INTRODUCTION OF THE AGENCY
HISTORY
Blank's Insurance Agency was founded in 1936 by S.H. Blank. He started his insurance career selling life and health insurance coverage. November 15, 1950, his son, Donald S. Blank, joined the firm and expanded operations by handling property and casualty lines of insurance. In 1955, Don assumed sole ownership and individual proprietorship of the property and casualty operations. A third generation has since been added. Don's daughter, Julie Blank Hearring, joined the firm September 1, 1977, became a partner January 1, 1986 and owner in 2003. Rick Bussard, bringing 10 years of experience as a Country Companies Insurance agent, joined the Agency in January of 2002 as a producer, and became a partner in the company on January 1st of 2006.
To better serve it's customers and expand marketing territory, in January 1991, Blank's purchased the West Salem Insurance Agency in West Salem, Illinois. West Salem is a small town located 18 miles south of Olney. They continue to provide assistance to clients in that area. Blank’s has broadened their service area to include risks in the surrounding counties of Edwards, Clay, Lawrence, and Wabash.
PHILOSOPHY OF DOING BUSINESS
Blank's philosophy of doing business is best summarized in the motto previously used by the Independent Agents Association: "Your Independent Agent Serves You First". Being staunch advocates of the Independent Agency system, they work hard to put the interests of their client first. They feel this can best be done through the representation of multiple companies. They strive to provide their clients with quality products and first-rate service to protect their financial assets.
COVERAGE
The agency now provides all types of insurance and bonds, including personal lines of insurance such as home, auto, life and health, as well as commercial insurance including farm, professional liability, and bonds. As an Independent Insurance Agency, Blank’s writes for several insurance companies to ensure its' customers receive the best coverage for their individual needs. Although the Agency does not target market specific types of risks, they do have extensive background and expertise in handling a wide variety of personal and commercial risks. Some particular areas of focus in commercial lines include public entity business, manufacturing risks, professional liability, and directors & officers liability.
STAFF
In addition to Don, Julie, and Rick, the Agency is well staffed with experienced personnel to handle clients’ needs efficiently and effectively:
Two customer service persons handle the service and claims for the personal lines clients:
Heather Boughan works with clients handling personal lines renewals and service issues. Having begun her tenure at Blank’s Insurance in June of 2005, Heather brings a positive attitude of helpfulness and efficiency to assisting personal lines clients with their needs and working with the producers on account preparation. Her previous banking experience provides an excellent background for the detail work required in insurance.
Dawn Kocher has been with the Agency since January of 2004. She works with Don, Rick and Julie handling personal lines service, new business and rating.
As of January 2006, she will begin using her product knowledge to work as an insurance producer becoming more involved in the day to day marketing to new prospects and customers.
The commercial lines department is staffed by veteran employees:
Helen Jones has worked at the agency for over 23 years since May of 1982. Initially, she worked in personal lines, and for many years now in commercial lines. She is responsible for handling service work for commercial lines, as well as claims for commercial accounts. Helen's extensive knowledge of personal and commercial lines of insurance provides strong client support and advocacy on their behalf.
Lori Barger joined the firm in September 2005. Formerly, she worked in her own business and in a variety of office settings which give her a great perspective to assist in organizing and working with commercial lines clients. She is responsible for managing all commercial lines renewal work and keeping the department on time in that process.
All customer service employees are expected to be licensed by the State of Illinois Dept of Insurance. They attend special training for this and pass all required State Examinations. The license is then maintained with continuing education.
Linda Ritter works parttime handling the agency accounting work. She also assists with service for the commercial accounts as needed when others are out of the office. Her 20-plus years with the agency provide experience and stability for both clients and staff.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY
The Agency has always been very active with the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) and the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA). These are both professional insurance associations – two of the largest State and National such associations in the United States. Activity with the Association is very beneficial to both the agency and clients in a variety of ways. It is a ready source for information, education, and networking with other agents and companies, which helps to remain on the cutting edge of activity in the Insurance Industry.
Both Don and Julie have served as chairmen and members on various committees of the PIIAI, on task forces, and on the Board of Directors of the PIIAI. Don served as a regional vice president and has been presented several awards for his service to the Association. He has been awarded the prestigious “Cartwright Award”, the highest award which may be bestowed on a PIIAI member agent. This is awarded for service to the industry, activity on behalf of member agents, and community activity throughout your career. In the past, he has served as chairman of many committees, including Personal Lines Technical, E&O, and others. Currently, Don serves as a committee member for the PIIAI Planning Committee.
Julie is also very active with the Agents Association. She was awarded “Illinois Young Agent of the Year” in 1995. She has served in all offices of the PIIAI, working up through the chairs. In 1999, she was the first woman to serve as President of the PIIAI and Chairman of the Board in 2000. She is currently a member of the PIIAI Planning Committee and the Education Committee and was formerly chairman of the Technical Committee and the Young Agents Committee.
EDUCATION
The entire staff participates frequently in educational seminars on an individual and agency basis. Blank’s feel "the more you know, the better you are able to serve your client and the more professional you will be". Through regular attendance at insurance continuing education classes, they sharpen their knowledge, skills, and perspective of the industry. All staff customer service representatives have obtained or are working toward their Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designations. Julie has completed courses and received her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.
