Posted on December 15, 2023
J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) is honored to accept this year’s award for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter. The chapter represents nonprofit organizations throughout Southwestern Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, and Southeastern Minnesota.
Brennan’s work brings us all incredible pride and purpose as we serve clients throughout the inland and purpose as we serve clients throughout the inland and coastal waterways. Through this work, we receive opportunities to truly become part of the fabric of the communities in which we operate by giving back.” says Chief Operating Officer Mike Binsfeld.
COO Mike Binsfeld expressing gratitude for Brennan’s employees and community while accepting the 2023 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award
“Although our industry inherently maintains tremendous demands on capital, we understand that it is our responsibility to support those in need. We’re honored to receive this recognition. I appreciate everyone at Brennan for the work they do and can’t thank them enough for the many ways they support their local communities,” says Binsfeld.
Brennan’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award is on display at its headquarters.
The announcement of this year’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award coincides with Brennan’s receipt of the 2023 Diamond Recognition Award from the La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) just one month before. The award is a testament to Brennan’s dedication and profound investment into the community surrounding its La Crosse, Wisconsin headquarters since 1945.
Thrilled President & CEO Matt Binsfeld and Vice President of Business Development Mark Binsfeld photographed accepting the Diamond Recognition Award.
Background on Brennan’s Philanthropic Growth
The Brennan organization traces its roots back to 1919. When the grandsons of an Irish immigrant, who grew up on a family farm outside Lansing, Iowa, entrepreneurially developed informal business partnerships. The brothers poured concrete floors in milk barns, threshed oats, and operated a sawmill. Locally, the two became known as the Brennan Brothers.
Today, the Brennan organization includes 660 employees and 14 locations nationwide and specializes in marine construction, environmental remediation, and renewable energy solutions.
The company has evolved over the last century yet remains a family-focused business in its fourth generation of ownership. Deeply rooted in hard work, integrity, and family, serving others is at the core of the Brennan way.
How Brennan Gives Back
Over the last 12 months, our employee-operated Brennan Gives Back program volunteered manpower and contributed monetarily to more than 115 organizations. From Rhode Island to California, we encourage and enable our team members to enrich their communities and support the areas in which we work by donating efforts to organizations like:
- The American Red Cross
- The Autism Foundation
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Boys & Girls Club
- Breast Cancer Research & Support
- Children’s Museums
- DARE Programs
- Family and Children’s Center
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Hunger Task Force
- Mississippi River Cleanup
- The Salvation Army
- Scholarship Funds
- Sheriff and Fire Departments
- Toys for Tots
- The United Way
- University and Technical College Programs
- Veterans Associations
As Brennan’s ownership looks to the next generation, they see the company continuing to evolve. But by valuing every person, every idea, and every community, the company aims to exemplify its founding principles, leaving a positive, lasting mark wherever it goes.
About J.F. Brennan Company
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a fourth-generation, family-owned marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediation, dam construction, commercial dive, harbor management, and submarine cable services. Working closely with public and private owners of water-based infrastructure since 1919, Brennan operates nationwide throughout coastal and inland waterways.
