Peter began hosting this talk show in March 2011 on Rogers TV. What’s Up Stratford grew out of the community news show First Local, which ran from September 2009 - January 2011. This is a 30 minute show with interviews related to local news and newsworthy locals and is available to Rogers Cable subscribers in the Stratford area. Peter had the honour to interview His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada as well as one of Time Magazine's 2010 Top 100 Most Influential People - Dr. Temple Grandin. Peter has always enjoyed voicing the occasional radio advertisement for his Co-operators agency.Hosting What’s Up Stratford allows him to challenge himself in new way, as the show requires both audio and visual presentation skills. Peter is excited that hosting the show, a volunteer position, gives him one more opportunity to serve his community in a hands-on – and fun – way. Look for Rogers What's Up Stratford on channel 20 in the Perth County viewing area.

Optimism Place is a shelter for women who have experienced domestic abuse and need a safe place to live as they prepare for a fresh start on their own. In 2010, Optimism Place installed solar panels to aid in generating power for their facilities. Using these earth friendly panels will save precious financial resources that would normally be spent on energy bills.

Among those supporting the project was The Co-operators and Stratford agent Peter Maranger, who contributed $5,000. Because The Co-operators is committed to furthering environmental, economic and social sustainability, the project was seen as a perfect fit for the organization. “Switching to solar power is an excellent example of environmental sustainability; it will contribute to the shelter’s economic sustainability by reducing its operating costs; and in will help make the community more socially sustainable by supporting the great work of Optimism Place,” said Maranger. “It will also serve as a teaching tool for everyone at Optimism Place, as well as a symbol of life and optimism for all involved. Harnessing the energy of the sun to bring new hope and opportunities to women and children in need of a helping hand is a beautiful idea, and one that we are proud to help make a reality.”

Each year, the Stratford City Gazette surveys its readership of over 20,000 households to find out which businesses and service providers have the highest marks for consumer loyalty and customer service. Peter Maranger & Associates Inc. has been given the nod by the public in two separate categories, winning Best Investment Company in 2009 and Best Insurance Company in 2010. In 2011 our agency won both Best Insurance Company and Best Investment Company.

Leadership Development
Peter was asked to share with executive management his philosophies and insights on “Leaving a Legacy”. This talk included ideas surrounding how to have a lasting impact not just in one's business, but in their family, community, and world.

NFU Mutual United Kingdom celebrated its 100th anniversary by inviting its top producers to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for a celebratory conference. Peter Maranger was chosen to represent the agents of The Co-operators,  a synergistic organization to NFU Mutual. Peter spoke about Enterprise Contact Management and Change Management and shared tips with the British agents through a presentation showing how he runs a successful agency in Canada.

August 2009, Truro, Nova Scotia

At this Eastern Canada symposium, Peter presented the topic “The Hidden Keys to Selling More Life Insurance” calling upon the knowledge he has gathered and the practises he uses in his own agency that have led to his achievement as 11th among over 600 Co-operators agents across the country in Life Insurance sales.

February 2008, Toronto, Ontario

Peter believes very strongly in the concept of mentoring, continuing as both a mentor and mentoree in his agent journey. The Importance of Mentorship was Peter's topic at this gathering of Life and Life Associate Agents.

“Building Your Brand” was the topic requested to be presented to the top 10% of Co-operators agents from across Canada. Having entered the insurance industry in late 2003, Peter quickly learned the importance of being top of mind to the public when they need an insurance product. Peter shared how he has achieved this through marketing, community presence and volunteerism.

Prior to 2007, Peter has been honoured to speak to various community groups and charitable organizations representing the many causes and projects he has been involved with. These include United Way of Perth Country, Simple Dreams, Rotary Club of Stratford, The Perth Historical Foundation and others too numerous to list.

The Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation is a public, charitable foundation created by and for the people of Perth County in Southwestern Ontario. The Foundation was established in 2004 as an independent centre for community philanthropy. The Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community and improving the quality of life today and in the future for the citizens of Stratford and Perth County. Community is vitally important to Peter and Beverley Maranger. So it was only natural that, when they learned of the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, they decided to create the Maranger Family Fund. This type of fund is not tied to any specific organization or area of interest, allowing the Foundation to respond to the immediate and changing needs of the community. Grants from these funds are given in all sectors including arts, culture & heritage, children & youth, education & literacy, environment, health, recreation, seniors and social welfare.

Having knowledge of best business practices, sales techniques, customer service, marketing strategies and efficient use of technology and putting those skills into everyday use can bring individual success. Having the ability to share those concepts with your colleagues and contemporaries to contribute towards their success is a gift. Peter has become a sought after speaker at both company and industry conference venues due to his dynamic but personal presentation style.

2009 marks 55 years that The Co-operators has had an office in Stratford, Ontario. The stunning Around the Block quilt, an original design commissioned by Peter Maranger & Associates Inc. showcases both rural and urban buildings which reflect the rural roots of the Co-operators while acknowledging the home protection offered by the Co-operators today. The center of the quilt combines all the shapes that make up the three Cs of the Co-operators logo.

As a Canadian co-operative with a strong emphasis on community building and involvement, The Co-operators and Peter Maranger & Associates Inc. feels that helping to provide support for people living with Cancer through The Quilt is a meaningful way to celebrate 55 years in Stratford, St Marys and area.

It was in early 2008 that the 1926 Brooks Steamer came to long-time car lover, Peter Maranger's attention. This steam-powered car is one of only 15 remaining in the world and was of 180 cars manufactured in Stratford. between 1923 and 1927. The car had been exhibited at a museum in Orillia Ontario, but was offered to Stratford when the Orillia museum was looking to change their exhibits. $45,000 was the only obstacle in the way of the Stratford Historical Society obtaining the Brooks Steamer as a permanent exhibit for the Stratford-Perth Museum. Feeling very strongly that this car deserved to come back to its place or origin, Peter immediately contacted the Historical Society to see how The Co-operators could participate in making the acquisition of the car a reality. Subsequently, $13,500 was donated by The Co-operators through a combination of money from the local agency and its Corporate partner. A good start, but with the deadline for payment quickly looming, the Historical Society asked if Peter would consider chairing the fundraising initiative. And so, an enthusiastic campaign was begun, encompassing sponsor level options, a flurry of informative presentations to the public, service clubs and local business owners. In 90 days, the needed funds were in place, and Stratford now can offer this fabulous piece of its history for permanent display and education.

With 2008 being a challenging economic year locally and nationally, the United Way campaign found itself still short of its $801,000 goal in February of 2009. With under 2% still to raise, the idea was formed to create an event that would help push the campaign over the top. Seven United Way volunteers, and even the local MPP agreed to shave their heads for pledges to the campaign. Peter Maranger, Co-chair of the 2007 campaign was one of the seven brave souls who sacrificed their locks for the cause. Having personally raised over $4,000 in pledges, Maranger also pledged to kick in the remaining 1% shortfall and the goal was reached.

Each year one citizen is recognized locally for contributions made to the community through volunteer time and outstanding personal efforts to improve the community. With involvement in over 16 local charitable and service organizations and a sincere passion to see his community be a great place to live, work and raise a family, it was no surprise that Peter was nominated for the Citizen of the Year honour. In describing Peter in its Citizen of the Year article, the Stratford Beacon Herald said in part, “Mr Maranger is the chipper, tall guy you see at just about every function or fundraiser…” This statement is certainly accurate as Peter’s true passion is his community and he dives in to help wherever he see an opportunity.

The Marangers believe that supporting the global community is as important as supporting the local community. That’s why from January 5 – 21, 2009, Peter and Beverley Maranger travelled throughout Russia with the Simple Dreams Team. Simple Dreams, an organization begun by Richard and Ruth Kneider of Stratford, Ontario in 2000, reaches out to the disadvantaged children of Russia by providing Christmas parties for them during the Russian Christmas season, which takes place in mid-January, and then connecting them with local churches who will continue to provide programs like summer camps and children’s clubs. The 2009 trip reached over 2,000 children with not only a once in a lifetime party at either a local café or McDonalds, but with a new sense of hope that they are cared for. Over $38,000 dollars was raised by the team to make this year’s vision a reality. Why is an organization like Simple Dreams needed? In Russia today there are over 750,000 orphans. Thousands more come from extreme poverty situations and have little hope for a better future. Simple Dreams is changing children’s lives one smile at a time.

Peter was elected to the Field Advisory Council in 2006 and serves presently, representing approximately 200 agents in Central Ontario. Council members act as the voice of these agents to Sr. Management. On top of these duties in 2007-2010, he was elected to the Presidents Agency Council which represents the voice of all Co-operators agents in Canada directly to the CEO. These are unpaid advocate positions.

The 12th annual Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards was held on May 1, 2008. Maranger was named the winner in the personal excellence category. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated excellence in his or her field of business through their accomplishments and practices and who has had a positive impact on the community through demonstrated leadership ability through:

• Their commitment to the community

• Their commitment to self-development

• Their contribution to the business community

• Business achievements and recognition

Accepting the honour, Maranger said "I am here for life – for more than money ... to make a difference and leave a legacy." That’s what the spirit of this award is really all about.

Peter joined the Rotary Club in November 2005. He immediately became involved in several club initiatives. The Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is the fifth-largest dragon boat in North America and as well as volunteering at the event since 2006, Peter took on the responsibility as Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, garnering corporate sponsorship for the 2007-2011 festivals. He previously headed up the radio and print publicity for the Rotary Arts and Crafts Show and volunteered as vendor liaison during the event. Peter is particularly pleased with the Rotary Club's community involvement in projects such as the Stratford Rotary Respite House and its major sponsorship of the new Stratford Recreation Complex as well as its contribution towards the new Youth Psychiatric Ward of the Stratford General Hospital.

2007 was a particularly busy and challenging one for Peter and Beverley Maranger. In addition to their regular tasks at the Co-operators office, they Co-Chaired the United Way of Perth County's 2007 Campaign. The fundraising goal for 2007 was $792,007. When asked by the Stratford Beacon Herald newspaper how they felt about the campaign challenge, Beverley said "It's an exciting prospect. Peter and I have always shared a passion for Stratford, for this community, for Perth County. Peter and I believe very strongly in caring for people and this is just a good way to back that up." The staff participation at The Co-operators has also been excellent. Peter Maranger and Associates Inc. has been a United Way Platinum donor, with 100% employee participation in the United Way Payroll Giving Campaign at the Leader level of individual gifts of $500 or more since the 2005 campaign.

In the 2006 campaign, Peter was Co-chair of the Commerce Sector Division. As well, five of the Stratford office employees participated in the Loaned Representative Program, each covering one workday at the United Way office. In the Loaned Representative program The United Way receives administrative and representative assistance for the duration of the campaign (approximately 3 months duration) while the salaries for these individuals continues to be paid by the donor company. The United Way of Perth County supports 23 Agencies that provide 45 programs to individuals and families throughout Perth County.

For the past several years, Peter has served coffee as a "celebrity coffee server" for Tim Horton's annual Camp Day event. Donning the camp day uniform and cheerfully serving coffee and donuts, Peter convinces Tim Horton's customers to empty their wallets to give generously to help send kids to Tim Hortons camp facilities where they will experience the time of their lives.

A member of Memorial Baptist Church for the past 17 years, Peter has volunteered extensively with children's programming, being active in kid's clubs and Sunday School as teacher/leader, bus captain and bus driver. Peter completed a three year term on the Deacon's Board in 2008, where he administered the Benevolent Fund which provides assistance to people in financial need. He was also Congregational Chair for six years.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run ® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. The Torch Run raised US$21.4 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2005. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Peter Maranger and Associates has been a corporate sponsor of the local torch run for the past several years. Peter also personally participates in the run, joining with the local law enforcement runners. In 2008 there was a need for a new computer, which Peter donated a new Apple laptop.

In the years since its first season the Stratford Festival of Canada has set benchmarks for the production not only of Shakespeare, Molière, the ancient Greeks and other great dramatists of the past but also of such 20th-century masters as Samuel Beckett, Bertolt Brecht, Anton Chekhov, Henrik Ibsen, Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams. In addition to acclaimed productions of the best in operetta and musical theatre, it has also showcased and in many cases premiered works by outstanding Canadian and other contemporary playwrights. Its artists have included the finest actors, directors and designers in Canada, as well as many from abroad. Drawing audiences of more than 600,000 each year, the Festival season now runs from April to November and includes a full programme of Fringe activities, including concert recitals, discussion sessions and readings by celebrated authors. The Stratford Festival Theatre is the largest repertory theatre in North America as well as the lifeblood of tourism for the Stratford area. Recognizing the importance of the Festival for both its cultural and economic contribution to the community, Peter Maranger is proud to be a sponsor and Festival Member at the Playwright Circle level.

As well as being home to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford also boasts some of the best and most innovative restaurants in North America. Many of the resident chefs of these dining establishments received their training at the world renowned Stratford Chefs School. With a teaching ratio of 12 students to 1 instructor, the school offers one of the highest standards of gastronomy and culinary craftsmanship in the field. Most of the patrons coming to Stratford to enjoy a play or two will also dine in Stratford. The culinary experiences offered are in part the reason that visitors remain in Stratford to shop and explore. Peter Maranger and Associates Inc is proud to support this fabulous school.

The Stratford Co-operators is a member of the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber provides networking opportunities with other people of influence in the community. Taking advantage of networking opportunities through the Chamber keeps the name of the Co-operators at the forefront of people's minds and increases the possibility of referrals.

The Stratford House of Blessing is a beacon of hope, a safe place of comfort and practical help for those in need socially, spiritually, physically and economically. Since its inception in 1983 the House of Blessing has been offering people a hand up, not just a hand out. Offering a food bank, clothing, furniture, household items, counseling and pregnancy crisis assistance, the House of Blessing is answering a very felt need in the community. In 2008 there was a desperate need for a new phone system, which was donated by Peter's agency. In 2010, HOB needed for a new computer and Peter's agency donated a new Apple laptop.

Co-op Week is an opportunity for co-operative companies to promote awareness and understanding of the co-operative principles through advertising venues and activities. From 2006 - present, The Stratford Co-operators office partnered with Your Neighbourhood Credit Union and Libro Financial group, organizing a food drive for the local food bank Stratford House of Blessing. Managers from all three businesses appeared on a local radio show to promote and explain the food drive as well as the co-operative philosophy.

Seven Co-operative Principles:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives
7. Concern for Community

• Two house league soccer team
• Adult co-ed softball team
• Minor baseball team
• Huron Perth Lakers hockey
• House League hockey
• Four Hoops for Fun basketball teams

Part of living in a community and being involved as a volunteer, is recognizing that there will always be a percentage of the population that is struggling to make ends meet. For years the Salvation Army has addressed this need at Christmas specifically with its Kettle Drive. The proceeds of the Kettle Drive help to give a brighter Christmas to many local families through food baskets and toys. Many volunteers are needed to allow this program to respond to the need. Peter has volunteered for the past several years as a kettle attendant, taking various shifts during the Christmas season at malls and grocery stores, greeting passersby and recognizing the donations received.

Soup's on is an annual fundraising event for the Alzheimer Society of Perth County where over 30 donor-vendors prepare and serve unique and delicious soups for over 3,000 hungry local attendees. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive, degenerative disease that destroys vital brain cells. It is the 4th leading cause of death among seniors. The staff of Peter Maranger & Associates participated for their fourth year in the 2011 Soup’s On. This year the Co-operator’s booth theme was Building Community with a construction site look. In 2010 their delicious creamy carrot, leek and curry soup garnered the coveted "Best Cream Soup" award out of 37 entries. Way to go team!