Following USI Insurance Services', acquisition of two insurance brokerage offices in Savannah, Georgia, from Wells Fargo Insurance and Willis North America, the USI Southeast region announced plans to aggressively grow this market through ongoing investment and future expansion. Savannah is closely driven by several major economic factors, including manufacturing, the Port of Savannah, transportation, tourism, healthcare, retail and the military, all of which complement USI’s middle market strategy and make it a key, strategic area for growth in the Southeast.

Nicholas E. Puhala, USI Savannah’s market leader, said: “Savannah has a solid manufacturing base, the fourth busiest port in the nation and a strong and growing workforce. All of these factors, plus others, are why USI has earmarked this as a key area for investment and growth. I am excited to be part of a leadership team that has a proven record of successfully helping middle market business in the Southeast and is committed to strengthening our footprint in Savannah and its neighboring areas.”

Puhala has deep ties with the community, having served as past president of the Propeller Club of the United States at the Port of Savannah. In addition, he is a graduate of the University of Georgia, graduate of Leadership Savannah, member of the Savannah Area Chamber CEO Council and member of The Rotary Club of Savannah. Before joining USI, Puhala was Willis’ vice president and Savannah office leader. Prior to that, he was the southeast regional director for Willis’ commercial business unit.

James Dunn, regional chief executive officer for USI Southeast, said: “In a broader sense, the Wells Fargo Insurance and Willis acquisitions have enabled USI to expand its footprint into areas where the company previously did not have a presence, but are important middle markets that are now greatly benefiting from our offerings. In particular, the strategy for our Savannah office has been to combine our local expertise with USI’s national network of resources, and offer clients an expanded set of measurable and actionable solutions that will grow their business and enhance their bottom-line success. To do this, we are leveraging the USI ONE Advantage ™, an innovative and differentiating platform that delivers enterprise solutions, supports consultative planning and cultivates professional talent; something which other local brokers simply are not doing.”