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As the Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce gathered to celebrate local businesses at its annual awards banquet on Jan. 30, one company stood out for its lasting impact and continued growth. Flatlands Jessup Insurance Group was named the 2024 Business of the Year, recognized not just for its success in the insurance industry, but for its deep commitment to community service, agriculture and economic development in Eastern North Carolina.

“What a phenomenal recognition for any business,” said Harris. “We’ve been around a long time, but we’ve had exponential growth over the last nine years. More importantly, it wasn’t just about business growth—it was about our commitment to the community. That’s one of our four core values: to be involved and give back.”

Founded in 1963 by R.H. Allen Jr., the business grew with the additions of Read Allen in 1994 and Paige Allen Harris in 2005. A key partnership in 2015 with Michael Lee expanded services into property, casualty, and crop insurance, forming Flatlands Insurance Group. By 2017, the company merged with Marc Jessup Insurance, creating Flatlands Jessup Insurance Group, which now operates five offices with over 60 employees.

Despite its growth, Flatlands Jessup remains deeply committed to its core values: celebrating team members, continuous learning, community service and integrity.

“Flatlands Jessup Insurance Group isn’t just a business; they are pillars of their community,” said Stuart O’Neal, who presented the award. “Their unwavering support for organizations like Ripe for Revival, Bright Futures, local schools and athletics, 4-H and countless agricultural initiatives is truly inspiring.”

As the #1 Rain & Hail Crop Insurance provider in the Atlantic Division, Flatlands Jessup plays a vital role in the region’s agricultural economy. The firm works closely with farmers to protect their livelihoods, ensuring they have the coverage they need for unpredictable growing seasons.

Archie Griffin, owner of Griffin Farms and a longtime client, emphasized the importance of working with a local, multi-generational business for agricultural insurance.

“Having Flatlands Jessup this close to home is a blessing, not only to the businesses they support but the community,” said Griffin. “Farming comes with enough uncertainties and having a team that understands our industry and can walk us through coverage options makes all the difference. To know that friends are looking out for your best interest is a comfort that cannot be replicated.”

Beyond agriculture, Flatlands Jessup prioritizes community involvement. The agency encourages employees to give back by providing eight hours of paid volunteer time annually and focuses support on agriculture, children, and education.

“We don’t just ask our team members to volunteer—we as owners volunteer as well,” said Harris. “Success isn’t just measured in business growth; it’s in how much you give back.”

Flatlands Jessup also prides itself on hiring locally and training the next generation of professionals.

“If you looked at our staff, almost all of them are under 30,” shared Harris. “We don’t care if someone has insurance experience—we’re committed to training people in our industry and creating opportunities for them right here in our community.”

Despite its continued success, Flatlands Jessup Insurance Group has faced its share of challenges—chief among them, managing rapid growth.

“As odd as it sounds, exponential growth has been one of our biggest hurdles,” admitted Harris. “We’re no longer a small mom-and-pop shop—we’re a large organization with more than 60 employees, so we have to make sure our decisions align with our core values and that we don’t lose sight of who we are.”

To maintain their high standards, the company participates in a nationwide study group of best-practice agencies and recently hired an outside consultant to ensure they remain at the forefront of industry trends.

Looking ahead, Flatlands Jessup has plans for strategic expansion, ensuring that they continue to serve clients with the same level of dedication and expertise that has earned them this year’s Business of the Year honor.

“We were certainly honored and thrilled—not just because of the recognition, but because it put value on what we’ve been working so hard to build,” added Harris.

With its commitment to clients, community and industry leadership, Flatlands Jessup Insurance Group is set to remain a cornerstone of Eastern North Carolina’s business and agricultural landscape for generations to come.