Raccoon Valley Mutual Insurance to celebrates 135 year anniversary

By NICOLE HASEK nhasek@iowainformation.com

Raccoon Valley Mutual Insurance invites the community to their 135th anniversary celebration on Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will take place at the Greene County Community Center.

Retiring board members Steve Haupert, Jean Finch and Jerry Peckumn will give a farewell at the anniversary celebration. Haupert joined the company in 1996, Finch joined in 2008 and Peckumn joined in 2003. Finch and Haupert are members of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies merit society.

“We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for the community,” said Raccoon Valley Mutual Insurance manager Janet Twigg. “[The celebration] is a thank you to the community for their support over the years.”

Twigg, who has been with the company since 2009, said they currently have about 700 policyholders. Most policyholders are from their “home county” of Greene County. The company aspires to provide the best customer service and quality coverage on property and liability insurance.

G.W. Wiant of Rippey, Iowa was the first president of the mutual in 1888, then called Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Association. On March 22, the first day of operation, they had 70 policies covering farmers in nearly every town in Greene County.

“The philosophy at that time was neighbors helping neighbors,” Twigg said. 

The mutual started when Midwest farmers were unable to get insurance on their farms, so a group of farmers came together and formed a county mutual. Twigg said everyone’s premium went into a “pool” and when one person needed help, they were able to use money from the “pool.”

“[Our goal] is to be here for our policyholders,” Twigg said. “To give them the peace of mind that their property is adequately insured. We stay financially strong and stable to ensure that we’re always here for our insurers.”  

In this past year, they have gotten three more agencies involved in their mutual, according to assistant manager Lisa Mobley, who started with the company in 2022. Twigg said they have been able to focus on the mutual gaining other writing agencies this past year. 

Mobley said they will also be asking for free will donations for New Opportunities’ toy drive, which she said will take place in November and December. 

Ribeye sandwiches, cheese burgers and hot dogs will be provided during the event. Registration is not required and everyone is welcome to attend. Raccoon Valley Mutual Insurance policy members will be receiving invitations.