationwide.  

Nationwide worked alongside lawmakers and public safety partners to help advance legislation designed to save lives. That work helped shape the seat belt laws in place today — and reflects the company’s broader belief that protection extends beyond products and policies. 

As you and your family take to the open road this weekend, remember to drive safe, fasten your seatbelt and protect what matters most. 

At Nationwide’s annual company-wide meeting, employees gathered in-person and virtually to celebrate the 2026 CEO Award winners whose contributions reflect the company’s mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. In the company’s centennial year, their stories are a reminder that caring for others has been at the heart of Nationwide throughout its history.

A Nationwide CEO Award is considered one of the company’s highest honors, recognizing employees who go above and beyond. Nearly 100 employees were nominated.

“Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to recognize people who represent the very best of our company, those who lead by example and help make Nationwide a stronger community partner,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Their commitment to customers, the community, each other and moving our business forward is nothing short of inspiring. Their work reflects our mission in action and demonstrates how powerful it is when talent, compassion and purpose come together.”

Visit the Nationwide careers page to learn more about open positions. 

Milo is devoted to his family and loves playing in the snow. However, during a Christmas Day trip to the mountains, a sudden noise startled Milo as he was getting into the family’s car. He bolted up a cross-country ski trail and disappeared.

His family chased after him, but Milo was gone, lost in the wilderness for 72 days until his microchip was pinged at a shelter. He was incredibly thin but otherwise unscathed. After spending four days in the vet hospital receiving expert care, he was able to return home to his family, who call it a miracle.

“The joy of being reunited with a beloved pet after weeks of uncertainty is hard to put into words. Milo's journey reflects the determination of his family, his own incredible resilience, and the importance of getting pets the care they need when the unexpected happens. Stories like his are exactly what the Hambone Awards were created to celebrate,” said Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide.

Nationwide hosted a public vote from August 3-14, 2026 to determine the most unusual pet insurance claim story and two runners-up from a group of nine finalists. More than 11,000 votes were cast. Milo received the Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, and the runners up will also receive Petco gift cards. The runners-up were:

• Henry, a Labrador retriever from Colorado who’s obsessed with fetch, chased a ball into his yard, stepped on a rake and punctured his paw. His parent contacted Nationwide’s VetHelpline for guidance, and now, Henry is healed and back to chasing tennis balls.
• Hobbes, a domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, slipped past his owner and dashed under a garage just as it was closing. He made it past the safety sensors but not the garage door itself. When his owner found him trapped, Hobbes was rushed for treatment and was soon back in action.

The Hambone Award was named after a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham. Later, the dog was found with a mild case of hypothermia and the hambone, all that remained of his feast. You can click here to read the stories of the complete list of 2026 Hambone Award nominees.

All nominated pets have recovered and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide^® pet insurance.

To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit PetInsurance.com.

One survived weeks alone in the wilderness. Others couldn't resist bingeing on cake, medications and even a drum. Though their stories were vastly different, all nine furry finalists for Nationwide^® pet insurance’s Hambone Award^® share one thing in common: a full recovery.

Voting for the 18^th annual Hambone Award, recognizing the year’s most unusual pet insurance claim is underway now through Aug. 14, 2026, at petinsurance.com/hamboneaward. The winner will be announced Aug. 19, 2026.  

The Hambone Award was originally named after a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham while waiting to be discovered. The dog was eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia. He made a full recovery and inspired this award, which highlights the unusual situations pets can get into and how pet insurance can help.

Meet the 2026 Hambone Award finalists

• Capone, a Bernedoodle from California, found a baseball in the garage and decided to make it a chew toy. After shredding the ball and swallowing the cover, his pet parents sought guidance from Nationwide’s VetHelpline^® before Capone received treatment and made a full recovery.
• Diesel and Matilda, beagles from Arizona, followed their noses straight to trouble when they snuck into the pantry and devoured nearly an entire two-tier red velvet cake. Their sweet tooth quickly led to concern, but both dogs ultimately made full recoveries.
• Hampden, a goldendoodle from Texas, made his frustration over a delayed dinner known by tearing apart a vintage Ugandan drum and eating the drum skin. Veterinarians later removed half a drum from his stomach, and Hampden made a full recovery.
• Henry, a fetch-obsessed Labrador retriever from Colorado, chased a ball into a yard cleanup area and impaled his paw on a rake prong. After his pet parent contacted Nationwide’s VetHelpline for guidance, Henry received care and is back to chasing tennis balls.
• Hobbes, a domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, slipped past his owner and dashed into the garage just as the door was closing. He made it past the safety sensors but not the garage door itself. When his owner found him trapped, Hobbes was rushed for treatment and was soon back in action.
• Lilliya and Noelle, borzois from Wisconsin, teamed up for a prescription-powered misadventure after opening a drawer and helping themselves to an entire bottle of their beef liver-flavored pet prescription. After consuming all 14 tablets, the duo required immediate treatment but ultimately made full recoveries.
• Lulu, a mixed-breed dog from Illinois, was keeping watch for squirrels from her favorite chaise lounge when she slipped and landed on a metal candle holder, which pierced into her leg. After receiving stitches and pain medication, Lulu returned to squirrel duty.
• Milo Bear, a golden retriever from Nevada, disappeared into the snowy wilderness near Lake Tahoe after being startled during a Christmas Day outing. Following an extraordinary search and 72 days on his own, Milo's microchip was scanned at a shelter and he was reunited with his family after receiving care.
• Rolly, a standard poodle from Florida, turned his passion for chasing iguanas into a much bigger problem when he decided to eat a dead one. The unusual meal left him seriously ill, but Rolly made a full recovery.

All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide pet insurance. For full stories, photos of the nominees, and to cast your vote daily between August 3-14, 2026, visit petinsurance.com/hamboneaward.

“Though these stories begin with unexpected pet mishaps, the Hambone Award celebrates what happens next: the extraordinary bond between people and pets, and the compassionate care that helps turn close calls into recoveries” said  Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. “We’re proud that Nationwide could provide financial peace of mind during a stressful time, helping families focus on what matters most: their pets’ recovery.”

The nominee with the most votes will receive the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, while two runners-up will also receive Petco gift cards.

To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit PetInsurance.com.

Nationwide has been named to the inaugural Ohio AI25 list, a new recognition from OhioX and Ohio Tech News honoring companies and organizations shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in Ohio.

The recognition underscores Nationwide’s dedication to using technology and AI to enhance the experiences and solutions it delivers. Guided by a people-connected, machine-enabled approach, the company is focused on using technology to expand capacity, strengthen decision-making, create new offerings and build more meaningful connections.

“Being named to Ohio AI25 reflects Nationwide’s commitment to using AI in ways that spark innovation and transform how we work, and how we serve our customers,” said Michael Carrel, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at Nationwide. “Our focus is on applying technology safely and thoughtfully to strengthen the futures of our company, partners and members.”

That work is part of Nationwide’s broader technology strategy, including a $1.5 billion investment through 2028 to enhance its technology capabilities. More than 20% of that investment is focused on AI.

Other organizations named to the list include JobsOhio, Google and Meta. The full Ohio AI25 list is available at OhioTechNews.com.

To learn more about Nationwide’s technology organization, visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page.

The Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index, which measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial protection, scored Americans at 54 on a 100-point scale, indicating consumers are slightly more protection-oriented than growth-oriented overall. That shift is reflected in how Americans now view financial success: 84% say the American Dream is now more about financial stability than building wealth, while the same percentage believe it is harder to get ahead financially than it was for previous generations.

For many Americans, this mindset is shaped by the pressures of everyday financial life. Nearly seven in 10 consumers (68%) reduced spending over the past year to improve their financial situation, while 45% dipped into savings to cover essential expenses. Three-quarters (75%) say their primary financial focus is covering basic expenses, and 74% say they are simply trying to stay financially afloat, suggesting many Americans are making financial decisions from a place of protection rather than ambition.

Together, the findings suggest Americans are not abandoning financial ambition, but they are making decisions from a more defensive position — focused first on protecting their households, preserving progress and avoiding setbacks.

"Financial progress still matters to Americans, but the path to achieving it has changed," said Craig Hawley, President and COO of Nationwide Financial. "People still want to build wealth, but today's environment has made financial stability and resilience just as important. Protecting what you've worked hard to build has become a critical part of achieving long-term financial success."

Optimism Outpaces Preparation
Despite today's financial pressures, Americans remain optimistic about their future. Seven in 10 consumers (70%) believe they can significantly improve their financial situation over the next five years, while nearly six in 10 (59%) expect their income to increase meaningfully over time.

However, many have yet to take steps to protect the financial future they expect. Just 30% have taken steps to protect against income loss due to illness or injury, and more than one-quarter (27%) say they would not be financially protected at all if their household's primary income earner could no longer work. The findings point to a growing gap between consumers' financial aspirations and the safeguards they have in place to protect them.

That disconnect is especially evident when it comes to retirement planning. More than eight in 10 consumers (81%) say they would prefer a guaranteed, predictable retirement income stream over higher-growth investments, yet only 24% currently have products or strategies designed to reduce market risk in retirement.

As Americans increasingly define financial success through the lens of stability, the findings suggest many are still looking for practical ways to translate that priority into a long-term strategy.

Helping Americans Balance Growth and Protection
The Index also points to an opportunity for financial guidance that reflects how consumers are thinking about their financial futures. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (74%) say they would be more likely to work with a financial advisor who could help protect them financially.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans remain the most common retirement savings vehicle among Americans, creating an important opportunity for retirement planning professionals, including financial advisors and those supporting workplace retirement plans, to help workers build strategies that support long-term growth while preparing for unexpected challenges.

"Our findings suggest retirement planning is entering a new chapter," said Hawley. "Building wealth remains essential, but consumers also want confidence that their savings can support them through market volatility, longer lifespans and life's unexpected challenges. That creates an opportunity for financial advisors and workplace retirement plans to bring growth and protection together in a way that better reflects how Americans are preparing for retirement today."

To learn more about the first-ever Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index, view an infographic, review the data or view a blog post from Craig Hawley.

Methodology
The Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index research was conducted online in the United States among 2,000 adults age 22 and older. The survey was fielded May 1–14, 2026. Respondents were nationally representative by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, employment status and income level. The Index measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial protection by evaluating responses across three dimensions: mindset, actions and confidence. Individual pillar scores were weighted and combined to produce an overall Index score ranging from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a stronger growth orientation and higher scores indicating a stronger protection orientation.

One year after Nationwide acquired Allstate Benefits’ self-funded program and stop loss plans, the team –  now referred to as Nationwide Group Benefits – is celebrating this milestone by reflecting on strides it has made helping businesses and employees feel valued and secure, while building momentum for the future.

Officially established in July 2025, Group Benefits now protects more than three million lives through a portfolio that includes employee benefits like accident, life, dental, critical illness, disability, vision and hospital indemnity; pet insurance; and stop loss insurance. Stop loss protects employers who self-fund their health insurance plans from excess losses.

“We’ve been through a tremendous year of growth that’s been nothing short of transformational,” said Lindsey Murray, president of Nationwide Group Benefits. “Nationwide’s existing stop loss and supplemental health teams, the former Allstate Benefits team and Nationwide Pet came together to combine our unique strengths for greater impact, delivering extraordinary care to our partners and clients in the process.”

Bringing the three businesses together under one team created opportunities to share best practices across pricing, product development and claims, helping streamline services and operations over the past year. Additionally, all teams work with benefits brokers who deliver protection solutions to employers and their employees, so they were able to quickly recognize and leverage new synergies to better position the team for success.

Now, the team is building on that momentum to establish a strong foundation for future growth. As Nationwide Group Benefits continues on its journey to unify its distinct businesses, it is growing market share by deepening partnerships and diversifying its portfolio of solutions to enable sustainable, profitable growth for the future.

“Nationwide is a leader in the stop loss and pet industries, but we want to expand that success even deeper into the employee benefits space,” Murray said. “We are focused on strengthening our presence in our current markets and expanding our suite of benefit solutions through more diversified sales, helping protect the employers we serve while making a meaningful difference for their people.”

Visit Group Health for more information and resources on Nationwide’s self-funded and stop loss programs, Nationwide Pet Insurance for information on pet insurance and Employee Benefits for information on the benefits Nationwide offers employers.  

NFM-25594AO
06/2026

Why it matters
Based on analysis of claims resulting from an auto collision, Nationwide found that a driver is 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash when driving distracted. 

Iowa drivers are showing measurable behavior change since the law took effect on July 1, 2025. The data suggests that an education campaign, a six-month warning period, and full enforcement effective January 1, 2026, have contributed to more drivers putting the phone down and focusing on the road.

By the numbers
Analytics derived from mobile telematics found that phone-related distraction among Nationwide-insured drivers in Iowa dropped in several key behaviors over the last year.

• 13.6% reduction on screen-tapping interactions since full enforcement, an improvement from 5.9% during warning period
• 9.1% reduction in handheld calling since full enforcement, an improvement from 8.2% during warning period
• During full enforcement, Iowa drivers logged about 140,700 fewer phone-motion events than expected based on pre-law driving behavior 

Nationwide Methodology
The analysis above is based on anonymized, opt-in mobile telematics data used to evaluate changes in phone-related distraction among Iowa drivers before and after the state’s hands-free law took effect from July 1, 2025 to June 15, 2026.

Additional insights from CMT, which include distracted driving data from over 30 safe driving programs across the U.S., show from July 2025 to May 2026:

• 85 of Iowa’s 99 counties saw decreases in phone motion
  • Among the state’s 10 largest counties, nine experienced reductions of at least 4% and Iowa’s largest county, Polk County, decreased distraction by 9.2%.
• Top-performing counties achieved reductions in distraction ranging from 13% to 17% with biggest improvements seen in Ringgold, Page, Calhoun, Wayne, and Lyon.
• The reduction in distraction has helped Iowa prevent an estimated 470 crashes, 210 injuries, 3 fatalities, and $20.3 million in economic damage¹.

Together, the Nationwide and CMT findings point to the same conclusion: Iowa drivers are showing measurable reductions in risky phone-related behavior since the law took effect.

The big picture
“Promoting responsible driving behavior through legislative advocacy and safe driving programs like SmartRide and Focused Driving Rewards is an ongoing priority for Nationwide,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for Nationwide. “Meaningful change can happen when like-minded partners come together, and we commend Iowa’s Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau for their continued commitment to positively influence distracted-driving behaviors among drivers across the state.”  

"Distracted driving is one of the most preventable dangers on our roads, and Iowa has shown the nation that change is within reach," said William V. Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of CMT. “This is the future of road safety: proactive, measurable, and lifesaving. If the rest of the country follows Iowa's lead, we can save tens of thousands of lives and redefine what it means to be safe behind the wheel."

About the law
Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31^st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation. Since the law’s effective date July 1, 2025, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have been educating motorists on what constitutes distracted driving and how to comply with the law.   

“As we approach the one-year mark for enacting Iowa’s hands-free law, it is exciting to see Nationwide's data showing a reduction of in-vehicle phone usage across the state of Iowa,” says Iowa State Patrol Colonel Nathan Fulk.  “This progress reflects the collaborative efforts from our law enforcement personnel, safety advocates, and our private partners, like Nationwide.  Most importantly, it highlights Iowans who have demonstrated safe driving behavior and embraced the message that no text, call or notification is worth risking a life.”

Visit DriveSmartIowa.com for more information about Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law and tips for avoiding distractions while driving.

¹ Estimates are based on changes in crash rates from distracted driving, combined with the average crash cost of $23,954 from NHTSA’s report The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019, and 2022 crash records reported by the State of Iowa.

The investment marks another milestone in Nationwide’s centennial year and reflects the company’s continued belief in the future of Columbus and one of its most iconic franchises.

“As we celebrate Nationwide’s 100th anniversary, we are focused not only on where we’ve been, but where we’re going,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “The Crew and its fans represent the passion and strong connection to the Central Ohio community that Nationwide has enjoyed for more than a century. Now is the right time for us to deepen our investment in the team and the city’s future.”

The announcement comes nearly two months after the Haslam Sports Group, the Edwards family and Nationwide helped bring the 18th National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Columbus.

“Nationwide is a cornerstone institution that’s consistently shown an exceptional commitment to Columbus. Kirt Walker and Nationwide leadership share our vision for the Crew and Columbus NWSL 2028 of consistently competing on the pitch, creating incredible fan experiences and serving as leaders in our local community,” said Haslam Sports Group CEO and Chairman, Managing Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “We’re proud to strengthen our long-term partnership and collective dedication to advancing soccer in Central Ohio for both our men’s and women’s clubs.”

Nationwide will partner with Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards family to support the continued success and long-term growth of the franchise. No other details of the deal will be released.

Visit Nationwide.com for more information about the company and ColumbusCrew.com for the latest on club news.

To help farm operators keep pace, Nationwide has launched new drone coverage options designed specifically for farm customers. The offering is believed to be among the first comprehensive insurance packages available for farm operations, combining property, liability and aerial application protection.

The costs—and risks—of drone use

Agricultural drones represent a significant investment for producers. Smaller scouting drones used for aerial imaging and mapping can cost several thousand dollars, while larger drones used for spraying and seeding can exceed $30,000. Beyond the equipment itself, operating drones for agricultural purposes often requires Federal Aviation Administration certification, pesticide application licensing, specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Drone use can also introduce new risk exposures that traditional farm policies do not typically cover. For example, aerial application incidents involving chemical overspray or drift can result in significant property damage, crop loss or liability claims. A drone malfunction or operator error could also cause damage to nearby property or even result in bodily injury.

Comprehensive protection for agricultural drones

Nationwide’s new coverage options are designed to help close potential insurance gaps by providing:

• Property coverage for physical damage to drones and related operating equipment used in farm operations
• Liability coverage for damage or injury caused during precision agriculture activities such as aerial imaging, mapping and data acquisition
• Application of farm chemicals coverage for damage or injury arising from aerial application of covered substances, including chemicals and seed

“The use of drones across agriculture has grown significantly, increasing the need for protection that addresses both the value of the equipment and the risks tied to operating it,” said Justin Owens, AVP of Farm Underwriting & Sales, Nationwide. “We’re proud to begin offering these new coverage options, which help give farmers confidence to incorporate drone technology into their operations while knowing they have protection in place if something goes wrong.”

Learn more about Nationwide’s agricultural drone coverage or contact a Farm Certified Agent for additional information.

According to Nationwide Retirement Institute’s 2026 Long-Term Care survey, Americans are more likely to say they would be concerned about not having someone to advocate for them if they were facing LTC needs alone (84%) than they are to worry about affording care itself if they were living alone (71%). They are similarly concerned about not having help coordinating care (81%) and receiving lower-quality care (81%) if they were living alone.

The findings suggest that many Americans are starting to view long-term care as more than a financial consideration, shaped by questions about caregiving, advocacy, and who will help navigate difficult healthcare decisions later in life.

“Americans are realizing that long-term care planning is about far more than finances,” said Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide’s life insurance business. “People want to age with dignity, maintain their independence and know someone they trust will be there to help make decisions on their behalf. The challenge is that many families haven’t had those conversations or made those plans.”

Most Americans envision receiving care in familiar surroundings rather than in a facility. Nearly three-quarters (73%) said they would prefer to receive LTC in their own home or a loved one’s home, and many expect to rely on their partner (50%) or children (40%) to provide care.

But few have taken steps to make that preference a reality. Among those who prefer to receive care at home:

• Just 37% have created a savings or investment plan to cover LTC expenses
• Only 27% have identified who their future caregivers may be
• Less than one quarter (22%) have modified their homes to support aging in place.

The disconnect highlights a growing gap between how Americans want to age and how prepared they are to do so.

Caregiving Changes How Americans Think About Their Own Futures

For many Americans, the realities of long-term care only become clear after stepping into the role of caregiver themselves. Caregivers report spending an average of 22 hours each week providing care – the equivalent of a part-time job – and an average of $382 per month in non-reimbursed expenses, including transportation, prescriptions and household needs. Among primary decision-makers for LTC, those expenses rise to $445 per month.

The financial pressure is especially intense among Millennials, many of whom are simultaneously supporting children, aging parents, and their own career ambitions.

Among Millennial caregivers:

• Nearly three-quarters (73%) said they are willing to take a loan from their retirement account to provide care for a family member
• Near six in 10 (59%) believe caregiving responsibilities will likely use up money originally intended for their children (e.g., education, inheritance)
• Almost the same amount (58%) fear caregiving expenses will keep them from ever retiring

The silver lining? Caregiving often becomes a wake-up call that motivates Americans to prepare for their own future care needs. Caregivers are significantly more likely than non-caregivers to say they are knowledgeable about LTC (82% vs. 59%), have identified their future caregivers (34% vs. 20%), and have created a savings or investment plan for future care costs (40% vs. 31%).

Financial Advisors Can Help Families Turn Anxiety Into Action

Among those who have served as caregivers, 90% say it would have been valuable to discuss who would provide long-term care before a need arises, while 92% say clear conversations about how to pay for care would have helped.

Yet despite recognizing the importance of planning, many Americans are still delaying conversations about caregiving responsibilities, care preferences and future care costs. As a result, families often find themselves making complex financial and healthcare decisions during a crisis rather than preparing for them in advance.

One factor that helps families move from awareness to action is working with a financial advisor. The survey found that people who work with an advisor are more knowledgeable about LTC compared to those without an advisor (84% vs. 62%). They are also more likely to have already identified future caregivers (39% vs. 18%) and discussed care costs with family members (72% vs. 51%).

“Too often, families wait until a health event or caregiving crisis forces these conversations,” Snyder said. “Having a plan in place can help people protect their finances, reduce stress on loved ones and create more confidence about how they want to age and receive care. Whether that means preparing financially, documenting care preferences or identifying who can step in as an advocate, taking action earlier can make a meaningful difference for families navigating LTC decisions.”

To learn more about the 2026 Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-term Care survey, visit nationwide.com/SimplifyLTC and click here to read Snyder’s blog.

Methodology

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide among 1,208 adults aged 30+ who were the primary or shared financial decision-makers for their household. Respondents also had a household income of $75K+. The survey was conducted April 11-29, 2026.

Data are weighted where necessary by age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 3.9 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey.

About The Harris Poll

The Harris Poll is one of the longest running surveys in the U.S. tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 and is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas; building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.

^{From Left: Michael Tripp, SVP Nationwide Personal Lines Sales & Distribution; Luke Turano, Founder/Principal, IPA; Casey Kempton, President, Personal Lines at Nationwide; Chris Manci, Founder/Principal, IPA; Curt Wohlers, VP Sales & Distribution Personal Lines East Zone; Dena Silveri, VP Sales & Distribution, Personal Lines Nationwide; Drew Dickinson, VP National Sales, Nationwide.}

Insurance Partners Alliance (IPA) is Nationwide’s Personal Lines Agency of the Year. The Columbus, Ohio-based insurance company presented IPA with the award during the company’s annual Partners Conference.

The award is one of the carrier’s highest honors and recognizes agency excellence, growth, innovation and commitment to helping clients protect what matters most.

What set IPA apart?

IPA was selected from more than 11,000 agencies appointed to write Nationwide policies across the United States.

IPA’s focus on helping partners grow their businesses, strengthening client relationships and creating value in the communities they serve caught Nationwide’s eye.

What they’re saying:

Chris Manci, IPA co-founder: “To say we were surprised would be an understatement. We never set out to win awards. We set out to build an organization that helps independent agencies grow, compete, and better serve their clients. To be recognized by Nationwide in this way is both humbling and deeply meaningful because it reflects the hard work, commitment, and dedication of our entire network.”

Luke Turano, IPA co-founder: "This recognition belongs to our partners as much as it does to IPA. Every agency, every team member, and every client relationship helped make this possible. The trust our partners place in us every day has fueled our growth and success. We're proud of what we've built together and even more excited about where we're headed."

Nationwide executives cited IPA's performance, leadership, and commitment to serving clients as key factors in earning the distinction.

Nationwide Personal Lines President Casey Kempton: “IPA distinguished itself not only through its agency excellence, growth, and partnership but also through its commitment to serving their customers. IPA’s dedication to protecting their clients by emphasizing products like Nationwide’s SmartHome suite embodies the qualities this award is intended to recognize. We’re proud to honor their achievements.”

Who else took home the hardware?

In addition to IPA, Nationwide honored several other agencies at the event, including:

• East Zone Agency of the Year – Spotts Insurance Group
• West Zone Agency of the Year – English Insurance
• Firm of the Year – Highstreet
• Emerging Agency of the Year – Legacy Risk Solutions
• Smartsuite Agency of the Year – Blue Ridge Risk Partners

Nationwide’s annual Partners Conference brings agencies from across the country together to celebrate accomplishments and strengthen partnerships.

Nationwide’s customers can now receive preferred pricing on Barn Owl hardware, along with access to exclusive early bird promotions throughout the year. Barn Owl also offers additional savings off each extra camera, making it easier to scale coverage across an operation.

“Farmers and ranchers often have valuable equipment, livestock and infrastructure spread across wide areas, and it’s not always practical to be everywhere at once,” said Vicente Rico, agribusiness risk management product development lead at Nationwide. “Our relationship with Barn Owl strengthens Nationwide’s commitment to helping customers predict and prevent losses by giving them another practical, easy-to-use tool to monitor their operations, deter theft and respond more quickly when something needs attention.”

With simple cellular setup, solar power and rugged, no-wiring installation, Barn Owl cameras let customers monitor animals, equipment, buildings, gates and other remote assets from anywhere. Barn Owl also offers options ranging from high-definition photos and videos with real-time alerts to livestreaming with audio, along with contract-free plans designed to fit different monitoring needs.

“We built our cameras and platform for the realities of operating a rural business, where simplicity and reliability matter,” said Josh Phifer, founder and CEO at Barn Owl. “Partnering with Nationwide lets us put our tech in the hands of more farmers and ranchers, so they can keep an eye on what matters most and act fast when it counts. We're proud to work alongside a company that shares our focus on providing peace of mind, cost savings, and reliability to the hard-working people of rural America.”

The new relationship adds to Nationwide’s growing suite of Ag Tech risk management solutions available to customers, with offerings ranging from remote monitoring and fleet management tools to fire suppression and thermal imaging technology.

To learn more about the Barn Owl partnership, view Nationwide’s Ag Tech solutions webpage or contact your Nationwide agent.

Photo credit: Barn Owl

^{Photo credit: Columbus Business First/Ian Alexander Photography}

In 2026, nonprofit organizations that serve Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding region are experiencing tough times as demand for their social services rapidly expands, just as they are being squeezed by rising costs and reduced funding.

To help respond to these challenges, philanthropic foundations and corporate partners are starting to shift focus to provide nonprofits with stronger and more collaborative partnerships, but more help is needed.

“Impact starts to grow when an organization thinks beyond financial contributions and brings its full capabilities to a philanthropic partnership,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “In our case, we think about volunteerism and board service, opportunities where Nationwide can offer the support of our greatest asset, our people. When we apply that to support our nonprofit partners, we help them deliver even greater positive change in our communities.”

Support that goes beyond funding is especially critical in 2026. A January study from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), an organization that provides data and insights to help individual and institutional donors improve their effectiveness, found that half of nonprofit leaders today are looking for increased help and support from foundations and donors, such as building skills and lending their expertise.

The report quotes one nonprofit leader as saying he wants foundations to, “provide training and coaching support for leadership. Don't just write a check, build a relationship.”

Lending skills and expertise

In central Ohio, Columbus Business First recently recognized local companies and their employees for their financial giving and volunteerism at this year’s Corporate Citizenship Awards. The time and resources that businesses provide to community organizations is critical for the region’s success, says Dr. Dennis Durbin, President of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH).

^{Photo credit: Columbus Business First/Ian Alexander Photography}

“Nationwide Foundation’s support over the decades has utterly transformed the trajectory of Nationwide Children’s from a regional specialty hospital to a national thought-leading organization impacting the health of children not only in central Ohio but around the world,” said Durbin, pointing to nearly 70 years of collaboration between Nationwide, one of the companies honored with a Corporate Citizenship Award, and the hospital. “The Nationwide Foundation’s support has been a powerful catalyst that has accelerated our work in many ways, including advancing affordable housing, fueling groundbreaking genomic research and driving innovation in data science, among many other initiatives.”

Since 2006, the Nationwide Foundation, the nonprofit, private foundation to which Nationwide companies are the donors, has contributed $180 million to NCH to support initiatives ranging from affordable housing to groundbreaking clinical research. A $10 million investment in 2025 builds on more than a decade of philanthropic investments in vital programs, including biomedical data sciences, genomics, population health, endowed chairs and behavioral health. Nationwide’s sports marketing sponsorships have helped raise more than $76 million in additional support for the hospital through partnerships and events such as the Memorial Tournament, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship and the Columbus Marathon.

Through the combined efforts of both the company and its employees, Nationwide works with many community-based organizations, providing expertise and funding to help strengthen operations, improve strategy and expand their reach. Nationwide employees are on track to volunteer more than 100,000 hours in 2026, and company leaders serve on more than 200 nonprofit boards, sharing expertise in governance, finance, marketing and strategy.

Nationwide’s commitment to community impact traces back to its earliest days, when employees were already partnering with nonprofits to support local needs in Central Ohio. In 1955, the Columbus office opened the first full-time corporate donation site in the American Red Cross system. In 1987, Nationwide donated 1.3 million units of food to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, helping to meet one-third of Franklin County’s goal that year – making it the largest one-company employee response in the country.

Recently, the Nationwide Foundation supported Star House, an organization opening a new drop-in center for young people experiencing homelessness in the region. Nationwide leaders also serve on Star House’s board of trustees and committees.

“We are incredibly grateful to our associates for the time and expertise they provide to causes and organizations in their communities and across the country that make a difference in peoples’ lives,” Bair said. “Giving back, whether through fundraising, volunteerism or expertise, is critical in this moment.”   

Since the award program began in 2018, Columbus Business First has recognized Nationwide annually as the region’s most generous company in the extra-large category.

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives. For more information on its philanthropic efforts, visit the Nationwide Foundation page. 

“This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity to put our strong capital position to work and grow our life insurance business, which was designated the third largest writer of life insurance in 2025,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide. "Bringing together two strong brands allows us to protect more Americans with life insurance.”

MassMutual will continue to administer these policies and remain the point of contact for policyowners.

“This deal marks a continued step forward for our life insurance business, which has established itself as a strong and stable industry leader with a deep portfolio of protection solutions,” said Craig Hawley, president of Nationwide Financial. 

Sidley Austin LLP served as Nationwide's legal counsel on the transaction.

“An advantage of our modern mutual structure is being able to plan long-term, and our progressive rise up the Fortune 500 reflects an intentional, aggressive plan to grow our businesses,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Our diverse portfolio, strong capital position and iconic brand allow us to grow with intention, navigate volatility and remain strong and stable for those who rely on us.”

In the last four years, the insurance and financial services giant has moved up 14 places on the list.

Nationwide is the:

• Largest private company headquartered in Ohio
• Third largest mutual insurer in the U.S.
• Sixth largest insurer overall
• Sixth largest company in Ohio
• Second largest Central Ohio-based company

The recognition points to the breadth of Nationwide’s insurance and financial services businesses and its place among the nation’s largest corporations.

Fortune ranks U.S.-based companies on their annual revenues for their respective fiscal years. Revenues for insurance companies include premium and annuity income, investment income and capital gains or losses.

View the 2026 Fortune 500 list.

In Ohio, local partners within the Feeding America network like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), are working to ensure seniors don’t have to make impossible choices between food, medicine and housing. One way MOFC is addressing senior hunger is through its Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides eligible Ohioans 60 and older with a free, monthly box of shelf-stable and nutritious food.

Recently, Nationwide employees took a hands-on approach to supporting this initiative during volunteer “takeover days” at the MOFC for the CSFP initiative. Nationwide’s coordinated effort over two days put the program well ahead of pace, averaging 450 boxes packed per volunteer day, which will help feed nearly 1,000 seniors facing food insecurity across Central Ohio.

“Events like takeover days bring our partnerships to life in a meaningful way. By stepping into our environment, volunteers gain a deeper understand of the challenges our neighbors face and the scale of work required to address food insecurity,” said Jeremy Brauning, volunteer services manager at MOFC. “At the same time, their energy and effort help us expand our reach and serve individuals and families efficiently.”

Nationwide’s support of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective goes beyond a single day of service. Volunteerism is one part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening communities and supporting long-term well-being.

“Nationwide’s partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective reflects a decades-long commitment to fighting hunger and strengthening the communities we call home,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “Together, we’re working to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need to live healthier, more stable lives.”

This year, Nationwide employees are helping to celebrate its centennial in 2026 by giving 100,000 hours of volunteer service to support their local neighborhoods. Through these efforts, employees are helping people across the country access food, medical care, emergency shelter and so much more.  

Since 2000, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than $41 million to Feeding America food banks and hunger-relief organizations. Since 2009, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than 134 million meals through Feeding America.

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives, or help end hunger by donating, volunteering, or advocating through Feeding America.

This unease is widespread. A majority of women investors (77%) say they are concerned about a U.S. economic recession, and that anxiety appears to be shaping how many are viewing their own future. While about four in 10 say they are on track to retire about the same time as planned, 14% say they do not know whether they will ever be able to retire, according to Nationwide’s survey.

Perhaps even more alarming, despite their concerns about volatility impacting their ability to retire, many women investors do not have a formal plan to protect themselves against market turbulence. One-third (33%) said they do not have a strategy in place to protect their assets against market risk, while another 14% said they are not aware if they have a market risk strategy at all.

“The need for financial advice is clear,” said Suzanne Ricklin, senior vice president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions Distribution. “Women investors are navigating uncertain markets against a unique backdrop of challenges specific to them and many are doing it without a clear plan in place.”

The good news? Women are open to working with an advisor, with 34% saying they prefer to work with an advisor to help guide their financial planning. But the advisor relationship is not always working as it should. Nearly three in 10 (29%) women investors with an advisor say they have experienced ‘mansplaining’ – explanations delivered in a way that feels condescending rather than helpful.

“I believe advisors have good intentions when they are trying to break down financial topics with their female clients, but it’s important for women to speak up if they feel those explanations are not providing the information and approach they need,” said Ricklin. “Our survey makes it clear that women don’t want to be talked at, they want to engage in a discussion. Seek out an advisor who creates a non-judgmental space for you to ask questions and address your concerns.”

Ricklin shared five things women should look for in a financial professional:

1. Listens first, advises second: Seek out an advisor who asks thoughtful questions about your life, priorities and values before offering recommendations. You should feel heard and understood.

2. Communicates clearly: A good advisor should explain strategies in easy to understand language, use examples when helpful and welcomes questions.

3. Takes a holistic view: Women’s financial lives may include caregiving responsibilities, career breaks and longer lifespans, so planning should extend beyond investments alone.  

4. Respects your comfort with risk: Your comfort level matters as much as your potential returns. Your advisor should help build a strategy that reflects both your goals and your ability to stay confident during market swings.

5. Treats planning as a collaboration: The best advisor relationships are partnerships that leave women feeling informed, empowered and involved in decisions.  

“A great way to identify an advisor who is skilled at serving women clients is to talk to your female family and friends who currently work with one,” Ricklin said. “A referral from someone you trust can be a great place to start. Their experience is a great way to understand what to expect before you invest your time and money in a new advisory relationship.”

Need to connect with a financial professional? Nationwide has a team of specialists ready to listen and learn about your unique insurance and financial needs.

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NVMM’s Service in Action Nooks, a hands-on pilot program supported by the Nationwide Foundation, introduce children to the power of service through storytelling, creativity and action. Designed to foster literacy, civic engagement and empathy, the Nooks invite visitors of all ages to explore stories inspired by the lived experiences of U.S. veterans and to reflect on how service shows up in many forms, from military duty to everyday acts of kindness within a community.  

Through books, educational materials and interactive service projects, the Service in Action Nooks encourage children, students and families to create, connect and make a difference in their own way. The program continues to expand, with permanent Nooks now located at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main library, at NVMM and most recently at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch.  

Photo Credit: Dan Trittschuh Photography

Since launching in November 2025, the Service in Action Nooks have inspired service participation from more than 6,800 individuals. Children and visitors have completed more than 1,200 thank you letters to veterans, 360 kindness cards for military-connected youth, 240 community bookmarks to encourage other children to read and nearly 200 “welcome home” signs for service members, all meaningful gestures that reinforce remembrance and gratitude.  

The impact is being felt across the community, including among students at 18 local schools that have participated in service projects connected to the Nooks. 

A Cristo Rey High School student shared, “I have truly learned the sacrifice veterans have done for this country, and I will forever remember it. I have also learned that even veterans who didn't necessarily go to war are still true heroes.” 

For the Nationwide Foundation, Service in Action Nooks reflect a broader and longstanding commitment to veterans, service members and children’s wellbeing.  

“Honoring veterans is about both remembrance and action,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “Through our partnership with NVMM, we aim to honor service, expand access and inspire the next generation to understand the impact veterans have had on our communities." 

Nationwide’s support is part of NVMM’s ongoing efforts to engage the community and promote awareness of the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and active-duty service members. To further honor those who have served, Nationwide has sponsored free admission for more than 3,000 veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star family members to visit NVMM since May 1, 2025.  

Nationwide has granted more than $1.5 million to NVMM to support its initiatives. In addition, the Nationwide Foundation has provided over $3 million in general operating support since the museum’s inception. 

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives. For more information on its philanthropic efforts, visit the Nationwide Foundation page. 

As pressures mount, more farmers and agribusiness operators are turning to technology to help identify problems earlier, improve decision-making and prevent avoidable losses before they happen.

“Nationwide’s risk management technology partnerships are helping producers move from reactive risk management to proactive risk prevention,” said Vicente Rico, risk management product development lead for Nationwide Agribusiness. “The goal is not just helping customers recover after a loss, but helping them avoid the loss altogether.”

Detecting Risks Before Disaster Strikes
A routine visit between farm certified agent Ron Panichelle and dairy customer Lone Oak Farms helped uncover a hidden electrical issue that could have led to a catastrophic fire.

While scanning breaker boxes with thermal imaging technology from Teledyne FLIR, Panichelle identified a breaker reaching temperatures above 400 degrees during corn drying season. The issue was repaired before it could ignite and disrupt the farm’s operation.

“We were able to continue with minimal downtime,” said Matthew Carr of Lone Oak Farms. “It could’ve been a lot worse.”

Improving Safety Behind the Wheel
As Velvet Ice Cream expanded its fleet operations, the company turned to video telematics technology to improve driver safety and accountability.

According to company president Luconda Dager, the technology helped significantly reduce driving incidents while also helping quickly resolve accident investigations.

“Razor Tracking has been a game changer for us,” Dager said. “Within like a month and a half, we went from double digit incidences down to like two.”

Preventing Small Fires From Becoming Major Losses
Equipment fires during harvest and baling season can escalate quickly, damaging machinery and interrupting operations.

That reality became clear for Tim Bauman of Bauman Farms after a fire started on his tractor while baling hay. Just weeks earlier, his agent, Keenan Rice of Eclipse Insurance Agency, had provided Enforcer One’s Firebull fire extinguishers through a Nationwide-supported initiative.

The extinguisher allowed Bauman to suppress the flames long enough to disconnect his baler and prevent the fire from spreading further.

“Probably 50 to 60 thousand [dollars] in value was able to be saved,” Rice said.

Supporting Agriculture Beyond the Policy

Nationwide continues to expand its risk management technology partnerships, giving agriculture businesses access to tools and services that help identify risks, improve safety and support operational efficiency.

For agents like Rice and Panichelle, these partnerships and loss prevention resources reflect a broader commitment to helping customers protect their operations, prevent avoidable losses and build stronger businesses over time.

• Nationwide’s Chief AI and Digital Transformation Officer delivered the 2026 Ohio Tech Summit keynote address to a packed house at The Ohio State University on May 14, 2026.
• Kandhari emphasized that cross-functional teams are essential because AI decisions touch technology, business, data and risk at the same time.
• Kandhari stressed that AI adoption requires a behavioral shift as much as a technology investment, with time to learn, experiment and build confidence.

Ohio technology leaders don’t need to start from scratch on AI, but they do need to lead differently.

That was the message from Nationwide Chief AI and Digital Transformation Officer Chetan Kandhari to the 2026 Ohio Tech Summit audience at The Ohio State University.

Kandhari says that the next phase of AI adoption will be defined less by the technology itself and more by how organizations build teams, help people adapt and develop a new leadership mindset.

For Kandhari, the future is clear: AI is no longer a side experiment or isolated technology initiative. It is becoming a business transformation that will redefine how companies work, serve customers and lead through change.

AI works best when organizations build together

According to Kandhari, one of the most important lessons from Nationwide’s own AI journey is that no single function can own this work alone. AI touches business operations, customer experience, governance, data and risk, which means organizations move faster and more responsibly when those voices are at the table from the beginning.

“Nationwide’s own approach reflects that model,” said Kandhari. “The company has used machine learning and AI for more than 15 years, established an Enterprise Analytics Office early in its journey and now has more than 100 models in production. When generative AI accelerated in 2023, Nationwide brought together a cross-functional team from technology, business, data and risk to explore more than 30 use cases, launch 11 pilots and scale six initiatives.”

Kandhari revealed that work helped shape the company’s broader AI operating model, which includes Everyday AI for all associates, Local AI for team-specific problems, Exploratory AI for emerging technology trends, Flagship AI for high-impact transformation and Shared AI Capabilities & Accelerators that help teams build on common platforms and tools instead of starting over each time. 

“AI is not just a technology decision – it touches teams across our company,” said Kandhari. “This can’t sit within a single function. Opportunities and risks have to be considered together.”

Real AI adoption depends on changing behavior, not just deploying tools

Kandhari also emphasized that making AI available is not the same as making it useful. Tools matter, but organizations only unlock value when people have the time, support and confidence to apply them in their day-to-day work.

For Nationwide, that has meant pairing technology rollout with adoption support. Kandhari pointed to the company’s rollout of an AI assistant to all associates, connecting it directly to their tools and documents so they can find information and get support in the flow of work. At the same time, Nationwide has continued investing in its Future of Work program, where AI has been the number one topic chosen by associates for three straight years.

The company has also built a network of more than 600 change champions across the enterprise to help teams adopt and apply AI in practical ways. Kandhari framed that as a reminder that successful AI transformation is ultimately a people challenge as much as a technical one.

“Having the tools isn’t enough. People need time to learn, the space to experiment, and the support to understand how AI fits into their work,” expressed Kandhari. “Adoption doesn’t happen just because something is available; it happens when people feel confident and comfortable using it.”

The next era of AI will require leaders to think differently

Kandhari encouraged the audience to have an eye on the future. AI is evolving from systems that follow rules, to systems that generate content, to systems that can increasingly reason through problems and act across multiple steps. That progression, he said, creates a new challenge for leaders who must guide organizations through both the opportunity and the disruption that comes with it.

He pointed to the broader market shift as evidence that this moment is arriving quickly. 

“According to a McKinsey study, only about 20% of organizations reported using AI in at least one business function in 2017, that adoption hovered around 50% until late 2022 and that by 2024 it had climbed above 70% as generative AI became accessible to far more people,” said Kandhari.

For Nationwide, that acceleration helped drive a strategic decision in June 2025 to move away from isolated experimentation and embed AI directly into the business strategy, backed by a $1.5 billion technology commitment with more than 20% dedicated specifically to AI.

Kandhari emphasized the real differentiator will be leadership. As AI becomes more capable, leaders must bring both vision and empathy so people feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

“Leading with AI requires a new mindset. AI – and especially what’s coming with agents – gives us the opportunity to rethink how work gets done. How decisions are made. And how we serve customers,” said Kandhari. “The technology is here. The question now is how we choose to lead with it.”

The milestone was highlighted during Nationwide’s 2026 Patent Awards Ceremony, where the company recognized six inventors whose work over the past year is helping drive business and technology forward. The celebration reflects significant momentum since Nationwide received its first U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent in 2000. 

Today, Nationwide’s growing patent portfolio spans analytics, digital platforms, product innovation and new business solutions, showcasing ideas from across the enterprise and reinforcing the company’s commitment to forward-thinking technology. 

“In many ways, the patent milestone is more than a number,” said Nationwide Chief Technology Officer Michael Carrel. “It reflects a culture that values curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving — and a belief that great ideas can come from anywhere inside the company.” 

The achievement carries added significance during Nationwide’s centennial year. On April 14, 2026, the company marked 100 years since selling its first insurance policy — rooted in a mission to meet real customer needs with practical solutions. 

“That same purpose continues to guide Nationwide today,” said Nationwide Chief Customer, Strategy and Innovation Officer Mike Mahaffey. “Across the organization, associates are developing innovative tools, products and capabilities designed to make customer experiences simpler, faster and more secure.” 

As Nationwide enters its second century, reaching 100 patents represents both a milestone and a momentum marker — signaling that the company’s next era of innovation is already underway. 

Learn more: Visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page to explore the latest advancements. 

Dan Schurr was elected to fill the vacancy created by Zellers’ retirement.  Schurr previously served as the board chair of CHS, Inc., the largest cooperative business in the United States. 

Zellers was elected to the Nationwide board in 2007 and has served as board chair since 2020. During his tenure, he provided steady, mission-driven leadership focused on Nationwide’s long-term strength, its mutual heritage and its commitment to its members. He helped guide the company and the board through a period of record growth, capital fortification and strategic evolution, ensuring Nationwide remained financially strong and well-positioned to serve its customers and communities.  

“Jeff has been an exceptional leader and steward of Nationwide,” said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Kirt Walker. “He brought a thoughtful, principled approach to the role of board chair, modernized our governance practices and consistently challenged us to lean into new opportunities as a modern mutual. Jeff’s guidance and collaborative leadership have had a lasting impact on our organization, and I am grateful for his service and partnership.” 

Toelle is owner of T & T Farms, a diversified farming company based in Browns Valley, Minn. He has served on the Nationwide board since 2013 and brings deep experience in finance, governance and business planning – qualities that will advance Nationwide’s mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. 

“We congratulate Michael on his election as board chair,” said Walker. “He understands what it means to serve members for the long term, and his board expertise, industry perspective and dedicated leadership will be invaluable as Nationwide continues to evolve.” 

Later this year, Toelle will be one of five 2026 inductees into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Established in 1974 by the National Cooperative Business Association and administered by the Cooperative Development Foundation, the Cooperative Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the U.S. cooperative community bestows on extraordinary individuals who have made “genuinely heroic contributions” in support of cooperatives. 

In addition to his service on the Nationwide board, Toelle is a board member of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Grey Eagle Pork and CIBO, and a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and World 50.  

He is a former board chair and long-time board member of CHS, Inc., and past chair of the CHS Foundation. He was a board member of Cenex, Inc., prior to its merger with Harvest States Cooperatives to form CHS in 1998, and he served as chair of the governance unification committee during the merger. He also served as governance committee chair, corporate responsibility committee chair, and as a member of the audit and capital committees.  

Toelle has also served as a director of the Agricultural Council of America and Country Partners Cooperative. 

Toelle earned his bachelor’s degree in administration and industrial technology at Minnesota State Moorhead. 

When the results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor, a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors.

After meeting with the hospital’s oncology team immediately following the diagnosis, Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After enduring several rounds of chemo and spending her 12^th birthday at Nationwide Children’s, Braylee completed her treatment plan in January 2024. Just a few weeks later, the family received the wonderful news that the scans showed no sign of the tumor and no further treatment was needed. 

Now 14 years old, the eighth grader who aspires to be either a family physician or pediatric psychiatrist has a message of encouragement for anyone facing health challenges. “Keep going. You will get there. You’re in the tunnel, and the tunnel might be long, but it doesn’t stay dark forever.”

Braylee’s courageous spirit was celebrated at the 16^th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with son Jack II and his wife Alli, announced Braylee as the 2026 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of the Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that showcases the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation alliance.

“Stories like Braylee’s reinforce why Nationwide is proud to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its commitment to ensuring that children and families receive exceptional care when they need it most,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide.

This year’s event raised $1.5 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance, bringing the 16-year total to nearly $18 million. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.

Learn how you can support the work being done at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 

That comprehensive strategy – and the measurable impact – has earned Nationwide the Business Group on Health Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Wellbeing Award. For more than 20 years, the award has recognized employers that advance workforce health through innovative and comprehensive benefits.

“Earning this recognition affirms that our programs are making a meaningful difference for our employees and their families,” said Jeff Burke, director of wellbeing at Nationwide. “Wellbeing continues to evolve, and so must we, to meet the changing needs of our workforce.”

In 2025, Nationwide strengthened its focus on mental health while expanding use of its research-based curriculum that helps employees build foundational habits for long-term health and personal growth. Offered in both live and self-guided formats, the program delivers practical tools across nutrition, mindfulness, resilience, sleep and financial basics, and is fully integrated into the company’s learning ecosystem – driving strong participation and reinforcing wellbeing as part of employee development.

This year, the company will further expand support through personalized, one-on-one financial coaching, providing employees with year-round access to expert guidance. This enhancement reflects employee feedback (60% of employees say they highly value financial resources) and the growing role of financial security in overall mental health and wellbeing.

“As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same: to support employees and their families in every dimension of their wellbeing,” Burke said. “When our people feel healthy, secure and supported, they can bring their best selves to work – and that strengthens Nationwide.”

To learn about employee benefits, visit Nationwide.com.

Customers can file a claim through Nationwide’s Claims Center or call 1-800-421-3535.

The Nationwide Foundation is helping expand a critical lifeline for young people experiencing homelessness across central Ohio with a $750,000 grant to support Star House’s new South Side drop-in center.

Star House operates the region’s only drop-in center specifically for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness. As demand for services continues to grow across Ohio, the nonprofit recently broke ground on a second drop-in location on Columbus’ South Side to expand capacity and provide additional access to safety and support.

"Thanks to our committed community partners, we are on track to open a second drop-in center on the South Side to meet the unique needs of young people in this region and to offset capacity issues at our current center,” said Ann Bischoff, CEO of Star House. “We've nearly doubled the number of young people we've served since 2021 — the need has never been greater."

Expected to open in early 2027, the new South Side campus will be located in the former St. Ladislas Catholic Church. Public and private support will fund renovations and allow Star House to serve hundreds more young people annually when the new 26,000-square-foot center opens.

The space will offer food, clothing, hygiene supplies, showers, therapy, case management, health and legal services, workforce development and connections to housing. The church sanctuary will be transformed into a welcoming drop-in space, while the adjacent school building will serve as a community services hub and administrative center.

“Nationwide Foundation is honored to support Star House South Side because every young person deserves a safe place to go and people who believe in their potential,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “This expansion ensures more youth can access care, stability and opportunity closer to where they live.”

Founded in 2006, Star House partners with teens and young adults as they exit homelessness and work toward long-term stability. The nonprofit also operates a 62-unit village of affordable housing for young adults transitioning out of homelessness. Its trauma-informed, low-barrier model addresses immediate needs while providing therapy, case management and pathways to housing, employment and education.

Learn more about how Nationwide Foundation supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives.

According to a new survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute, 47% of investors have not had conversations with family members about how they’re planning for financial security in retirement. Even more striking, 17% say they don’t think these conversations are necessary.

Meanwhile, the 53% of investors who are talking with family members about retirement finances report that they span multiple topics. Conversations include wishes for end-of-life care, access to financial accounts and plans for passing on assets and managing finances when a parent becomes unable to do so, according to Nationwide’s survey.

“When a parent or loved one who has been a source of guidance and stability can no longer manage their finances or care for themselves, many families find themselves thrust into a sudden and overwhelming crisis,” said Juan José Pérez, senior vice president of Nationwide Strategic Customer Solutions. “It doesn’t have to be that way. Family conversations can help create a shared roadmap for how a family can come together to follow through on their loved one’s wishes if and when the time comes to do so.”

The good news? The vast majority of financial advisors are already helping families have these conversations as part of their practice. According to Nationwide’s survey, 90% of advisors say they currently facilitate conversations between aging clients and their adult children about retirement planning, healthcare costs or financial security, including 43% who say it’s a standard part of their practice.

However, generations differ on how involved they want their advisor to be when it comes to family financial planning. While 60% of Millennials say they want a financial advisor to serve as a facilitator for discussions, only 32% of Gen Xers and 16% of Baby Boomers agreed, according to Nationwide’s survey.

“Change can happen quickly, which is why it’s essential for loved ones to have a plan in place and be ready to step in when needed – something an advisor can help coordinate,” said Perez. “Older generations have an opportunity to clearly share their wishes and help their families feel prepared to support them when the time comes.”

Perez shared the following topics families may want to discuss during financial planning conversations:

1. Establish expectations: Parents should articulate their vision and plan for their life when they need more help and when they pass away. Younger generations should be honest about how they may be able to contribute to these plans as a caregiver or financial partner.

2. Retirement income and expenses: Talk through where money will come from in retirement, including Social Security, pensions, savings or investments. Discuss how it will cover everyday living costs, healthcare, housing and lifestyle goals. This helps set realistic expectations before problems arise.  

3. Health care and long-term care plans: Families should discuss health insurance coverage, Medicare decisions and potential long-term care needs. Chronic illness or cognitive decline can dramatically change financial needs.

4. Estate plans and beneficiary wishes: This includes wills, trusts, beneficiary designations and who will make decisions if someone becomes incapacitated. Clear conversations can prevent confusion, conflict and delays in the future.

5. Values and legacy goals: Beyond the numbers, families should talk about what matters most: supporting a surviving spouse, helping children or grandchildren, charitable giving or preserving a family legacy. These conversations help ensure financial plans reflect personal priorities.

This year’s event was hosted at six Nationwide locations and virtually, supported by more than 250 employee volunteers and featured a schedule with over 160 curated sessions. A new remote option extended the day to employees and their children who don’t live near a campus, ensuring more families could be part of the experience no matter where they live.

“Through Bring A Child to Work Day, our employees’ children can experience Nationwide’s caring culture and see how the adults in their life work to make a difference every day,” said Vinita Clements, Nationwide’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “By pairing age-appropriate learning with real workplace experiences, we hope to inspire new possibilities, spark curiosity and show the many ways a future at Nationwide can take shape.”

From hands-on simulations that brought Nationwide’s insurance, financial services and technology expertise to life, to interactive learning with community partners, each session was intentionally tied to Nationwide’s mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. The programming was designed for children grades 1–12, and sessions were developed by age and interest, helping families build a day that felt right for each child.

“Each year, Bring a Child to Work Day reminds us that our work starts at home and in our communities,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide’s Chief Executive Officer. “When children see the adults in their lives living our values, helping others and giving back, they start to imagine what’s possible for themselves – and we’re proud to invest in the people and families who make Nationwide special.”

Last year’s event drew more than 1,400 children to four Nationwide locations, and the continued growth of the program reflects how meaningful the tradition has become for employees and their families. With expanded locations, a unique virtual option and personalized experience to keep the day running smoothly, Nationwide remains committed to investing in the next generation and celebrating the families who are at the heart of its culture.

To learn more about roles at Nationwide, visit the careers page.

Taking home the title of Wackiest Pet Name of 2026 are*: 

• Top Dog: Internet Browser, a Plott hound from San Antonio, Texas
• Top Cat: Cheddar Big Booty Cheeseburger, a longhair feline with maximum flavor from Benton, Arkansas
• Top Exotic Pet: Space Cowboy, a bearded dragon living life on his own terms from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina 

Each year, Nationwide pet insurance team recognizes the most bold and unforgettable names among its roster of newly enrolled pets. The top 10 wackiest dogs, cats, and exotic pet names were put to a public vote that ran April 13-17 with a record 200,000+ votes counted. 

The pet’s families will celebrate their wins with a professional photo shoot with their pet and a gift card to create a custom pet portrait.  

Below are links to the names and profiles of the other nominees.

Nationwide’s Wacky Pet Names campaign highlights the real families behind every funny name and why they choose Nationwide to protect their pets.   

It’s a wacky world out there. Be ready for the unexpected with protection from Nationwide pet insurance. To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit petinsurance.com. 

 *These are actual pet names chosen by actual owners, reflecting their pets' unique personalities and the owner's interests and passions. No connection or relationship to the inspiration is implied.  

“Nationwide was born in Columbus, and we’ve grown up together over the last 100 years,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide chief executive officer. “As we prepared to celebrate our centennial, we knew we wanted to do something big to give back to the city that has given us so much. Supporting a new professional women’s sports franchise in Central Ohio was a unique opportunity we just had to embrace.”

The new club is expected to begin play in the 2028 NWSL season at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus’ Arena District, sharing a world-class, soccer-specific stadium and fan experience with the Columbus Crew. The project includes a new, women-specific training facility and stadium enhancements including new locker rooms designed for and used by NWSL teams.

“When young athletes in Central Ohio can see women competing at the highest level in their own backyard and see the investment, facilities and visibility match what they see in the men’s game, it sends a powerful message about what’s possible. We’re proud to stand alongside Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards family to help make that a reality in Columbus,” Walker added.

Nationwide has been the exclusive insurance partner of the NWSL since 2021. Through the league partnership, Nationwide and the NWSL have:

• Established the Lauren Holiday Impact Award in 2024, recognizing the active NWSL player who exemplifies exceptional service, leadership and character in their community.
• Created Experience Nationwide, a paid, immersive and hands-on learning program that provides NWSL players with professional development and business experience to help prepare for careers beyond the pitch.
• Expanded local club relationships so that Nationwide now partners with most NWSL teams, deepening ties in local communities and with fans across the country.

Columbus has emerged as a national hub for women’s sports, hosting marquee events and driving significant sports-related economic activity for the region. The addition of an NWSL club will build on that momentum, generating new economic activity and providing another pathway for girls and young women inspired by the global growth of soccer.

“This club is also a celebration of the Columbus Way – public and private partners, businesses and civic leaders and passionate fans all coming together to do something big for our community,” Walker said. “We are grateful to the leaders across the city, county and region whose support helped make this possible. Together, we’re not just adding another team, we’re strengthening the foundation for economic growth and opportunity in Central Ohio.”

Nationwide’s mutual structure allows the company to take a long-term view and invest beyond its core businesses, especially in the communities it calls home. The new club is expected to bring more visitors downtown, support local businesses, create opportunities for neighbors and associates, and help keep the Arena District vibrant year-round. It represents another way Nationwide delivers value for its members while continuing to serve as a long-term community builder in Columbus.

The new NWSL club adds to a broader portfolio of sports relationships for Nationwide that includes sponsorships in the NFL, NWSL, MLS, PGA TOUR and NHL. 

Nationwide, one of the largest and most diversified insurance and financial services companies in the United States, turned 100 this week.  

April 14, 2026, marks the centennial of the day it sold its first policy thanks to farmers across Ohio who pooled their money to create a $10,000 capital fund and establish the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, now Nationwide. 

 “Less than one-half of 1% of companies reach this milestone,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “We’re grateful to have earned the trust of our partners, members and the community and take seriously our role in helping people protect what matters most.” 

Nationwide formed to provide Ohio farmers with an option to secure reliable, lower-cost auto insurance designed specifically to meet their needs. In 1926, most Ohio farmers lived far from busy cities and had fewer accidents. Since then, Nationwide has grown to become the largest private company in Columbus and the one of the largest Fortune 500 companies in Ohio. 

In recognition of Nationwide’s centennial, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council each issued proclamations honoring Nationwide’s history and impact to the city and state.  

• Proclamation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel
• Proclamations from Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council 

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized for this milestone in our hometown and our home state,” Walker said. “Our roots in Columbus and Ohio are foundational to the modern mutual company we’ve grown into over the last 100 years, and both will have outsized impact on how Nationwide develops over the next 100 years.” 

This year’s finalists reflect how pet naming has evolved into a creative outlet inspired by humor, pop culture, wordplay and even academic flair. Names range from Statistically Significant, a domestic shorthair cat whose name suggests serious analytical skills, to Quillie Nelson, a hedgehog clearly channeling a music legend’s energy. This year’s list showcases imagination across dogs, cats and a range of exotic pets including a pigeon, bearded dragon and rabbit.  

This year’s naming trends fall into a few standout categories:  

• Pop culture wordplay: Obi-Wan Cornobi (corn snake), Howl Capone (dachshund), Brave Little Toaster (shorthair cat)
• Food-inspired fun: Cheddar Big Booty Cheeseburger (longhair cat), Dinonugget (maltipoo), Orange Julius Ceasar Salad (shorthair cat)
• Chaos energy: General Chaos (mixed breed dog), Mochi The Captain Of Chaos (conure parrot), Bad Kitty 5000 (shorthair cat)
• Clever and brainy names: Statistically Significant (shorthair cat), Internet Browser (plott hound), Lucipurr Meowzebub The Lord Of Cats (shorthair cat)
• Formally ridiculous titles: Sergeant Major (SGM) Booplesnoot (rabbit), Aries Amethyst World Eater (boxer), Goofus McDoof Business Horse (shorthair cat) 

Support your favorite dog, cat, and exotic pet name by voting daily for each category.   

Here are the 2026 Wacky Pet Names finalists:  
(Click on their name to go to the pet's profile page to vote, if voting button doesn't appear, please clear your browser history and refresh the page)

While the contest celebrates humor and imagination, Nationwide reminds pet parents that protecting their pets’ health is a serious consideration. Pet insurance offers reimbursement on eligible veterinary expenses for accidents, illness and more so pet families can focus on care and worry less about cost. 

For more information about protecting pets of all shapes, sizes and names, visit petinsurance.com. 

The pets with the most votes in each category will each receive a professional photo shoot with their pet and a gift card to create a custom pet portrait.   

See Official Rules—Wacky Pet Names  

*These are actual pet names chosen by actual owners, reflecting their pets' unique personalities and the owner's interests and passions. No connection or relationship to the inspiration is implied. 

Nationwide’s 2025 financial performance strengthened the enterprise’s position as a modern mutual built for long-term stability, disciplined growth and customer value, driven by robust performances from both its financial services and property & casualty businesses. At the same time, as one of the nation’s largest, most diversified insurance and financial services companies, Nationwide paid more than $20.2 billion in claims and benefits to its members.

“Years like 2025 demonstrate the power of our modern mutual approach, which takes a long‑term view while staying relentlessly focused on delivering for customers today and into the future,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. “Our diverse portfolio, strong capital position and iconic brand allow us to grow with intention, navigate volatility and remain strong and stable for those who rely on us.”

Strong Foundations for Future Growth

Nationwide recorded $73.2 billion in total sales and premiums for 2025, up 7% from 2024’s $68.5 billion sales record. Much of the growth reflects an extension of sales through institutional partners, along with an expansion of Nationwide’s portfolio through strategic transactions, said Nationwide Chief Financial Officer Tim Frommeyer. The company’s key measurement of profitability, net operating income, surpassed $4.29 billion, up from $3.13 billion in 2024. Total adjusted capital rose to its highest level ever, $32.8 billion, well above what’s required for a AAA-level rating, providing a strong foundation that will benefit customers well into the future.

“Our capital position reflects strong performance and disciplined use of capital across our business portfolio,” Frommeyer said. “All of our business lines delivered strong earnings, driving further diversification across our portfolio and fueling significant benefit to our capital position. Our performance rests on the foundation of Property & Casualty’s world-class underwriting capabilities, and the sophisticated risk management and consistent, disciplined performance of Nationwide Financial.”

Despite a year marked by severe wildfires and convective storms across the industry, Nationwide Property & Casualty delivered favorable underwriting results through disciplined execution. While financial markets experienced volatility early in the year, Nationwide Financial accelerated growth across its portfolio of businesses, notching its highest levels of sales and earnings. Nationwide Financial is a top 10 writer across its portfolio of income and protection solutions.

2025 Highlights

• Becoming a leader in employer stop loss insurance – Nationwide acquired Allstate Benefits’ group health business in July 2025, expanding its ability to offer self-funded and stop loss solutions to small and mid-sized employers. Stop loss insurance protects employers who self-fund their health insurance plans from excess losses.
• Protecting customers with “predict and prevent” solutions – In 2025, P&C elevated how its claims, actuarial, product and distribution teams work together so insights move quickly through the business, enabling more “predict and prevent” risk management, stronger underwriting discipline and proactive protection for members.
• Innovating products to meet evolving needs – Nationwide Financial expanded its suite of hybrid long-term care solutions with CareMatters^® Annuity, a customer-centric solution that combines guaranteed tax-deferred earnings with flexible long-term care benefits. The business also introduced RetireAssist^SM, a new retirement plan suite for the small market 401(k)/403(b) space.
• Bringing technology solutions to home and commercial members – Programs that detect and alert policyholders before small problems become major losses were expanded for home and commercial members, supporting Nationwide’s “predict and prevent” risk management strategy. Nationwide’s commercial and agribusiness units now provide solutions that include continuous motor vehicle record monitoring, equipment tracking and cyber safety tools, while technology like Ting electrical system monitoring and LeakBot water leak detectors are protecting Nationwide home policy members.
• Sharpening the customer experience – Reflecting Nationwide’s vision to be the most trusted, most caring and most customer focused protection company, Nationwide’s deep commitment to customer experience and relationships helped drive 2025 growth, improving customer satisfaction scores across the businesses and enabling 12 Nationwide Financial partners to each sell $1 billion or more in Nationwide Financial products.
• Investing in the future – Continuing its history as an industry innovator and leader, Nationwide announced a $1.5 billion technology investment through 2028, with $100 million annually dedicated to advancing AI. This commitment will enhance customer experiences, strengthen risk management and efficiency and support long-term, sustainable growth.
• Serving communities –
  • The Nationwide Foundation—the 501(c)(3) private foundation to which Nationwide is the primary donor—contributed more than $41 million to nonprofit organizations.
  • Nationwide Mutual company and employees donated an additional $13.7 million to nonprofit organizations.
  • Company employees logged nearly 73,000 hours of volunteer time across the country.

Nationwide’s next 100 years       

As Nationwide celebrates its 100^th anniversary in 2026, Walker emphasized that the decisions being made today are laying the groundwork for a protection company that will serve its members for another century.

“Our centennial marks more than a milestone, it’s a foundation for the next chapter of Nationwide’s growth,” Walker said. “Thanks to the dedication of our employees and partners, we are well positioned to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care for generations to come.”

Walker noted that Nationwide employees are helping to celebrate its centennial in 2026 by giving 100,000 hours of volunteer service.

Additional information about Nationwide’s business results and community impact can be found in Nationwide’s 2025 Annual Report. 

Nationwide has always made supporting the communities in which we live and work a top priority. As Nationwide celebrates our centennial year this April – marking 100 years since our first policy was written – we're reminded of the enduring partnerships and shared purpose that have shaped our company from the beginning. To celebrate important community milestones, amplify our passions, and encourage Columbus sports teams and downtown partners, Nationwide began a unique tradition in the late 1970s that allows us to express our appreciation and spread joy to those around us.

The magic behind the scenes

Getting all of the details right is not easy. It takes seasoned professionals to execute the illuminated messaging. The Building Management staff first uses a map of the building to determine which windows need to be blacked out – a formidable task in itself. Then comes some major shade pulling with a crew of four going floor to floor drawing shades and installing cardboard in certain windows so that the message is legible.

How long does this process take in a 40-story skyscraper?

Approximately 3½ hours to install the message. But the work doesn’t end there. Each night, a maintenance crew checks each floor to make sure the right shades are drawn.

With all of the attention to detail, hard work and passion, the end result is stunning. See for yourself.

WOSU features Nationwide's holiday lights display

The CIO 100 Awards honor organizations and teams that demonstrate excellence in using technology to deliver outcomes such as operational efficiency, innovation, business value, and long-term competitiveness. This year, CIO recognized Nationwide’s Enterprise Digital Platform, a system that enables Nationwide’s external business partners quick, secure and consistent digital integration with Nationwide systems.  

“Being named a 2026 CIO 100 Award winner for our Enterprise Digital Platform validates the work our teams are doing to help modernize how we serve our partners and members,” said  Michael Carrel,  Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Nationwide. “This ongoing effort strengthens relationships and helps us deliver seamless, customer-centric experiences in real time. Most importantly, it reflects the passion and expertise of the associates who are making it easier to do business with us every day.”  

Nationwide built its Enterprise Digital Platform to streamline working together with Nationwide’s insurance and financial services partners, which in turn translates to enhanced experiences for Nationwide’s end customers. The platform offers Nationwide partners an experience equal to internal associates, with governance, observability, and lifecycle management for all 19 business lines – making interactions easy, timely, and protected. 

“The CIOs we're recognizing this year aren't just keeping the lights on, they're driving the business," said Richard Smith, Head of Event Content, CIO 100 Awards & Conference. "AI, data, security, cloud; it all lands on the same desk now, and the best CIOs have stopped treating them as separate problems. The 2026 class shows what it looks like when you get that right.” 

Nationwide Technology was also named to the CIO 100 in 2003 and in 2025. More information about the CIO 100 Awards can be found here.  

To learn more about technology advancements at Nationwide, visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page.  

This year’s theme, “Know your next move,” uses puzzle and game inspired visuals to break down complex financial topics into simple, actionable steps, empowering individuals at every starting point. The resources provided by Nationwide even include tools for adults to help their kids begin the financial literacy journey. 

“Helping participants prepare for and live a dignified retirement is what we do every day at Nationwide, and Financial Literacy Month allows us to put an extra spotlight on the importance of taking small, intentional steps for long term planning,” said Amelia Dunlap, vice president of Marketing for Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “Starting to save can feel challenging, but using simple, practical tools can help participants develop smart money management habits and feel more confident about their financial future.” 

As part of its mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care, Nationwide is offering a suite of easy-to-use resources including: 

• Interactive Quiz – Helps individuals assess their financial wellness 

• Family Activity Book – A printable guide that helps families talk about money 

• “Game of Retirement” Infographic – A visual roadmap to simplify the retirement journey 

• Educational Articles – Short clear breakdowns of foundational financial topics like budgeting, saving and managing everyday expenses 

• Online Tools – Calculators and digital checkups turning learning into action 

All materials are available on the Financial Literacy Participant Resources page. 

Additionally, Nationwide is supporting plan sponsors with readymade communications and other assets to support workplace engagement and help participants make smarter financial moves. 

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, that is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer¹. Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)² with an average tenure of 29 years¹. The company also continues to maintain significant presence  in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer.

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement. The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options
 

¹ Nationwide Financial (Dec 31, 2025)
² PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants. 
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• Drivers say U.S. roads feel unpredictable as phone use, aggression and reckless driving continue to rise
• Stress and mistrust are growing on the road, with 4 in 10 drivers reporting stress and two-thirds frequently witnessing road rage
• Parents’ anxiety about teen driving is reshaping safety perceptions, with 40% saying they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen in some situations
• Company drivers confirm worsening behaviors across the board, reporting sharp increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles 

A new survey from Nationwide finds that driving in America is becoming less predictable and less trusted. While most drivers rate their own driving highly, many say the behavior from others on the road is getting worse. Distraction, aggression and recklessness are rising, making everyday driving more stressful and harder to anticipate.  

Nearly 9 in 10 drivers say phone use behind the wheel has increased in the past year, alongside similar spikes in aggressive and reckless driving. As a result, 40% say they experience stress while driving, and more than two-thirds frequently witness road rage.   

That erosion of trust is reshaping how families think about safety. In fact, 4 in 10 parents say they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen driver in certain situations, despite ongoing skepticism about the technology.  

Even the most experienced drivers are seeing the same shift. Company drivers, who operate a vehicle as one of their core job responsibilities and spend more time on the road than most, report worsening behaviors across the board, including increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles.  

Parents are weighing two imperfect options  
Parents are choosing between two risks they don’t fully trust. Anxiety is widespread among families with teen drivers: 91% of parents say they are at least somewhat anxious about their teen’s driving, and nearly half (49%) say driving is stressful for their teen.   

At the same time, confidence in young drivers remains low. More than 8 in 10 consumers (84%) and parents (85%) believe teens are more distracted than other age groups. Just 12% rate teen drivers as very good or excellent. Nearly nine in 10 also say teens need more behind-the-wheel training.   

As that anxiety builds, many parents are rethinking what safety looks like. In fact, 40% of parents with teen drivers believe that autonomous vehicles may be a safer option than their teens learning to drive.  

Company drivers reinforce the trend  
Company drivers who operate a vehicle daily as part of their job responsibilities see this shift every day on the road.  

Spending more time behind the wheel than most, they offer a clear view into how driving behavior is changing. They report noticeable increases in risky driving behaviors when compared to results from the 2025 Driving Behaviors study, including a 10-point rise in distraction (77%) and recklessness (73%) and a 15-point increase (74%) in unsafe driving around commercial vehicles.  

That behavior is making an already demanding job more stressful. Nearly half of commercial drivers (47%) say they feel stressed, exhausted and frustrated while driving for work, and 60% worry that aggressive drivers could cause an accident.  

“Driving no longer feels as predictable or routine as it once did,” said Mark McGhiey, Commercial Risk Management Leader at Nationwide. “Many describe a road environment with more distractions, more tension and less trust in the people around them. These conditions are particularly concerning for company drivers as many worry about the threat of accidents, injuries and the ripple effects on future employment opportunities.”  

It’s not just regular drivers causing friction; company drivers are noticing the same trends of faster and more reckless driving among their peers as well. One quarter admits they are at least sometimes distracted behind the wheel, showing no group is immune to risky behavior.  

What drivers can still control  
While drivers can’t control the behavior of others, they can take steps to help reduce their own risk in an environment that feels increasingly unpredictable.  

“Drivers are noticing changes in driving behavior on the road, and that awareness is an important first step toward improving road safety,” said Chris Lee, VP of Personal Lines Auto at Nationwide. “While we can’t control every driver around us, we can control how we drive. Reducing distractions, staying alert, and giving other vehicles more space are simple actions that can make a real difference. Programs like Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards^® are designed to help drivers build those safer habits and keep their attention where it belongs—on the road.”  

Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards is designed to help drivers put those habits into practice. The program encourages reduced phone handling behind the wheel by tracking behaviors like handheld calls or screen taps, and rewards focused driving with gift cards. It is open to both Nationwide members and non-customers.  

Businesses can also leverage insurance carrier-provided resources, like guides for safely handling aggressive or distracted drivers. They can also lean into tech solutions like dashcams that capture critical evidence in the event of an accident caused by another vehicle, as well as  GPS telematics, which can help proactively reduce risk through driver monitoring, coaching and route optimization.    

Methodology  
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,005 general consumers, 400 parents of teen drivers, and 400 commercial drivers from January 14-28, 2026. 

Nearly two‑thirds of commercial property stakeholders – defined as property owners, new construction builders, and business owners – report being very or extremely concerned about severe weather risk and natural disasters in their area. Nationally, respondents feel most at risk from severe heat waves (69%), floods (69%), and damaging winds (65%). Top concerns tied to these risks are business interruption (56%), water intrusion/flood damage (41%) and structural damage (33%). 

Risk perception also varies by region. Flooding and business interruptions rank among the top concerns nationwide, while specific risks are top of mind in areas prone to particularly damaging weather. In hurricane-risk states, concern about structural damage (39%) and broken windows (39%) exceeds national levels. In states prone to severe convective storms, stakeholders report heightened concern about roof damage (33%) and broken windows (33%), as well as ice storms and severe cold waves.

Even with widespread concern, less than half of national commercial property owners say they feel fully prepared for any of these weather risks.

Property owners are investing in physical resilience
In response to growing weather risk, property stakeholders are taking meaningful steps to reinforce their buildings and operations.

• 61% have added backup power systems
• 60% installed weather-resistant windows or doors
• 57% developed or updated an emergency preparedness plan
• 54% added extra bracing for severe wind

Structural upgrades play a critical role in reducing damage and limiting disruption. At the same time, businesses are evaluating how their insurance coverage supports recovery should substantial losses occur.

Confidence in coverage is strong, but businesses are weighing their protection
Property owners’ perceptions of insurance protection are nuanced. More than 8 in 10 say they feel well protected against severe weather losses; however, only 39% of those stakeholders say they feel fully protected – suggesting that while overall confidence in coverage is strong, fewer view their coverage as comprehensive.

Even with positive perceptions of coverage, cost considerations continue to shape insurance decisions.

• 41% believe commercial property insurance affordability has improved over the past year
• Still, 60% are interested in ways to manage insurance costs
• 55% would consider reducing coverage or insuring less property to lower premiums

Nearly all property owners report consulting with an insurance agent to review coverage and discuss risk management strategies. This ongoing professional guidance has become essential as weather-related risks continue to evolve.

Growing risks highlight opportunity for greater technology adoption
While many commercial property owners are concerned about weather and environmental damage, adoption of technologies designed to predict and prevent losses remains relatively low.

• Only 41% report using smart water leak detection or automatic shutoff systems
• Two-thirds do not use smart thermostats or temperature sensors
• Roughly three-quarters do not use environmental sensors that monitor conditions like temperature, humidity or air quality

The findings also point to a broader awareness gap: nearly 8 in 10 respondents (77%) wish there were as many technology solutions available to protect their business properties as there are for their homes. In reality, commercial-grade monitoring and protection tools are more widely available and advanced than residential offerings, and many insurers offer discounted access or incentives for businesses that adopt them.

Building a comprehensive approach
As severe weather risks continue to disrupt operations, insurance agents remain a critical resource for helping businesses navigate coverage decisions, identify mitigation opportunities and understand where technology can further strengthen their protection.

“Businesses have made meaningful investments to strengthen their properties, and that’s encouraging,” said Jason Ragsdale, Nationwide’s leader of Risk Management Technical Specialization. “But resilience goes beyond the building itself. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes risk mitigation, continuity planning and insurance coverage that reflects today’s evolving risks.”

Methodology
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 300 commercial property stakeholders from January 24 to February 13, 2026.

This year’s findings highlight a trend many pet families may find surprising: most of the top conditions for both dogs and cats are chronic conditions. This means they don’t just cause a one-time emergency, and they can become part of a long-term, expensive healthcare routine.  

“Each year, these findings remind us just how much of our pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions,” said Dr. Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer at Nationwide. “While not every illness can be prevented, pet families have real power when they understand their pet’s unique risks and catch early changes in behavior or health. Our goal is to give pet parents the tools and knowledge they need to support their pets through every stage of life.” 

Dog Trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 

• Skin allergies rank #1 again, for the 15^th year running.
• No movement in the top 9 conditions, signaling persistent, widespread health patterns among U.S. dogs.
• Seizures enter the top 10 for the first time but are very closely followed by kidney disease and cranial cruciate ligament tears.
• Chronic conditions make up 6 of the top 10 and may require long-lasting care and follow families for years, underscoring the importance of ongoing care and budgeting. 

Cat trends: Tummy troubles lead the pack again with chronic conditions climbing  

• For the third consecutive year, digestive issues stay firmly in the top spot.
• The top six conditions remain unchanged from last year, showing consistent health patterns across the feline population.
• A striking 7 out of 10 conditions for cats are chronic, meaning long-term costs can far exceed a single visit.
• The bottom half of the list sees some reshuffling among inflammatory bowel disease (#7 in 2024), diabetes (#8 in 2024), and respiratory infection (#9 in 2024). 

While not every health issue can be prevented, pet parents can make a big difference by knowing what their pets are most at risk for and spotting symptoms early. To help families stay informed, Nationwide Pet HealthZone^® offers free, easy-to-use resources covering more than 100 dog breeds and 11 cat breeds — giving pet owners practical ways to support their pets’ long-term health — giving pet owners practical ways to support their pets’ longterm health. 

With Nationwide pet health insurance, many veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement based on the member’s chosen coverage. It’s important to obtain coverage before your pet begins experiencing any symptoms because pre-existing conditions are excluded. To explore options visit petinsurance.com.  

¹These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition. 
²These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition. 

“Farmers today face disruption risks that are more complex and unpredictable than ever before,” said Devin Fuhrman, Nationwide’s Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer. “The new Farm Risk Ready tools and resources are designed to help farmers move from a wait-and-see approach to a predict and prevent mindset. By understanding emerging risks and building an actionable plan, farmers can strengthen their operations and position themselves for long-term success.”

The Need for Proactive Risk Management
The research conducted by Nationwide shows that farmers feel moderately prepared to manage disruption risks with readiness scores averaging at just five out of 10 (10 being completely prepared), highlighting the need to strengthen business resiliency across the industry. Farmers without resiliency plans tend to take a wait-and-see approach, with nearly half (47%) believing that if risk happens, they can address it at that time.

“Farmers have traditionally viewed risks in buckets like production and marketing,” said Fuhrman. “While we typically think of farm risk as resulting in some form of physical loss, it can also take the form of a reputational or market access loss.”

Today’s risks extend far beyond the field. Regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, disease outbreaks, market access challenges and supply chain disruptions have all surged. Creating resilience — the ability to anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from shocks quickly and effectively — is no longer optional. It’s essential for surviving the unexpected.

Introducing Farm Risk Ready
Many farmers who lack a formal resiliency or risk management plan cite limited knowledge about how to build a strong response strategy, with 31% saying they don’t know how or where to get help and 16% pointing to lack of time as key barriers. To address this gap and help farmers better prepare for future risk, Nationwide developed the Farm Risk Ready initiative, which provides tools and resources for identifying vulnerable areas and developing actionable plans tailored to individual operations.

Farm Risk Ready provides:

• An interactive risk assessment to gauge current preparedness and pinpoint areas for improvement.
• A plan builder to help farmers create a tailored Farm Risk Ready Plan for their operation.
• Learning materials and online resources that make risk planning approachable and practical.
• Future hands-on workshops that will provide expert guidance and peer learning to help farmers build and refine their plans.

As agriculture continues to evolve, so must the strategies farmers use to protect their businesses. Farm Risk Ready is designed to meet farmers where they are with practical support that fits into a farm’s day-to-day activities.

“While it may be impossible to identify or plan for every future risk, creating a plan helps you prepare, minimize potential business disruptions and protect your bottom line,” said Fuhrman.

Get Started Today
Farmers can start building a Farm Risk Ready Plan today at nationwide.com/farmriskready. With just a few clicks, farmers can take the first step toward building a stronger, more resilient future.

From the 1930s through the 1950s, employees supported a range of national and local campaigns, contributing to organizations such as Community Chest, the American Red Cross, the United Services Organizations and United Defense Fund, the Cancer Society and the Heart Association. Their involvement set the foundation for what would become a century of corporate citizenship.

When the company officially became Nationwide in 1955, its commitment to service expanded further. The Columbus office opened the first full-time corporate donation site in the American Red Cross system. Meanwhile, Nationwide also launched its first United Appeals campaign in 1951, pledging to raise and match $10 for every employee, a goal that would grow into one of the company’s most enduring community relationships. Then, in 1987, Nationwide donated 1.3 million units of food to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, helping to meet one-third of Franklin County’s goal that year – making it the largest one-company employee response in the country.

Today, this legacy continues through the combined efforts of the company and the thousands of employees who volunteer, raise funds and support the communities where they live and work. Last year, Nationwide employees volunteered nearly 73,000 hours and contributed $7 million to nonprofits across the country. Independently, the Nationwide Foundation matches these financial donations, doubling the impact of each contribution.

As the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, it has set an ambitious new goal: 100,000 volunteer hours in 2026.

“Throughout Nationwide’s history, employees have consistently stepped forward to support their communities, and that commitment remains just as strong today,” said Mark Howard, Nationwide’s chief legal officer. “Our culture of caring is foundational to who we are as a company, and it continues to guide how we show up for the people and communities we serve.”

2026 Company-wide volunteer event
To begin working toward this year’s 100,000 volunteer hour goal, Nationwide recently hosted a company-wide volunteer event that spanned central Ohio, Des Moines, Scottsdale, Milwaukee and San Antonio. More than 1,700 employees assembled over 10,000 snack packs for students to take home, while virtual volunteers wrote handwritten notes of encouragement included with each pack.

“Moments like this company‑wide volunteer event show what’s possible when employees come together around a shared purpose,” said Jayme Smoot, Nationwide’s vice president of Corporate Sustainability. “By engaging employees across locations and roles, we’re able to extend our impact far beyond a single community.”

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) officially opened the doors to its newly renovated and expanded Linden Branch, on Feb. 6, marking a major milestone for the neighborhood located north and east of downtown Columbus. The celebration took place just shy of two years after community partners gathered for a ceremonial “wall breaking” in April 2024 to kick off construction.

The new two‑level branch, still located at 2223 Cleveland Avenue, grew from 12,700 square feet to approximately 27,000 square feet. Designed to meet the evolving needs of Linden residents, the branch includes adaptable spaces, updated technology and resources aimed at supporting lifelong learning.

Among the library’s many upgrades are three meeting rooms, 10 study rooms, expanded seating, a quiet room and a business center equipped with public computers. A larger children’s area, a dedicated tween space and a creative, tech‑ready teen area are new features. The building also includes a spacious learning center area for programming, as well as commissioned public art that highlights the neighborhood’s culture and identity.

In support of the project, the Nationwide Foundation contributed a $1 million gift.  

“Libraries are an important community anchor that encourage growth, development and lifelong learning,” said Chad Jester, President of the Nationwide Foundation. “Libraries need to have the resources and technology to support the changing needs of the community.” 

Now open, the 21st‑century Linden Branch provides a flexible, welcoming environment where residents of all ages can learn, connect and create. With more than double the space, the facility is built to grow alongside the community for years to come.

CML’s Linden Branch is open Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Visit the CML newsroom for more information.

“Over the past five years, the average flood claim has exceeded $90,000,” said Stephanie Lee, Chief Executive Officer at Titan Flood. “We’re making it easier for people to protect themselves from that kind of financial shock.”

The program addresses a critical gap in the market. Standard homeowners and renters policies typically exclude flood damage, leaving the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the default option for many. However, the NFIP offers low coverage limits and limited options along with a 30-day waiting period. Titan Flood provides an alternative that has greater coverage limits for buildings and personal contents as well as a faster quoting experience.

Powered by predictive modeling and algorithmic underwriting, the Titan Flood platform allows homeowners to assess their flood risk, customize coverage, and purchase policies online in seconds. The platform is designed to be intuitive for consumers while also supporting independent agents with efficient quoting tools.

“This program is about empowering homeowners with the right coverages for their needs and faster access,” said Brooke Shirazi, Nationwide’s Vice President of E&S/Specialty Property Programs. “We wanted to take a controlled approach to entering the private flood market and found that Titan Flood’s digital efficiency and prioritized underwriting discipline is making that possible.”

The program is available in 15² states including Florida, Texas, California, and New Jersey, with plans to expand further in 2026. Titan Flood’s platform helps build more resilient communities by expanding access to flood insurance and modernizing how coverage is delivered.

To learn more watch our video series on the rising need for private residential flood.

To get a quote visit: https://titanflood.com/

¹ https://www.floodsmart.gov/
² State availability: AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, MA, MI, NC, NJ, PA, SC, TX, VA.

“With significantly more corn in storage, we’re already seeing a concerning rise in grain bin entrapments across the country this year,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “Nationwide remains committed to preventing these tragedies by equipping local first responders with the life-saving rescue tools and training they need. While we’re incredibly proud that these resources have helped save 16 lives since 2014, including a recent rescue earlier this month in Missouri, we know there is still more work to be done.”

To raise awareness and help prevent these accidents, Nationwide has opened its 13^th annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week.

Startling facts: Injuries & fatalities from grain bins*

• In 2024, at least 34 grain entrapments were documented – a 25% increase from 2023.
• There were 584 documented entrapments between 2007 and 2024. It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
• In four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance. In just 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.
• 100% of grain bin entrapments are preventable.

Grain Bin Safety Week continues to make an impact: February 15-21, 2026

Nationwide initiated its annual Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the dangers of working in grain bins and promote a zero-entry mentality. Grain Bin Safety Week, which takes place Feb. 15-21, 2026, brings a national spotlight to the issue each year.

A key component of Grain Bin Safety Week is the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, which aims to supply fire departments across rural America with the specialized rescue training and equipment needed to respond if an entrapment occurs. Since 2014, Nationwide and partners have awarded 452 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 35 states – providing over $2 million in resources in partnership with local sponsors.

The Nominate Your Fire Department Contest is now open until April 30, 2026. Learn how to nominate your local fire department here.

Nationwide works closely each year with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to deliver both the rescue equipment and hands-on training.

“Rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment occurs,” said Dan Neenan, director at NECAS. “It’s critically important to ensure these first responders not only have the specialized rescue equipment, but also the training needed to respond effectively. NECAS is proud to join Nationwide and its partners to make a difference.” 

For more information about the program or the nomination process, visit www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com.  For anyone who would like to get involved or sponsor a rescue tube in your area, visit the Grain Bin Safety Week donations page.

Grain Bin Safety Week is made possible by the following generous partners:

• Central Valley Ag
• CHS
• David Larson Insurance Services
• Delaware Farm Bureau
• Delaware Soybean Board
• Gregerson Salvage
• Growmark
• Horizon Farm Credit
• Hummel Group
• Indiana Corn Marketing Council
• KC Supply
• Lutz Agency
• Maryland Farm Bureau
• MissouriCorn
• Nationwide
• NECAS
• New York Farm Bureau
• NOHR Wortmann Engineering
• Ohio Farm Bureau
• Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
• ProValue Insurance
• Specialty Risk Insurance
• Syngenta
• TrueNorth Companies
• Westside Salvage

Smart home tech adoption has accelerated steadily over the past several years, with the latest findings from Nationwide showing that Millennials are now averaging 4.6 smart devices per household (outpacing Gen X at 3 and Baby Boomers at 2). Safety-focused solutions, including fire prevention, leak detection, and professionally supported alarms, are among the fastest-growing categories—emphasizing that the sense of protection and peace of mind is what more than 50% of homeowners say they bring.¹

Prevention in Action: How Nationwide Members Are Reducing Fire Risk at Home

One way Nationwide is prioritizing prevention for its members is by offering Ting, a fire prevention sensor and service designed to identify hidden electrical hazards before they lead to a fire. Since launching its partnership with Whisker Labs, Nationwide has brought Ting to nearly 80,000 homes at no cost to members and helped prevent more than 1,100 potential fires. For many members, the impact has been immediate and tangible:

This commitment to prevention is why Nationwide is expanding its fire prevention program with Whisker Labs and plans to provide an additional 500,000 Ting sensors over the next two years, helping to protect even more homes from electrical fires.

Beyond the Alert. Built for Prevention.

Industry data shows that most residential electrical fires² involve arcing, a dangerous condition that often develops silently inside walls, outlets, or electrical systems. Identifying these hazards early is critical to stopping fires before they start.

While smart home technology can help surface many household risks, electrical fire prevention requires deeper insight and hands-on support. Electrical fires remain a persistent problem in the U.S. and unlike many other types of fire, they are becoming more common. Recent U.S. Fire Administration data shows a 2% rise in electrical fires from 2014 to 2023, even as other causes like cooking and heating declined.³

National fire data shows:

• An electrical fire impacts a family roughly every 10 minutes.⁴

• Electrical failures or malfunctions remain a leading cause of residential structure fires.⁵

Common sources of electrical hazards include aging appliances, improperly installed outlets, failing breakers, and utility-side issues. Many of these problems develop out of sight and without obvious warning signs. Newer homes and modern breaker panels do not eliminate electrical fire risk, and hazards do not always present visible clues before becoming serious.

That is why Ting, the fire prevention service from Whisker Labs, goes beyond identifying risks. Powered by AI and backed by a team of safety experts, Ting pairs real-time detection of electrical fire hazards with expert follow-through, giving homeowners more than alerts. When a hazard is identified, the Ting Fire Safety Team provides hands-on support and clear guidance, helping homeowners understand the problem, take next steps, and resolve the hazard. If professional repair is needed, Ting helps coordinate with a licensed electrician and covers up to $1,000 in labor costs for Ting-identified hazards.

Along with electrical fire prevention, Ting also alerts homeowners about potential frozen pipe risks and power outages, helping them stay informed about costly home hazards.

A New Era of Prevention

Eligible Nationwide members can receive Ting at no cost, including the smart sensor, mobile app, five years of monitoring service, and up to $1,000 in labor credit for Ting-identified fire hazards.

To check eligibility and enroll, click here.

^{1 https://news.nationwide.com/download/388cf87e-65b2-4935-ad1e-e872883aa63a/2025nationwidehomeownersreport.pdf
2 https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/home-fires-caused-by-electrical-distribution-and-lighting-equipment
3 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/residential-fires/causes.html
4 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/
5 https://www.esfi.org/home-electrical-fires}

Hiring has remained resilient. More than half of mid-market businesses (52%) and nearly one-third of small businesses (31%) added employees in the past year, and more than one-quarter of owners expect to hire in 2026.

Wage growth has followed a similar pattern. Over one-third of business owners (37%) increased wages in the past 12 months, and four in ten expect to raise wages again in 2026, even as margins remain tight. Looking ahead, one in five business owners (20%) say improving employee benefits is among their biggest business opportunities over the next 12 months.

For business owners worried about inflation and an uncertain environment, sustaining these investments has often meant absorbing costs personally:

• 15% of small business owners and 13% of mid-market owners reduced their retirement savings in the past year.
• 14% of small business owners and 13% of mid-market owners tapped into personal retirement funds to support their businesses in the past 12 months.
• If needed, nearly one-third of small business owners and nearly one-fifth of mid-market owners say they would choose to cut their own salary before reducing employee benefits.
• Roughly one in ten business owners canceled or delayed purchasing insurance in the past year, potentially increasing their exposure to risk.

“Rising costs are forcing tough choices, but many owners are still putting their people first,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist for Nationwide. “While job growth has slowed this past year, particularly among smaller enterprises, small and mid-market business owners we surveyed are committed to their employees. Their optimism about their business and the economy in the year ahead may have some merit – we forecast a solid economic expansion in 2026 on tailwinds from looser Fed policy and provisions from last year’s fiscal stimulus package.”

How Business Owners are Positioning for the Future
Despite ongoing economic pressure, many business owners report confidence in the near-term outlook for their own companies. More than half of business owners (57%) say they are very or extremely confident their business is prepared for future risks, and large majorities rate their current financial health as “good” or “excellent.”

That confidence extends cautiously to the broader economy. More than half of business owners expect economic conditions to improve in 2026.

One way business owners are responding to economic pressures is through technology investment. Among mid-market firms in particular, AI is playing a growing role in managing costs and improving efficiency.

More than one-third of mid-market businesses (35%) invested in AI technology in the past year, and among those that did, an overwhelming majority (93%) report seeing a positive return on investment. At the same time, concerns remain: nearly two-thirds of business owners say increased use of AI presents a cybersecurity risk.

Meanwhile, small businesses are taking a more defensive approach. Owners of smaller firms are focusing on preserving cash flow by prioritizing customer retention (30%) and reducing overhead (26%), while also strengthening supplier relationships (25%). Small and mid-sized firms face similar economic pressures, but differences in their responses largely reflect differences in financial capacity.

Rising Risk, Limited Guidance
As business owners navigate economic volatility, workforce strain, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological change, many are not taking advantage of professional guidance to reduce risk. Just 16% of small business owners and 27% of mid-market owners met with their current financial professionals for guidance in the past year; even fewer hired a financial advisor (13% and 19%, respectively).

While financial advisors have an opportunity to engage business owners, insurance agents remain a trusted resource. Nearly two-thirds of small business owners (63%) and more than four in five mid-market owners (81%) currently work with an agent. Amid rising business risks and cost pressures, many owners say they would welcome broader conversations beyond coverage – including rising liability costs, pricing pressures, and supply chain risks.

As owners continue to protect customers and employees, early, integrated financial and insurance guidance can play a critical role in helping them balance near-term challenges with long-term goals.

More findings from Nationwide's Economic Impact survey can be found here.

Methodology
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey with 400 U.S. small business owners and 400 mid-market business owners from November 10–December 1, 2025.

After recognizing numerous players and coaches for their on-field accomplishments, the primetime program concluded with the announcement of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. 2024 Man of the Year Arik Armstead had the honor of revealing Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner as the 2025 recipient. 

The prestigious award that celebrates the enduring legacy of the late, great Chicago Bears running back was established in 1970 and posthumously renamed in Payton’s honor in 1999. It recognizes an NFL player who excels both on the field and in service to his community. Wagner becomes the third player from the Washington franchise to win the award, following Darrell Green (1996) and Joe Theismann (1982).  

Wagner has leveraged his platform to uplift others through mentorship, youth empowerment, and health advocacy, transforming personal loss into purpose through initiatives like FAST54 and the Phenia Mae Fund, named in honor of his late mother. FAST54 and the Phenia Mae Fund have become central to his nationwide work in stroke awareness, education, and patient support—educating thousands while funding critical care, therapies, and emotional resources for families.

Wagner has also prioritized expanding opportunity for young people through his Tackle Everything Tech Tour, connecting high school and college students—particularly from underserved communities—with leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital at organizations such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Andreessen Horowitz.

More recently, Wagner has deepened his impact in the Washington, D.C. area, launching a landmark 2025 partnership between the Phenia Mae Fund and Children’s National Hospital to support pediatric stroke care, research, and education, while personally engaging patients and creating memorable experiences for young survivors. These efforts, including the continued expansion of the Tech Tour with students from Prince George’s County and Howard University, reflect Wagner’s enduring commitment to creating access, awareness, and opportunity in the communities he serves.

In honor of Wagner’s outstanding philanthropic contributions, the charity of his choice will receive a donation of up to $250,000. In addition, the charitable beneficiaries designated by the other 31 club winners will each receive a donation of up to $40,000. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and the Nationwide Foundation.  

“Nationwide is honored to congratulate Bobby Wagner and celebrate his dedication to improving the lives of others,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide. “As a company that prides itself on being so much more than a business, Nationwide is proud to help showcase the transformative work Bobby and all of the club winners are doing in service to causes and communities around the league.” 

Since becoming presenting sponsor of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2014, Nationwide’s dedication to this platform has elevated one of the NFL’s most revered awards to a new level. As part of this commitment, Nationwide has donated more than $2.3 million to the charitable organizations represented by nominees and winners.  

The Nationwide Foundation has donated $2 million to the NFL Foundation to further support the charitable beneficiaries designated by the Man of the Year nominees and winners.  

To learn more about Bobby Wagner and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, visit www.nfl.com/manoftheyear.  

According to a new survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute, just two in five (40%) investors who have retired in the last five years say they’re on track with their original budget and decumulation plan, with another 21% saying they’ve had to be more conservative with spending than planned since retiring – meaning less financial freedom to enjoy retirement the way they envisioned.

The reason for the shift? Market volatility is proving to be especially problematic for recent retirees compared to their longer-retired peers. Nationwide’s survey found half (50%) of those retired in the last five years made changes to their retirement portfolio due to recent market turbulence, compared to just one-third (33%) of longer-term retirees. Additionally, 47% said market volatility has impacted the way they approach managing their portfolio and withdrawing or spending down their retirement savings income, compared to 35% of those who have been retired for more than five years.  

As a result, more than half (55%) of recent retirees say they have regrets about how they saved for retirement, with 28% wishing they began saving earlier and 13% wishing they contributed more to their retirement savings and investments each year.

“Retirement planning isn’t just about setting a number and aiming to achieve it; it’s about building a strategy that anticipates life’s changes and regularly revisiting that plan as life happens,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “However, it’s not too late for retirees to take steps toward greater financial confidence. Review your budget, explore additional income opportunities and partner with a financial advisor to align your investments with your goals.”

Financial advisors understand retirees’ concerns and can help tackle key issues, Jestice said. In fact, according to Nationwide’s survey, nearly all (97%) advisors agree that rising living costs are making it harder to retire comfortably. As a result, they are shifting their focus for their clients to address the increased burden from healthcare costs and other economic pressures, as well as identifying guaranteed income solutions.

“Advisors play an essential role during the first few years of retirement, helping retirees navigate new financial realities, manage spending and adjust strategies as life unfolds,” Jestice said. “By openly communicating your concerns and goals with an advisor, you can feel more confident your plan will evolve with your needs regardless of changing market environments.”

Jestice shared the following topics recent retirees may want to revisit with their financial advisor:

1. Contributions: Talk with your advisor about tax-efficient ways to boost savings, like Roth conversions. If you’re still working part-time or have earned income, consider catch-up contributions to IRAs or 401(k)s.

2. Withdrawal and Spending Plan: Create or revisit your withdrawal strategy that balances income needs with longevity risk. Bucket expenses into essential versus discretionary spending to prioritize necessities.

3. Investments: Ask about strategies to hedge inflation, like annuities.

4. Healthcare and Long-Term Care: Work with your advisor on estimating Medicare premiums, supplemental insurance and out-of-pocket costs. Explore long-term care insurance if possible.

“This data should also serve as a wakeup call for younger savers to review their savings habits and strategies before they reach retirement,” Jestice said. “The sooner you address potential challenges to your financial security, the more options you have.” 

NFM-25302AO
01/2026

To our Partners and our Community, 

In 2026, Nationwide is celebrating its centennial — our first 100 years in business. Less than one-half of 1% of companies reach this milestone. We’re grateful to have earned the trust of our partners, members and the community and take seriously our role in helping people protect what matters most. 

Nationwide got its start when a group of Ohio farmers came together to get a fair price for auto insurance for those who didn’t live in the city. Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company was formed with just $10,000 to solve a problem for customers. That spirit of protection remains at the heart of the company today. The new company’s first policy was written on April 14, 1926. Since that time, Nationwide has grown into one of the largest providers of insurance and financial services in America. 

Working closely with our intermediary partners, we’ve made it our mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. Whether it’s protecting families with auto, home, pet and life insurance, protecting financial futures through annuities and retirement plans, or offering businesses the specialized protection they need through solutions like excess & surplus, institutional life insurance and stop loss coverage, Nationwide is uniquely positioned as a modern mutual to support our members. 

We’ve earned this position through decades of innovation in support of our customers. As we look ahead to what’s next, it’s important to reflect on a few of our “firsts”: 

• In 1926, Nationwide paid its very first auto claim for a stolen tire, rim and a spotlight. The claim was paid within 24 hours and the company adopted the claims promise “fair, frank, firm and friendly,” setting an early expectation that customers would get fast, transparent help when something went wrong.
• In 1937, Nationwide’s first Safety Officer built a custom “paintball” car that fired paint on the ground at three points in a braking maneuver so people could see how long it actually takes for a driver to react and stop a car; the car toured county fairs, Farm Bureau meetings and high schools, turning cutting-edge road safety education into a traveling show for customers and their communities.
• In 1954, Nationwide became the first insurance company to offer mutual funds, opening the door for everyday investors to access professionally managed, diversified portfolios. This early move into investment products helped customers build long-term financial security alongside their traditional insurance coverage.
• In the 1960s, Nationwide became the first company to offer incentives for a relatively new safety feature in cars — seat belts; at the time, only about 9% of cars had seat belts. But, as more cars hit the road, accidents increased and it just made sense to reward our customers for buckling up.
• In the 1970s and 1980s, Nationwide helped reinvent catastrophe response by sending mobile claims units directly into disaster zones — starting with a pull behind camper after the 1974 Xenia, Ohio, tornadoes — so customers could file claims, talk to adjusters and start rebuilding from a rolling office located where they needed it most.
• In 1975, Nationwide introduced the first deferred compensation annuity designed for public employees, giving teachers, first responders and other public servants a new way to save pre-tax for retirement. This innovation helped lay the groundwork for modern public sector retirement programs and expanded access to long-term savings tools for millions of workers.
• In 1999, Nationwide was the first to combine comprehensive long-term care benefits with a retirement savings vehicle in a single, one-time investment product. By integrating protection and accumulation in one solution, the company helped customers prepare for future care needs while still growing their retirement nest egg.
• In 2007, the company launched telematics, using in-car data to reward safer driving with personalized discounts and giving customers more control over their insurance premiums while reinforcing safer habits behind the wheel.
• In 2017, Nationwide Financial introduced one of the industry’s first fee‑based fixed indexed annuities — designed for fee‑based advisors and their clients, aligning annuity solutions with modern advisory fee structures rather than commissions.
• In 2021, Nationwide was among the first to expand our offering to a suite of protected retirement solutions that provide guaranteed lifetime income within a workplace retirement plan. These solutions give employees entering retirement confidence that their retirement savings will provide income as long as they live, even in volatile markets. 

Ask any Nationwide employee and you’ll hear we’re not an insurance or financial services company — we’re a protection company, and we believe that protection extends to the communities where we live and work. In fact, Nationwide’s commitment to communities has been a defining feature of its first 100 years. 

The Nationwide Foundation, established in 1959, has contributed more than $745 million to communities since the year 2000, focusing on crisis stabilization, affordable housing and economic empowerment. As part of that, the Nationwide Foundation has contributed $170 million in transformational gifts to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, since 2006, supporting the wellbeing of children and families worldwide. 

Thousands of Nationwide employees across the country give their time, talent and financial support each year to local organizations. In partnership with the Red Cross, the company opened America’s first full-time corporate blood donation center in 1995 and we currently have more than 170 leaders serving on 216 nonprofit boards across the U.S. For our centennial year, we set a goal of 100,000 volunteer hours to celebrate and deepen the personal impact Nationwiders make in support of our neighbors. We look forward to announcing additional community investments in April 2026 to commemorate our milestone anniversary.  

We believe our past informs our future and value your enduring partnership. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we pursue our vision of becoming the most trusted, most caring and most customer-focused protection company. 

Sincerely,  
Kirt Walker, Chief Executive Officer 

Nationwide’s centennial comes as the company continues to invest in its long-term strength and ability to serve members in a dynamic risk environment. The company maintains strong capital and long-standing relationships with members and distribution partners across the country, supported by consistently strong ratings from leading agencies. 

As Nationwide looks beyond its centennial, the company remains focused on helping protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care.  

Visit Nationwide’s newsroom and follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X to get updates as the company celebrates these milestones and more throughout the year. 

About Nationwide 
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.  

For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide.  

NFN-1931AO    
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