BUCHANAN — John Scott Insurance Agency, of Dowagiac, has acquired the Dale Rifenberg Insurance Agency in Buchanan.

Todd Marazita, owner of John Scott Insurance Agency, and his employees celebrated the acquisition with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning at the newly renovated Dale Rifenberg Insurance office in Buchanan.

It was attended by members of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dale Rifenberg Insurance Agency will keep its name, but will be referred to as Dale Rifenberg Insurance Agency at John Scott Insurance Agency.

Marazita said the acquisition shouldn’t impact current customers. However, it will allow for new opportunities and a greater array of services for future and current clients.

“We felt there was a good relationship with Marcia (Rifenberg) and we felt that the business elements lined up really well,” Marazita said. “We are excited to be in Buchanan.”

Marcia’s father, Dale Rifenberg, opened Dale Rifenberg Insurance in Buchanan in 1955.

The Marazita family has strong ties to Buchanan. Todd’s wife, Amy (Scott) Marazita, grew up in Buchanan and graduated from Buchanan High School in 1989. She was Miss Buchanan 1989. Todd is a former varsity baseball coach and teacher at Buchanan High.

John Scott Insurance opened in Dowagiac in 1960. The Marazitas are third generation family owners of the company, which serves residents in Michigan, Indianan and Illinois. Amy’s grandfather was the original owner of the agency.

John Scott Insurance offers provides both personal and commercial insurance protection.

The agency has 10 employees between the two locations.

The Dowagiac office is located at 105 Commercial Street and can be reached by phone at (269) 782-2123. The website is johnscottinsurance.com.

The Buchanan office is located at 118 Main Street and can be reached by phone at (269) 695-1200. Its website is rifenbergins.com.