Linzee Insurance Agency welcomes Britton Insurance and Investments

This week's announced purchase of Britton Insurance and Investments by fourth-generation Linzee Insurance Agency owner Wendee Linzee keeps Allstate Insurance policy holders across Southern Illinois in very good hands.

Established in 1886 by Raymond S. Linzee, the tradition was carried on by his son, Raymond S. Linzee Jr., then his grandson, Raymond S. Linzee III and now onto Wendee W. Linzee.

Linzee at age 37 has created a high energy agency that now benefits from the self-made success story of Britton Insurance and Investments.

It runs in the family. Linzee is married to Rich Miller of Miller's Shop on Rt. 51 in Du Quoin, another success story.

Linzee's 17 years as an insurance broker is packaged with Britton's 37 and Rex Emery's 36 years of experience in insurance and investing. Greg Wilson has seven years. Dawn Cheek, who came from the Du Quoin Insurance Agency, has 15 years. Part of the next generation are Katie Stanhouse, Jade Smith and Alli Stevenson.

Britton Insurance & Investments at the corner of East Main and Washington will be closed as of Monday with window notices redirecting policy holders to the Linzee office.

Britton said his popular Indian football countdown sign will stay intact as a harbinger to the great Indian Football tradition this fall.

Britton will divide his time with the nearby Shamrock Real Estate Agency on East Main Street in Du Quoin. Shamrock owner Liz Wilson said last week it is a very good fit for her staff, as well.

The Britton agency dates back to 1975.

Linzee commented this was a good way to perpetuate Britton's agency and skills. Britton commented that this is a perfect fit with all of Du Quoin's Allstate customers now benefitting from the customer care of one agency.

A separate office area is being created and a separate telephone line installed to protect the privacy of investment clients.

The mood was good and the spirits are on overdrive as the anticipated announcement was made on Wednesday in the Linzee offices.

The agency will not only underwrite insurance through several companies including Allstate for autos, recreational equipment, homes, mobile homes, health, umbrella liability and individual group health, but will be able to expand its commercial coverages through Randolph Mutual and Grinell Mutual.

The agency already receives perennial sales awards from Allstate as a top selling agency in Illinois.

That speaks volumes about the depth of an agency that is the oldest continuous family owned business in downtown Du Quoin and the oldest, continuous family-owned insurance agency in the state.

The agency is in its 127th year. It is steeped in history, but with a forward-thinking future as the insurance writer for Allstate, MetLife, Travelers, Progressive, Encompass, State Auto and others.

The Linzee family is linked to the very beginning of Du Quoin.

On the other hand, the agency is one of the first in Perry County to benefit from electronic storage of all of its documents. Records are truly a click away with everything safe, secure and backed up into other storage devices.

Having taken over the business five years ago, she is proud of the past, but more excited about the now paper-free style in which the agency operates.

The transformation began in 2008 and today includes a smart new office and one of the most beautiful business signs in downtown Du Quoin, which overlooks the Poplar Street overpass.

Wendee was quick to offer other positives. "We simply care about our customers . . . we really and truly care," Wendee said.

Admittedly fitness conscious, she is actively involved in the community and is a sponsor for many events.

This is how you get to be 127 years old in a very competitive insurance environment.