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Northeastern Insurance Named Agent of the Year

Northeastern Insurance has been named Merchants Insurance Group‘s 2025 Agent of the Year, an annual recognition honoring an agency that exemplifies outstanding performance, quality, exceptional service to their policyholders and community, and a commitment to investing in their employees.

Since 2009, Merchants has presented this esteemed award to one outstanding agency each year, recognizing consistent growth and profitability, a strong relationship with Merchants, a commitment to customer service, and a demonstrated alignment with the company’s core values of integrity, respect, loyalty, teamwork, and a shared aspiration to continuously improve. Merchants Insurance Group partners with more than 1,000 independent insurance agents across Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

“Northeastern Insurance exemplifies what it means to be a true partner,” said Charles Makey III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchants Insurance Group. “Their dedication to their clients, trust and alignment with Merchants, and commitment to excellence set a high standard across our independent agent distribution. We are proud to recognize them as our 2025 Agent of the Year.”

Based in Latham, New York, Northeastern Insurance was established in 2013 by its current president, Michael Venezio. His brother, Joseph Venezio, joined soon after, playing a key role in the agency’s expansion and solidifying its strong reputation throughout New York’s Capital Region. Today, the agency stands out as one of the region’s fastest-growing independent insurance agencies, earning recognition among the Top 10 Largest P&C Agencies and Fastest Growing Companies locally for four consecutive years.

“Northeastern Insurance has demonstrated an exceptional ability to grow profitably while maintaining disciplined underwriting and a strong focus on quality business,” said Mike Wolfe, Senior Vice President, Regional Operations at Merchants Insurance Group. “They consistently bring energy, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to everything they do.”

Since its appointment with Merchants in 2019, Northeastern Insurance has distinguished itself through consistent growth, profitability, and a deep commitment to partnership. As one of the company’s early commercial agency appointments at the time, Northeastern quickly demonstrated its potential, building a strong and steadily expanding book of business while maintaining exceptional underwriting results.

That performance is reflected in the agency’s results. Northeastern Insurance closed 2025 with exceptionally strong loss ratios in its commercial lines portfolio and delivered impressive growth, with total written premium rising substantially over the prior year. New business production saw particularly notable gains, increasing significantly year over year and highlighting the agency’s continued momentum and market success.

Northeastern Insurance was nominated for Agent of the Year by Merchants’ Western Strategic Business Center (WSBC). Located in Buffalo, New York, WSBC serves agent partners in Upstate and Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.

“Our Western Region has experienced a front-row seat to Northeastern’s growth and success,” said Frank Simpson, WSBC Regional Vice President. “This team operates so smoothly and with so much energy. Their willingness to partner closely – even inviting us to participate directly in client presentations – and their confidence in recommending Merchants as the right solution speaks volumes about their trust in our relationship.”

In addition to its performance, Northeastern Insurance stands out for its collaborative approach and strong alignment with Merchants.

Equally notable is the agency’s dedication to giving back. Each year, Northeastern Insurance organizes a week-long community initiative in which employees volunteer their time to support local nonprofits throughout the Capital Region. With full staff participation, the agency has supported organizations including Veterans Miracle Center, The Salvation Army of Albany, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Things of My Very Own, and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. The initiative, now in its fourth year, has earned regional recognition for its impact and commitment to service.

Merchants colleagues joined Northeastern Insurance on March 31, 2026 to celebrate the achievement and present the Agent of the Year award during a special luncheon.

“Being named Agency of the Year is an incredible honor and a proud moment for our entire company. This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our team, whose shared focus on serving our clients and supporting our community drives our success every day. We’re especially grateful for our partnership with Merchants Insurance, whose support allows us to better serve the Capital Region. We look forward to continuing to build on this success together while empowering our team, giving back locally, and shaping the future of our agency.”

Michael Venezio, President & CEO of Northeastern Insurance

Northeastern Insurance’s continued success reflects the strength of its leadership, the dedication of its team, and its unwavering focus on delivering value to clients and partners alike – qualities that define Merchants’ Agent of the Year.

he Capital Region for four consecutive years and has been named a six-time “Best Places to Work”, reflecting its commitment to workplace culture and employee development. In addition, both of the company’s top executives have been recognized as 40 Under 40 honorees, highlighting their leadership and impact within the regional business community.

Learn more at www.northeasterninsurance.com or follow Northeastern Insurance on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.