-- (05/20/2002)-- During one of the most volatile economic periods the U.S. has experienced in over 10 years, First Financial Group (FFG) landed the Guardian's President's Cup Award for outstanding production, persistency and new agent development. Exceeding the production levels of 124 sister agencies, FFG sold over $12 million of agent new first year commissions. "We've outdone ourselves again, comments Dennis Eckels, Vice President of First Financial Group based in Wilkes-Barre. This is the third time we've won the award in a seven-year period. And among some stiff competition, New York, Atlanta and Charlotte were tough contenders. Eckels feels confident that the agency will do well this year but breaking our own company record by over 20% was quite a surprise. The success is attributed to three things: exceptional people, great products and a unique planning process, Eckels added." The organization has been growing by leaps and bounds. This year marks the 25th anniversary, once an organization with eight people in a one-room suite, has grown to over 200 associates and staff in five locations. There are three primary locations in Baltimore, Washington D. C. and Wilkes-Barre, with satellite offices in Dunmore, Allentown and Gaithersburg, MD. First Financial Group has the foremost team of practitioners in protecting and growing the wealth of families, individuals and business in the Mid-Atlantic Region.