THUNDER BAY – Business Now – There is a big change happening in Thunder Bay’s insurance market. In a joint statement issued today, David Baxter Thunder Bay Insurance and Duane Cridland Gillons’ Insurance Fort Frances announced today that the two firms are in the final phases of a merger that will create the largest independently owned Insurance Brokerage in Northwestern Ontario. David Baxter says, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to provide our clients with an expanded line of Insurance options that the joining of the companies will provide. The merger also provides a strong increase in our expertise to service commercial markets and positions the new company 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. The staff and I are looking forward to many years of continuous service to our clients. We are proud to have Thunder Bay Insurance as the leader in home auto and commercial insurance in Thunder Bay, a strong supporter of our community and a great place to work.”
Duane Cridland adds, ”We are honoured to be given the privilege to join with Thunder Bay Insurance. The merger builds capacity for the Northwest, provides our clients with better insurance options, better coverage and lower rates. The new company brings together specialization in insuring assets of particular interest to our region from ATV’s, UTV’s, Snow machines, all types of watercraft including bass boats, pontoon boats and houseboats to improved bonding and insurance for construction, first nations communities and aircraft and airlines, Together we will have nine offices employing over 100 northerners, in; Fort Frances, Thunder Bay North, Dryden, Atikokan, Emo, Rainy River, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay South. Our two companies have known each for many years and to join forces made perfect sense to improve service to our clients and provide a stronger platform to service the growing needs of economic development in the North. The merger will result in growth and increased employment opportunities.”