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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independent Stave Company Launches Initiative to Support Communities with Volunteer Firefighters
COLUMBIA, MO. (September 23, 2020) – Independent Stave Company is proud to announce the launch of the ISC Volunteer Firefighter Initiative. This initiative supports fire departments who rely on volunteer firefighters within the communities where Independent Stave Company cooperage facilities, mills and sales offices are located. City, county, and rural fire departments in these locations can apply for funds to cover volunteer firefighter needs. The company has made $50,000 available for potential grant awards during the first year.
Part of Independent Stave Company’s mission is to help their employees, customers, and communities flourish. This initiative supports that mission by showing appreciation for volunteer firefighters who dedicate themselves to serving their communities. Many Independent Stave Company mills and cooperages are located in areas where volunteers make it possible for fire departments to provide emergency services.
“It’s easy to take for granted that emergency services will be there whenever you need them, but in smaller communities it takes volunteers to make that true. Without them, help might be a lot further away. In the case of a fire, minutes can make all the difference in saving your loved ones or your home,” said Brad Boswell, Independent Stave Company CEO and fourth generation cooper. “We want to make sure these volunteer firefighters have the equipment that they need to do their job well, and as safely as possible.”
Qualifying fire departments should fill out the form located on the ISC Barrels website to apply for a grant to fund specific volunteer firefighter needs within their stations. Grant requests will be reviewed by Independent Stave Company employees, several of whom serve as volunteer firefighters. “These grants will allow fire departments to help more people, with better equipment, and stay safer in the process,” says Blake Blandford, Customer Relations & Quality Assurance for the company and volunteer firefighter in Marion County, Kentucky. “I’m proud to be assisting with the grant applications and awarding funds that will make a difference to firefighters serving their communities.”
Independent Stave Company is a dynamic, family-owned cooperage company reaching customers in more than 40 countries. Founded by the Boswell family, Independent Stave Company still embraces the core values of family, innovation, community and hard work.
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