ECBM initiated $25,000 in grants from the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to three local fire departments so far this year! Representing ECBM, Gloria Forbes and Rick Eckert spoke at the presentations.

On February 21, 2008, Washington Township in New Jersey accepted a $5,000 grant that they will use for continuing fire safety education in the middle and high schools. Our impressive tour of their headquarters included a museum room for a restored fire truck and equipment, a theater for group presentations, and an Emergency Recovery Center.

On January 10, 2008, $5,000 was presented to Darby Fire Department #1. They used the grant money to purchase new hose and nozzles. Darby Fire Department has existed since the 1700's and had beautifully restored antique fire wagons and equipment that they proudly showed us.

That same day, $15,000 was granted to Newtown Square Fire Company. They purchased the "Jaws of Life," which they demonstrated for us, cutting a car like it was a can in a can opener!

Greater Input at ECBM Means a Greater Output in Return!

Greater input by ECBM employees in their United Way Campaign resulted in a fantastic 69% increase over last year, and a campaign total this year of $14,103.50! Employees were asked to submit names of agencies they support, and were then asked to vote for the agency they wanted to address their campaign kick off. Employee Campaign Chair Stacey Levins added her own enthusiasm and leadership into the mix, and that along with the additional participation meant a $5,778 increase, 13 new contributors, and seven returning donors who increased their contributions. This included a matching dollar-for-dollar gift from ECBM, a very generous gesture from CEO Charlie Bernier. Thank you to ECBM for their tremendous support!

Computers donated to area Vocational Technical School

In October of 2007 ECBM donated 17 of our office computers to one of the country's premier Vocational High Schools. The computers will be used by their Computer Technician Shop students.

We are proud to participate in the Fireman's Fund Heritage program.

Fireman's Fund has donated $27,000 on our behalf based on nominations made from our office. The first was $12,000 to three fire houses in Roxborough and Manayunk (Philadelphia Fire Companies). One of our employees nominated these fire houses as they were the ones who responded to her mother's house fire and saved her mother's life. The second was $5,000 to the Oakmont Fire House in Havertown. The third was $10,000 to the George Clay Fire House in West Conshohocken, nominated by the ECBM Bucket Brigade as this is our town's fire company!

In addition, our Bucket Brigade wrote letters supporting Fireman's Fund employee nominations for two separate grants for fire houses in Philadelphia. Two of our employees gave their personal time on a weekend to attend a Firemen's Trade Show in Harrisburg, volunteering with Fireman's Fund employees to advertise the Heritage Fund Program.

www.philacares.com

On October 21st, 2006, ECBM employees along with Temple University Risk Management Students participated in the 13th Annual Philadelphia Cares Day. This citywide event was ran by Greater Philadelphia Cares, in partnership with the Philadelphia School District, to help clean, fix, and maintain over 80 schools. This year nearly 10,000 volunteers came out to show support for our area schools.

Our group, in particular, volunteered at McKinley Elementary School in North Philadelphia. We were able to provide a fresh coat of paint to many of the hallways as well as helping to clear and clean the playground and park areas surrounding the school. Although this was the first year that ECBM has participated in the event, it certainly won't be the last!