Vineland, N.J., March 13, 2007 – Allied Insurance Services (AIS) is celebrating the company's 100^th year as an independent insurance agency in the southern New Jersey region.The company has been located in Vineland since its inception in 1907.Led by Michael M. Rossi, III, AAI, since 1978, Allied Insurance Services is a long-time leader in both personal and commercial insurance products.

"It is amazing to be part of such a rare and important milestone in the history of this company," said Michael Rossi, president of AIS."When I think about how very many people have walked through the doors of our agency and how many individuals and firms have been saved from financial ruin because our agency was there, I have a great sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that we truly make a difference.In today's chaotic and explosive times, it is good to know that it is still possible for a business to remain vital and prosper over a long period of time by consistently working hard and providing exceptional service and value."

AIS first opened its doors in 1907 as Sharp and Leverone at 3 North 6^th Street in Vineland where they offered a combination of insurance, real estate sales and notary public services.The company relocated in 1915 to 12 North 6^th Street and became known as Ira P. Sharp and Sons.In 1955, the name was changed to W. Howard Sharp, Inc. and New Jersey State Senator W. Howard Sharp was one of the chief officers.

In 1964, upon Senator Sharp's passing, Robert W. Hutchinson became president, renaming the company Hutchinson and Sharp, Inc.One year later the company moved to the corner of 6^th and Wood Streets in Vineland, sharing the existing building with Judge Daniel Grosso.In 1968, Rossi became part of the professional team at the agency that had just 3 employees.

In 1974, the company was renamed Allied Insurance Services, with Hutchinson serving as president until his death in 1978.At that time, Rossi took over the helm of the business and remains today as its president and CEO.Rossi has grown the agency from the 3 employees in 1968 to over 20 employees that it has today.Sharon Provenzano of Vineland, VP of Operations for AIS, has been with the company for over 30 years. Michael Roche of Vineland, VP of Commercial Underwriting, has been part of the AIS team for over 25 years. Rossi's commitment to maintaining the company's integrity and building its success upon an unparalleled level of value to its customers has served as its cornerstone of growth.

Rossi has served on various insurance company advisory boards including Circle Agents Council for Continental Insurance Company, Peerless-Excelsior Insurance Company Agents Advisory Board and Aetna Life & Casualty Advisory Board. He was elected President of the Cumberland /Salem Independent Insurance Agents in 1978 and in 1979 elected to the Independent Insurance Agents of New Jersey Executive Board. He was appointed to the department of Insurance Producers Advisory Board in 1982 and to the Peer Review Committee of Commercial Automobile Insurance Plan. In 1988-89 he served as President of the Independents Insurance Agency of New Jersey.

In 1980, Rossi moved the agency to its current facility at 1405 North Delsea Drive.In 1986, as it services continued to grow, AIS added another 3,000 square foot addition to its present day Delsea Drive location.

Under Rossi's leadership, AIS has continued to prosper and provide needed expertise in the personal, commercial and professional lines of insurance coverages. To further meet the needs of our growing region, AIS incorporated the following companies under its umbrella:

   ·William Dudley Insurance Agency
   ·Victor Greto Insurance Agency
   ·Lewis DeMarco & Sons Insurance Agency
   ·George F. Lawley Insurance Agency
   ·Gene Caterina Insurance Agency
   ·Robert Wagner Associates

Under the mentorship of Hutchison, Rossi learned that service to the community and humanity is the best work in life.Rossi served as a vital member of the Vineland Jaycees, President of Vineland United Way, Chairman of the Tiny Tim Fund, Chairman of both the Newcomb Hospital and South Jersey Healthcare Foundations, Chairman of the YMCA Trustees and various other community associations. He is currently Vice Chair of the South Jersey Healthcare Hospital Board of Directors. He has been recognized numerous times for his dedication through the years.

1975 – Outstanding Young Man of Vineland by Vineland Jaycees
1976 – Outstanding Man of New Jersey by New Jersey Jaycees
1980's
   Outstanding Business Award by City of Vineland
   Citizen of Year Award by Southern New Jersey Development Council
2003 – Recognition by Congressman Lobiondo as a major fundraiser for the South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center Capital Campaign.

As a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent, AIS offers insurance from a number of different insurance companies, providing consumers and businesses the opportunity to choose the best combination of coverage and value for their needs.

Allied Insurance Services (AIS) is one of the largest insurance and financial planning agencies in the southern New Jersey Region, serving customers in Cumberland, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem and Cape May counties.  A fixture in the business community for 100 years, AIS has a reputation for integrity, soundness of counsel and excellence in customer service.  For more information about AIS, please call 856-691-0112, or visit us on the World Wide Web at alliedinsur.com. 

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