Duchon Insurance Agency joins Smith & Eddy Insurance

Smith & Eddy Insurance’s Manistee office.

Duchon Insurance Agency joins Smith & Eddy Insurance

SCOTTVILLE — Smith & Eddy Insurance announced today that it has taken steps to continue its investment and growth in Manistee County through a merger with Duchon Insurance Agency of Manistee.

“The addition of Duchon Insurance to our team is part of our continuing commitment to Manistee County,” said Scott Smith, president of Smith & Eddy Insurance. “Over the past year, we have greatly expanded our services, which included the addition of the Bear Lake Agency last April.”

Duchon Insurance was started by Dan Duchon in 1986 after working in the industry since 1970. Shelly Kott, Dan Duchon’s daughter, has been the principal and owner of the agency since 2012 after her father’s retirement. Kott and employee Jen Novak will continue with Smith & Eddy.

“Shelly and Jen bring 60 years combined experience to the Smith & Eddy team, serving northwest Michigan,” Smith said. “Duchon Insurance is known for its outstanding customer service and its commitment to its customers.  These principles were set forth many years ago by founder Dan Duchon.”

Smith said Smith & Eddy Insurance, which was founded in 1902, is committed to Manistee County. “The investment in Manistee County has been substantial. We are committed to the area’s we live in and do business in. Much of our success is because of our great staff. Shelly and Jen will only make our team even stronger.”

Smith also announced today that Smith and Eddy will be the presenting sponsor of the Manistee Chamber Golf Classic at Crystal Mountain Ski, Golf & Spa Resort in June.