A two-day event in Calgary that focuses on how families with their assets managed under a foundation can grow their portfolio without offsetting their philanthropic efforts, features leading economist Michael Shuman.

The event, to be held on April 18-19 at the Hotel Arts in Calgary, will bring together families and their advisors, whether they currently have a private foundation, if they are thinking of setting up a foundation, or are interested in how their personal investments can be effectively invested in values-aligned companies.

“This discussion is coming at a time when investing strategies are going to be significantly altered by the rapidly changing market, and many investors are looking to maximize the impact of their investments,” says Gena Rotstein, CEO of Dexterity Ventures Inc., which is presenting the conference in partnership with REAP Calgary.

“We want to showcase all these different ways that individuals and families can look at their investment portfolio from a holistic perspective. It’s about managing assets so that they mirror the good that’s being done when they disburse those assets into the charitable sector.”

The discussion is also important to Albertans who are looking to diversify their portfolios in light of current economies and future forecasts. “It’s not about divesting assets from the energy sector,” said Rotstein. “It’s about looking at how, if we are investing in extractive resources, in the energy sector overall, what is the most impactful way to do that?”

Michael Shuman will be speaking on Sunday, April 19 about how investing in companies that align with your charitable goals can grow your assets. Shuman is a renowned economist, lawyer, buy local movement advocate, and commentator on investing in the new economy.

Preceding his keynote address, attendees will be invited to participate in a discussion with a panel of experts in ethical investment strategies:

  • Erica Barbosa Vargas, director, social finance at The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation
  • Jenna Nichols, CEO of Phoenix Global Impact and project manager, Divest-Invest Philanthropy
  • Chris Pearen, VP sales of NEI Investments
  • Ed Whittingham, executive director of the Pembina Institute
  • Dan Zilnik, principal for Oil and Gas Sustainability Ltd.

Interested families and their financial advisors can purchase their tickets at dexterityevents.com/shuman.php.

Dexterity Ventures focuses on creating leading edge technologies that support the philanthropic and social visions of individuals, families and businesses supporting North America’s charitable sector.