Food, Fashion, Fun and How to Finance It All

– Troy, Mich. – A fashion show featuring business and casual wear and a presentation on how to manage personal finances in today’s economy drew a crowd of 150 women and men to “Food, Fashion, Fun and How to Finance It All,” a March 27 luncheon program presented by Inforum.

Following the fashion show, Dawn Impellizzeri, regional vice president, Cole Real Estate Investments, shared tips for investing in the current economy.

“Saks Fifth Avenue treated us to an exciting, New York-style runway fashion show. This was followed by an overview of what we should consider when making financial decisions in this economy by Dawn Impellizzeri of Cole Real Estate Investments,” said Inforum President and CEO Terry Barclay. “We’re grateful to our program sponsor, Michigan Financial Companies, for their support in presenting this delightful, upbeat event.”

Impellizzeri, dressed in a fuchsia suit reflecting the most current spring colors (according to Director, Fashion/Public Relations/Special Events, Cheryl Hall of Saks Fifth Avenue-Troy), told the audience how to avoid common investment mistakes by following three strategies: 1) invest and stay in the market for the long-term, 2) make sure you have a diversified portoflio, and 3) use asset allocation to diversify.

“There is always a reason not to invest,” said Impellizzeri. “And there always will be.” She advised audience members to avoid jumping in and out of the market because of emotional reactions to investment news and rather, invest for the long term and place funds into investments not correlated to the markets such as real estate and oil and gas. “If you haven’t met with your financial advisor, I encourage you to talk to them about alternatives.”

From left: Saks Fifth Avenue-Troy, Director, Fashion/Public Relations/Special Events, Cheryl Hall and Vice President and General Manager Kim Nye; Kim Stine, vice president of marketing and operations, Michigan Financial Companies; and Dawn Impellizzeri, regional vice president, Cole Real Estate Investments.

The largest professional organization for women in the Midwest, Inforum offers a variety of programs that provide insights, inspiration and leadership development opportunities to help women succeed in their careers.

Photos by Peplin Photographic