MountainOne Insurance Acquires Encharter Insurance Agency from Plymouth Rock, Expanding into Hampshire County

Acquisition of historic Amherst-based agency marks a significant milestone in MountainOne's Pioneer Valley growth, welcoming 22 insurance professionals and expanding services for customers

MountainOne Insurance Agency, Inc. has acquired Amherst-based Encharter Insurance Agency from Plymouth Rock Assurance, effective October 1, 2026. The acquisition establishes MountainOne's first insurance office in Hampshire County, marking a significant step in its continued expansion throughout the Pioneer Valley.

A fixture in the Amherst community since 1879, Encharter has served generations of individuals, families, and businesses for nearly 150 years. Formerly known as Blair, Cutting & Smith, the agency has built a strong reputation for its local expertise, longstanding customer relationships, and personalized service. As part of the acquisition, 22 Encharter insurance professionals join the MountainOne team, along with the agency's Amherst office and satellite location in Lexington.

The acquisition marks a new chapter for Encharter following approximately 25 years under Plymouth Rock Assurance's ownership, during which the agency maintained its independent agency model and relationships with multiple insurance carriers. Joining MountainOne Insurance positions Encharter for its next chapter as part of a growing, locally rooted insurance organization with an expanding network of offices and services across Massachusetts.

"What impressed me most about Encharter was the people and the reputation they've built over generations," said Jonathan Denmark, Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank and President and Chief Operating Officer of MountainOne Insurance. "They've earned the trust of their customers and become an important part of the Amherst community. We want to build on that success, giving their team even more tools and resources to take care of the people who count on them. That's what makes this such an exciting opportunity for both organizations."

For Encharter customers, the acquisition brings expanded insurance solutions while preserving the familiar faces and personal relationships that have long defined the agency. As the organizations integrate, customers will gain access to additional insurance carriers and services, including Employee Benefits, Surety Bonding, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Medicare, along with dedicated in-house claims assistance.

"I'm confident our customers will be in good hands with MountainOne, an organization that shares our commitment to personal service and lasting relationships," said Lisa Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Encharter Insurance. "I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and the trust we've earned over the years. Joining MountainOne gives us an opportunity to build on that success together."

The acquisition brings together two longstanding Massachusetts institutions. Founded in 1848, MountainOne has maintained its mutual values and commitment to local decision-making, community investment, and lasting relationships.

Encharter joins MountainOne Insurance during a period of continued growth and industry recognition. MountainOne Insurance recently earned the prestigious Five Star Agency designation from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA), becoming one of just 15 agencies statewide to hold the distinction.

The Amherst acquisition builds on MountainOne Insurance's growing footprint throughout western Massachusetts, adding Hampshire County to its established network of local offices in Greenfield, Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Wilbraham, as well as communities throughout the Berkshires.

Encharter will gradually transition to the MountainOne Insurance Agency name and brand. Throughout the transition, customers will continue working with the insurance professionals they know and trust, while gaining access to expanded resources and services as the organizations integrate. Plans are also underway for a new Amherst office, underscoring MountainOne's long-term commitment to the community.

About MountainOne Insurance Agency, Inc.

MountainOne Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of MountainOne Bank, provides a broad range of insurance solutions, including personal and business property and casualty insurance, surety bonding, employee benefits, life and Medicare coverage. The Agency serves clients through offices located throughout the Berkshires, including North Adams, Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Williamstown, and Great Barrington, as well as the Pioneer Valley in Amherst, Greenfield, Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

Insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC-insured, not insured by any Federal Government Agency, not guaranteed by the Bank, and may go down in value.