MT. HOLYOKE, MA,. - June 11,2008 - Professionals involved in various aspects of economic development will meet at the Summit House on Mt. Holyoke to discuss the future potential of socially responsible investing in the Pioneer Valley. The invitational gathering includes investment experts, business representatives, foundation directors, community organizations, and economic development planners from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.

Panel presentations will highlight examples that are bridging traditional gaps using various investment and business models, including the integration of for-profit and non-profit business, Fourth Sector collaborations, microloans,'patient capital" investing, worker-owned, social enterprise, and B Corporation models. Roundtable discussions will give participants opportunities to explore ideas for advancing local investing and entrepreneurship.

The Pioneer Valley Summit on Sustainable Investment developed as the result of conversations initiated by Karen Ribeiro, Assistant Vice President Market Manager at the Bank of Western Massachusetts in West Springfield, which is generously underwriting the event. The others involved in these initial conversations included Terry Mollner founder of the Trusteeship Institute in Shutesbury, Rob Thomas, president of Social (k)Investment Fund in Springfield, and Susan Wennemyr of the Davis Group Financial Services in Hadley. Eventually, eight others joined them to plan and coordinate the Summit.

"Diverse leadership in the tri-county area is being invited so we can get to know who's doing what with sustainable investment in the Pioneer Valley," said Terry Mollner. "We want to create a forum where new ideas and projects can be generated."

"An equally important objective," said Karen Ribeiro, "is to explore how investment and business can be used to address disparities in access to resources. We hope to expand collaborations that could strengthen the region by bridging the North-SouthValley divide, rural/urban issues, generation gaps, and racial/cultural disjunctions. We anticipate this gathering will foster new relationships, and spark ideas that could benefit communities throughout the entire Pioneer Valley."

Featured panelists include Victor Woolridge, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Kent Faerber, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Cory Greenberg, Cooperative Fund of New England, Henry Thomas, Urban League of Springfield, Carla Oleska, The Women's Fund, Georgia Yuan, Smith College General Counsel, Chris Sikes, Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund, Doug Wheat, High Ridge Financial, Caroline Murray, Alliance to Develop Power,Hilda Colon, Nuestras Raices, Michael Docter, Food Bank Farm, Dean Cycon, Dean's Beans, Tim-Cohen-Mitchell, Young Entrepreneurs Society.

Pioneer Valley Sustainable Investing Summit

Pioneer Valley Sustainable Investing Summit

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