Cedar Rapids-based First MainStreet Insurance, which partners with local insurance agencies in 37 rural Iowa communities, has announced its expansion into Minnesota through a partnership with United Prairie Insurance. The deal was effective Oct. 1, and will add 12 insurance agency locations and 21 employees to First MainStreet’s network, according to a news release. United Prairie Insurance is based in Mankato, Minn., and was previously a bank-owned agency. United Prairie General Manager Scott Yerington joins the venture as a partner, the release said. First MainStreet Insurance is an affiliate of TrueNorth Companies. Its business model focuses on agencies in rural communities, allowing the businesses to maintain a local presence while providing access to insurance products from national firm partners. First MainStreet Executive Vice President Dru Bridges said in the release that First Mainstreet helps independent agencies “remain a viable part of rural America.” “With the current market conditions, our First MainStreet model makes sense today more than ever before,” he said.