Mount Vernon Insurance and Premier Insurance Group Expand into Treutlen County

Two local insurance agencies have partnered to create a merged insurance agency based in Treutlen County.

“The Mount Vernon Insurance Agency and the Premier Insurance Group have joined forces to provide auto, business and homeowner insurance for Treutlen County residents,” wrote Mount Vernon Insurance Agency owner Marlen Ethredge in a statement.

This merged insurance agency, operated by Premier, will provide residents with multiple options for insurance providers, including Auto Owner, Progressive, Allstate and Traveler, among others. 

“Their main purpose is to provide expert insurance coverage with downhome service,” wrote Ethredge.

According to Premier’s owner, Cole Strickland, the collaboration stemmed from his desire to expand his insurance offerings. Previously, Premier only offered life and health insurance, and many of Strickland’s conversations with customers involved discussions about home and auto insurance.

Strickland would recommend his customers to other insurance agencies for those services, but after Hurricane Helene, he began searching for an agency to collaborate with to offer those services directly. This search led him to Ethredge and the Mount Vernon agency, which “seemed like a good fit” as Ethredge’s agency specialized in home and auto insurance.

“They’ve been nothing but good help so far,” said Strickland.

Both Mount Vernon Insurance Agency and Premier Insurance Group’s owners have years of experience operating their respective businesses and servicing the surrounding communities. Ethredge has 33 years of experience owning and operating the Mount Vernon agency, while Strickland has eight years of experience in insurance.

The new business will set up shop at 793 Second Street in Soperton, directly across the street from Dennard’s Drugs and Hardware Store, which Strickland said served as inspiration for the new office as a “one stop shop.”

With the aim of giving customers “one centralized location,” the new office will be composed of two halves: the right side will comprise Premier’s specialty of life and health insurance, while the left will offer home and auto insurance. 

According to Ethredge, the new office is currently salted to operate under the Premier Insurance Agency name as to avoid any rivalry between Soperton and Mount Vernon, although another name may be chosen.

A grand opening for the new establishment will be held in July, although no specific date has been set. Door prizes and free lunch will be available to attendees.

“We’re excited to get going in Soperton,” said Strickland.