INSURANCE GROUP RELOCATES, EXPANDS

NEW LOCATION AND REMODELED SPACE: Jim Steck, left, the local manager of Country Insurance and Financial Services, and George Barrow discuss the remodeling project recently completed at Country's new location, 1403 Adams Ave. Barrow was the general contractor. (The Observer/PHIL BULLOCK).

By The Observer

Country Companies Insurance has a new name and a new location.

The insurance office has moved to remodeled offices at 1403 Adams Ave., relocating all but one agent there from McAlister Road in Island City.

The shift in some personnel comes at a time when the firm is changing its name to Country Insurance and Financial Services, said Jim Steck, who is the local manager.

Agents are Nathan E. Conklin, Crystal Werner and Katie L. Randall.

Agent Randy Miles will continue to work out of the Island City office at 10200 N. McAlister Road, Steck said.

The name change more closely fits what the company does now, Steck said.

We offer more than insurance, and our new name better reflects all the services we offer, Steck said. Customers can come to us for financial services such as mutual funds, trusts, individual retirement accounts and more. We can provide both insurance protection and financial security.

Steck said the company would not change our long-standing tradition of being deeply involved in the communities we serve. The additional office will allow us to provide customers with even better service.

The changeover to the new name, including a new logo on signs and in advertising, should be completed by summer, Steck said.

George Barrow was the general contractor for the remodeling of the 2,400-square-foot building on Adams Avenue. He started around Christmastime and finished in early March.

Subcontractors were Overton Electric, Earl Fye Drywall, Tonys Heating and Air Conditioning, Vern Brown Plumbing and Heating, with supplies coming from Bronsons Lumber Co., Millers Home Center and Lumber Co., The Carpet Bag, Fashion Floors.

We do have a lot of local contractors, family businesses, which can help in improving the Grande Ronde Valley, said Barrow, who has been in business 35 years. All the work was accomplished with local help and families.