Microfinance aligned with a mine's life-cycle can create lasting change. Join the conversation @ 2012 Toronto Microfinance Symposium (Oct 16)

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto International Microfinance Summit, Canada's Premier Microfinance Event, announced today that at its 2012 Toronto Microfinance Symposium in collaboration with Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, industry leaders  will discuss how diverse institutions including NGOs, corporations and governments are partnering to develop new business models that address the complexities of development.

EVENT:	2012 Toronto Microfinance Symposium:             Why cooperatives and partnerships are working
DATE:	Tuesday, October 16, 2012
PLACE:	Event Hall, Rotman School of Management, 105 St. George Street             (2^nd Floor, South Building), Toronto
TIME:	Registration 12:15-1:00 pm, Program 1:00-4:30 pm, Reception 4:30-5:15 pm
COST:	$25 per person (plus HST) www.microfinanceconference.ca

"Microfinance can play an important role in new business models that incorporate the concept of shared value and make the connection between economic and societal progress," says Dustin O. Ling, Director of Strategy, Planning and Community Development at Citi Canada.  "Companies like ours recognize that adding value to the local economy is critical to success."

"Management's commitment to balance stakeholders' interests is critical in the exploration stage of mining projects," adds Andrés Recalde, Director of Community Relations and Government at Torex Gold Resources.  "Microfinance aligned with a mine's life-cycle is a social investment that can provide sustainable social and economic legacies once a project is phased-out."

Dr. Thomas Haubenreisser, Managing Director at Community Power Capital will moderate a panel comprised of Mr. Recalde; Ed Opitz, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Kinross Gold Corporation; Soledad Gompf, Vice President of New Business Development, FINCA International; Tobias (Tobi) Nussbaum, Director General of Strategic Policy at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and Dr. Stephen Brown, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Ottawa. Attendees are invited to engage in the conversation about new business models and the potential role of microfinance.

• Citi Foundation, our lead sponsor makes it possible to provide the one-time, incredible ticket price for the Symposium.
• In partnership with The MasterCard Foundation, we are providing students free tickets with mandatory advance online registration including a valid student identification number.
• Alterna Savings makes it possible for the first 200 registrants to receive a free book entitled Freedom from Want: The Remarkable Success Story of BRAC, the Global Grassroots Organization That's Winning the Fight Against Poverty
• CNW Group, our media partner, enables us to spread the news with press releases.

For tickets and more information, visit www.microfinanceconference.ca

Toronto International Microfinance Summit is Canada's premier event focusing on domestic and international microfinance. Founded in 2009 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2011, the organization was inspired by the Rotarian Action Group for Microcredit (RAGM) and Rotary District 7070 Microfinance Committee. The Summit's signature Conference and Gala are run entirely by volunteers of diverse backgrounds and ages. Our vision is a world without poverty through microfinance. Our mission is: to educate our community on microfinance, a formidable poverty reduction tool; to create a forum for dialogue and action; and to raise profile and/or funds for organizations that make an impact through microfinance. In October 2012, we are collaborating with Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, to present the 2012 Toronto Microfinance Symposium. www.microfinanceconference.ca

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, has set out to redesign business education for the 21st century and become one of the world's top-tier business schools. Located in the heart of Toronto--North America's third-largest financial centre and one of the world's most culturally-diverse cities -- the School is developing an innovative curriculum built around Integrative ThinkingTM and Business DesignTM.  Rotman, in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), has established a domestic microfund that operates across Ontario,Canada-Rise Asset Development. Rise, with the support of the Rotman School of Management and CAMH, provides microfinancing and mentorship to men and women living with mental illness and addictions who are interested in pursuing self-employment. www.rotman.utoronto.ca/

Citi Foundation supports the economic empowerment and financial inclusion of low- to moderate-income people in communities where Citi operates. We work collaboratively with a range of partners to design and test financial inclusion innovations with potential to achieve scale and support leadership and knowledge building activities. Through a "More than Philanthropy" approach, we put the strength of Citi's business resources and people to work to enhance our philanthropic investments and help improve communities. www.citifoundation.com

 

 

SOURCE: Toronto International Microfinance Summit

Wendy Bodnoff 
Co-Chair, Marketing, Media & PR 
Toronto International Microfinance Summit 
905 334 3660  [email protected]