The end of a year is like closing a chapter, carrying the experiences, lessons, connections, and relationships into the next year and the next chapter of your story. Every business has a story that is shaped by its leadership, community members, customers, and talent. And every year, we strive to expand on our business story in a way that teaches, strengthens, and sustains us. At Credico, we view our 2024 chapter as a year of action and collaboration.
For over three decades, Credico has been committed to taking action and delivering results that enhance our partners’ capacity to achieve their business goals. We take pride not only in what we do but also in how we collaborate. Our ongoing success in 2024 has been a testament to our belief in the power of collaboration. After all, we know the only way to succeed is together. Collaborating with our partners isn’t just what makes us different but is the key to our long-term success because by working together, we ultimately advance together.
As we reflect on 2024, we recall many moments to cherish because they highlight the character of our business, and we take pride in these experiences. It is in these moments that the heart and soul of our company are revealed. As with any business, its character is revealed through your actions and what you do. Guided by one of Dr. King’s iconic quotes, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” we strive to answer this question with intentionality in all we do.
Throughout 2024, we have identified ways to strengthen the support and solutions that we provide to the Independent Sales Offices (ISOs). We continued the New ISO Summit meetings hosted in Chicago and developed new ways to connect with and provide information to the network of ISOs. This focus on partnership is a long-term theme and commitment. We are excited that we raised it to new levels this year and opened up additional communication channels with our partners.
We were privileged to sponsor the Juried Art Exhibition at the 2024 Black Creativity Gala. This remarkable event supports the longest continuously-running exhibition of African American art in the United States at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). We proudly participated among 800 guests, including fellow artists, supporters, business leaders, dignitaries, and creatives, all coming together to over $690,000 in support of the museum’s Black Creativity Program.
We also like to have fun and volunteer our time for good causes like Team Bright Side, a cancer-fighting charity founded by Tracey Scheppach, mother of Ryan, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 7 years old. For several years, Credico has assembled a team to compete in their annual Spike Against Cancer volleyball tournament, which supports groundbreaking pediatric cancer research. This one-day event lets those of us who aren’t quite ready to compete in a triathlon still contribute to the cause while having a great time doing it!
One of our proudest achievements this year was launching our US health insurance division. Bringing this initiative to life is just the latest chapter of our success. Our efforts continue to expand our business into new, emerging markets, including these efforts to provide Affordable Care to consumers. This initiative will empower our customers and the communities we serve to improve their well-being and ultimately become their best selves, which is a key aspect of our mission.
This new division is led by Brett Heyes, who was promoted early this year to this new role. This highlights our commitment to collaborating and advancing together. At Credico, our organization is one where anyone can succeed based on merit, and we pride ourselves on promoting from within. This affirms our belief that when we look at our teams, we are honored that brilliant and talented doers and achievers of all backgrounds have chosen Credico as the company where they can enhance and grow their careers.
Doing, collaborating, and advancing together is how we have been in business for as long as we have. This year has taught us much, but most importantly, it has shaped our story and prepared us for 2025 and the years yet to come. We are grateful for everyone we have worked with, every client who has trusted us, and every employee who has collaboratively shared their talents to help drive our mission and goals for 2024.