Strate Insurance Group Celebrates Merger with Main Street Insurance Group by hosting a Ribbon Cutting

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Strate Insurance Group gathered alongside its customers, insurance company representatives, friends, Chamber members, and community members to celebrate Strate’s recent merger with Main Street Insurance Group.

The crowd of 80+ gathered in the office lobby for an invocation from Pastor Matt Westra of Living Promise Lutheran Church and an introduction by current Chamber President, Suzanne Cox.

Katherine Strate Smith speaks to the audience at the ribbon cutting.

Suzanne then turned the mic over to Katherine Strate Smith, former CEO and President of Strate Insurance Group who is now Partner and Owner in Main Street Insurance Group. “I am grateful to get up every day with the goal of helping people,” Smith said. “That is the number one reason I was most interested in coming to work at Strate Insurance Group. Some of you may know I lived in other cities and worked other places for about 10 years before moving home. I had a lot of great experiences, but I never felt like my work meant anything.”

Smith continued, “When you grow up in Morristown and are raised by  [my parents] Tom and Kelle [and my grandparents] Jack and Agnes, and Betty and Hershal you’re taught that your work needs to mean something. This lesson was never preached to me verbally; it was taught to me through actions—actions like serving on the Chamber board, volunteering, tithing, or keeping up long-term friendships.”

“As I grew up, the value of respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for our community was so strong that one day I figured out big city life wasn’t for me. Too many hoops to jump through to get to the end result.”

“My priority as a Partner in Strate Insurance Group –a Main Street Insurance Group Partner, is to help our community grow. When our community grows and flourishes, we all do. We all have to do our part to keep it healthy, vibrant, and worthy of its good name.”

Tom Strate shares his remarks with the audience.

Smith then handed the microphone to Tom Strate, founder of Strate Insurance Group, who spent a few moments reflecting on the business and sharing his excitement for the future. “Today is indeed a great day for Strate Insurance Group and our new Partners at Main Street Insurance Group. I first met the principals of Main Street about 12-13 years ago at an industry event.  Cooper and his brother Tripp, who could not attend this morning treated me to breakfast as we discussed insurance industry issues. Over the last 13 years, we have continued to talk and share information to help each other and to improve the service that we provide to our customers. I have shared with our new partners [at Main Street] what a wonderful and unique town Morristown is. From our very strong industrial base to commercial development to our strong school system and the great people who live and work here. Strate Insurance Group is proud to have played a small role in the development of our town and we pledge to continue this dedication.”

“I also have a word for Katherine. I had the privilege of starting this business with my parents in the fall of 1978, my dad retired in 1991, and I have led the company until summer of 2023, when Katherine became President. As a partner of Main Street, Katherine will continue to work hard for our local customers. She has the knowledge and wisdom to lead and ethical stamina to work through tough situations and to make the right decision. Katherine, I am very proud of you and wish you and your new partners the greatest success.”

Marc Stevens, Partner of Main Street Insurance Group, addresses the audience.

The final remarks came from Main Street Insurance Group Partner Marc Stevens, who represented the Partnership team at the Ribbon Cutting. “Today marks more than just a ribbon cutting—it’s the continuation of two journeys, two legacies that have come together to form one strong, forward-looking vision.

“This merger isn’t just about combining resources or expanding our footprint; it’s about blending a rich history with fresh ideas, the personal touch of a long-standing community member with the innovative spirit of our team.   As we step into this relationship, I want to emphasize our commitment not only to our growth but also to the prosperity of this community. Our investment here is more than just physical space—it’s a promise to work hand in hand with local partners, contribute to the local economy, and create opportunities that will benefit everyone in the area.

“The merger symbolizes our shared aspirations. It’s about blending expertise, honoring the legacy that Tom and his team have built, and leveraging our combined strengths to continue a dynamic, customer-focused organization.”

At the end of the event, Katherine Strate Smith offered packets of wildflower seeds to the attendees. “Once they bloom, think about how you are helping our community grow.”

If you read this blog post, would you also like a pack of wildflower seeds? We would be happy to mail one to you. Click here and fill out the contact form. In the “How Can We Help” box, request a packet of wildflower seeds and be sure to include a mailing address.