Keystone Insurers Group To Expand Franchise Operation Into Missouri In 2015
NORTHUMBERLAND, PA - Sept. 30, 2014 – Keystone Insurers Group, the largest privately held property and casualty franchisor in the nation, today announced its intent to expand into Missouri in 2015. In doing so, Keystone will add a 10th state to its growing group of partner agencies -- the first west of the Mississippi River.
"We spent considerable time evaluating the Plains and North Central States, and Missouri is the logical and most attractive opportunity in our push to expand Keystone nationally,” said Elizabeth Schenk, vice president of sales and marketing. “There are 35 independent agencies currently under consideration to be the 'pioneers' in launching Keystone, all of which were recommended by partners, carriers and the Missouri Big I."
Keystone’s franchise partners continue to operate as independently owned agencies, retaining their names but operating under the Keystone umbrella. By becoming part of the larger group, each individual partner gains an enhanced array of services, increased support, pooled resources -- and clout.
"Ours is a model that has stood the test of time: integrity, full disclosure, strengthening the independent agency system, creation of greater agency and stockholder value, and endearing carrier relationships,” Schenk said. "Those ideals won't change."
Keystone Insurers Group was formed 31 years ago in central Pennsylvania by four agencies seeking to combine forces in a constricted market. Initially structured as a cooperative, Keystone became a pioneer in 1999 by switching to the franchise model it still employs. Within four years, Keystone grew beyond Pennsylvania’s borders. Today, there are 271 Keystone franchise partners throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions of the United States.
About Keystone Insurers Group (KIG) – Headquartered in Northumberland, Pa., Keystone 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 $2.3 billion in 2013, KIG is ranked number one on Insurance Journal's 2014 list of Top 20 Privately-Held Property/Casualty Partnerships. 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
