Agents Get Pick of Golf Delights - Acuity

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ACUITY Honored as Top Services Company ACUITY was recognized by the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce as the 2011 Services Company of the Year. The award was presented at the second annual Chamber Champions awards ceremony on February 22. “We are honored to be recognized as the Services Company of the Year,” says Ben Salzmann, President and CEO. “This award reflects our commitment to our mission of service to our customers and community and to helping people rebuild shattered lives.” • FIND THE In March, our was hidden on page 7. The three $100 winners chosen from correct entries we received are: Jane Zagrodnik Baer Insurance Madison, WI Coline Borah Tobias Insurance Indianapolis, IN Erica Tomaselli Leverity Insurance Beachwood, OH To enter this month’s contest, find the hidden elsewhere in this issue, then send an email with its location to contest@acuity.com by April 30, 2012. This contest is open to agency staff only. •
nfocus SMOKY MOUNTAINS AGENCY CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF SERVICE In a business where customer retention is essential, Ownby Insurance sets the standard for longevity. Some of the Tennessee agency’s clients have been with the firm since it opened its doors for business in 1952, and agency President Mike Ownby understands why. “Our customers know they will be treated promptly and fairly,” he says. “They also know that, because we are so selective in the insurance companies we represent, they will receive competitive pricing, premium products, and outstanding claims service.” The agency was founded by Mike’s father, Clyde, and has remained family owned for all of its 60 years in business. Mike handles commercial lines while his brother, Phil, manages personal lines and his son, Kevin, handles life, health, and retirement plans. Mike gives credit to all the agency’s staff in helping fuel its growth and success: Jim Lane in commercial lines marketing; claims manager Jeff Bohanan; producer Brandon Patterson; CSRs Joyce Fitzgerald and Karen Burchell, and Receptionist Shelia Hurst. “Part of the reason our customers stay with us so long is that our staff longevity is high as well, so they develop a real comfort level working with us,” Mike says. “We have a close-knit staff that is dedicated to the mutual best interests of our customers and our business.” Hometown in the Smokies Sevierville, where the agency is headquartered, may have a small-town feel, but it is at the heart of a big tourist destination. Nearby is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the most visited of our national parks—Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. The area is home to Dollywood theme park and is the number one retail outlet shopping destination in the United States. “Geographically, we are within a day’s drive of 75 percent of the population of the United States,” says Mike. The area’s diversity of activity has helped the agency weather the economic storm of recent years. “We have yearround tourism so, even though we have been impacted by the economic downturn, it has not been as severe as other parts of the country,” Mike explains. Ownby Insurance’s staff are heavily involved in community associations, including the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, First Baptist Church, Rotary, Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, and others. “We all believe that we need to give back to the community we do business in,” Mike says. Ownby Insurance is also a strong supporter of the Insurors of Tennessee. Both Clyde and Mike served on the Board of Directors. Kevin is a past Young Agent of the Year and is currently serving his second term as Young Agents Chairman on the board as well. But the agency’s staff are not all about business. Mike enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren and fishing. Phil is an avid hunter. Kevin is known on the barbeque circuit, where he has placed highly in several national competitions with his father-in-law, Bob Presley, who recently passed away. Planning the Future Continued family involvement will be central to the agency’s perpetuation, and a focus on the quality service that has come to define the name Ownby Insurance will be key to future growth. “We plan to keep on doing what we’ve been doing,” Mike says. “We’ll keep treating our customers fairly and producing good quality business for our companies, and we’ll be ready for whatever the future holds. • Left to right: Mike Ownby, Kevin Ownby, and Phil Ownby A P R I L 2 0 1 2 P A G E 5
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Agents Get Pick of Golf Delights - Acuity

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