Keystone Honors Watkins Insurance Agency as National Partner of the Year

NORTHUMBERLAND, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) awarded Watkins Insurance Agency, Inc. (Watkins) of South Hill, Virginia, its highest honor – National Partner of the Year – during Keystone’s virtual National Conference. Keystone President and CEO David Boedker made the announcement with Watkins principals Catherine and Patrick Olmert.

The award recognizes the agency that best exemplifies Keystone’s mission: “Independence works better together.” Criteria include demonstrating a commitment to growing through leadership mentoring, engaging in technology advancements, employing best practices to improve operations and developing new income streams to strengthen business diversity.

Watkins was one of 12 state winners nominated for the honor. The other eleven nominees, all of which are Keystone ‘State Partners of the Year,’ included:

- GA – Bernard Williams & Company (Savannah, www.thepoweroftheshield.com)

- IL – Árachas Group (Bartlett, www.arachasgroup.com)

- IN – Miller Insurance Group (Bremen/Indianapolis, www.millerinsurancegrp.com)

- KY – Al Torstrick Agency (Lexington, www.altorstrick.com)

- MI – Nulty Insurance (Alpena, www.nulty.com)

- MO – Scott Agency (Montgomery City, www.scottagency.net)

- NC – Jones Insurance Agency (Garner, www.jones-insurance.com)

- OH – The Wiseman Agency (Gallipolis, www.wisemanagency.com)

- PA – Kilmer Insurance (Wyalusing, www.thekilmergroup.com)

- TN – Robins Insurance (Nashville, https://robinsins.com/)

- VA – Watkins Insurance Agency, Inc. (South Hill, www.watkinsinsurance.com)

- WI – The Burns Agency (Marshfield, www.burns-insurance.com)

The Olmerts explained this award will help them grow their team to continue providing community-focused service: “The success of our team members, clients and communities are all an integral part of our vision and our long-term planning. We are excited to use this award to support our team and to continue to attract great people. We believe investing in our people is the best way to invest in our communities.”

“It is my honor and privilege to announce Watkins Insurance Agency as Keystone’s 2020 National Partner of the Year Award recipient,” stated David E. Boedker, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of Keystone. “Since 1983, Keystone has only partnered with the very best independent agents and brokers in the country. Recognition as National Partner of the Year by Keystone represents the exceptional quality of Watkins Insurance Agency and its leadership. Since becoming part of the Keystone family in 2008, and today led by Catherine and Pat Olmert, Watkins has embraced all that Keystone has to offer and has flourished. It is our privilege to recognize the firm with Keystones highest honor!”

About Watkins Insurance Agency (Watkins) – Since 1924, Watkins Insurance Agency proudly provides comprehensive, quality insurance options to residents and businesses in Virginia and North Carolina. We specialize in business, home, car, and agribusiness insurance, as well as workers compensation insurance and employee benefits. With four convenient locations, our dedicated staff of insurance advisors works hard to make sure you have the insurance coverages that you need. Visit them at https://watkinsinsurance.com/.

About Keystone Insurers Group (Keystone) -- Keystone started in 1983 when four independent insurance agencies teamed up to pool their experience and expertise. This small group believed that agencies could be stronger and more successful if they linked arms – a passion and spirit that continues. Growing to almost 300 independent agency partners in 16 states, Keystone provides its agents with a community of like-minded agencies, industry expertise and access to specialized products for their clients. Keystone is ranked number four on Insurance Journal's 2020 list of Top 20 Property/Casualty Agency Partnerships. For more information, go to www.keystoneinsgrp.com.