Financing Opportunities

Hello all

I just returned from a really great experience. This year was the
fourth year that I've photographed the Opportunity Finance Network
annual conference. This year they convened in Miami, which was a
nice alternative to weather I came home to in New York. The
conference has really grown into a spectacular event. This year they
created a really special award partnered with Wachovia bank and the
MacArthur Foundation to recognize six Community Development Financial
Institutions for their work in the industry. In addition to the
award, they threw a really killer party, complete with party
crashers! (Well, they weren't expected, but amusing nonetheless.)

The week was filled with some pretty intense breakout sessions and
good times. It's always amazing to me to see people working for
something good. You can learn more about what they do and what
Opportunity Finance is at http://www.opportunityfinance.net/.

I want to especially thank Lina, Jeff, and Joe for their fabulous
work and assistance this week, and a special thank you to Joel ben-
Izzy, who has the coolest job title ever: "traveling storyteller."

Thanks for reading, take care, bye4now.

-Sam

The ever-popular NEXT buttons before everyone learned of their purpose.

Attentive conference-goers in a crowded ballroom.

Another conference-goer immersed in a session.

Opportunity Finance Network's CEO Mark Pinsky giving his state of the industry speech.

Two of the Wachovia NEXT awards waiting for their recipients.

Debra Schwartz of the MacArthur Foundation at the awards ceremony.

Luis Pastor of the Latino Community Credit Union seeming pleased to learn his organization was a winner. 

Everyone enjoyed the big party.

"Traveling Storyteller" Joel ben-Izzy running an inspirational workshop.