Who We Are
Burd and Rise Insurance is an independent multi-line insurance agency. The business was originally established on September 15th, 1973, by Harlan Rise and Joyce E. Burd. Presently owned by Harlan J. Rise, other agents representing the firm are Elizabeth (Abentroth) Rise and Lori Rufsvold. Elizabeth is Harlan's wife and has been with the agency since 1975. Lori came on board in 2001.
Harlan and Elizabeth hold the CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation, a nationally recognized insurance certification. Harlan has served as state national director from Minnesota for the Independent Insurance Agents of America, as CEO of the National Association of Crop Insurance Agents, and is presently the manager of Halstad Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Elizabeth is on the national faculty of the society of CIC and CISR, instructing agents throughout the county.
The agency's greatest honor is having the opportunity to serve their clients and friends. All agency staff enjoy living and working in this progressive rural area and they are committed to their motto of providing "Quality Service at a Competitive Price."
Harlan Rise is owner of Burd and Rise Insurance agency in Halstad, Minnesota.
Mr. Rise began his insurance career in 1973, after attending North Dakota State University. Harlan has been active in agent associations for over 20 years and served as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Minnesota in 1991. Shortly afterwards, Harlan went to serve on PIA's National Board of Directors and their crop insurance committee. In 1996 he was elected to serve as the IIAA (Big-I) State National Director for Minnesota, and served on the IIAA crop insurance committee.
Harlan's term with IIAA ended in May of 1999 and in the following month he was contracted to head NACIA as CEO. Harlan believes that NACIA should continue work with the producers and their trade associations, Congress, the Administration, USDA, RMA, and all companies that believe in the independent agent delivery of crop insurance.
On March 1, 2002, Harlan was named manager of Halstad Mutual Fire Ins. Co., a position his mother, Joyce E. Burd had held for the past 33 years. After this change, Harlan retired from his work with NACIA effective June 1, 2002.
Harlan presently serves on the national Board of Governors for the National Alliance, which oversees the CIC and CISR programs.
Elizabeth Rise is the agency manager of the Burd and Rise Insurance Agency of Halstad, MN. She is a member of the national faculty for the Societies of Certified Insurance Counselors and Certified Insurance Service Representatives.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Mayville State University, Mayville, ND, graduating summa cum laude. Mrs. Rise received her CIC designation in 1977.
Elizabeth has served on the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents Education Committee and is a member of the National Board of Governors for the Society of CISR.
Elizabeth and her husband Harlan, agency owner, have two daughters Sheila and Andrea. She is active in her church and community organizations.
Lori Rufsvold joined the team at Burd and Rise in 2001.
Lori moved from Wishek, ND to Halstad in 1999. She has enjoyed Halstad and is looking forward to meeting the people in the community. Lori lives here with her husband Dave and three children Payton, Paige and Elle. Lori is a licensed agent for Burd & Rise, and received her Certified Insurance Services Representative certification in 2002.
Emily Finney joined Burd & Rise Insurance Agency as a Crop Insurance Specialist in 2004. She graduated from Norman County West High in 1994 and attended NDSU, acquiring a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1998. She worked for US Bank in St. Paul following graduation and returned to Fargo to work for Spring Wheat Bakers as an Accounting Assistant. She also has worked as an underwriter for Great American Crop Insurance and The Hartford Crop Insurance Companies for the last 6 years. Emily is a licensed Agent for Burd & Rise and is working toward her Certified Insurance Services Representative certification.
