On February 12, 2025, Andres O’Neil & Lowe had the honor of receiving the Bryan Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition, awarded based on public nominations and a vote by the Chamber Board, highlights businesses that exemplify outstanding community involvement and contributions.
At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, our commitment to service extends beyond providing insurance solutions. It is deeply ingrained in our culture, and without the dedication of each and every team member—along with the unwavering support from our leadership—we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to receive such an esteemed award.
A Legacy of Community Commitment
During the award presentation, Mike Jacobs, the 2nd Vice President of the Chamber Board of Directors, underscored the extensive contributions Andres O’Neil & Lowe has made to the Bryan community and beyond.
“This year’s large business we are honoring has been a staple in our community for 102 years. What started as a small, one-location business has grown to serve four locations across three counties with over 50 employees, while always keeping its main office in Bryan,” Jacobs stated.
Over the years, our agency has actively engaged in numerous community initiatives, with our team members serving as volunteers and board members for organizations such as the United Way of Williams County, Bryan Area Foundation, Bryan Development, The Bryan Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, LifeWise Academy, The Awakening Program, Christkindl Market, and Oktoberfest. Most recently, we have taken on the weekly packing of the Bryan City Schools Bear Bags Program, ensuring that local children in need have access to nutritious meals.
“You would be hard-pressed not to find a face representing this business at any community event,” Jacobs added. “Their dedication and commitment to excellence in our community has truly set them apart. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and impact they make every day.”
Our Mission: Serving Clients, Community, and Each Another
Accepting the award on behalf of the agency, Russ Daviess, Managing Partner at Andres O’Neil & Lowe, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening the foundation of the community.
“We take a lot of responsibility for the social fabric of this community in addition to promoting economic stability and recovery after an insurance-related issue,” Daviess remarked. “Our industry truly excels in building trust, cooperation, and support for one another’s programs. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.”
Our mission to serve our clients, community, and one another has remained steadfast for over a century. Beyond our work in insurance, we actively support numerous local initiatives, including Flair on the Square, Jubilee, Day in the Park, Christmas for Kids, the Williams County YMCA, Parkview Hospitals, service clubs, sports teams, dance and theater programs, and more. Our employees aren’t just financial supporters of these causes—they are volunteers, giving their time and energy to make a difference.
Our Give to Receive Program: Encouraging Employee Volunteerism
One of the reasons Andres O’Neil & Lowe was recognized with this award is our commitment to giving back through our Give to Receive Program. This initiative allows our full-time employees to take up to three days of paid volunteer time each year to support nonprofit organizations of their choice.
We believe that volunteering is a win-win-win for our business, our community, and our employees. Here’s why:
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Sense of Purpose & Fulfillment – Helping others fosters a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to something greater than ourselves.
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Personal Growth & Development – Volunteering offers new experiences, valuable skills, and broader perspectives.
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Improved Mental & Physical Health – Studies show that giving back can reduce stress, combat depression, and enhance overall well-being.
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Stronger Connections – Volunteering builds relationships and strengthens the social fabric of our communities.
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Positive Role Modeling – Giving back sets an example for future generations and inspires others to get involved.
Be the Change You Want to See
At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, we remain committed to growing our operations, creating jobs, and serving more communities while supporting their social needs and goals.
We encourage others—both businesses and individuals—to explore how they can make a meaningful impact in their communities. If you or your employees are interested in getting involved, we will gladly help you get started.
Once again, we are honored to receive the Bryan Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year Award, and we share this recognition with every member of our team who has dedicated their time and energy to making a difference. Together, we build stronger communities!
Pictured above are (from left) Stacy Swary, Chamber First Vice President and Andres O’Neil & Lowe Insurance Advisor; Russ Davies, Andres O’Neil & Lowe Managing Partner; Dan Yahraus, Chamber Executive Director; and Tami Bergman, Andres O’Neil & Lowe Insurance Advisor
