150th anniversary
Wallace & Turner, Inc., Springfield’s largest, locally owned independent insur- ance agency, is celebrating its 150th anniversary of providing comprehensive insurance services to the com- munity, including personal, business and life and 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, expan- sion 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 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 employ- ees 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 nomi- nated 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 foot- print with the opening of a second office in Urbana. This addition underscored the agency’s focus on providing convenient and personalized service to its customer base.
As an independent insurance age ncy, Wallace & Turner works with a range of top-rated carriers, which means clients receive comprehensive and cost-effective insurance options tailored to their needs. Wallace & Turner currently employs 20 seasoned insurance professionals with offices in Springfield and Urbana.