News

Atlanta Agency Adds Significant Private Equity Expertise White Plains, New York, January 15, 2020 – Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), the middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh, today announced the acquisition of Ironwood Insurance Services, LLC, one of the leading independent brokers in the Southeast. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in

Johns Creek, GA – October 28, 2019 – Marsh & McLennan Agency locally known as J. Smith Lanier & Co., announced that it hired Shoshanna Lewis to serve as the Human Resources Director effective October 28, 2019. In this role, Ms. Lewis is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Human Resources function that includes

  West Point, GA – July 1, 2019- J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, today announced that it had promoted Chris Barnett to be Managing Director for its Lexington, Kentucky office effective July 1, 2019. In this role, Mr. Barnett is responsible for leading all aspects of the Lexington

WEST POINT, GA - June 14, 2019 -  J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, announced today the appointment of Mitzi Herrig as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In this role, Ms. Herrig is responsible for efforts to drive strategic alignment and consistency within regional offices working closely with regional

West Point, GA - May 9, 2019 - J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company (JSL), announced today that its 2019 Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Southeast Region of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) raised more than $240,000. The annual event is now in its 15th year and

Marsh & McLennan Agency’s Chief Operating Officer, Christina Mott, has been published in Independent Agent's May, 2019 issue!  Her article addresses the importance of gender diversity at leadership levels. The article further details that it is possible to create value through gender diversity with participation across four critical levels: personal sponsors, producers, human resources, and agency leaders.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – CompTrustAGC is proud to recognize J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company as its top producing agency. As the top producing agency, J Smith Lanier was responsible for generating $3,061,679 in premium for 2017. CompTrustAGC presented the Platinum Level Partners in Excellence Award to the agency at its

West Point, GA - July 23, 2018 - J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company (JSL), today announced that Amanda Vail has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the firm. In this role, Ms. Vail reports to Gary Ivey, J. Smith Lanier & Co. CEO, and is based out of

JSL/MMA's Strategic Account Executive in Employee Benefits, Ashley Van Ryn, is off to Russia to represent the United States in the World Championships for Beach Handball (please see below).  If you haven’t ever seen a game, check it out and cheer on Ashley and Team USA! The games are taking place July 24 – 29

This award recognizes outstanding up-and-coming individuals in commercial construction throughout the state of Alabama who demonstrate a high level of leadership, professional excellence and commitment to the construction industry. As an honoree, Ryan will be featured in the September issue of Business Alabama Magazine, which will include his headshot and a brief summary of his

Lorie Yauney, SPHR, was elected by members of the Professional Insurance Agents Southern Alliance to serve as their Chair Person at their recent Annual Meeting. The PIA Southern Alliance is the nation’s sixth largest PIA affiliate, serving agents in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Ms. Yauney currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of J. Smith Lanier

J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan LLC company (JSL), announced today that its 2018 Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) raised more than $200,000. The annual event is now in its 14th year and has raised more than $3 million since 2004.The Charity

White Plains, New York, May 3, 2018 – Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), the middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh, announced today the launch of MMA HRLink, a new digital platform designed to automate human resources (HR) management and benefits administration for clients with less than 100 employees. Developed in collaboration with Flock, a

Re-posted from The Cincinnati Insurance Companies blog by Michael Harrold The advent of the smartphone has brought with it a deluge of texting and other distractive behavior while driving a vehicle. Distraction is not confined to the young and restless – we see people of all ages, genders and backgrounds using phones when they should

PETER KRAUSE AND LORIE YAUNEY PROMOTED TO SENIOR ROLES White Plains, New York, March 26, 2018 – Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), the middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh, today announced the appointment of Gary Ivey as Southeast regional CEO. In this role, Mr. Ivey will oversee MMA offices in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky,

West Point, GA - March 5, 2018 - Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) announced The Circle of Champions which is the national MMA producer recognition program designed to reward those highest achievers in sales throughout the country.  Held annually, the Circle of Champions acknowledges the best producer talent MMA has to offer. This year, the

Originally Published by Chubb Protecting Your Family and Home from a Hurricane or Windstorm- If you own a house that is located along the ocean, bay or within a coastal county, your home may be vulnerable to wind damage caused by a hurricane or severe storm. It is important to take preventative measures to help

Published by The Cincinnati Insurance Companies By Neil Kaplan A wine collection is a wonderful thing, and a personal one at that — a selection of your favorite wines, aging quietly and, one hopes, increasing both in quality and value. You have invested time and effort into building your cellar. Take steps to ensure that

Union City, Georgia – Christian City Children’s Village received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company (JSL).  The grant is part of the Westfield Legacy of Caring program, which invites Westfield independent insurance agents to nominate a local nonprofit

Event Benefits the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation West Point, Georgia.—J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan LLC company (JSL), announced today that its 2017 Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) raised more than $215,000. The annual event is now in

White Plains, New York, January 13, 2017 – Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), the middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire J. Smith Lanier & Co. (JSL), one of the nation’s largest, privately held insurance brokerage firms. Terms of the transaction, which is expected

Dalton, Ga – J. Smith Lanier & Co., founded in 1868 and one of the oldest and most respected insurance brokerage firms in the Southeast, announced today that it has acquired the property and casualty specialist American Risk Advisors. The company will be located at 402 West Hawthorne Street in Dalton, Georgia, next door to

Atlanta, GA, August 2, 2016 – Members of the Professional Insurance Agents of Georgia (PIA of Georgia) elected Lorie M. Yauney, SPHR, to serve as Vice-president of the nation’s sixth largest affiliate at their Annual Meeting held at Lake Oconee, Georgia. Ms. Yauney is Vice-president of Human Resources and Training, with J. Smith Lanier &

Lexington, KY July 20, 2016,-- The Red Cross Kentucky Region received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of J. Smith Lanier & Co. The grant is part of the new Westfield Legacy of Caring program in which Westfield agencies across the country were invited to nominate a local nonprofit in the

Chattanooga, TN, July 12, 2016, – Chattanooga Community Kitchen received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of J. Smith Lanier & Co. The grant is part of the new Westfield Legacy of Caring program in which Westfield agencies across the country were invited to nominate a local nonprofit in the areas

Severe weather patterns in recent years mean homeowners and business owners have experienced everything from record snowfalls and tornadoes to recurring storms with wind, hail and record amounts of rainfall – all leading to a record number of flooded homes and businesses. Water claims under personal or business insurance contracts can be confusing and easily misunderstood,

June 1, 2016 - The Hanover Insurance Group, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products and services nationwide, recently honored J. Smith Lanier & Co. with an appointment to its President’s Club, an elite group of independent insurance agencies from across the country. President’s Club agencies meet the highest level of standards with

May 11, 2016 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is proud to announce over $240,000 net revenue was recently raised at the 12th Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Classic to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. From 2005-2016, over $2.5 million has been donated to the Foundation. The event was held at Chateau Elan

May 11, 2017 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is happy to announce Doug Johnson, President of JSL Aviation Insurance, a division of J. Smith Lanier & Co. was presented with the Pinnacle Award at the Aviation Insurance Association's (AIA) annual conference on May 3, 2016 in Miami, Florida. “The AIA Pinnacle Award is the

May 31, 2016 – The 12th Anniversary of the Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF-GA) will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 at the Château Élan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction at

December 17, 2015 — Antioch Volunteer Fire Department in Harris County, Georgia received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of J. Smith Lanier & Co. of Columbus. The grant is part of the new Westfield Legacy of Caring program in which Westfield independent agents across the country can nominate a local

December 1, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the country’s oldest and largest independent insurance brokerage firms, is pleased to announce the stock merger with Rogers, Parker & Associates, Inc., of Florence, Alabama, with J. Smith Lanier & Co. effective December 1, 2015. “Everyone at J. Smith Lanier & Co. is excited

October 26, 2015 – Online contest gives the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation opportunity to win up to $10,500 more. J. Smith Lanier & Co. is the recipient of a Safeco Insurance® Make More Happen Award for its volunteer service with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation- GA Chapter. The award includes a $3,000 donation from Safeco

September 10, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the country’s oldest and largest independent insurance brokerage firms, is pleased to announce the merger of The Flowers Agency, LLC, of Columbus, Georgia, with the J. Smith Lanier & Co. consolidated group effective September 1, 2015. "The merger of The Flowers Agency enhances our excellent

August 6, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the country’s oldest and largest insurance brokerage firms, announced they purchased Bryan Turner, LLC, dba Professional Benefits Consulting in Woodstock, Georgia, effective August 1, 2015. "Our team is excited about joining J. Smith Lanier & Co. Both companies have a long tradition of excellence

Most of today’s employers are dealing with a changing business landscape—a landscape that is full of emerging and global risks of all types. They face a litany of problems that many are struggling to resolve. And one of the most significant of these issues has been controlling the costs of group health insurance. Despite the

West Point, Ga. – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the country’s oldest and largest independent insurance brokerage firms, is pleased to announce the stock merger with Rogers, Parker & Associates, Inc., of Florence, Alabama, with J. Smith Lanier & Co. effective December 1, 2015. “Everyone at J. Smith Lanier & Co. is excited

West Point, Georgia – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is pleased to announce that it has ranked as one of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top Workplaces in Atlanta. The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics

West Point, Georgia—The 12th Anniversary of the Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF-GA) will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 at the Château Élan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction at the Metropolitan

July 7, 2015 – OneBeacon Insurance Group recently awarded $2,000 scholarships to 16 high-school seniors, including eight children of OneBeacon employees and eight children of the company's distribution partners. Auburn Terry, daughter of Cindy Terry of J. Smith Lanier & Co. in Opelika was a reciepent. Recipients were selected based on their academic performance, leadership roles

July 7, 2015 – Rob Murphy of J. Smith Lanier & Co. serves as the “Walk Chairman for Life” and J. Smith Lanier & Co. and its employees have given thousands of dollars over the past several years to the Atlanta Walk to End Lupus Now. The Atlanta Walk to End Lupus Now held in

June 8, 2015 — The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce today announced a list of seven business professionals to be inducted into the 2015 Alabama Business Hall of Fame. The inductees will be honored at the Alabama Business Hall of Fame ceremony Nov. 12, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Riverchase Galleria

May 21, 2015 – As one of the top-performing insurance agencies, J. Smith Lanier & Co. has earned the Senior Partner Plus designation from Grange Insurance. This award recognizes Grange’s most experienced agency partners who excel in professionalism and performance. J. Smith Lanier & Co. is one of 70 agencies out of nearly 4,000 to receive

May 12, 2015 — J. Smith Lanier & Co. is proud to announce over $220,000 net revenue was recently raised at the 11th Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Classic to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. From 2005-2015, over $2 million has been donated to the Foundation. The event was held at Chateau Elan

April 23, 2015 – Safeco Insurance has recognized J. Smith Lanier & Co. with a Safeco®Premier Partner Program award for performance and partnership. Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies countrywide that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor. Only the best agencies are selected for the Safeco Premier Partner Program, which recognizes

April 8, 2015 – The 11th Anniversary of the Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will take place on Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 at the Château Élan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction at

January 1, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. headquartered in West Point, Georgia, completed an agreement to acquire the Weigle Insurance Group of North Augusta, South Carolina, effective January 1, 2015. The offices of Weigle Insurance Group will be moving into the J. Smith Lanier & Co. office located at 2601 Commons Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia.

January 1, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is honored to announce Kim Johnson, Corporate Client Resource Specialist, was awarded the Edith Lanier Wickham “Living the Vision” award at the company’s annual conference held on January 23, 2015. Fondly referred to as “Aunt Edith”, Edith Lanier Wickham proved herself as a wise and providential leader

January 1, 2015 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, announced the Birmingham, Alabama office received the Tom Botsford High Performing Office Award. This award is given to the most efficiently performing office overall named after J. Smith Lanier & Co.’s former Chief Financial Officer,

October 2014 - J. Smith Lanier & Co. has earned the All-In Make More Happen Award from Safeco Insurance®for its commitment to encouraging all employees to get involved in the community. In honor of J. Smith Lanier & Co's award and volunteerism, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will receive a $3,000 donation from Safeco on

September 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance. This sixth annual program was created by Business Insurance and Best Companies Group. “For the past five years, J. Smith Lanier & Co. is honored to be named as one of the Best Places

July 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co.’s largest corporate philanthropy, The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (BTFC) is now the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of childhood brain tumor research. Two of the biggest nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting

May 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is proud to announce over $210,000 net revenue was recently raised at the 10th Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Classic to benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children. From 2005-2014, J. Smith Lanier &Co. has raised over $1.8 million for the Foundation. The event was

April 2, 2014 - West Point, GA – The 10th Anniversary of the Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children will take place on Tuesday, May 6th, 2014 at the Château Élan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction

March 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is pleased to announce that it ranked #9 as one of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top Workplaces in Atlanta. The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics conducts

February 19, 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is pleased to announce the immediate availability of a mid-market Private Benefits Exchange specifically designed to deliver employer budget management while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction. As an additional benefit, the J. Smith Lanier & Co. Private Exchange, JOIN (J. Smith Lanier & Co. Online Insurance Network), provides a

February 2014 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. has been named to Kemper Preferred’s Inner Circle of Independent Agents. The Inner Circle is an exclusive group of 250 independent insurance agencies countrywide that represent Kemper Preferred. Kemper Preferred sells Home, Auto and Package Plus policies through a select network of Independent Agents. Inner Circle membership

December 20, 2013 – Smith Lanier was a lot of things to a lot of people. Entrepreneur, business leader. Community servant, corporate citizen. Philanthropist, sage counselor. Husband, father, grandfather. Friend. But to everyone who grasped his outstretched hand, who received his greeting or generosity, who knew him as a brother or a benefactor, one thing

October 2013 – On October 21, Business Insurance recognized the 2013 Best Places to Work in Insurance. The top qualifying companies earned this distinction after an in-depth assessment of workplace benefits, policies and practices, and an evaluation of their employees' engagement and satisfaction. The companies were honored at a luncheon in Chicago on October 15 and

June 2013 — AAHU member Dave Knight recently received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) 83rd Annual Convention and Exhibition held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Knight was recognized for the Distinguished Service Award, which honors NAHU members who have made significant contributions to volunteer service

May 2013 — J. Smith Lanier & Co. is proud to announce over $200,000 net revenue was recently raised at the Ninth Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Classic to Benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children. From 2005-2013, J. Smith Lanier & Co. has raised over $1.6 million for the Foundation. The event was

April 17, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. of Columbus has earned the Senior Partner designation from Grange Insurance, placing the agency in an elite group. This honor places special status upon independent agencies that sell Grange products based on their experience, professionalism and superior performance. Located at 200 Brookstone Ctr Pkwy St 118, J.

April 1, 2013 – The Ninth Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children will take place on Tuesday, May 7th, 2013 at the Château Élan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta on

March 26, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, is honored to announce John Lyman of Chattanooga, Tennessee was promoted to Senior Vice President at the company’s annual conference held on February 8, 2013. Senior Vice President status is reached by achieving over $1,000,000

March 27, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is honored to announce Bill Parr, III was awarded the Edith Lanier Wickham “Living the Vision” award at the company’s annual conference held on February 8, 2013. Fondly referred to as “Aunt Edith”, Edith Lanier Wickham proved herself as a wise and providential leader of J. Smith

March 18, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, is honored to announce Bo Evans of Birmingham, Alabama was promoted to Vice President at the company’s annual conference held on February 8, 2013. Vice President status is reached by achieving certain production level efforts,

March 4, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, is honored to announce Jack Wilkinson of Lexington, Kentucky was promoted to Vice President at the company’s annual conference held on February 8, 2013. Vice President status is reached by achieving over $500,000 in total

March 4, 2013 – J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, is honored to announce James Oh of West Point, Georgia was promoted to Vice President at the company’s annual conference held on February 8, 2013. Vice President status is reached by achieving over $500,000 in

November 4, 2012 – On October 22, Business Insurance recognized the 2012 Best Places to Work in Insurance. The 75 qualifying companies earned this distinction after an in-depth assessment of workplace benefits, policies and practices, and an evaluation of their employees' engagement and satisfaction. The companies were honored at a luncheon in Chicago on October 16 and ranked

August 8, 2012 – Business Insurance, a national risk management insurance magazine, reported July 16, 2012 that J. Smith Lanier & Co. is ranked #23 among the 100 largest brokerage firms in the United States. The rankings were the 2011 brokerage revenues generated by United States based clients. "Our ranking as the #23 brokerage firm in the

June 25, 2012 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. of Columbus has earned the Senior Partner designation from Grange Insurance, placing the agency in an elite group. This honor places special status upon independent agencies that sell Grange products based on their experience, professionalism and superior performance. Located at 200 Brookstone Centre Pkwy, Suite 118, Columbus,

May 23, 2012 – J. Smith Lanier & Co. is teaming up with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $6,488 to the Huntsville Fire & Rescue, Station #2 to purchase new fitness equipment. This grant will fund two elliptical cross-trainers, free weights, and mats which are critical to keeping firefighters in top shape for responding

May 15, 2012 – On Sunday, April 22nd, the Atlanta Journal Constitution published the annual "Top Workplaces 2012,"a list of the best places to work in the Atlanta region, and J. Smith Lanier & Co. was ranked # 47. The evaluation for the Top Workplaces program is based upon feedback from an employee survey. The companies

April 2, 2012 – The Eighth Annual J. Smith Lanier & Co. Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children will appropriately take place during National Brain Tumor Awareness Month on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at the Chateau Elan Golf Club. This two-event tournament begins with a Sponsor Reception and Silent Auction at

January 30, 2012 – West Point, GA: The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (Cle) recognized Jim Pate of Columbus, Georgia, CIC at J. Smith Lanier & Co., with a certificate honoring his 30 years of faithful participation in advanced education. Making CIC history by being among the first group of ClC's to reach this 30