Haylor, Freyer & Coon has been entering teams in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge for 25 years, steadily increasing its participation all that time.

With a total metropolitan population of less than 700,000, Syracuse is by far the smallest market in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Series.

But what the Central New York city lacks in size compared to global markets and Corporate Challenge locations like Shanghai, Sydney and London, it more than makes up for in civic pride, community involvement, and a passionate workforce with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Those characteristics are embodied in the Syracuse chapter of the Corporate Challenge, which has been held annually since 1982 and will conduct its 2017 edition on Tuesday, June 6 at Onondaga Lake Park.  More than 8,000 runners and walkers from approximately 300 companies are expected for the 3.5-mile race and post-event party.

One of the companies that will be there, as has been the case for nearly 25 years, is Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. (HF&C), a top 100 independently owned insurance agency based in Syracuse and Upstate New York.

“The Corporate Challenge is a great, fun evening,” said Jim Freyer, Chairman & CEO of HF&C. “It gives us the opportunity to meet with co-workers and other businesses around Syracuse in a relaxed setting.  We get a little exercise, eat, drink and support the community all at once.”

The support for HF&C’s participation in the Corporate Challenge comes right from the top.  Freyer has participated frequently, and even rents the parking lot at a diner near Onondaga Lake Park to insure his staff can get to the event easily.  Robert Rayo, HF&C’s President, won the Fastest Senior Executive Award twice, most recently at the 2004 Corporate Challenge.

“Tom Sharkey, VP Director of HR, Bill Butler, VP Director Enterprise Business Unit, and Mark McAnaney, CFO, all have participated in just about every Challenge the last 25 years,” Freyer said. “And as our agency grows, so does our participation.  We had 51 employees last year and are up to 55 participants so far this year”

Putting together a team of that size is no easy task, and Freyer provided a bit of insight into the planning process.

“Our Employee Owner Committee works with the Wellness Committee to execute a fun, inclusive event for all member of HF&C,” Freyer said. “Our event always includes a fun T-shirt, plenty of good food, drinks and a great evening of camaraderie.”

And, Freyer points out, participating in the Corporate Challenge sends a strong message to its clients.

“As an insurance agency, we offer benefit/wellness programs to our clients, and it’s important we ‘Walk the walk’,” he said. “We understand the connection between Physical Health, Emotional Health, Community Health and Career Health.”

Founded in 1928, HF&C has reason to celebrate at this year’s Corporate Challenge.  It has enjoyed significant recent growth in the Albany market, and will soon be opening a sixth location.

If your company is joining Haylor, Freyer & Coon at Onondaga Lake Park on June 6, head now to our Details Page for additional information on Packet Pick-Up, race night transportation, hospitality, and more.