John Pini, State Farm

For more than 40 years, John Pini has helped people protect their homes, automobiles, boats, and more. 

It has been 44 years since Pini opened his State Farm Agency in Oglesby, and in those years, he's served his clients, their children, and grandchildren through life's stages and needs. 

"We try to treat our clients like we would expect to be treated," Pini said. 

That philosophy has earned him awards from his customers. 

"We are so grateful to our clients," Pini said. "We strive day in and day out to do what's best for our people." 

Pini was born and raised in Ladd. He attended Eureka College, where he studied business administration. After graduating from Eureka College, he married Diane Nachtnebel and joined the army. After serving in the army, he returned to the area and began his insurance career with Hartford. In 1980, he opened his State Farm Agency. 

"I chose State Farm because of how it is structured to service their customers," Pini said. 

In those early days, he ran the office with help from Diane and his sister, Janice. 

Pini said he chose to work with State Farm because of its reputation as a great insurance company. He said State Farm provides its agents with the support they need to put customers first. 

"Our number one priority is offering and giving our people the service they deserve from an insurance company," Pini said. 

In his Oglesby office, he and the staff assist clients, whether modifying coverage to meet life's changing needs or supporting clients in a time of need. His office of Kathy, Kelli, and Barb have a combined more than 56 years of insurance experience. Kathy, the office manager, has worked with him at the office at Walnut and Columbia for 35 years. 

"They are a big part of us being voted number one," Pini said. 

Pini has earned recognition with the State Farm Legion of Honor Awards, including Bronze Tablet, Silver Scroll, Golden Triangle, and Crystal of Excellence, which is State Farm's highest honor for an agency. 

In addition to his work for State Farm, Pini has made time to serve the community as a member of the local business organizations, on the board of directors for a bank, and as a trustee for Eureka College. He is also a member of the American Legion and Elks Club.

*From Shaw Local, Best of the Illinois Valley Magazine

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Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is the only hotel in Starved Rock State Park. The expansive Great Hall features the largest, 2-sided stone fireplace in the Midwest. The Lodge is composed of unhewn pine logs constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The 17-acre property includes 69 hotel rooms and 23 cabin rooms nestled in a heavily wooded setting. The Main Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s also an on-site Café and Gift Shop. The Back Door Lounge adjoins the expansive Veranda where (seasonal) outdoor dining allows guests to have the best view of Starved Rock and the scenic Illinois River Valley below.

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