UIS celebrates milestone

TIFFIN — UIS Insurance and Investments is celebrating 100 years of serving the community. The company, which was founded in 1924 by C. Scott Garrett and Rex Felton Sr., has enjoyed 100 years of expansion, outreach and solid community relationships. In a press release, Michael (Mitch) Felton, chairman of the board, expressed excitement for the milestone, and credited the company's employees, insurance company partners, and "all of our loyal customers who have supported us over the years." UIS Marketing Director Madison Ratliff said the company's strong family-oriented focus has been a key to UIS's success and the company strives to keep that vision throughout all aspects of its business. Not only have four generations of the Felton family been involved in UIS, Ratliff said, but treating customers, employees and the community as family is an essential component of the company's operations. "The family aspect is a big part of it for us," she said. "Fostering those relationships" is foundational to UIS. According to a press release, UIS has grown throughout the years from its headquarters in Tiffin, Ohio, to operating 13 locations throughout Ohio and Michigan. "The agency has grown organically and through acquisitions dating back to the 1960's," the release states. UIS locations can be found in Tiffin, Bellevue, Bowling Green, Findlay, Fremont, Leipsic, Marion, Oak Harbor, Ottawa, Sandusky, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and Monroe, Michigan. As branch offices were acquired, Ratliff said, UIS also expanded its services. UIS now provides "anything with insurance and investments," she said. Ratliff said giving back to the community has been and remains a priority for the company. In the release, UIS President Charles (Chuck) Ritzler said, "We also continue to be good corporate citizens by reaching out and serving the communities where we have offices." Recognizing the integral role the community has had on the success of the company, Ratliff said UIS strives to support a diverse number of organizations and schools throughout the area. Looking forward to the years ahead, Ratliff said UIS will likely continue to expand and add locations but will retain the ultimate goal of personal relationships and exemplary insurance and investment services. "We work really hard to be a pillar," she said. In the release, Ritzler said, "We remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service and value to our clients, ensuring that we continue to earn their trust, loyalty, and business for another 100 years." UIS will host an open house from 4-7 p.m. today at its Tiffin office, 51 S. Washington St., to celebrate the milestone anniversary. A ribbon cutting will take place and refreshments will be available, Ratliff said. The event is open to the public.