News Release
May, 2006 Oshkosh, Wisconsin
FirstChoice Insurance Agency Increases Commitment to the Community
Susan J. Andrews, owner and President of FirstChoice Insurance Agency of Wisconsin, Inc., one of northeast Wisconsin's top 20 independent insurance agencies, has increased her personal and professional commitment and resources to the community and identified several community-based projects in which she has contributed time and resources over the last 24 months.
Andrews said, "Giving back to the community has always been an important part of my life and my business. The goals I established this year included an increased financial investment in the community on my part, as well as an increased service commitment by my FirstChoice staff."
This year, Andrews has taken a more active role in encouraging her employees to experience the benefits of community involvement and service. For example, each FirstChoice employee is given a flex-time hour each month which they can devote to a particular organization or cause that inspires them to do good works. The response to this program has been very favorable and several employees participate."
Andrews is also generous with her time and was past chair of Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, is a board member of Chamco, Bethel Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. She was also past president of the Downtown Rotary Club where she is now a active member. "I have witnessed how a commitment of time and resources in Oshkosh increases business opportunities and improves the quality of life for us all," she said.
FirstChoice also contributes to many community-based projects and organizations including The UWO / Oshkosh Titan Stadium project, The Paine Art Center and Gardens, Christine Ann Center, Grand Opera House and the Rotary Club Endowment Fund.
"Now, the time has come for me to create a permanent fund for FirstChoice that reflects my commitment to the community and has a long range financial impact," said Andrews. "Working with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation gives me the flexibility, permanence and value that I want to achieve a return on my investment as well as contribute to the emerging needs of the community.
The projects that have been supported by Andrews'generosity are The Pollock Community Pool Project, Women Soar (EAA), The Oshkosh Symphony, the Humane Society, and The Women's Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.
"The Community Foundation gives us a unique way to contribute to the causes and charities that make a difference in our lives," said Andrews. "As the FirstChoice fund grows I am looking forward to working with my staff to determine in which way we want to direct the monies that we give. I know my initial investment will always support a broader community focus. That feels good."
Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, said, "Sue Andrews is an entrepreneur with a heart and a vision as are many, many business people in our community. They all participate in unique ways to make this area a better place to work and live."
The Foundation's investment portfolios are managed for long-term growth in the market. This objective allows for significant grantmaking while preserving the purchasing power of each fund. "Our professional investment advisors evaluate the Foundation's portfolio performance and compare it to more than 1,000 investment pools across the nation," said Connolly-Keesler.
As an independent insurance agent, FirstChoice represents highly rated, multiple insurance carriers that deliver a wide range of comprehensive coverage including personal, business and group insurance. This independent agency advantage is the cornerstone of its product and service strength. FirstChoice stands ready to be the first choice for affordable coverage to protect businesses and individuals from unexpected events that cause catastrophic loss.
For more information, visit www.firstchoiceinsurance.biz
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