Stuart, IA – January 1, 2019 –
One Hundred Forty-Four years and counting! United by a common business culture, Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association of Guthrie County and Patrons Mutual Insurance Association, Stuart, Iowa, are pleased to announce the merger of their companies and a new name, Heart of Iowa Mutual Insurance Association, which was first organized in 1875!
By combining resources and eliminating duplicated costs, Heart of Iowa Mutual will be better able to hold the line on rates and are now even more financially secure, all while providing the same, local, professional service.
With the merger, an expanded writing territory means an opportunity to serve more people and to geographically spread weather-related risks. Twenty-two independent insurance agencies represent Heart of Iowa Mutual in many of the communities within 50 miles of Stuart.
Senior management of Heart of Iowa Mutual consists of President, Alan Mahaffey and Secretary-Treasurer, Jim Chambers. Both have many years of experience in the property-casualty insurance field. The Board of Directors is comprised of experienced, local directors from both Farmers Mutual and Patrons Mutual.
“Even though our company was founded one hundred forty-four years ago, we are focused on staying up-to-date with the broadest coverage and the best rates possible” stated Mahaffey. “Ownership of Heart of Iowa rests in the policyholders, so we are positioning ourselves to be able to serve our members for decades to come.”
When asked about the importance of being a local insurance provider, Chambers said, “We are so pleased to have and to keep our company in a community like Stuart! We have been in business since 1875, so we understand the area we serve and best of all, your premium dollars stay local, right here in Stuart and are not sent to a distant city or to another state.”
All the employees of Farmers Mutual and Patrons Mutual are still with Heart of Iowa Mutual making for a seamless transition.
In addition to Mahaffey and Chambers, the staff includes Carol Bash, Joan Gayle Glenn, Mary Johnson and Kerry McFarland.
Offices are housed in the former Patrons Mutual building is located at 200 NE 2nd Street in Stuart.