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BIRMINGHAM– Rux Carter Insurance Agency in Columbiana was among six Alabama Centennial Insurance Agencies – agencies with 100 or more years in business in Alabama – honored Tuesday, Sept. 23, by Alabama Retail Comp (ARC), the workers’ compensation program for the Alabama Retail Association (ARA).

“For businesses to survive and thrive despite the dramatic changes of the past century is a remarkable achievement,” said ARC Fund Manager Mark Young.  “It is fitting to celebrate the enduring contributions Rux Carter has made to Alabama and to the city of Columbiana.” 

Alabama Centennial Insurance Agencies were honored at the UAB 2008 Retail Day Luncheon at The Club in Birmingham.  Each received a plaque to place inside their office.

J.R. “Gordon” White established Rux Carter Insurance Agency in Columbiana in 1906, making it the oldest insurance agency in Shelby County.  The agency has some of the original policies in its office today.

In 1947, Rux Carter, a former Liberty National Insurance Co. agent, purchased and incorporated the agency.  Mr. Carter was an original board member of Shelby Memorial Hospital (currently Shelby Baptist Medical) and was the first president of the Columbiana Kiwanis Club.

Rux Carter sold the agency to his son-in-law, George Bentley, in 1977.  George Bentley started working in the agency in 1970 after graduating from college.  Bentley is past president of the Alabama Independent Insurance Association and received the Alabama Insurance Agent of the Year award in 1999.

Bentley’s son, Rux, joined the agency staff in 1994 becoming the third generation of his family to work there. His son, Casey, is also employed by the agency. Rux Bentley is the incoming president of the Alabama Independent Insurance Association for the 2009-2010 term and received the Young Independent Agent of the Year award in 1998.

Rux Carter Insurance Agency, an Alabama Retail Association member since 2002, sells property and casualty as well as life insurance.

>> 2008 Alabama Centennial Insurance Agencies

Media Contact: Nancy Dennis | 1.800.239.5423