October 22, 2025

COUNTRY Financial® and Illinois Agricultural Association Receive Historical Marker from Illinois State Historical Society 

BLOOMINGTON, IL - Officials from COUNTRY Financial, the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA), also known as the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), the Illinois State Historical Society and the McLean County Museum of History gathered to unveil a historical marker that will be placed on the north side of the parking lot at the IAA building at 1701 N. Towanda Ave. 

COUNTRY and IFB worked with the McLean County Museum of History to apply for the marker in honor of COUNTRY’s 100th anniversary. The Illinois State Historical Society recognizes sites of national or statewide significance. According to their website, since 1934, the Society has commemorated more than 400 sites describing persons, events and other subjects important to Illinois’ cultural heritage. 

"Since its relocation to the Twin Cities more than six decades ago, COUNTRY Financial has been an anchor of this community," says McLean County Museum of History Executive Director Julie Emig. "COUNTRY and its employees have made lasting educational and cultural contributions that go beyond what can be measured in dollars and cents. The history of McLean County in the latter half of the twentieth century simply cannot be told without noting the impact of the Illinois Agricultural Association and COUNTRY Financial. We're proud to be a part of preserving and celebrating their legacy as it's marked in history on Wednesday."

The marker text explains the organizations’ dedication to farmers and rural communities, as well as the history and growth of COUNTRY into the insurance and financial services company it is today, and IFB’s continued focus on representing farm families. 

"Illinois agriculture stands on the shoulders of giants, men and women who got their hands dirty, who found their fortune and future in lessons learned from the soil. And Country Financial saw their promise and made Illinois farmers stronger, better stewards of the land, and helped them harvest the prairie to feed the world,” said William Furry, Executive Director, Illinois State Historical Society.

“For over a century, IFB and COUNTRY Financial have worked to protect farms, families, and the agricultural way of life,” an excerpt from the historical marker states. “Their collaboration ensures that those who feed the nation have the resources and support they need to thrive for future generations.” 

“The historical marker helps us to honor our past and to recognize the impact COUNTRY and the Illinois Farm Bureau have made with clients, members and the community. Thank you to the Illinois Historical Society for recognizing our role in Illinois’ history,” said Jim Jacobs, CEO of COUNTRY Financial. 

“This plaza honors our visionary farmer leaders who founded COUNTRY Financial to protect farm families and their livelihoods. We are excited to celebrate our past with this dedication and look to the future of our organizations,” said COUNTRY Financial President and Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan.    

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