Insurance firms join forces

For nearly a century, the New Milford Insurance Agency has served the Greater New Milford community.

The venerable business has now teamed with a new player on the local insurance scene, GoodWorks Insurance.

Now called GoodWorks-New Milford Insurance Agency, the 99-year-old business has been assimilated into the GoodWorks network.

Jim Kick, owner since 1999 of New Milford Insurance Agency, has joined the GoodWorks executive management team as senior vice president. He will continue to operate his office at 30 Bridge St.

Mr. Kick's team -- Susan Poulter and Cindy Tyrseck -- will stay on to supply customer service.

GoodWorks' New Milford sales office is at 31 Bank St., opened in June by GoodWorks owner/chairman Chad Yonker.

The company operates from six offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

"Joining GoodWorks will dramatically increase the number of options we can offer clients," Mr. Kick said.

Clients of New Milford Insurance can expect their service to continue without any interruptions. They will also gain access to more than 40 insurance carriers directly represented by GoodWorks.

Mr. Kick likes GoodWorks' business model of donating a percentage of each office's profits to local charities.

"My team and I are proud to be part of this new business model," Mr. Kick said. "Giving to local charities is very important to us. We always have contributed where and when we could. We will have a written commitment with GoodWorks on the money that will be invested in the charities in this town."

Mr. Yonker said, "Jim has been an active member of the community here in New Milford for many years, and we could not be more excited to welcome him and his great team to the GoodWorks family."

New Milford Insurance Agency was established in 1913 by Roland Mygatt.

The agency remained in the Mygatt family until the mid-1980s, when it was purchased from the Mygatt estate by William Webber Sr. and his son, Bill Webber Jr.

Mr. Kick purchased the business in January 1999. In November 2007, he moved the office from 38 Bank St. to 30 Bridge St.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322