Community Insurance Group Expands its Reach and Adds Agents in 2007

Community Insurance Group had an eventful 2007. The company opened a new regional office and grew its team of agents during the year. "We are continuing our growth plan that we charted when we restructured the company in 2004," noted Jeff Sargeant, president. His report follows.

Three years ago, Community Insurance Group was formed. At that time, four local agencies in three communities, Sidney, Botkins and Minster, joined. In the years that have followed, the company has stayed on track of becoming one of the largest insurance agencies in West Central Ohio.

In keeping with that strategy, the company announced in September that it had acquired the Ted Barhorst Insurance Agency in Ft. Loramie. For over 35 years, Ted Barhorst has been meeting the insurance needs of residents in the greater Ft. Loramie area. His knowledge of the business and caring attitude made his company a perfect fit for the Community Insurance Group. The new agency name was changed to Ft. Loramie Community Insurance and a new office was opened at 406 South Main Street in the Ft. Loramie Business Center.

Joining Barhorst in staffing the agency is Ft. Loramie native Ryan Goldschmidt. Ryan holds a degree in Business Management from Wittenberg University and is a licensed insurance agent with the State of Ohio.

The company also hired a new agent for Minster Community Insurance, Jay Purdy. A native of New Bremen, Purdy is a licensed Property and Casualty Agent.

Community Insurance Group has experienced steady growth and has now become one of the largest farm insurance writers in West Central Ohio. In addition, the company has expanded the markets available for commercial customers of any size as a result of its equity position in the MarketSource Agency Network based in Columbus. This outlet provides Community Insurance Group agencies with larger national insurers such as Chubb, CNA, Travelers, Safeco and Great American which compliments the insurance providers it represents.

As an independent insurance agency, the company does not work for any one particular insurance provider. Rather, Community Insurance Group represents a range of the finest insurance carriers in the country that enables it to build insurance solutions to match the specific requirements of it clients. Community Insurance Group is an agency with choices and that translates into value for those it insures. The year ahead will hopefully present the company with continued opportunities for growth.