Our family has been in business in Belleville for many years. This photo is of the Harnist Flying Service circa 1930. Joe Harnist is to the
right of the planes prop. The airport was off
IL 158 near the BellClair Soccer fields.
AGENCY HISTORY
Established in 1945 by Joe & Ruth
Harnist, our company has developed
into a full service insurance sales
office. Now a second-generation business,
the agency is owned and managed by their
son Joe Harnist II, a thirty year veteran
of the business.
Located in downtown Belleville for over
65 years, the Harnist Agency provides
Metro-East residents and business owners
with quality insurance services. Our office
is fully automated for accurate record
keeping, rating, and claims processing.
The Harnist Insurance Agency takes great
pride in being a family owned and operated business. We invite all inquiries on
insurance matters and would appreciate the opportunity to be of service.
1945 
1947 
1955 
1963  |
OUR STAFF Joseph E. Harnist II, President Having grown up in the insurance business, Joe Harnist has been involved with all aspects of the agency. A graduate of Wentworth Military Academy, he continued his education at the University of Kansas and Southern IL University until joining the family business in 1975. He has attended the agents school at the home office of CGU Insurance in Boston, MA. As a scholarship recipient he attended the Professional Insurance Agents school for agents in Oberlin, OH. Committed to the community, Mr. Harnist has served as president of the Belleville Jaycees and was honored with a life membership with that organization. He is also a member of the Ainad Temple Shriners, and Masonic Lodge #24. He served as the outdoor coordinator for Boy Scout Troop 40 for 5 years. Joe is also a charter committe member with Art on the Square and continues his involvement today. He also is a charter committe member of Wine Dine & Jazz, a wine tasting & music event in downtown Belleville. A lifelong resident of Belleville, Joe and his family reside in the east end of town. His wife Barb teaches in Belleville, his son Joe attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2005 and recently graduated from University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in finance and banking. |
Phillip G. Elmore, LUTCF Sales associate Born and raised in Belleville, Phil has been in the insurance business since 1986. In 1990 he earned the "Life Underwriters Training Council Fellowship" (LUTCF). Phil joined the Harnist Agency in 1994 as a sales representative. He continues his education with various courses throughout the year. Phil has been active in the community in the past, chairing the Jaycees Deutschfest on the square and as a vice president of that organization. He was previously a member of the Optimists and East Side Life Underwriters. He enjoys sports and was formerly a IHSA baseball umpire. He founded and chaired the Tour De'Belleville night time bike riding event. Phil ran and was elected alderman for the City of Belleville in 2009. His family and he reside in the east end of Belleville. His wife Barb is a teacher, son Brock attends college, and twins Stephen & Nicole keep him particularly busy. Dianne Sieben, Personal lines Customer Service Dianne joined the agency in 2007 after having taken a short time off from her many years in the insurance business. Dianne has worked in the industry for over 30 years and has worked on both the company and agency sides of the business. Dianne and her husband Rick are very active in the Shriner's organization. They reside in Freeburg, IL and are the proud parents of two grown daughters. Dianne is available Monday thru Wednesday for any assistance you may need with your personal insurance policies. |
Nelson G. Hundley Retired After 31 years with the agency, Butch as he is better known, retired June 30, 2011 from the agency. We want to thank Butch for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement. Thanks Butch....enjoy those grandkids! Donald W. Semmler Retired After 12 years with the Harnist Agency, Don retired as of December 31, 2004. We want to thank Don for his loyal service, congeniality, and friendship over that time. We also want to wish him all the best in his retirement. Thanks Don! |
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