J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the country’s oldest and largest independent insurance brokerage firms, is pleased to announce the merger of The Flowers Agency, LLC, of Columbus, Georgia, with the J. Smith Lanier & Co. consolidated group effective September 1, 2015.  "The merger of The Flowers Agency enhances our excellent relationships with the insurance carriers, giving us additional strength to provide the best coverages, at the best price to meet our client’s benefit needs," stated Robert W. Culpepper, Senior Executive Vice President and Managing Director of J. Smith Lanier & Co. in Columbus.

"Our team is excited about joining J. Smith Lanier & Co.  Both companies have a long tradition of excellence in customer service and we believe the combination will allow us to provide even greater value to our customers," said Tom Flowers.  Since 1980, Tom Flowers has been providing personal benefit insurance, corporate employee benefit plans, and consulting services to the Columbus area.  The entire Flowers Agency team will be relocating to the J. Smith Lanier & Co. office at 200 Brookstone Centre Pkwy Suite 118, in Columbus, Georgia in mid-October.

"J. Smith Lanier & Co. is proud to be associated with The Flowers Agency, LLC, and we look forward to the combined strength in talent and services that we will provide," said J. Smith Lanier & Co. Chairman and CEO, D. Gaines Lanier.

J. Smith Lanier & Co., headquartered in West Point, Georgia, is an employee-owned company that was founded in 1868 and has become one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States. Since 1868, the company has grown from a three-employee local agency to a major regional firm employing over 600 employees in eight divisions and 21 branch offices.  J. Smith Lanier & Co. offers commercial and personal lines insurance, employee benefits, surety, aviation and risk control.