Willamette Valley Benefits Joins AmeriLife
Women-owned business and leading, independent Medicare and health insurance agency brings its passion for service to the AmeriLife family of companies
CLEARWATER, Fla. – November 3, 2022 – AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Willamette Valley Benefits. Under the leadership of longtime industry veteran and CEO Elma Friend, Willamette Valley Benefits specializes in the marketing and distribution of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and ancillary health solutions to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“This is an exciting time for women in this industry,” said Friend. “We are a women-owned and operated business and have continued to see growth. I believe in the nurturing, compassionate side of what we do and taking care of people is our priority. As a female-driven operation, we continue to see more women entering this field and it’s a great fit because AmeriLife understands that diverse, empowered and client-first agents are key to delivering the right solutions and service.”
Headquartered in Portland, OR., Willamette Valley Benefits has, for more than 16 years, helped clients navigate the complexities of healthcare via a dedicated staff of Medicare and health insurance professionals. Friend, also its founder, started with HealthNet and in launching Willamette Valley Benefits, committed herself and her firm to being a service-oriented business. Today, Willamette Valley Benefits takes a supportive approach when it comes to bringing in new agents. They collaborate with them consistently on education, service, compliance and support, ensuring that each agent has what they need to build their book of business and have a better work-life balance. Willamette Valley Benefits’ growing team currently serves communities in Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Idaho, and has recently branched into Texas. Already deeply familiar with AmeriLife through its longstanding relationship with Jack Schroeder and Associates, Willamette Valley Benefits will now have full access to AmeriLife’s best-in-class technology and resources and leading distribution platform, positioning the firm for significant growth.
“Willamette Valley Benefits is, without a doubt, representative of the new face of our industry,” said Mike Vietri, AmeriLife’s Chief Distribution Officer. “AmeriLife is excited to add such a diverse and performative agency to its portfolio of companies. We look forward to working with Elma and her team to grow their operations and empower more of their agents to help people live longer, healthier lives.”