Oldest Independent Insurance Agency West of the Mississippi Celebrates 125 Years

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charles L. Crane Agency Company, St. Louis' oldest independent insurance agency and the oldest independent insurance agency west of the Mississippi, will proudly commemorate its 125th anniversary with the unveiling of a large-scale, three-paneled pyrography and acrylic art piece created by St. Louis artist William Burton, Jr. during a private reception on October 7.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and a representative from the City of St. Louis Mayor's Office will dedicate the art work along with Michael Reedy, president of the Charles L. Crane Agency Company, and the Crane Shareholders. The commemorative pyrography, the art of decorating wood with burn marks and scorch designs, depicts elements of people and local landmarks that reflect the intertwined growth of Crane and St. Louis City and County over the past 125 years.

Since its founding in 1885, Crane has maintained a diverse and robust customer base, supplying innovative insurance products and risk management services to the manufacturing, construction, healthcare and restaurant industries of Missouri and Southern Illinois. The company has grown from a few employees in the late 19th century to 100 employees in 1997 to its current staff of 240.  Crane has tripled in the past 13 years from $90 million in 1997 to over $300 million premium volume in 2010.

One of Crane's most distinct advantages is its excellent relationships with its insurance carriers. Crane has represented eight insurance companies for over 75 years, including the Hartford Insurance Group since 1900, Travelers Insurance Companies since 1927 and Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies since 1912. It currently represents most major insurance carriers in the United States and has achieved the highest level of designation with each of its major carriers.

With a legacy that now stretches three centuries, Crane attributes its longevity and success to "The Crane Way" – a business model based on a belief that there is a right way to do things. Contrary to the common perception of insurance agencies as monolithic and uniform, Crane has long honored the individual personalities and entrepreneurial spirit of its brokers and agents.

Crane is proud of its local heritage. Even though Crane has grown to four offices from one with locations in Chesterfield and Springfield, Missouri and Fairview Heights, Illinois, the company has purposely maintained its headquarters in downtown St. Louis since its founding.

Founded in 1885, the Charles L. Crane Agency Company is the oldest independent insurance company in St. Louis and west of the Mississippi River. Crane has operated continuously since its founding and has expanded to include four locations in Chesterfield, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, Fairview Heights, Illinois, and the headquarters in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Crane's staff of 238 employees includes many Certified Insurance Counselors, Certified Insurance Service Representatives and Certified Risk Managers that utilize the latest technology while offering coverage in all 50 United States. The mission of the Charles L. Crane Agency Company is to be a strong independent organization that supports the activities of each of its producers for the ultimate good of their clients. The agency also focuses on maintaining an impeccable relationship with its carriers.  In its 125-year history, Crane has had only nine presidents. The current president is Michael T. Reedy. The board of directors is comprised of 10 members, including Chris Imbs, Jim Cittadino, Bill Purcell, Tom Berra, Jr., Elliot Benoist, Dave Boschert, Carey Prewitt, Butch James, Steve Alabach and Mike Reedy.

SOURCE The Charles L. Crane Agency Company