New business volume has increased "dramatically over levels seen in the past two years," according to information provided in January to the boards of the UCC Insurance Board and United Church Insurance Company, the provider of property and liability insurance to UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations.

Cathy Green, UCCIB president, reported that she hopes to meet a goal of adding 300 new church participants this year. "The increasing new business trend we are experiencing makes me optimistic that the annual goal will be achieved," she said.

Audited financial statements showed unrestricted net equity of $11.7 million, an increase of $700,000 during the fiscal year. Quarterly financial reports showed first quarter Insurance Board operating funds ahead of budget, and cash flow also compared favorably to plan, Green said.

Green introduced new marketing coordinator Elizabeth Vance, who began work on January 2 to handle IB's marketing and communications efforts. The IB president also announced that Brendon Collins will begin in mid-January as account coordinator, replacing Donna Kahle, a 7-year employee who completed her work with the IB in December.

A one-day strategic planning retreat preceded the meeting with both boards participating. The Rev. Alan N. McLarty, the UCC's Penn West Conference Minister and chair of UCCIB's strategic planning committee, led directors through final phases of a three-year strategic plan. The committee is making final revisions to the plan, which it will present at UCCIB's annual corporate meeting on Feb. 26 in Albuquerque, N.M.

"Customer service and superior insurance options for our churches are areas of focus," reported McLarty.

"We need to emphasize that we provide customized insurance solutions for our churches," agreed John M. Derby, Sr., of Honolulu.

UCCIB, established in 1981, has corporate offices in Cleveland, Ohio. A not-for-profit corporation, it provides risk management services and educational resources through property and liability insurance programs for church entities of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (the Disciples of Christ).