Keystone Insurers Group Names Nicoud Insurance First Illinois Franchise Partner
NORTHUMBERLAND, Pa. (Oct. 30, 2013) – Keystone Insurers Group, one of the nation’s largest property and casualty insurance brokers, welcomes Springfield-based agency Nicoud Insurance Services as its first franchise partner in Illinois. The announcement was made jointly today by the agency’s owners, Jim Hillestad and Tim Nicoud, and Keystone’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Elizabeth Schenk.
"Being first is the high-water mark for a partner, and that's why we're extremely pleased that Nicoud chose to become Keystone’s first partner in Illinois,” Schenk said. "Jim and Tim built a powerhouse agency in a rather short time. They enjoy the admiration of agents throughout the state. Their integrity, their involvement in community and industry affairs, and their recognition as best of breed cannot be overstated."
Hillestad added, “Keystone’s excellent reputation, resources and talent will assist our organic growth efforts, geographic expansion plans and niche marketing programs, while allowing us to remain independently owned and operated. We remain focused on our clients and providing solutions beyond insurance. Keystone will certainly compliment our efforts. We are humbled to be Keystone’s foundation agency in Illinois and look forward to a productive partnership.”
About Nicoud Insurance Services – Founded in 1985, Nicoud Insurance has become one of the largest agencies in both Springfield and Sangamon County, Ill. It offers full-service insurance and benefits products, specializing in lodging and hospitality, non-profits, contractors, wholesale distributors, and life and income plans for physicians and attorneys. Principals Jim Hillestad and Tim Nicoud are actively involved in several community organizations. For more information, go to www.nicoudinsurance.com.
About Keystone Insurers Group (KIG) – Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Northumberland, Pa., KIG is owned by its franchise partners and employees in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio. In addition, KIG conducts business in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Illinois. Each partner is an independent agency. With property/casualty premiums exceeding $2 billion, KIG is ranked third on Insurance Journal's 2013 list of Top 20 Privately-Held Property/Casualty Agency Networks. For franchising opportunities in Illinois, contact Elizabeth Schenk at eschenk@keystoneinsgrp.com. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com.
CONTACT:
Lea Ann Hawk
(570) 473-4302
lhawk@keystoneinsgrp.com
