Specialty Risk Insurance to expand in Carthage, investing more than $5.3 million and creating 201 jobs

Specialty Risk Insurance, a full-service agribusiness and commercial insurance agency, announced today that it will relocate its headquarters to an expanded facility in Carthage, investing more than $5.3 million and creating 201 jobs over the next six years. The company’s new facility will be conveniently located just off of Interstate 44 and will allow for its continued growth in the future.

“It’s exciting to see Specialty Risk Insurance growing and creating jobs in Carthage,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Our state’s favorable business climate, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure continue to result in business growth statewide. We look forward to Specialty Risk Insurance’s ongoing success as it benefits its community and our state’s thriving agriculture industry.”

Specialty Risk Insurance is one of the top agribusiness insurance agencies in the nation. The company’s team of insurance agents live and work in their specialized agriculture industries, ensuring customers receive unmatched industry knowledge. Specialty Risk Insurance offers a wide range of coverage that includes production agriculture, food processing and packaging, livestock, machinery and equipment, aviation, and more.

“We love and appreciate the support we’ve been shown by our community, and we are excited about the opportunity to invest back into our hometown and our people,” said Kevin Charleston, Owner of Specialty Risk Insurance. “We’ve always had the long-term goal of building a place our kids want to work, and this expansion allows us to continue the growth to make that possible.”

Specialty Risk Insurance has multi-faceted agents that are well-versed in their areas of expertise. The company’s team strives to simplify the insurance process to get clients back to business. New jobs added as part of Specialty Risk Insurance’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average. 

“We’re proud to support Specialty Risk Insurance alongside our partners as it continues to thrive in Carthage,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is adding more than 200 good-paying jobs for the community and surrounding areas, helping Missourians prosper in the southwest region.”

For this expansion, Specialty Risk Insurance will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. 

What others are saying 

“The Carthage Economic Development Corporation is excited to help facilitate the job growth of a long-time Carthage business like Specialty Risk Insurance,” said Jeff Meredith, CEO of Carthage Economic Development Corporation. “Anytime quality jobs can be created, it’s a sign of growth for both the community and the company itself. The CEDC is eager to help support this project, as Carthage reaps the benefits of economic expansion.”

“It’s exciting to see the job growth Southwest Missouri will experience from Specialty Risk Insurance’s expansion,” said Theresa Sampaio, Southwest Regional Manager for the Department of Economic Development. “Specialty Risk Insurance is doing great things for the Carthage community and we are happy they chose Missouri for this expansion. I’ve enjoyed working with Denise and the rest of the team at Specialty Risk Insurance.”

About Specialty Risk Insurance

Specialty Risk Insurance, located in Carthage, is a full-service insurance agency focused on insuring agriculture-based companies and organizations. The company’s team of experts are part of the agriculture industry and understand the risks clients face daily. Specialty Risk Insurance prides itself on providing fast, reliable, and expert service to its clients. The Missouri-based company has locations in Joplin, Sarcoxie, and Carthage.

To learn more about Specialty Risk Insurance, visit specialtyriskinsuranceagency.com.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Works Program

As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.