Welcome to a New Year! It's always exciting to think about the future, the things you want to change, ways you want to improve, and it's no different with our team.

We talk a lot about our goals for the future based on the foundation we've created in years past. And in 2014, we experienced a number of truly great changes, including acquiring a new agency.

Family owned and operated - with an emphasis on service and coverage options - Carlson Insurance spent more than 50 years in Seattle. Last year, owner Dave Carlson suddenly passed away leaving the future of the agency in question. In the past several months, I've spent some time with Dave's family - discussing the agency, the industry, and how we might work together to find the best possible solution for Dave's clients. In December, Carlson Insurance became a part of Insurance Services Group.

With the new agency comes new faces and we're thrilled to welcome Dean Lentgis and Loretta Lee-Penington to our team. An expert in Yacht and Marine coverage, Dean is an incredible asset to ISG with more than 50 years of industry experience! His passion to help people make the right choice when it comes to protecting the things that matter most fits perfectly with our mission. We also want to introduce Loretta Lee-Penington - the newest member to our personal lines team. Loretta and Dean are focused on making sure the transition for our new Carlson Insurance clients is as easy as possible.

2014 was an incredibly strong year for Insurance Services Group but as we continue to grow it's important to note that the same great care, coverage and competitive pricing you've come to expect from our team will continue to remain the same. It may be a new year, with new goals - but one thing will never change - the value we place on our clients. Your continued support is truly appreciated this year and throughout the last 34 years. Here's to a happy, healthy and (hopefully) claims free 2015!