ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 19, 2009 – Trusted Choice® has awarded the inaugural Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Kevin and Kathy Flynn of K. Flynn Insurance Agency in Troy, Mo. In the spirit of and to honor Dan Fulwider who recently passed away after a valiant fight with cancer, the award recognizes Trusted Choice® member agents for going above and beyond in volunteering time and enthusiasm to causes close to their heart.
“Dan Fulwider was the Government Affairs Coordinator and Membership Liaison for the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa, and a huge supporter of Trusted Choice®,” said Brett Nilsson, Big “I” chairman. “Dan was a warm and caring young man, whose dedication to his community and the causes he believed in inspired all who knew him. Dan’s recent passing is mourned by all who knew him and the Big ‘I’ family.”
One of Fulwider’s great passions was basketball, and he served as Assistant Boys Basketball Coach of the Saydel Eagles for three years. He did this as an unpaid volunteer simply because he loved the game and players. He was also a member of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Coaches organization, the National Eagle Scout Association and the Iowa State Alumni Association, and was active in his church.
As the recipient of the Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement, the Flynns receive a $2,500 contribution for the charity of their choice and were recognized at the 2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. The charity they selected is the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Sadly, Kevin and Kathy lost three sons, Kolby, Karey, and Korey, to Muscular Dystrophy while growing their business, raising their three other children (Kelly, Kasey and Kelsey) and volunteering for many community service projects. The Flynn family is a committed supporter of MDA and raises money to help find a cure for the disease. The K. Flynn Insurance Agency holds an annual golf tournament with all proceeds donated to the cause. The Flynn’s daughter, Kelly Fowler, sponsors the local DECA organization which recently held their 4th annual 5K run/walk to raise money for the MDA.
Nilsson presented the award, along with a check for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for $2,500 at the 2009 Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention. Dan’s parents, Big “I” immediate past Chairman Bob Fulwider and his wife Jan, joined Nilsson on stage for the presentation.
“The Flynns started K Flynn Insurance in 1982 and as their family and agency grew, they felt it was important to give back to the community that supported their business and their family,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “They have never been too busy to help out with local organizations, schools and families. The Flynns are truly inspirational role models to others.”
Trusted Choice® is promoted through a combination of national, state-level and local-agency advertising, promotional and marketing activities; insurance company branding; public relations campaigns; and Internet communications.
Launched in October 2001 by the Big “I” and several agency companies, Trusted Choice® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for over 10,400 independent insurance agencies, brokerage firms, their branch locations and 53 leading insurance companies. Web address: www.TrustedChoice.com.
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