GUELPH, ON, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Co-operators launched a new video online today "It's in our Name", illustrating our co-operative difference and how we connect our co-operative values to client service every day.

Founded by a group of farmers in 1945, The Co-operators is a Canadian-owned co-operative whose members include co-operatives and credit union centrals. To this day, The Co-operators business decisions remain guided by its co-operative principles. The organization balances the need for profitability with its commitment to serving members and operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

"This video allows us to educate Canadians about how co-ops and the co-operative business sector works, and how this makes us a different type of insurance company," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "With The United Nations proclaiming 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives in recognition of the contributions the sector makes to social and economic development around the world, this provides a great opportunity for awareness of the co-operative difference."

Co-ops provide members with a meaningful voice in directing the organization. The Co-operators applies that value in our Service Review Panels which are made up of volunteer clients who have the power to overturn the company's decisions when there are disagreements; and its decisions are binding on The Co-operators, but not on its clients. The Co-operators Community Advisory Panels give voice to communities across Canada with the panels providing input on strategy, products and community programs.

Through its advisors, The Co-operators offers a full suite of insurance and investment products, and its claim service is recognized as one of the very best in the industry. The Co-operators is committed to the highest standards of integrity and client service, and provides a Claims Guarantee, which outlines clients' rights to advice and service without an impact on rates.

To view the video, visit The Co-operators YouTube channel or Facebook page.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. As a proud member and supporter of the co-operative sector, The Co-operators is pleased to celebrate 2012: The International Year of Co-operatives. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

Video with caption: "Video: Watch "It's in Our Name" to find out how being a part of a co-op makes The Co-operators different and better. ". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB8K7CoqC00&feature=BFa&list=UUwqs5P-LWWjDtht7hl9I0jw> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB8K7CoqC00&feature=BFa&list=UUwqs5P-LWWjDtht7hl9I0jw

SOURCE: The Co-operators