1945
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1963

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 60 years, the Harnist Agency provides Metro-East residents and business owner’s 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.

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, Scottish Rite of Southern IL, 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.

Nelson G. Hundley, Customer service representative
Nelson joined the agency in 1980. Butch as he is better known, is a graduate of Southern IL University with a degree in business administration and has completed numerous courses of insurance.
Mr. Hundley is a certified instructor for the IL Dept. of Energy and Conservation in firearm safety. He served as ScoutMaster of Troop 35 in O'Fallon, IL for 10 years, and continues his work in scouting with a varsity scout group. He was recognized by the Okaw Valley Boy Scout Council with a Silver Beaver award, one of the highest in scouting.
Butch and his wife Ruth Ann make their home in O'Fallon, IL. They have two sons, Steven and Marc.

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.

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!