Duane Hicks
Gillons’ Insurance is expanding in a major way, merging with Thunder Bay Insurance to create a large, independently-owned insurance brokerage in Northwestern Ontario.
“The merger makes perfect sense as it will benefit clients and better service the growing needs of economic development in the north,” said Duane Cridland of Gillons’, who will be president and CEO of the newly-amalgamated company.
“This is a people business, and we were able to merge with a company that in 2010 was the Brokerage of the Year in the province of Ontario as voted on by a panel of their peers,” he noted.
“We know their culture,” Cridland stressed. “We’ve known the people for a long time, and that is really the key component.”
Cridland said the “Ring of Fire” conservatively is estimated at $350 million new dollars to Thunder Bay and the outlying area.
“With 2,000 new jobs being created, and a strong and growing housing market, it was an obvious choice for Gillons’ to expand into the Thunder Bay market,” he remarked.
Cridland said the expansion also will result in growth and increased employment opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.
Gillons’ now has nine offices, employing nearly 100 people, in Fort Frances, Emo, Rainy River, Atikokan, Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay North, and Thunder Bay South.
The Thunder Bay offices will operate as “Thunder Bay Insurance, a division of Gillons’ Insurance Brokers.”
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to provide Northwestern Ontario with an expanded line of insurance options that the joining of the companies will provide,” David Baxter, general manger of Thunder Bay Insurance, said in a press release issued last Thursday.
The expansion will provide better insurance options, better coverage, and stable rates.
Baxter said the new company brings together specialization in insuring assets of particular interest to this region—from ATVs, UTVs, snowmachines, and all types of watercraft, including bass boats and pontoon boats—to go along with your home, auto, and seasonal dwelling.
“The merger also provides a strong increase in our expertise to service commercial markets, and positions us well to handle the region’s economic expansion in the ‘Ring of Fire,’ construction and bonding, First Nations, mining, power generation, and medical research fields,” he noted.
“The staff and I are looking forward to many years of continuous service to our clients,” added Baxter.
“Gillons’ is excited for this opportunity to continue and grow throughout Northern Ontario, to service our clients and communities,” echoed Cridland.
