Press Releases

Terre Haute Insurance Firm Opens Evansville Office

Release:  January 2011

Terre Haute, IN -

A ribbon cutting and open house are scheduled for February 10 to introduce the new Evansville office of Forrest Sherer Insurance. Located in the Court Building, Room 303, 123 N.W. Fourth St., the office services the firm’s customers in the Evansville area.

Founded in Terre Haute in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance has been a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001 and provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products throughout Indiana and surrounding states.

The Evansville office is staffed by Glen Stover, commercial lines account executive; Jacque Pentell, employee benefits vice president; Neil Marchese, commercial lines vice president; and Scott Hendrix, senior loss prevention specialist. They offer all lines of insurance including commercial/business, employee benefits/group, loss prevention and personal.

The February 10 open house will be from 3 to 6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting set for 4 p.m. For more information call toll free 877-232-0441or go to the Forrest Sherer web site at www.fsiinsurance.com.

Long-Time Terre Haute Insurance Firms Announce Merger

Release:  December 2010

Terre Haute, IN -

Clay Ladd Insurance president Jim Brown has announced finalization of a merger of his company with Forrest Sherer Insurance, Inc., effective December 28, 2010.

Clay Ladd Insurance was founded in 1908 by Brown’s great-grandfather, Clay Ladd. Brown’s father, Lee, was involved in the business until his death in 2003. Brown and his wife, Anna, are now principals in the firm. They still serve many customers who have been with the agency for 50 years.

“Our agency has always been known for customer service,” Brown said. “Our objective in this merger is to assure we can continue that tradition into the future. Forrest Sherer is a solid, long-term Terre Haute firm like our own. We know it has the reputation and customer service infrastructure to provide our customers with excellent service for years to come.”

Forrest Sherer president and CEO John Lukens welcomed Clay Ladd customers, saying, “This merger with the Clay Ladd agency is a good fit for us. Clay Ladd has been associated with quality carriers over the years just as we have, and the two agencies share an emphasis on superior customer service.”

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley. Today it has a staff of more than 60 professionals and represents 40 insurance companies. 

For the next few months, Clay Ladd will continue operation in its current location at 819 Ohio, while the Forrest Sherer Personal Insurance Center, just four blocks east at 1219 Ohio, is being remodeled. At that time, Brown and customer service representative Robin Wilson will relocate to that office and will continue to service the accounts of Clay Ladd customers. Notice to customers will be provided in advance of that move.

Brown said anyone who has questions or concerns during the transition can call the current Clay Ladd phone number, 812-235-6171. Calls will be answered “Clay Ladd/Forrest Sherer Insurance” until the transition is complete.

Glen Stover Joins Forrest Sherer Commercial Lines

Release:  July 2010

Terre Haute, IN - Glen E. Stover, CPCU, CIC, has joined Forrest Sherer Insurance as a Commercial Lines producer.

Stover is a 1985 graduate of the Indiana University Kelly School of Business. He obtained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1993 and his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2006. He has 25 years of insurance experience in manufacturing, construction, wholesale, contract surety, professional liability, executive protection, and global risk management.

He began his insurance career in 1985, spending five years as a multi-line claims adjuster traveling southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky. His most notable assignment as an adjuster was the catastrophic tornado at Petersburg, Indiana, in 1990. Stover is an experienced and well-respected insurance professional with more than 25 years in the Evansville area.

Stover is a former President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville, Inc. and the Tri-State Association of Insurance Adjusters. He served on the Board of Directors of the Ark Crisis Prevention Nursery from 1999 to 2004 and has been involved in numerous community projects.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Forrest Sherer Insurance Appoints New Board Member

Release:  April 2009

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) Forrest Sherer Insurance, a leading business and personal lines insurance agency in Indiana, announced in the Annual April Board Meeting, the appointment of David W. Marietta to its Board of Directors.

David W. Marietta joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1977 as a producer in the Commercial Lines Department and currently is a Vice President of Commercial Lines and an Account Executive.  His areas of expertise are in Commercial Construction and Energy Contractors.  David has over 43 years of insurance experience.

In addition to Mr. Marietta, the members of Forrest Sherer’s board include Chairman of the Board John W. Dinkel; John S. Lukens, President and CEO; Robert F. Prox III, Senior Vice President; John B. Douglas, Vice President of Surety; Dennis Michael; Jerome Mueller; and Norman L. Lowery, who is the CEO of First Financial Corporation.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation, provides commercial, employee benefits, life and long term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

 

Forrest Sherer Insurance Promotes Within

Release:  April 2009

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) At the annual Forrest Sherer Insurance board meeting, two employees were approved for promotions. Forrest Sherer Insurance announced that Jacque Pentell was promoted to Vice President of Employee Benefits and Financial Services.  Pentell also recently accepted the manager position for the Employee Benefits Department of Forrest Sherer Insurance.  Pentell was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Employee Benefits in 2008.  Prior to joining Forrest Sherer Insurance in 2003, Pentell worked as a large group underwriter for a major health insurance company and as a college instructor in insurance and medical coding classes, owned and operated an insurance agency that sold and serviced all lines of insurance, and served as an insurance investment manager and manager of bank-related insurance products for eight bank locations.  She carries multiple state licenses, and is the recipient of several awards including the President’s Award for insurance based on sales and service.  Pentell earned Forrest Sherer’s “Producer of the Year” award in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. 

Jon Stinson was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Loss Prevention.  Stinson joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1990 and serves as the Loss Prevention Manager.  He received a B.S. in Safety Management from Indiana State University in 1986.  His experience began with Maryland Casualty Insurance and the Orion Group / EBI companies as a senior Loss Prevention Consultant.  Stinson is an authorized OSHA Construction and General Industry Outreach trainer for 10- and 30-hour courses.  His areas of specialization are Workers Compensation, Fleet, General Liability Insurance and property appraisals.  Stinson has been the District Safety Director for Little League Baseball, served on the Boy Scouts of America, worked on the Allocations Committee of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, and is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Indiana Statewide Safety Council.

Forrest Sherer Insurance acquires Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc.

Release:  May 2006

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) Forrest Sherer Insurance, a leading provider of insurance, financial services, and risk management to the Wabash Valley and surrounding areas, announced that it has purchased the assets of Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc. as of April 1, 2006.

 As a result of this acquisition, Forrest Sherer Insurance will increase its Personal Lines market share in the Wabash Valley. "This is a great opportunity for both Forrest Sherer Insurance and Jeff Reynolds ," said John Dinkel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Forrest Sherer, Inc., "as Jeff has joined our Personal Lines office staff and added his expertise to our knowledgeable staff, while adding his clients to our extensive client base." With Forrest Sherer Insurance's access to over 20 Personal Lines companies, customers are provided the selection of multiple quotations and services, along with the expertise of their knowledgeable Personal Lines staff located at 1219 Ohio St.

 All of the current clients of Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc. have been transferred to Forrest Sherer Insurance. In consideration of Jeff's relationships with his clients, he will continue to service and maintain those accounts. This will allow Jeff to offer additional insurance lines, such as homeowners, to those clients. Anyone with questions may now reach Jeff Reynolds at (812) 232-6011 or stop by the Personal Lines Insurance Center at 1219 Ohio St. , Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Forrest Sherer Insurance can also provide commercial insurance, life and health benefits, financial services, and loss prevention services with information and access on our website, www.forrestsherer.com.

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Forrest Sherer Insurance promotes within.

Release:  May 2006

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) At the annual Forrest Sherer Insurance board meeting, three employees were approved for promotions. Forrest Sherer Insurance announced that Anita Alabaugh has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Customer Service and Human Resources. Alabaugh has been with Forrest Sherer Insurance since 1984 and is our Commercial Lines Service Manager. She has received the Indiana Accredited Customer Service Representative (IACSR) designation and has attended Indiana Insurance Company's Agent Training Schools. Alabaugh is a graduate of the former Staunton High School in Staunton , Indiana , attended Indiana State University and then received an Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Ivy Tech State College. She is a member of the Insurance Professionals of the Wabash Valley and the Indiana Young Agents Committee, a graduate of Leadership of the Wabash Valley , a member of the Seelyville United Methodist Church and the Share Food Program. Her interests include her son's and daughter's sports and school activities.

Kathy Sprouls has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Systems and Chief Information Officer. Sprouls joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in July of 1991 as a Personal Insurance Customer Service Representative. She became Systems Administrator in January of 1999. Sprouls attended Indiana State University and currently attends St. Mary of the Woods College . She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Carol Koehler has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Koehler joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1980, and is the Accounting Manager. She has completed the Insurance Institute of America's Program in General Insurance INS 21, 22 and 23 courses. She is a graduate of the former Brazil High School in Brazil , Indiana and received her B.S. degree in Business Education from Indiana State University . Koehler enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

 

Forrest Sherer Insurance earns President's Award from Indiana Insurance Company

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) - Forrest Sherer Insurance has earned the 2005 President's Award from Indiana Insurance Company.  The President's Award is given annually to agencies that have achieved superior performance goals and demonstrated outstanding professionalism and customer service, providing the foundation for mutual success.

Forrest Sherer is a full-line insurance agency serving the Wabash Valley for more than 85 years. Forrest Sherer, Inc. is a member of First Financial Corporation.

Forrest Sherer Insurance promotes within the Agency

( Terre Haute , Indiana ) - At the annual Forrest Sherer Insurance Board meeting, one employee was approved for promotions. Forrest Sherer Insurance has announced that Neil Marchese has been promoted from Assistant Vice President to Vice President.  

Marchese, a producer in commercial lines, has been with Forrest Sherer Insurance since 1989. He earned the Certified Insurance Counselor professional designation in 1992 and specializes in larger commercial risks that include construction, manufacturing, and the service industry.

 Forrest Sherer is a full-line insurance agency serving the Wabash Valley for more than 85 years. Forrest Sherer, Inc. is a member of First Financial Corporation.

 

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