Opportunity Finance Network's 27th Annual Conference: Impact. It's What We Do.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

• IMPACT. It’s What We Do, State of the Industry Speech by Mark Pinsky, President and CEO of OFN: Mark Pinsky’s address on the state of the opportunity finance industry will focus on the powerful impact CDFIs can make in low-income communities.

• The Wachovia Wells Fargo NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance. Six Awardees of the fifth annual $8.25 million Wachovia Wells Fargo NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance will be recognized in this special celebration on Tuesday, November 15. Awardees will reveal their vision, the challenges they have faced, and the innovations and strategy that have made them “NEXT.”

• CDFI Tours. Participants can see CDFIs’ impact in action by taking tours through communities in and around Minneapolis. This year’s tours will highlight CDFIs’ role in healthy foods financing, transit oriented development, neighborhood stabilization, public markets, the arts, and the revitalization of Minneapolis’ urban Native American community.

• The Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award. On Wednesday, November 16, the recipient of this special award, named for the late Federal Reserve Board Governor Edward (Ned) Gramlich, will be honored for a lifetime of achievement in responsible finance.

• Remarks from Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar: Longtime community development industry supporter Amy Klobuchar will offer a video welcome to attendees. 

• Native Gathering and Awards. Hosted by OFN and First Nations Oweesta, The Native Gathering will explore the state of the Native CDFI industry via a panel highlighting the work of the early leaders in the Native CDFI movement and then exploring the future of the Native CDFI industry. The 2011 Native CDFI Awards will be announced in a lively evening ceremony featuring Native drummers and entertainment on Wednesday, November 16.

OFN expects up to 800 conference attendees, including: CDFI and opportunity finance institution staff, executives, and board members; Native community development professionals and tribal leaders; investment managers; foundation program staff; bankers; CDFI consultants; policy advisors and policy makers; and community and economic development specialists. For more information about the OFN Conference 2011, visit:  http://www.opportunityfinance.net/conference