Erie Insurance Celebrates 100 Years with Tree Planting Initiative

Erie, PA — Erie Insurance marked a significant milestone this week, planting its 100th tree on April 16, 2025, in front of the Thomas B. Hagen Building. This event not only celebrated the company’s centennial anniversary but also aimed to enhance the streetscape of downtown Erie, furthering the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The final addition, a striking 10-foot Colonial Spirit Elm, symbolizes the culmination of the 100 Tree Project, which involved planting trees along East 5th and 6th Streets over two years. This initiative was designed to combat the gradual loss of greenery within the city, as highlighted by Tom Hagen, chairman of Erie Insurance. “One of the things that has happened over time, not just with us in our neighborhood but throughout the city, is a lot of trees have been taken down,” Hagen said. “So we thought, let’s plant 100 trees in anticipation of our 100th anniversary.”

Established in 1925, Erie Insurance has evolved from a local provider to an influential player in the insurance sector, recognized for its customer service and community involvement. As the company observes its 100th anniversary, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and community well-being, building upon its core mission of giving back to the communities it serves.

The choice of the Colonial Elm is notable, as it is a native species that thrives in urban environments, aligning with Erie Insurance’s broader sustainability goals. This tree-planting program is a part of a more extensive effort, which includes distributing 1,900 trees to employees across the company’s 12-state footprint, facilitating further engagement in environmental responsibilities.

In his speech during the tree planting ceremony, Tim NeCastro, President and CEO of Erie Insurance, reflected on the company’s journey and its future path. “Our 100 Tree Project is not just about beautifying Erie; it’s about fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” NeCastro stated during his address at the Manufacturing Business Association. “It’s an integral part of who we are as a company.”

The 100 Tree Project consists of three phases: planting trees around the downtown office, at 25 branch locations, and giving away trees to employees for personal planting. This model not only contributes to the urban canopy but also engages employees in the process of re-greening their communities.

With more centennial celebrations slated for the remainder of the year, Erie Insurance is committed to expanding its environmental initiatives. “It’s time to do replanting. We wanted to start as an example, and it won’t end here,” Tom Hagen added during the ceremony. “We will continue planting trees throughout our campus because it’s needed.”

As Erie Insurance celebrates a century of service, the company is laying a foundation for future generations—promoting a vision of a greener, more vibrant community while demonstrating that corporate success can harmoniously coexist with environmental responsibility.