MARLETTE, Mich - Steve Ellis of Marlette, Michigan received the Farm Bureau Insurance Elton R. Smith Award on February 26th, 2021. Ellis accepted the award in his hometown with his family whom he credited, along with the staff at the Steve Ellis Insurance Agency, for making the honor possible. Steve has served Marlette and its surrounding areas as a Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan agent for over seventeen years.
The Elton R. Smith Award honors a Farm Bureau Insurance agent who best exhibits commitment to their job, community, the insurance industry, and the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies. It pays tribute to former Michigan Farm Bureau President Elton R. Smith, whose impact on his community and the Farm Bureau organization remains a legacy. “I never got to meet Elton, but I feel like I know him through receiving and sharing this honor with all of the amazing past and future recipients,” said Ellis upon receiving the award.
As an insurance agent, Ellis is highly respected amongst his peers in addition to those he serves in his community. His success at Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan has already garnered him two Distinguished Sales Awards as well as placement among the exclusive Praesidium Club. These honors recognize his strong annual performance in addition to the level of quality and consistency he has established throughout his career.
While awarding Ellis, Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan CEO, Don Simon, said “We thank Steve for everything he’s done for both Farm Bureau and his stellar community. I couldn’t be more proud of anyone.”
In addition to his successful career as an agent, Ellis remains active with Key Club, coaching basketball, volunteering at Sanilac County Annuals, Project Red, Farm Bureau membership drives, and sponsoring programs providing health screenings for uninsured women in his community. “This is not really about me,” said Ellis. “This is about my community and the teams we’ve built. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity we have to make a difference in people’s lives.”