Holiday Ugly Sweater Party

Feeling festive in the office, wearing our favorite holiday sweaters 😉We hope everyone has happy holidays!

Patrick Field Recognized with Ridgewood School’s Honorary Alumni Award

Patrick Field

In recognition of his significant contribution of time, effort and resources to Ridgewood School’s welfare, reputation and prestige, partner Patrick Field has been acknowledged with the Honorary Alumni Award. The Board of Trustees of Ridgewood School Association recognized that there are individuals who, although they are not Ridgewood School alumni, provide service, support and loyalty that the school values in its alumni.

As noted by the Board of Trustees, Patrick’s significant role in the development and success of Ridgewood School has enabled the school to enter its second century as an accredited member of the Independent School Association of the Central States in new and renewed facilities.  

Ben Galbreath Featured in Leadership Clark County Alumni Update

Ben Galbreath

Producer Ben Galbreath spoke with Leadership Clark County (LLC) for their Alumni Update Q&A to discuss how Wallace & Turner and the insurance industry as a whole have adjusted to serving clients during the pandemic. Ben was a member of the 2019-2020 LLC Academy Class, completing a training program with a focus on leadership development, sensitivity to community needs and the history of Clark County. He currently serves on LLC’s Curriculum Committee and is Co-Chair of the Non-Profit and Board Governance Session.

How has your business changed since the pandemic?

Insurance has always been a relational business and that’s why I love the industry – the face-to-face meetings and doing business with a handshake. In these times, we’re maintaining these relationships, but now it’s done with a mask and hand sanitizer! The handshake has moved to a fist bump, elbow or a nod.

The pandemic has changed some things at Wallace & Turner. Initially, our staff began working from home per the State order, and we had to limit in-person meetings unless absolutely necessary. Now that we are back in the office, our staff is diligently cleaning and wearing masks to respect coworkers, and client meetings are held outside with masks on. We want to keep things moving for clients while protecting them. I have been meeting with clients to help them with cost savings and ways to adjust during the pandemic.

Which changes have worked and which have not? 

What has worked for us is that we used phone, Zoom and outdoor meetings to remain open throughout the pandemic in order to serve our clients. Our in-house claims department has not skipped a beat as we work to comfort and assist clients in the event of unforeseen claims. We offer a variety of ways for customers to pay their premiums without coming into the office, so that wasn’t an issue.

Fortunately, I can’t think of anything that hasn’t worked. We had a solid disaster plan in place that allowed us to transition seamlessly with no interruption to customers. We did not miss a call from any of our clients due to paying a bill, policy change and/or a claim. 

Despite everyone being impacted by the pandemic and having to adjust, the community banded together to keep Springfield moving forward. Wallace & Turner appreciates our clients’ flexibility during these challenging times, and we are proud that we’ve been able to maintain consistent service for them.

How has your LLC experience helped you during this time?

My leadership experience helped me to leverage my relationships and connect certain clients to services that remained open and could help them. It was also encouraging to see other class members growing and working hard to serve our great community.

Vote to Help On-The-Rise Win $3,000 - Wallace & Turner Named Liberty Mutual/Safeco Change Agent Finalist

We are thrilled to announce that we've been named a Liberty Mutual Insurance and Safeco Insurance Change Agents finalist for our volunteer work with On-The-Rise! Change Agents recognizes volunteer efforts of all sizes through awareness raising in five cause areas and awards nonprofit donations up to $3,000.

Please help us win $3,000 for On-The-Rise by voting from October 5 – 9 here:

https://www.agentgiving.com/wallace-turner 

On-The-Rise is a uniquely structured farm program that serves at-risk youth, ages 10 – 14, throughout Clark County. This year-round program helps students work on their goals during the school year and helps them continue progressing during the summer. On-The-Rise works to develop the life skills, social skills, and employment skills of youth. Students learn responsibility by caring for goats and chickens, doing farm chores, and running the brown egg business while also enhancing their academic abilities by working with tutors on areas of struggle.

150 Years of Insurance Services in Springfield – Wallace & Turner Profiled in Independent Agent Magazine

Lisa Miller, P.J. Miller, Patrick Field

With 150 years of doing business in Springfield, Ohio and beyond, Wallace & Turner serves its community through far more than insurance. 

“Take care of the community, and they'll take care of you," said Patrick Field, partner and third-generation team member. 

Partner and vice president P.J. Miller started in the industry working for his father's agency, which was acquired by Wallace & Turner. He and Lisa Miller, operations and commercial lines manager, are married and have the insurance industry to thank for the beginning of their love story. 

“We have great relationships not only with companies but with our customers. People know who we are, that we can get the job done, and that they can rely on us,” commented Lisa Miller, Operations Manager and Commercial Lines Account Manager.

“An aspect that makes Wallace & Turner unique is using an agency bill as opposed to a direct bill. Clients come in to discuss their insurance and bill, and that leads to interactions and relationship-building. It's almost unheard of these days to have an agency bill, but there's a long history of it here,” said P.J. 

Patrick added: “Both P.J. and I were raised in philanthropic families, and that's continued at Wallace & Turner. We represent most of the nonprofits in our area. Both personally and corporately, we are all very involved in our community.” 

Read the full Independent Agent article.

Learn more about our 150th anniversary.

Calendar Photo Contest – Deadline September 30

Want your original photo to be featured in the Wallace & Turner 2021 calendar? Submit a high resolution image taken in Clark or Champaign County and we’ll pick our favorites for each month of the year. Please read the guidelines below and good luck! 

The deadline for submission is September 30, 2020. Please submit to bethmillerpr@gmail.com with subject line “WT Calendar Submission.” 

• You may submit as many photos as you’d like for consideration.

• Photos must be high resolution and landscape (not portrait). Most cell phone photos should be fine; do not reduce the size when you submit the photo.

• Please include a caption with the photo describing where the photo was taken and/or what is taking place in the photo.

• Photos with signatures, watermarks or logos are not permitted.

• By submitting the image to Wallace & Turner, you warrant that:

  • You are the sole copyright owner and creator of the photo(s).

  • Any person depicted in the photograph has granted permission to be portrayed as shown, and has the right to grant that permission.

  • The photo does not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, contract rights, or any other intellectual property rights of any third person or entity, or violate any person’s rights of privacy or publicity.

• Any photo used by Wallace & Turner shall carry a credit line of the photographer.

• All entrants agree that all photo(s) submitted to the competition may be reproduced (with photo copyright credit) and used to conduct and promote Wallace & Turner’s calendar competition on our website, social media and other platforms. You hereby grant Wallace & Turner with the right to use submitted photographs in the framework of such promotional activities.

• Wallace & Turner will contact winners via the email address that submitted the photo. We also plan to announce the winners on social media.

Insurance Agency Serving Clark, Champaign Counties Celebrates 150 Years – Wallace & Turner Featured in Springfield News-Sun

In recognition of Wallace & Turner’s 150th anniversary, Springfield News-Sun spoke with partners Patrick Field and P.J. Miller about the agency’s history, impact in the community and plans for the future.   

“I couldn’t be more proud,” Field said. “I’m a third generation here. It’s something I’m very proud of.”

Miller, a second generation employee said, “We’re thrilled that we are going to be able to celebrate our 150th year in operation.”

Wallace & Turner, Inc. traces its beginning to 1870 when Ira W. Wallace and L. B. Corry came from Leroy, Ohio to open a general insurance agency in Springfield called Wallace & Corry. Twenty-five years later, the partnership ended and Wallace founded Wallace & Company.

“In the late 1800s to early 1900s, insurance was ‘very simplistic,’” Field explained. “Life insurance was common and as development continued, property insurance was created.”

Miller added that there was also home and farm insurance.

“Naturally Springfield was well known in the agricultural world because of the businesses that were started here that had agricultural ties,” Miller said. “So then it (insurance) basically developed in that way.” 

Wallace & Company operated until 1961 when Harry M. Turner, founder of Turner Insurance Agency, purchased the agency and changed the name to Wallace & Turner, Inc.

“Fortunately, the Wallace & Turner folks way back then had the foresight to see that this was going to be a good business to have in Springfield,” Miller said. 

He added, “As times progressed, Patrick’s father, John Field, who was instrumental in the continuation of Wallace & Turner, got together with my father, Dale Miller.” 

In October 2019, the partners expanded Wallace & Turner, Inc. by opening a second office in Urbana. Between both locations, Miller said they have approximately 15,000 clients. 

“During COVID-19, Wallace & Turner, Inc. has helped promote and assist local organizations by raising money for them,” Miller said.

Field said he recalls his father saying, “Wallace & Turner is only going to do as well as the community Wallace & Turner is in.” 

With that in mind, Field said his goals are “individually and collectively with Wallace & Turner to do what we can to help the city of Springfield and Clark and Champaign Counties just be better communities.”

“We have all the abilities as a large insurance company, yet we have the capabilities of a small hometown insurance agency that’s now been here 150 years,” Miller said. “We want to continue on.”

Field added, “At the end of the day it’s about taking care of your clients.”

Read the full article here.

Wallace & Turner Celebrates 150 Years in the Insurance Industry

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – Wallace & Turner, Inc., Springfield, Ohio’s largest, locally owned independent insurance agency, is celebrating its 150th anniversary of providing comprehensive insurance services to the community, including personal, business and life & health coverage.

Wallace & Turner traces its origin to 1870 when Ira W. Wallace and L. B. Corry came from Leroy, Ohio to Springfield to open a general insurance agency, operated as Wallace & Corry. In 1895, that partnership dissolved and Ira W. Wallace founded Wallace & Company, which operated until 1961 when Harry M. Turner, founder of Turner Insurance Agency purchased Wallace & Company and changed the agency name to Wallace & Turner, Inc. Since 1961, Wallace & Turner has experienced decades of growth, multiple acquisitions, expansion of services and created a legacy of community involvement. 

“Wallace & Turner is proud to reach the 150-year mark of service to our policyholders and be in a position to carry on Harry Turner’s motto of doing ‘good things for the community,’” commented partner Patrick Field, a third generation Wallace & Turner employee. “Our team values the relationships we have built with clients, many who have been with us for decades, and planned to show our appreciation with several in-person celebrations this summer. Given current circumstances, we have decided that in lieu of events, we will be donating to several local organizations that are in need. Additionally, Wallace & Turner is giving $150 to each of our employees to donate to the charity of their choice.”

Wallace & Turner has a rich history of supporting non-profits, not only through financial contributions, but by volunteering time and helping raise awareness for important causes. Notably, the agency recently nominated Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties for the Liberty Mutual® Emergency Community Support Grant, which awarded the non-profit with a $10,000 donation. The donation will support Second Harvest’s mission of helping those suffering from food insecurity. 

In October 2019, Wallace & Turner expanded its footprint with the opening of a second office in Urbana, Ohio. This addition underscored the agency’s focus on providing convenient and personalized service to its customer base.

“Wallace & Turner’s longevity and growth are the result of remaining steadfast to our core values of integrity, financial stability and consistency in service,” said partner P.J. Miller, a second generation Wallace & Turner employee. “Moreover, the agency’s success would not be possible without our employees – past and present – and our policyholders, who we regard as family. As we reflect on our milestone anniversary, we recognize that this has been a particularly challenging few months for many clients, and pledge to continue offering support and expertise to keep them prepared and protected for the next 150 years and beyond.”

As an independent insurance agency, Wallace & Turner works with a range of top-rated carriers which means clients receive comprehensive and cost-effective insurance options tailored to their needs. The agency is a long-standing member of Associated Risk Managers International, Keystone Insurers Group, Trusted Choice, Ohio Insurance Agents Association and Independent Insurance Agents Association, both in Ohio and nationally. Wallace & Turner currently employs 20 seasoned insurance professionals with offices in Springfield and Urbana. Connect with the agency on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

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View media coverage:

Springfield News-Sun: https://bit.ly/3a0Dsso

Independent Agent: https://bit.ly/3m5kSFc

Insurance Journal: https://bit.ly/3a0EfcQ

Insurance Business America: https://bit.ly/3fxFf9y

Dayton Daily News: https://bit.ly/3a2hNjU

Property Casualty 360: https://bit.ly/33sAMma

Insurance Daily News: https://bit.ly/2Xu7IqT

Virtual "Best Ball" Golf Tournament - Wallace & Turner Sponsors Junior Achievement Mad River Event to Support Students

Wallace & Turner was a proud sponsor of the Junior Achievement Mad River Virtual "Best Ball" Golf Tournament, which took place from June 1 - 15, 2020. Foursomes selected a date to play at Reid Park Golf Course and at the end of the round, submitted their scores. The virtual golf tournament raised money in support of Junior Achievement’s mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.

Liberty Mutual Donates $10,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties Through Emergency Community Support Grant Nomination by Wallace & Turner

Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties Awarded $10,000 Donation through Liberty Mutual® Emergency Community Support Grants

Companies Assist Wallace & Turner in Giving Back to Local Communities During COVID-19 Crisis 

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (May 14, 2020) – Liberty Mutual announces a $10,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties – nominated by Patrick Field of Wallace & Turner, Inc. – as part of an Emergency Community Support Grant to help independent agents give back to their local community during the COVID-19 crisis. The donation will go directly to Second Harvest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to targeting hunger to serve and educate through community partnerships.

“My team and I have recognized the hard work and dedication performed by Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties during this pandemic and we are incredibly thankful for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance for stepping up to the plate and providing extra funds to help the community when we need it most,” said Patrick Field with Wallace & Turner. “Second Harvest has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and the $10,000 donation will help them continue to make a difference to the community they serve.” 

The $10,000 will be used to distribute 50,000 meals. Every dollar supports Second Harvest's efforts and helps supply surrounding communities with the meals they need, where and when they need them.

“The goal of the Emergency Community Support Grants is to help our independent agents make an immediate impact during this critical time in the local communities where we live and work,” said Alexis Holzer, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance Independent Agent Giving Program Manager.

The Springfield community can get involved and give back to Second Harvest by making a monetary donation and by using social media to spread the word about the growing food insecurity issue in the community. Social media is a great way to encourage friends, family and community to give while ensuring everyone can stay safe in their homes. For more information, visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/basketbuilder.

Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have a rich history in supporting local and national causes on the corporate level with the Liberty Mutual Foundation, Safeco Foundation, the employee involvement program Liberty Torchbearers, as well as through its Independent Agent Giving programs. In addition to $1 million for the emergency community support grants, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance already committed to invest $375,000 into local nonprofits in 2020 through the Independent Agent Giving programs, Make More Happen and Change Agents.

For more information, visit www.agentgiving.com.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liberty Mutual’s purpose is to help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. The promise we make to our customers throughout the world is to provide protection for the unexpected, delivered with care.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today we are the fifth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2018 gross written premium. We also rank 75th on the fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2018 revenue. We employ nearly 50,000 people in 30 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of small commercial insurance products and services through our independent agent partners, including business owners policy, comprehensive business package, inland marine, workers compensation and more.

About Safeco Insurance

In business since 1923, Safeco Insurance sells personal automobile, homeowners and specialty products through a network of more than 10,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the United States. Safeco is a Liberty Mutual Insurance company.

You can learn more about us by visiting www.Libertymutualinsurance.com and www.Safeco.com

About Wallace & Turner

Wallace & Turner, Inc. has operated locally in Springfield, Ohio since 1870, making them one of the oldest Independent Insurance Agencies in the state. They provide personal insurance, commercial insurance and life & health coverage, and as a member of the Ohio Insurance Agents, they represent top-rated insurance companies. The agency has earned an excellent reputation for prompt service and professional approach to the needs of clients. Wallace & Turner is a member agency of Associated Risk Managers International (ARMI), Keystone Insurers Group, Trusted Choice and Ohio Insurance Agents Association, as well as a long-standing member of the Independent Insurance Agents Association, both in Ohio and nationally. Visit https://www.wtins.com/

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties

Second Harvest Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that collects, stores, and distributes usable foods to its programs and member agencies over a three-county area. Their mission is to target hunger to serve and educate through community partnerships. Second Harvest is committed to compassion for those suffering from food insecurity in our communities served. Visit https://theshfb.org/

View media coverage:

Springfield News-Sun

Urbana Daily Citizen

Dayton 24/7

WDTN 2News

Peak of Ohio

Ben Galbreath Completes Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy Program

Ben Galbreath

Congratulations to Producer Ben Galbreath on completing Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy program! Participants completed eight sessions with a focus on leadership development, sensitivity to community needs and the history of Clark County. Each participant will receive a graduation certificate from Leadership Clark County and letters of commendation from Governor Mike DeWine, Senator Bob Hackett, Ohio Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague and Representative Kyle Koehler.

Leadership Clark County selects up to 35 participants for the Community Leadership Academy held September through March of each year. A volunteer selection committee bases its decisions upon the criteria of an applicant’s leadership potential, and its desire to assemble a class that reflects the diversity of Clark County. After graduation, participants are expected to actively apply the leadership training in the Clark County area through community service volunteer work or by memberships on Clark County area organization boards and committees.

St. Vincent’s de Paul’s Casey Rollins Recognized as a “Remarkable Woman” of Dayton

Casey Rollins, Executive Director and Board President of St. Vincent de Paul, was recently named a finalist for Nexstar Media Group’s “Remarkable Women” contest. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and the quality of life. 

Casey and St. Vincent de Paul are longtime clients of Wallace & Turner, and we applaud their tireless efforts in Springfield and surrounding areas to feed, clothe and find shelter for people in need. We’ve seen first-hand, the impact Casey’s work has had in the community helping the impoverished, as well as through her position as a Visual Arts teacher at Catholic Central and Shawnee High School for more than three decades. 

View Casey’s Remarkable Women feature on WDTN.

One local winner of Nexstar’s nationwide 2020 Woman of the Year Award will be selected to earn a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to attend a taping of The Mel Robbins Show. The national winner will be named in mid-March. 

About St. Vincent de Paul

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

Honored to Represent Westfield Insurance - Awarded #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the North Central Region

Customer care starts with truly caring about our customers. And that is why we are proud to represent Westfield Insurance, ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the North Central Region. Learn more: https://wf.insure/2m9FgLb

Getting Festive at the Office

Cooper telling Santa he’s been a good boy and deserves toys and treats for Christmas  🎅

Partner Patrick Field and A Christmas Story lamp ⛄️

Wallace & Turner Delivers Gifts to Rocking Horse Community Center

Santa Zach (also known as our Commercial Lines Analyst) heads out to deliver gifts to Rocking Horse Community Health Center. Rocking Horse provides complete health and wellness services to community members. They offer medical, dental, behavioral health, patient advocacy and material assistance to improve the physical, emotional and behavioral well-being of each and every patient.

Wallace & Turner Recognized as a Top Dayton Area Property & Casualty Insurance Agency

Wallace & Turner was again recognized on Dayton Business Journal’s list of top Dayton area property and casualty insurance agencies for 2019.

Click here to view the full list (subscription required).

Ben Galbreath Selected to Leadership Clark County's 2019-2020 Academy Class

Ben Galbreath

Producer Ben Galbreath is participating in Leadership Clark County's 2019-2020 Academy Class to learn leadership training in a variety of programs and issues important to the surrounding community, including nonprofit & board governance, crime & rehabilitation, economic vitality and more. Leadership Clark County selects up to 35 participants for the Community Leadership Academy held September through March of each year. A volunteer selection committee bases its decisions upon the criteria of an applicant’s leadership potential, and its desire to assemble a class that reflects the diversity of Clark County. After graduation, participants are expected to actively apply the leadership training in the Clark County area through community service volunteer work or by memberships on Clark County area organization boards and committees.

“Since joining Wallace & Turner, Leadership Clark County was highly recommended, and I joined the 2019-2020 class to broaden my knowledge of our great city of Springfield and nearby communities,” commented Ben. “I have already completed four sessions and even though I grew up in Springfield, I have learned so much more about my hometown. It’s exciting to see firsthand all of the work and progress that has been done to continually improve the area for our residents and visitors.”

Learn more about Leadership Clark County here.

Historic Downtown Urbana Holiday Open Houses

Urbana office kicked off the holiday season with the Historic Downtown Urbana Holiday Open Houses! 🎄A longtime tradition of the Monument Square District Urbana, the Holiday Open Houses always take place in early November and serves to spark the downtown's seasonal spirit.

Ben Galbreath Elected as Clark‐Shawnee Board of Education Member

Ben Galbreath

On November 5, 2019, Producer Ben Galbreath was elected to serve as a Member of the Board of Education for the Clark‐Shawnee Local School District. His four-year term will commence on January 1, 2020. The Board of Education works to uphold the community's longstanding traditions of academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. 

“My children attend Possum Elementary so it’s important to me to be involved in critical decisions affecting their education,” commented Ben. “I am looking forward to serving my community and growing relationships with the teachers, administration and local homeowners.” 

The Clark-Shawnee School District is located in Clark County, Ohio, serving the communities of Springfield Township, Bethel Township and the city of Springfield. Approximately 2,300 students learn in the schools each day, attending Shawnee High School (9-12), Shawnee Middle School (7-8), or one of the three (K-6) elementary schools, Rockway, Reid and Possum.

Halloween Contest 2019

The winners of Wallace & Turner’s Halloween costume were…Hocus Pocus 1st place. Bubble gum machine 2nd. Business man 3rd.