In 2003, Rita Waterman and Michelle Neely made a decision to build an insurance agency that places the insured at the center of all decisions. Rita and Michelle had previously worked together for 5 years. When the agency owner announced her upcoming retirement, they acted on their desire to build something better. After formally changing the name to Waterman-Neely Insurance Professionals, they started to build on the agency’s previous 10 years in the community.

Waterman-Neely began working towards the goal of building an agency that could provide a wide variety of policies to protect its clients. The new agency wanted to offer an array of company offerings; from large national companies that everyone recognizes and trusts to the regional Midwest companies that can quickly respond to local needs. The agencies sought to develop an educated, caring staff that is friendly and enjoys working with an ever increasing client list. Furthermore, the agency wanted to address the issues that are common place with national insurance offices; each Waterman-Neely agent was to be reachable, easy to work with, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Waterman-Neely has met Rita and Michelle’s initial goals with their current staff and insurance company offerings. With over 10 companies represented, there are both national and regional companies to respond to the needs of the families and businesses they insure. Waterman-Neely staffs three licensed producers and a licensed customer service receptionist. Waterman-Neely is a Trusted Choice Agency and a member of Independent Insurance Agents of Illinoisand the Central Illinois Agents Alliance. Locally, Waterman-Neely enjoys supporting local school programs, and its membership in the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce.