Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Celebrates its New Headquarters

WALINGFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate its new headquarters at the Campus at Greenhill in Wallingford. The event began with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and speakers, and continued with campus tours for the media and invited guests and a cake celebration for Anthem employees.

“Congratulations on opening such a fantastic building. Anthem has been a fixture in Connecticut for many decades now. And this new facility not only makes a statement that you are here to stay for many more years - but that you care about your employees - and the environment”

Anthem President David R. Fusco began his remarks by thanking Anthem’s employees and everyone who had a role in helping to make the new campus a reality.

“Anthem has been proud to serve the residents of Connecticut for more than 75 years and we are a vital part of the state’s healthcare system, and overall economic landscape. This new facility is just another example of our continued commitment to, and investment in, the state of Connecticut. I am extremely proud to say that this is truly a good news story for everyone involved in making the Campus at Greenhill Anthem’s new headquarters.”

“In addition to occupying a building that has been vacant for years, we are excited to be able to play a more active role in Wallingford’s business community. We take pride in being a good corporate citizen and have supported many community programs and organizations in the Wallingford area and will continue to do so,” said Fusco. “This is also a good news story for the community of North Haven, the town we called home for so many decades. Through careful planning, we executed a transition that did not strand a property, and in fact created a catalyst for a new chapter of economic growth in North Haven as Quinnipiac University develops a world class graduate school and medical school.”

The Campus at Greenhill is a newly constructed, high performance, two-story, 300,000 square foot class A office green campus that consists of 104 acres. Owned by Workstage-Connecticut, LLC Gale Development, the building is surrounded by protected wetland. Anthem has signed a ten year lease with the property landlord for 217,764 square feet of the campus, located at 108 Leigus Road.

In September of 2007, Anthem pursued a sale lease-back real estate transaction with Quinnipiac University and sold its four commercial buildings located in North Haven, totaling 574,748 square feet, and 104-acre campus to the university. The sale allowed Anthem to maximize the company’s economic resources by re-directing the capital invested in real estate property to help fulfill the core business goals and objectives of the corporation. Anthem leased the North Haven campus from Quinnipiac University until September 2012 when the company moved its 1,300 employees to the Campus at Greenhill.

Developed using the latest in sustainable technologies, the Campus at Greenhill is registered under the US Green Building Council LEED® program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) As a result, the campus offers more cost-efficient, flexible space that adapts to changing workforce needs and is one of the most environmentally responsible properties in Connecticut. Anthem is committed to using natural resources wisely, providing efficient working conditions for its employees, and reducing energy usage related to its real estate operations. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who was one of many officials who attended the event and helped to cut the ribbon, complimented Anthem for their commitment to their employees and to the environment. “Congratulations on opening such a fantastic building. Anthem has been a fixture in Connecticut for many decades now. And this new facility not only makes a statement that you are here to stay for many more years - but that you care about your employees - and the environment,” said Wyman. “We all know that here in Connecticut we pay some of the highest prices for energy in the nation. A couple of weeks ago the Governor unveiled a long-term energy strategy that can lower those costs and help make our businesses more competitive. This building shows that Anthem is already doing just that – and I applaud your efforts.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said the campus delivers a powerful message on Anthem’s commitment to health and well-being. "This architectural gem is truly healthy building -- energy efficient and panoramic, and immensely beneficial to the good health of the great people who work there and all they serve. Like the company and its employees, it is outward looking -- to the communities and beautiful countryside surrounding it."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) recognized Anthem for having strong roots in Connecticut’s history and providing access to the best health care possible. “This brand-new, state-of-the-art campus will make a great home for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to continue facilitating Connecticut families’ access to health care. The men and women who built this campus should be proud of the excellent work they did, as am I,” said DeLauro. “Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has roots in this area going back to 1936, but their goal has been the same for 76 years – to ensure the men and women of our state have access to the best health care possible. At this new campus, they will be in a great place to continue that journey. I am looking forward to what the future will bring.”

Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson commented on the role Anthem will play in Wallingford’s business community. “Wallingford is very pleased that Anthem has chosen our community as its corporate office headquarters and we wish them every success. We are happy that they will be a viable business partner in our community, and in the state, by providing very important jobs and services.”

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.