Professional Advisor Spotlight: Marianne Koenig
Whether focusing on trust and estate matters, addressing long-term care issues or handling the administration of estates after someone passes away, Marianne Koenig is dedicated to serving the people of Niagara County and beyond in her Lockport law office. An attorney and partner with George and Koenig, Marianne said, “Our firm makes sure that all of our clients’ affairs are in order as they reach their golden years.”
Marianne’s clients are the highlight of her days. “They come in with a smile, they leave with a smile, and I pretty much get a hug from one of them every single day,” she said. “They’re happy to be here, and they’re just good people.”
Marianne first became familiar with the Niagara Area Foundation (NAF), a division of the Community Foundation focused on strengthening Niagara County, about a decade ago through her business partner and aunt, Patricia George, a former NAF Council member.
Today, Marianne is an NAF Council member herself, an opportunity she noted has given her great insight. “Now I am able to see how things are done from behind the scenes and see how clients’ gifts are impacting the community,” she said. “Being a Niagara Area Foundation Council member helps me do my job because I feel confident referring clients to the Foundation for their charitable goals.”
As Marianne has deepened her relationship with the NAF, she explained that different scenarios might prompt her to connect her clients with the NAF. “If we anticipate a taxable estate, I always encourage my clients to consider some charitable giving to try to reduce the amount of estate tax. That leads into the next question of what their charitable goals are. Most of my clients are very loyal to Niagara County, and they appreciate that their gifts will have a direct impact on the community that they love. It’s an easy segue into contacting the Niagara Area Foundation if that’s where they want their gifts to be used,” Marianne said. “Additionally, some clients don’t have a tax issue that they need to resolve, but they just love giving back to their community. So those general philanthropic intentions also lead clients to consider the Niagara Area Foundation.”
Marianne appreciates the NAF’s thoughtful and strategic approach to creating customized charitable solutions for her clients. “My clients appreciate the flexibility of the different ways that their charitable gifts can be used to promote their particular goals. The Niagara Area Foundation provides clients with peace of mind knowing that they will have a direct impact on the community.”