Monday, November 21, 2011

Opportunity Finance Network Conference in Minneapolis, 2011

For the eighth year in a row, I had the pleasure last week to photograph the Opportunity Finance Network Conference in Minneapolis.

As always, an inspiring conference, but this year had a real boost of energy due to a recent partnership between OFN and Starbucks that has really brought a lot of needed attention to the Community Development Financial Institution industry through the Create Jobs for USA program. Just a couple of weeks into the program, and it has already raised over $1million to create and retain jobs across the country.  Needless to say, everyone was really excited to talk about the impact that the CDFI community has been having and experiencing.

This year was also a lot of fun for me, because not only were there really excited conference-goers throughout the conference (event the final day's sessions were packed!), but I was able to post images of the conference almost live to the OFN Facebook page, so those who couldn't make it to the conference could follow along at home..

I can't wait until next year in San Antonio!