PHILADELPHIA, March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Blue Cross today named their 1901 Market Street headquarters in honor of former president and CEO, G. Fred DiBona, Jr. The action follows DiBona’s recent passing after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Signs were unveiled both inside the lobby and over the two Market Street entrances, proclaiming the building the G. Fred DiBona, Jr. Building.
“The naming of our headquarters is certainly a fitting tribute to a man who, throughout his career, proved time and time again that it was indeed possible to mold simple glass and steel into a building filled with caring and compassion for the community and our employees that he so loved,” said Joseph A. Frick, President and CEO at IBC. “In 1990 when the company moved into this building, it was just another structure in the midst of the Philadelphia skyline. Today, thanks to Fred’s leadership and progressive culture he worked so hard to create, this building has become a symbol not only of IBC’s dedication to the good health of the millions of members that we’re so honored to cover, but more importantly a symbol of hope for the many who have benefited from Fred and IBC’s commitment to the community.”
Among those in attendance at the event were Mr. DiBona’s wife, Sylvia, and their two children, Fred and Christine. Mrs. DiBona thanked the Board, IBC’s senior management and the associates for their tremendous support of Fred over the years and for their exceptional contributions to Independence Blue Cross.
During his 15-year tenure as President and CEO, DiBona, through his unique vision and foresight, expanded IBC’s product portfolio and created a corporate culture that resulted in a sustained period of growth as IBC became the area’s largest health insurer. In addition, Fred’s dedication to the community and reaching out to those less fortunate was defined by his establishment of the Caring Foundation for Children and IBC’s many Social Mission Programs, including the Nurse Scholars Program and the Charitable Medical Care Grant program, among others. A dynamic and respected community and business leader, Fred improved the quality of life for the community he loved.
“Fred left a legacy of helping people,” said Frick. “His impact on IBC and Philadelphia has been immeasurable. Each day as we walk into the G. Fred DiBona, Jr. Building, we will be reminded of his exceptional work and the role that each and every IBC associate plays in ensuring that his legacy will be sustained.”
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.
Independence Blue Cross
CONTACT: Jim Rhodes of Independence Blue Cross, +1-215-241-3113