CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Siegel Insurance and Smathers Insurance in Clarion are planning to move into a new building now under construction in Paint Township by the late spring of 2020.(Photos by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography.)
“When I purchased the Smathers Agency in 2014, I knew at some point I would need to consolidate our operations and get everything under one roof,” said Bill Siegel, president of Siegel Insurance.
“By merging the two locations into one, we will be able to increase our efficiency, reduce operating expenses, and ultimately maximize our potential as an agency.
“Our overall mission is to continually improve at what we do while giving exceptional and professional service to our customers, and this new building will help us do that.”
Siegel explained the move would basically merge the two entities, but he is going to continue using the Smathers name for the title and notary operation. One entrance into the new building will take customers into the Siegel Insurance side, and the other entrance will take them into the Smathers Title and Notary side.
Plans also include keeping the Title and Notary service open at the downtown Smathers location.
“We’ll have two locations for now and see how things go.”
Siegel considers it a blessing to continue operating insurance agencies in his hometown.
“It’s been an honor to perpetuate the legacies of John Love Insurance and Smathers Insurance and also the legacy of my father who founded Siegel Insurance in 1994.
“I feel very blessed to be operating an agency in the town I grew up in with a wonderful staff that has supported my growth initiatives every step of the way. Our entire team is excited about the new building and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Earlier this month Governor Tom Wolf announced new low-interest loan approvals through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) for eight businesses in five counties, including Siegel Insurance, Inc., an independent insurance agency.
The local company (WSF Holdings, LLC) received preliminary approval in May by the Clarion County Planning Commission for a new 5,630 square-foot office building on their 1.9 one-acre parcel in Paint Township. A newly-paved parking lot will have 39 total parking spaces, including four handicapped parking spaces.
The company was approved for a $591,100.00, 15-year PIDA loan at a 1.75 percent rate through Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission to assist in the construction.
The project will allow for significant improvements in efficiency and help the company to pursue its growth initiatives. The total project cost is $1,182,200. The company is expected to retain 23 full-time jobs and create two full-time jobs within three years.
Overall, the PIDA loans will enable the purchase, construction, and renovation of facilities and will help create and retain thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth, according to Wolf.
