Connell Insurance chosen for small-business award

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce today announced its selection of Connell Insurance Inc. as the recipient of the 2013 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award.

The award was presented as part of Small Business Week during a luncheon this afternoon at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center.

Led by President Tim Connell, Hollister-based Connell Insurance is a full-service, independent agency with 31 employees, including four producers living in the Springfield area. The company - purchased from older brother Pat Connell in 2005 - provides a wide variety of insurance products, including commercial, personal, group life and health plans. Among its clients, Connell Insurance provides services for 50 to 60 cities and counties in Missouri.

"One of the niches we have found success in is municipal insurance," Connell said at the luncheon, noting the company has been profitable every year since he took over.

Connell Insurance was selected over finalists 417 Magazine; Everything Kitchens LLC; J. Howard Fisk Limousines Inc.; and Midwest Metro.

The award is presented by the chamber's Small Business Council. Launched in 1992, the award is scored by an independent panel of judges based on written applications covering company history, business or management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products or services, and community contributions. The 2012 winner was Rick's Automotive Inc.[[In-content Ad]]