Iott Insurance, Stonebridge Golf Club Honored as Top Local Businesses By Saline Chamber

On Thursday, October 11 the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce will present the 2012 Business Enterprise Award to two exceptional area businesses, Stonebridge Golf Club and Iott Insurance Agency, Inc.  Recognition will also be given to Dianne Atwood, as she is presented with the Chamber’s Initiative Award.  The public is invited to join us in honoring the recipients at the gala awards dinner at Stonebridge Golf Club starting at 6:00 p.m.  Reservations are required by October 8th at a cost of $45 per person.

The Chamber’s Business Enterprise Award is widely recognized as the most meaningful and prestigious honor a business can receive in the greater Saline market.  Nominations are open to the entire community and peer recognition is an important component of the nominating process.  Final selections are made by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Stonebridge Golf Club, located at 1825 Clubhouse Drive, in Pittsfield Township, was designed in 1991 by world famous golf course architect Arthur Hills. In 2001 two old University of Michigan college friends, and fraternity brothers, formed a partnership “Roland/Mervis LLC” and purchased Stonebridge from the original owner and developer of the Stonebridge community.  Jim Roland and Doug Mervis changed the model of the operation to a pure Public Golf Course that offers all of the amenities of a country club, without the monthly fees.  Stonebridge is open to the public with an 18-hole championship golf course, a driving range, practice putting greens, full service bar & grille and a unique banquet facility seating up to 200 guests.  The banquet room features breathtaking floor to ceiling windows overlooking the 18th hole, outdoor patio, covered tent and outdoor Tiki Bar.  Stonebridge is a popular venue for outdoor wedding ceremonies and indoor receptions, golf outings, corporate events and fundraising parties.  Don’t be fooled by the fact that Stonebridge Golf Club is nestled within the Stonebridge Residential Community, Stonebridge is a public venue and all are welcome to enjoy everything Stonebridge has to offer!  

Stonebridge has earned numerous awards to name a few:

·         Top 10 Public Golf Course Ranking in Southeast Michigan by the Detroit Free Press  & News (4/15/03)

·         Best Public Golf Course in Washtenaw County by AnnArbor.com (6/12/11)

·         Runner-Up Best Golf Course Detroit A List (2012)

·         2012 Pick: The Knot Best of Weddings, Reception Venue (theknot.com)

·         Channel 4 Detroit: 2012 Vote 4 the Best.  Voted  Runner up Golf Course in Detroit

Stonebridge Golf Course has supported many Saline organizations and events; Saline Area Chamber of Commerce (Doug Mervis - past President and Board Member), Saline’s Summerfest, Saline Holiday Parade, St. Joseph Mercy Saline, The Foundation for Saline Area Schools (FSAS), Saline DARE Golf Outing, and various Saline Area School Sports teams.  Every year they give dozens of rounds of golf to charitable organizations for their non-profit fundraising efforts.

What is known today as Iott Insurance Agency, Inc. dates back over 60 years to September 21st1950 when Francis C. Iott became a licensed insurance agent.  A friend of Fran’s gave him the agency and Fran & his wife Peg ran the agency out of a small room in their home in Deerfield, MI.   In 1962 Fran bought a small agency in Blissfield, MI and he moved everything to that office.  In 1971 Virgil Diver was brought on, and Fran and Virg grew the business as good friends.  The following year in 1972 they added a second location in Petersburg, MI and hired another associate Charles (Chuck) A. Iott, one of Fran’s sons.  Chuck headed the Petersburg office while Virg & Fran operated in the Blissfield office.  Over the years Fran purchased many smaller agencies and this helped to grow the business.  In 1990 Fran retired, Chuck & Virg became the owners of Francis C. Iott and Associates, Inc. and changed the name to Iott Insurance Agency, Inc.  In 1993 Chuck and Virg expanded again, opening an office in Lambertville, MI.  Virg retired in 2006 followed by Chuck in 2008.

Iott Insurance is now owned by Brian Iott (one of Fran’s son), Kurt Diver (Virg’s son), who both joined the agency in 1988, and Timothy Miller, who joined the agency in 2006.  The agency has continued to grow and prosper through the good times and remain steady through the turbulent times.  The three offices, although in new buildings still remain in Blissfield, Petersburg, and Lambertville.  They have a staff of 25 knowledgeable, dedicated employees, who enjoy helping their clients and providing them the highest level of customer service.  In their employee mix they have 14 employees who have been with Iott’s for over 10 years, including five who have reached their 25th anniversary this year.

Iott Insurance services business and personal clients, their goal is to help them understand the products so they are protected for the future. They write all types of businesses including contractors, light manufacturing, and main street shops.  The majority of their business is in Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.  However they are also licensed to write in several other states, including Ohio, Indiana, and Florida.

Iott Insurance likes to support not only the towns that their offices are in, but the surrounding communities as well.  Brian Iott moved his family to Saline in 2000. Since then Iott Insurance has maintained a presence in the Saline community.  As Iott Insurance evolves & services many clients in the Saline area they continue to give back to the community.  Brian, a past president and board of director member, is active in the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.  Iott Insurance supports the Saline Area Lions Club, sponsors Saline’s Summerfest and other local events.

Iott Insurance has an experienced staff, ready to serve you and make sure all your insurance needs are met.  Their goal is to work with you, help you understand your coverage, and consistently exceed your expectations.  As times have changed and the insurance industry has changed they still strive to offer the same front door service as when Fran ran the business out of his home in 1950.

According to Art Trapp, Executive Director of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, “In the greater Saline market the annual Business Enterprise Award represents the most prestigious mark of distinction given to any business and is the most recognized award any business can hope to obtain.  We’re pleased and very proud to honor Stonebridge Golf Club and Iott Insurance for their achievement.  In terms of commercial success, recognition from peers, and ongoing involvement in our community and civic affairs, both symbolize the best of what businesses in our area hope to be.”

The Chamber extends its heartfelt congratulations to Stonebridge Golf Club and Iott Insurance on their outstanding achievement.  The Chamber also thanks KeyBank for sponsoring this event.  “KeyBank congratulates Stonebridge Golf Club and Iott Insurance Agency, this year’s recipients of the Saline AreaChamber of Commerce Business Enterprise Awards.  KeyBank is proud to be a part of a community where businesses acknowledge and honor their peers for displaying high standards of business practices and service.  KeyBank is pleased to be the event sponsor of the Business Enterprise Awards gala dinner on October 11th honoring these two fine companies”.  For further details, contact the Saline AreaChamber of Commerce at 734.429.4494.

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