One of the most recognizable names in the insurance industry in the region will be making its new home in Bridgeport. The Dyer Insurance Group, which has been in operation since the late 1800s, will be the latest addition at White Oaks.

 

Work will begin soon on the project. A $200,000 grading permit was filed on March 29 for a one-acre lot that will be home to a 5,000 square foot, one-story building. City Construction will handle the work on a project with a total cost estimated at $1 million. The Thrasher Group is the architect on the design-build project.

 

“The agency founded in 1896. I’m the sixth generation to run the company,” said company President Adam Dyer. “We think we’re one of the oldest continuous businesses in Clarksburg. That alone made this a difficult decision to leave. We’ve enjoyed our time in Clarksburg. The city has been good to us.”

 

The move is facilitated, said Dyer, for a several reasons. One of the biggest is one of the issues many businesses state for locating at White Oaks.

 

“First and foremost, we wanted to provide the most convenient location for our clients. The location provides easy access right off the interstate,” said Dyer. “That was critical, and it also provided an excellent working environment for our employees in an area matching our agency’s culture. This is a good investment going forward for the next several decades.”

 

The good news is that the new building will be able to address growth, which was another reason needed for the new location. Dyer said roughly 15 employees will be located in the new building and there can be room for more.

 

“We have room for growth built into the existing building. There is also room for additional space to be added to the building if needed,” said Dyer. “Growth also played into our decision.”

 

Dyer Insurance has been a growing business in parts now of three centuries. Dyer said the company has offices across North Central West Virginia, including Morgantown and Buckhannon.

 

“This central location will make it easier for our staff, including those that live in Morgantown and other areas, to have better accessibility. We operate like a lot of modern companies with a mobile staff,” said Dyer. “We work from home and have individuals that work out of multiple offices. I travel between here and Morgantown several times each week and this location makes sense for how we do business.”

 

What does Dyer Insurance offer? Adam Dyer described it as a full-service, independent insurance agency. He said it offers every type of insurance you can buy.

 

“We do everything from customizing large, specialized insurance programs for major corporate clients to writing home, auto and all personal lines of coverages,” he said. “We do bonding of all types and employee benefits for businesses of any size. We offer the full scope of services.”

 

Soon, those services will be offered from Bridgeport. Dyer said he is hopeful the new location will be open by the end of the year.

 

“We view White Oaks as the premier office park in the state of West Virginia,” said Dyer. “We’re excited and proud to be part of it.”

 

Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr was also pleased to see the permit come to her office. She thinks the company will be an excellent addition to Bridgeport.

 

“I was thrilled to see these plans come across my desk as the Dyer name is well known throughout the entire area. We are excited to welcome them to the Bridgeport community,” said Kerr. “Being an insurance entity adds to the diversification of the businesses at the park, which is always exciting to see.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the parcel layout at White Oaks, while the Dyer Insurance logo is in the middle. Bottom photo shows Dyer Insurance President Adam Dyer.