MEQUON, WI - Four local independent insurance agencies, in a concerted bid to offer more value-added services to clients, announced they have formed Benefit Alliant, LLC, an employee benefits insurance cooperative.

The agencies, Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten, Capital Marine Insurance Agency, and David J. Banholzer, all of which have a strong focus on customer service, founded the alliance in late 2001. Werner & Associates, another like-minded agency, joined Benefit Alliant, LLC, shortly afterward.

"By combining our strengths, we can provide our clients with the best insurance solutions in the marketplace. Our combined market share expands our buying power, and our customers benefit from the stronger partnerships we are developing with our existing insurance companies," said Richard E. Twietmeyer, managing partner of Benefit Alliant, LLC.

Tweitmeyer, who also serves as president of Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten, noted that the four agencies have invested in value-added services and products, including a comprehensive Compliance Check and a series of audits to check compliance with federal regulations. Other value-added services include the services of a qualified plan specialist and human resources.

"We are a very enthusiastic team of professionals. Our clients see us more as trusted advisors, working as partners to insure their assets and manage their risk more effectively," Tweitmeyer said.

Tweitmeyer praised the strong personal and professional commitment each partner brings to Alliant Benefit. "We are focused on doing what's best for our clients, which is the best way to insure our own success," he said.

Benefit Alliant Add One Capital Marine Insurance Agency is a 1-person agency that offers employee benefits insurance, and Mr. Jeff Esser is the agency's president.

David J. Banholzer is a 3-person agency that offers employee benefits insurance, and Mr. Scot Banholzer serves as agency president.

Werner & Associates is a 2-person agency that offers employee benefits insurance, and Mr. Stephen Werner serves as its president.

Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten is one of the oldest insurance agencies in the state, with 35 enthusiastic employee professionals experienced in commercial, small business, employee benefits, health care/professional and personal lines of insurance, as well as value-added risk management solutions.