Catholic Community Foundation 2/12/09 - 14th Annual Investment Conference Scheduled for March 4, 2009

Catholic Community Foundation

2/12/09 - 14th Annual Investment Conference Scheduled for March 4, 2009
(February 12, 2009, St. Paul, Minn.) – On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) will host its 14^th Annual Investment Conference at Town & Country Club, 300 Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. The event, which runs from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., will provide an overview of the Foundation’s investment performance in 2008, as well as an in-depth look at market conditions. Donors, prospective donors, financial advisors, estate attorneys, and representatives from Catholic parishes are encouraged to attend. There is no charge to attend, however registration is required. Full breakfast will be served. Details and registration are online at www.ccf-mn.org/Upcoming_Events.html.

In addition to opening remarks by CCF President Marilou Eldred, Ph.D., the conference features an exceptional panel of speakers who will provide a context for the turbulent market conditions seen in 2008. Kathleen C. Taylor, CFA, Senior Vice President and Principal of LCG Associates, Inc., CCF’s investment consulting firm, will give an overview of the market and an historic perspective on investment performance. She will also cover CCF’s strategies and philosophy for investing in these uncertain times. Tony A. Rodriguez, Senior Managing Director and Head of Fixed Income for FAF Advisors, Inc., the investment arm of U.S. Bancorp, will present on the credit crisis and its impact on bond markets. Laurence Russian, Principal of ABS Investment Management, LLC, will give his perspective on equities over time. Finally, James Seidel, CFP®, Vice President of Development and Donor Relations for CCF, will present on the immediate and long-term benefits of planned giving tools such as Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and Donor Advised Funds. Complete bios of the speakers are online at www.ccf-mn.org/Upcoming_Events.html.

First hosted in 1996, CCF’s annual investment conference is an opportunity for stakeholders to receive an overview of the Foundation’s investment strategies as well as an update on global market and economic conditions. “As an organization, CCF is committed to openness and transparency in our work and the world in which we operate. Especially in turbulent financial times, it is critical that our donors understand the measures we are taking to protect and preserve the assets entrusted to our care,” said CCF President Marilou Eldred, Ph.D. “This year’s event will be particularly helpful in providing a context to the market condition ns. I think we’re all looking forward to hearing about the bright side of a bear market.” Historically, the investment conference has attracted up to 140 guests.

ABOUT THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Catholic Community Foundation (www.ccf-mn.org) is the nation’s largest community foundation serving Catholic philanthropy. The Foundation was established in 1992 to support financially the spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The Foundation currently manages assets in excess of $170 million and has distributed more than $60 million in grants since inception.