Erie Insurance isn’t just a major provider of insurance services—it's a driving force behind the revitalization and economic growth in Erie, Pennsylvania. As the city’s largest employer and only Fortune 500 company, Erie Insurance continues to foster both local development and industry innovation.
Founded on April 20, 1925, Erie Insurance has a history rooted in service—not only to policyholders and agents, but also to the Erie community. Over the last century, the company has become synonymous with stability and reliability. A recent op-ed by Tim NeCastro, CEO of Erie Insurance, highlights how the company has embraced its role in renewing Erie’s economy. Since 2015, Erie Insurance has added 500 jobs locally, even as overall employment numbers in the city have declined.
Erie Insurance employs nearly 7,000 people across its 12-state region. Half of those jobs are based in Erie County. The company’s investments have helped improve the city’s real estate, business climate, and quality of life.
A major part of Erie Insurance’s philosophy is its commitment to reinvesting in its home city. The company’s revitalization projects and partnerships have created new business opportunities, modern office spaces, and a wave of community improvements. To put these achievements in perspective, Erie Insurance has invested $400 million in its downtown campus since 2015. Its support for the Erie Downtown Development Corporation has resulted in 25 new businesses and over 250 jobs.
Additionally, Erie Insurance played a key role in securing the City Revitalization & Improvement Zone (CRIZ) designation, projected to generate over half a billion dollars for Erie over the next thirty years. This illustrates the company's forward-thinking, community-first approach.
In April 2025, Erie Insurance celebrated its 100th anniversary with a major milestone—ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ. The event put the company in the global business spotlight. Erie Insurance's journey from a small regional provider to a Fortune 500 company with over 6,000 employees and 6 million policies exemplifies growth and resilience.
The company’s stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol ERIE, drawing attention from investors and industry analysts alike. Watch the official NASDAQ bell ringing ceremony here.
Looking ahead, Erie Insurance remains dedicated to both innovation and the community. The recent establishment of the Erie Insurance Foundation, funded with a $100 million endowment, demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy and local investment for generations to come.
By forging strong public-private partnerships and continually supporting Erie’s transformation, Erie Insurance sets a strong example for corporate citizenship in the insurance industry. With a century behind it, the company stands poised to enhance both Erie and the lives of its customers for many years.
Erie Insurance exemplifies how a company can simultaneously lead in its industry and uplift its home community. Through steadfast investment and visionary leadership, it continues to shape the future of both Erie, PA, and the broader insurance market. To learn more about their history and ongoing initiatives, explore this opinion piece by CEO Tim NeCastro.