Kelly Julius Receives HR Impact Award from Business First

HR Impact Award badge: Business First and HR Impact awards logos over backdrop of Buffalo, NY

Kelly Julius, Vice President of Human Resources, was recognized with the HR Impact Award at Business First’s annual Best Places to Work and HR Impact Awards Event at Buffalo RiverWorks on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Each year, Business First honors a select group of distinguished leaders in the human resources field with HR Impact Awards, celebrating the recipients’ contributions and commitment to their companies. All finalists are chosen from the companies named Best Places to Work in Western New York.

Kelly Julius accepts HR Impact Award on stage at Best Places to Work and HR Impact Awards event

Kelly Julius receiving the HR Impact Award at Buffalo RiverWorks

“Throughout her career with Merchants, Kelly Julius has changed the heart of Human Resources, building a culture of trust and inclusivity in the workplace with her confidential and nurturing manner,” said Charles Makey, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchants Insurance Group. “She is sensitive, fair and transparent.”

Charles Makey and Kelly Julius with HR Impact Award

Charles E. Makey, III, President and Chief Executive Officer and Kelly Julius, Vice President of Human Resources

Ms. Julius joined Merchants in 2008 as Manager of Human Resources. In her current role as Vice President of Human Resources, she is responsible for developing and executing the company’s human resource strategy, including leadership and administration of recruitment, benefits, organizational development, performance management, and colleague engagement.

“Kelly works tirelessly for the success of Merchants and all colleagues,” Mr. Makey stated. “She’s an asset to Merchants, and we are so lucky to have her wealth of HR knowledge and experience, coupled with her hard work, integrity, honesty, and commitment to quality. She is not only dedicated to the development of her team but to all Merchants colleagues, every day.”

Among 80 companies named Best Places to Work in Western New York, only nine human resources professionals received 2024 HR Impact Awards.

“Kelly Julius is one of the elite experts in the human resources field and our rock star at Merchants Insurance Group!” Mr. Makey added.

Ms. Julius holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources from the University at Buffalo. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking and gardening.

Kelly Julius, Vice President of Human Resources at Merchants Insurance Group

“I am honored to have received the 2024 Business First Human Resources Impact Award. Thank you to Charlie Makey for recognizing my efforts and commitment to the field of Human Resources. I appreciate the opportunity to work for a great company with wonderful colleagues,”

Kelly Julius, Vice President of Human Resources

As one of Business First’s Best Places to Work in Western New York, Merchants Insurance Group was invited to attend the annual Best Places to Work & HR Impact Awards celebratory event at Buffalo RiverWorks on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Merchants was a Bronze Sponsor of this year’s event.