A Message from SIBF Chair - Vickie Neighbour (SC, ’96)

Dear SIBF Fellows and Friends,

When I was in elementary school, my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Haynes, had our class memorize numerous poems and then, gulp, recite them in front of the class. In hindsight, I’m glad she did. She was teaching us about leadership, beauty, values, and courage at an early age.

Among the poems assigned were Trees by Joyce Kilmer, Sea Fever by John Masefield, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (Daffodils) by William Wordsworth, and IF by Rudyard Kipling. Today, the first two lines of IF came to mind -

If you can keep your head while all about you are losing theirs...

These are very challenging times for us all...personally, professionally and financially. This global pandemic will certainly test us, but also highlight our strengths. Isolation, social distancing, travel bans, the cancellation of events, shortages of basic staples, the unknown...all create stress and in some cases, fear. Let us model the way. Let us lead in these times of uncertainty.

David, Mark, Nancy and I are in constant contact. We’ve had many hours of discussion about how we keep our members connected during this period of social distancing. SIBF is proud of the fact that after the attack on 9/11, the October Summit in Newport had more members attend than had originally signed up. True, this virus is a different animal but let’s remain optimistic. Possibilities and opportunities abound. The number of members offering ideas and helping plan our course forward is gratifying and humbling.

Many decisions have been and will have to be made concerning the cancellation and/or rescheduling of events and programs. Our SIBF staff is working tirelessly to stay on top of every aspect of SIBF’s planned calendar and provide us all with up to date information so that we might better plan our own personal calendars. Please be as patient and understanding as possible as we go through these uncharted waters.

We are re-forecasting our 2020 budget to reflect the changes we know of and questioning original assumptions. We have risk for sure, however thanks to the wisdom of former chairs and leadership, we do have a healthy reserve fund. We do not want to rely on it but it’s a nice cushion to have.

SIBF is an amazing global organization of tremendous thought leaders, accomplished educators, caring, passionate men and women. Within the CDC/WHO guidelines, reach out to other members, your family, friends, and neighbors and think how you might help those less fortunate. Be thoughtful, be wise, be kind, be safe.

As always, warmly,
Vickie

2020 SIBF Leadership

Atlanta, GA, January 13, 2020 – SIBF, a global executive network spanning 45 countries, has elected Vickie Cox Neighbour as chair of the board of directors for the 2020-21 term.  Mrs. Neighbour worked for over 30 years in sales, international expansion and generational leadership transition for Cox Industries, Inc., a building products company founded by her father, William B. Cox, in Orangeburg, S.C. in 1954.  Cox Industries successfully transitioned to its third generation of family leadership in 2009 and was sold to Kopper’s Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KOP) in 2018.  Joining SIBF in 1996, Mrs. Neighbour has been an active member supporting the organization’s global growth and serving as a mentor and facilitator for leadership academies held in Central Eurasia, the Middle East and South East Asia.  Outgoing SIBF chair Mark Kaiser shared, “Vickie’s strong business acumen and commitment to SIBF’s vision of creating a globally integrated network of leaders who drive impact and innovation will position the organization for continued success as it celebrates its 40th year.  I am honored to pass the torch to her in 2020.”

Additionally, SIBF has elected David Zacks (SIBF Class of 2013) as chair-elect and Sara Beth DeLisle (SIBF Class of 2018) as secretary.  Mr. Zacks is a mediator/arbitrator at Zacks Resolution, a neutral at JAMS ADR, and a retired partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.  Ms. DeLisle, a shareholder in Carr Allison’s Birmingham, AL office, is a trial attorney experienced in commercial and complex litigation and has litigated matters in areas of health care, product liability and transportation liability.  Both Mr. Zacks and Ms. DeLisle bring a wealth of knowledge to the SIBF board, having been active with membership, program development and strategic planning for the organization. 

ABOUT SIBF: Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, SIBF connects, engages and inspires global leaders to accelerate professional and personal success through lifelong learning and trusted relationships.  Comprising 1500+ global executives and senior leaders, SIBF has members in more than 45 countries.  Members include owners, entrepreneurs, CEOs, presidents and managing partners who share a keen interest in understanding the global economy, culture and geopolitics.  www.sibf.org

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Message from SIBF Chair Mark Kaiser (GA, ’01) - July 2019

This has been a busy summer! Congratulations to our CELA friends and colleagues for an outstanding job hosting the 2019 Global Network Summit (GNS) in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan, June 8-19.  Forty-five SIBF members attended – a record number!  The warmth and the spirit of the people we met during our journey was amazing.  A few highlights… 

• We received a true immersion into an advanced Academy experience with great takeaways including a session on storytelling and crafting our perfect introductions, design thinking, and appreciative inquiry – a process of starting with what is working rather than starting with a problem (what’s not working).

• The Network Coordinating Council’s annual meeting brought together leadership of each of the networks to update one another and discuss topics in common. I was struck by how similar the issues are across networks - recruiting, connecting members, retention, programming, and so on. There was great enthusiasm for the new technology platform being overseen by the SIBF Technology team, under the leadership of Mark Lampen (SC, ’16). It was clear that everyone wants to meaningfully connect with other members across the globe. I believe this underscores the importance of our investment in technology and how that will bring SIBF, CELA, MELA and SEALA together.

• In Tashkent, we learned about business opportunities in the entire Central Asia region including hotel development, the fashion industry and food, and how the government is moving to implement a wide range of reforms to enable broader participation in world commerce.

• We capped the experience with a helicopter ride to hike to alpine lakes in the mountains outside of Tashkent and side trips to two Silk Road World Heritage sites: Bukhara and Samarkand!

• The 2020 GNS is hosted by SIBF in Vancouver, and we look forward to hosting our global colleagues, September 13-16!

Of note on membership development, one of the GNS speakers, John Coyle, was so impressed with SIBF and the global network membership, that he has applied to join SIBF!  I encourage you to recommend qualified members for both the direct and Academy paths – this is the lifeblood of our organization and keeps our fellowship relevant.  The 2019 Academy applications accepted to-date are impressive, including CEOs, presidents, partners, and company founders.  From digital branding, cancer research and audio book production – to electrical engineering, medical device manufacturing and technology startups, these candidates have varied interests and industry expertise.  There is strong representation from SIBF’s southern states as well as Pennsylvania, Iowa and Ohio.  The first Academy session begins November 10, so don’t delay!  Email academy@sibf.org or kathy.payne@sibf.org (direct path) for details on introducing your candidates to SIBF. 

Local programs are booming with more than 52 events scheduled already this year – and we’re only half way through 2019!  Mark your calendars for the 20/20 Leaders Forum: July 29 in Tampa, and July 30 in Birmingham and Dallas.  Executive Director, University of Southern California Dornsife Center for the Political Future Kamy Akhavan, our highly rated, opening speaker from this year’s Washington Briefing, will share insights on the critical political issues facing our country.  Additional details are forthcoming!

The Governance Committee is considering nominations for leadership positions including the next Chair-elect as well as recipients of the awards presented each year at the Summit.  The leadership and enthusiasm in this organization is inspiring!  I hope you will consider how your time, talents and resources can be leveraged to enhance your SIBF experience.  

Anne and I look forward to seeing you at the Summit in Maine!

Warm regards,
Mark Kaiser

T: 404.665.5201
M: 404.694.2664
E: mark@markkaiser.com

Message from SIBF Chair Mark Kaiser (GA, ’01) - May 2019

SIBF is a global network of four networks (CELA, MELA, SEALA and SIBF), presenting excellent opportunities for members to expand their businesses and social impact through global connections and collaborations.  For me, the SIBF network of networks reframes my perception of global happenings – from democracy in action in India’s elections, to open-market transformations in Uzbekistan.  Here’s a quick recap on the exciting developments underway in the SIBF global family. 

SIBF’s Leadership Academy will welcome their newest class to Dallas, Texas, November 10-15, 2019, for Session 1, and then to Atlanta, February 16-20, 2020, for Session 2.  Executive Director Nancy Haselden, Andrea Bednar (TX, ’12) and Bill Starnes (TX, ’98) are developing an on-boarding segment for Session 2 to help new direct path and Academy members better understand and connect with SIBF.  To date, the membership committee has approved eight Academy candidates. I encourage you to reach out to Grace Upshaw with candidates for the Leadership Academy Class of 2020 (target is 30 members).  This is a top-rated program and is sure to fill quickly, so encourage candidates to act now.

Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance (CELA) is gearing up to host the Global Network Summit, June 8-18, 2019, which will include the first Advanced Executive Leadership Retreat for members from all the affiliated networks.  The program, commencing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, will include peer-to-peer, experiential learning as well as visits to historic venues along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan.  What an exciting time to visit this region of the world!   We are pleased to share that the Global Network Summit is sold out!

South East Asia Leadership Academy (SEALA) also saw record attendance at SEALA 6 in Hanoi, Vietnam with 34 new members joining the network and 47 members/guests attending the SEALA reunion.  SEALA 7 is scheduled for January 8-19, 2020 in Ambalantota, Sri Lanka with the last two days of the Academy overlapping with the SEALA Reunion, January 17-20.   I would be remiss not to mention that our thoughts remain with those impacted by recent events in Sri Lanka.  

MELA celebrated ten years of leadership development with their MELA 10 Masterclass, welcoming 36 new members to the network.  Held in conjunction with MELA 10, MELA hosted the largest reunion to-date with 60 affiliate members attending.  MELA also hosted its first Town Hall meeting with the Board and MELA members to discuss future initiatives around sustainability and impact, and launched the Chairman’s Awards program.  Congratulations to Bill Starnes who received the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Commitment; his faculty involvement spans 33 academies and 13 years as curriculum developer for the leadership academies.   

I am excited about all the positive momentum, the high level of member participation (so far, all major programs have sold out this year!) and the progress we are making on all our 2019 strategic initiatives.  I look forward to connecting with you at an SIBF event this summer and the Annual Summit in Maine, October 17-20!   Registration is open so sign up today!

Warm regards,
Mark Kaiser

T: 404.665.5201
M: 404.694.2664
E: mark@markkaiser.com

Message from SIBF Chair Mark Kaiser (GA, ’01) - March 2019

I was excited to co-lead, along with Cheryl Ginyard-Jones (VA, ’13), a day-long session in February with the Executive Committee and about 30 dedicated members to generate new ideas and potential initiatives to further the four strategic objectives for SIBF that were established last year.   The group surfaced more than a hundred new ideas and were very thoughtful about how to continue to engage and strengthen SIBF.   My thanks to Cheryl (who did an awesome job leading the day) and all who participated.   We also look forward to ideas from all members about how to advance our initiatives.

Last year, SIBF’s strategic review identified lifelong engagement and strengthening our network of networks as key focus areas.  In support of these areas, the Technology Committee, chaired by Mark Lampen (SC, ’16), conducted a thorough search of connectivity platforms that maximize member experience.  Utilizing the private social network Clowder, the new SIBF Global app will be rolled out this summer.  You will gain simplified access to events, content and collaboration among our 1500 members worldwide.  You’ll have at your fingertips…

• Our global membership directory of SIBF and affiliate networks

• Easy access program registration

• Member-to-Member messaging

• Member groups tailored to your business and social interests

• Forums and message boards 

Look for more on the SIBF app in June as we prepare for a full rollout at the SIBF Annual Summit in Maine this fall.  I encourage you to register for this program and book your hotel room soon. 

Anne and I hope to see you at the Global Network Summit (GNS) hosted by CELA in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan this June!   If you have talked with anyone who has attended a GNS, you know they come back enthused about SIBF and our global partners CELA, MELA and SEALA.  This year’s GNS is not to be missed!

Warm regards,
Mark Kaiser

T: 404.665.5201
M: 404.694.2664

The Small World of SIBF

Vickie Neighbour (SC, '96), SIBF Chair-Elect, and husband Pete were on a Silversea Expeditions trip to the Galapagos in October 2017, and took part in a long-time tradition.

Since the 18th Century, the Galapagos Islands has had a unique mail service. In the days before smartphones, sailors spent years away from home with little communication and so invented their own. They would leave letters, addressed but with no stamp, in a barrel on Floreana Island and hope that others passing through would take them home and mail them to the recipient or hand deliver them.

Vickie wrote on a Silversea Expeditions postcard and put it in the barrel. It was addressed “Bill Sharp, Jane Shivers, Zurich, Telluride, Tampa, Atlanta, San Francisco”. The message read, “Dear Bill and Jane, we thought you two might be our only chance!, Love, Vickie and Pete Neighbour.”

Last year a woman from Tampa was talking to her friend Becky Rauenhorst, wife of SIBF member Neil, and she showed her the postcard that she had fished out of the barrel when she visited the Galapagos and asked Becky if she knew Bill or Jane. Becky said yes and that she would take responsibility for delivery. Fast forward to this past Christmas holiday in Telluride, Colorado, when Becky presented the postcard at a holiday party she and Neil hosted. Bill was delighted to tell Becky and Neil the story of being the “Best Man” at Vickie and Pete’s wedding on an SIBF trip to China.

Another great story of the reach of the SIBF network and great friendships.

- Jane Shivers (FL, '92)

Message from SIBF Chair Mark Kaiser (GA, ’01) - January 2019

In the new year, SIBF will continue to focus on growing the organization, improving your experience, and connecting our 1500 global members.  Many of the recommendations of 18 strategy committees, formed as part of the three-year strategic review process, have already been implemented and many more will be rolled out in 2019 and 2020.  In Q4 last year, the “SIBF Host” process was designed and implemented so that each new member will be guided by an existing member on how to make the most of their SIBF membership.  This year you will see upgrades to our technology to make it easier to stay connected, informed and participate in SIBF.   The very popular SIBF Connect app that was used at the 2019 Summit is only one example of how mobile technology will enhance our collective SIBF experience!

 As SIBF chair, I will work with the SIBF Board of Directors, including chair-elect Vickie Neighbour (SC, ’96) and immediate past chair Palmer Garson (VA, ’10), to guide the process aligned along four strategic imperatives: growth, lifelong engagement, impact, and network of networks.   We are formally known as the Troika but have been relabeled by Vickie as MVP (Mark, Vickie, Palmer) – for ease of reference!  The three of us bring complimentary experiences to SIBF:

• I bring experience in leading high-growth companies from start-up to billion dollar companies and advising over 40 Fortune 500 companies, including Cigna, Nestle, Tyson Foods and The Coca-Cola Company, in how to create meaningful growth in times of disruption (LinkedIn: Mark Kaiser)

• Palmer’s deep experience and talent in investment banking and private equity and wealth management at Morgan Stanley & Co., A.G. Edwards and Mellon Bank and currently at Silvercrest Asset Management (LinkedIn: Palmer Garson), was reflected in an outstanding year in 2018 from both a financial and strategic perspective; and

• Vickie’s experience is in skillfully guiding family business governance, generational transition of leadership over three generations and the ambitious international expansion of Cox Industries, a company founded by Vickie’s father, William B. Cox in 1954.  At SIBF, Vickie has been a facilitator at over 19 leadership academy sessions at all four of SIBF’s Academies – CELA, MELA, SEALA and the SIBF Academy.  (LinkedIn: Vickie Neighbour)   Vickie will be a positive force in bringing together the global SIBF family.

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, it is fitting to note that SIBF has a few MVPs of their own.  The many members volunteering their time to take part in SIBF’s strategy review are among them, including Cheryl Ginyard-Jones (VA, ’13), who is leading the process of extending our strategic initiatives into 2020 and 2021 in mid-February where we will outline next steps and deliverables related to the four imperatives above.  Yet another MVP is Executive Director Nancy Haselden, who embarks upon her 20th year with SIBF and has been instrumental in moving the organization forward.  Of note, the 45 members who comprised the strategic review group represented the most diverse and talented group of members ever assembled for SIBF strategy work – CEOs, founders, partners and entrepreneurs from 11 states, ranging in age from 29 to 76, with women representing nearly half the team. If you would like to be part of SIBF’s “next steps”, please contact me (mkaiser@venadar.com) or Nancy.    

I encourage you to review SIBF’s programming calendar and see what unique learning opportunities await you and your family – from the highly rated Washington Briefing (early birds, make a note to register by February 1!) to the Global Network Summit in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan or one of the many local breakfasts and events across the country.  Vickie, Palmer and I look forward to connecting with you soon at an upcoming SIBF event!

Warm regards,
Mark Kaiser

T: 404.665.5201
M: 404.694.2664

CAMBRIDGE - MONEY & RESPONSIBILITY: DAY 5 & 6

Thursday was an informative yet fantastically fun day. Rubbing our eyes, we started of our morning bright and early with a march to the Judge Business School, a beautiful work of perhaps McDonald’s playhouse inspired architecture, but nonetheless beautiful in its own right. After incredibly fascinating sessions on investment strategy and the utilization of the Bloomberg terminal (and a delicious lunch) we headed to the Fitzwilliam Museum where Mr. Horner dropped pearls of knowledge upon us with a great interactive tour of the museum. After perusing the museum’s collection of weapons (for longer than I’d like to admit), we visited the King’s College Chapel, a beautiful Church. To end off our day, we found ourselves listening to a fantastic lecture on Shakespeare, perhaps the only time I’ve ever been able to hold attention to the subject, followed by a live performance in the park. While I must admit I initially dreaded going to The Taming of the Shrew, the play turned out to be great fun, full of energy, and with fantastic background was easy to understand and relate to. All in all, it was one of my favorite days, action-packed and full of intellectual stimulation.
 
- Rowan Majumdar, son of Rajjina Singh and Sareet Majumdar (FL, '12)

This past week has been truly life changing. The daily lessons gave me greater insight into the financial world. I did not only gain knowledge during my time in Cambridge, but I made friends within the great group of people.

- Luke Didier, son of Allison and Hank Didier (FL, '17)

CAMBRIDGE - MONEY & RESPONSIBILITY: DAY 3 & 4

Today we left behind Clare College (and air-conditioning) to spend the day at the spectacular Madingley Hall and gardens. After an informative and aromatic tour of the gardens, we were schooled on the intricate minutia of Brexit, the hidden secrets behind credit cards, and the proper way to hold a croquet mallet. We finished our day with a visit to the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, a moving tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in World War II. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!

- Christie Harrison, daughter of Cathleen & Bill Harrison (FL, '01)

Today we went punting on the Cam, thankfully none of us fell in! The day continued with interesting and very useful lectures from Nick Hoffman and Nigel Wardle.  Professor Simon Conway Morris gave a talk on evolutionary myths and Professor Mary Buckley spoke about human trafficking in Russia. The day ended with a scavenger hunt around Cambridge, the winner has yet to be announced, and dinner was on our own giving us all a chance to explore the restaurant scene here.

- Kendrick McFadden, daughter of Harriet and Hampton McFadden (AL, '16)

CAMBRIDGE - MONEY & RESPONSIBILITY: DAY 1 & 2

The first day of The SIBF Money and Responsibility conference was an awesome start to the week. We started the day off with a tour of the University and then went to lunch at The River Bar. Our afternoon consisted of an open top double decker bus tour of Cambridge. After settling into our rooms we went to the Neville’s home for an awesome dinner! It was a great start to the week here at Cambridge.

-Claire Blumenthal, daughter of Karen and Marc Blumenthal (FL, '12)

On Monday Jerry gave us a finance talk, this is not an area in which I had been formally educated and so this was new to me. The talks are conducted so that beginners and those with experience in the area can learn something new. In the afternoon we saw Trinity College, including the Wren Library. This houses the first editions of Darwin’s  ‘On the Origin of Species’ and Marx’s ‘Dad Kapital’. It also contained the notes of the greatest mind in history, Ludwig Wittgenstein.

- Huw Neville, son of Tracy-Ann and James Neville (UK, '06)

SIBF Dives Down Under – Australia Now on the Member Map!

Not surprisingly, it all started in Birmingham.  Stewart Dansby (AL, ’95) met Mark Bytheway (Australia, ’17) while Mark was on a business trip to visit Bill Mills (AL, ’14) as they were starting a new venture, KPX Global LLC.  KPX is a specialist provider of impact investment products and services, including environmental, social and governance research, and analysis investment integration services.   

A few months and 10,000 miles later, Stewart, now a partner in and a director of KPX, attended the 2016 Fellows’ International Conference to Australia.  “I really got to know Mark as I visited before the SIBF FIC to Australia. I flew over a few days early to meet with him and his family in Melbourne, then introduced Mark and his lovely wife, Bec, to several SIBFers on the trip over dinner when we were back in Melbourne.”  Formerly the CEO of SIRIS investment research, Mark is now a member of SIBF having joined in 2017 and COO/Director of KPX.  

Should you find yourself planning a trip or evaluating business opportunities in Australia, Mark is ready to be of assistance.  A new Aussie SIBF chapter just might be growing down under! 

Contact Mark

Stewart Dansby (AL, ’95) and Mark Bytheway (Australia, ’17) at The Melbourne Cup in Australia 

Here's what can happen if you don't pay taxes on bitcoin

In 2017, bitcoin went from trading at below $1,000 early in the year to a peak of over $19,000 in December, while other virtual currencies also enjoyed gains.

For anyone who ignored the common crypto-slang advice to "HODL," to hold on to your investment for dear life, and decided to cash out, those profits are considered income by the IRS.

If you sold crypto-coins or used crypto to buy anything in 2017, you probably owe the IRS taxes, says Ryan Losi, a certified public accountant and the executive vice president of Virginia accounting firm PIASCIK.

"For Americans there is no free lunch," Losi says. "If you're richer tomorrow than you were today, it is likely you have some tax burden associated with that."

And not paying up can have consequences.

If you own bitcoin, here's how much you owe in taxes from CNBC.

If the IRS discovers you under-reported your income when you file your taxes in April, "there is a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5 percent per month, starting after the month in which it was due," Losi explains. "Then there is a failure-to-pay penalty of 5 percent on top of that." Then, there's interest.

To avoid penalties, here's what you need to know about paying taxes on bitcoin.

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2017 SIBF Annual Awards

At the 2017 Annual Summit in Del Mar, California, the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) presented member awards to seven exceptional individuals who have given generously of their time, talent and resources.  Because of their dedication and willingness to give back locally and globally, SIBF is a stronger organization.  SIBF is honored to recognize this year’s impressive group of winners:

Tom Wallace (FL, ’12): Allan J. McDonald International Entrepreneur Award
Established by the Class of 1987 to commemorate Allan J. McDonald’s international entrepreneurial accomplishments and support of SIBF. The award is presented annually at the Summit to a Fellow who has demonstrated outstanding international entrepreneurial effort during the previous year.

Susan & Meade Sutterfield (GA, ’97): James D. Cockman Humanitarian Award
Presented annually at the Summit to a Fellow who has made extraordinary contributions to a philanthropic initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to an organization whose primary mission is improving the lives of those in need. This award was established in honor of 1992 class member Jim Cockman, known for his generous spirit and dedication to local and national community projects.

Randy Nuckolls (DC, ’83) & Bobby Henebry (GA, ’15): Spirit of SIBF Award
Recognizes a member who has spearheaded an innovative program or other special effort. Through personal initiative and effective use of SIBF’s network, this individual has delivered outstanding results and raised the bar for other members who oversee SIBF projects.

David Love (NC, ’92): Mentor Award
Recognizes a long-standing SIBF member who has accepted indirect or unofficial leadership roles in order to support leadership. SIBF mentors are vital to our success, providing the voice of experience and the extended circle of acquaintance that is often critical to the success of new leaders. 

Mark Lampen (SC, ’16): Newcomer Award
Recognizes emerging leadership in the newest class which is crucial to a governance structure where key volunteer positions rotate frequently. This award honors a member from the most recently inducted class who exhibits strong leadership skills and dedication to the Society very early in their membership. 

ABOUT SIBF: The Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) is a non-profit business association founded in 1981. Over 70% of members are CEOs, owner, presidents or managing partners. Represented in 40 countries worldwide, the organization has 1200 members from small and medium-sized enterprises as well as major multinationals and global professional services firms.  Leadership Academies in the US, Central Eurasia, the Middle East, and South East Asia attract high potential leaders and present global networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Membership is by invitation only with interest in international business and culture as the common thread among members. www.sibf.org

Bob Blanchard (FL, '96), WRB Serra Partners Closes Fund I at $46.5 Million

WRB Serra Partners announced today that it has successfully completed the closing of WRB Serra Partners Fund I, L.P. with committed capital of $46.5 Million. The Fund secured capital from a mix of family office and institutional investors and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Founded in 2015, WRB Serra is a Florida-based private equity firm that invests in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean.  The firm is targeting investments of US$7 million to US$25 million from the Fund and with additional capital from its limited partners.

WRB Serra’s partner group has a decades-long history developing, operating, and financing infrastructure projects in the region and includes G. Robert “Bob” Blanchard, Jr., Robert Blenker, and Eric Wenick. “We are very excited to have a committed pool of capital dedicated to the Caribbean and Latin America,” says Bob Blanchard.  “We are seeing many exciting opportunities that benefit consumers and promote sustainable economic growth in the region.” 

“Our affiliated development capabilities and long track record operating in the region make us an ideal match for developers seeking to bring their projects to completion with a partner that can provide both expertise and capital,” added Robert Blenker. WRB Serra previously announced its first investment in Content Solar Ltd., Jamaica’s first utility-scale solar photovoltaic plant, which is located in Claredon Parish, Jamaica. The 20 Megawatt, grid-connected solar plant began construction in January 2016 and commenced commercial operations in August 2016. Content Solar generates and sells energy to Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“Content Solar is a perfect example of how WRB Serra brings structuring, finance, and development capabilities to bear,” said Eric Wenick.  “We look forward to working with developers and utilities in the region to help bring other successful projects to life.” WRB is targeting investments in solar, wind, hydro, and biomass generation, storage, energy efficiency, and potable water infrastructure from early-stage construction to operating assets.

On the clock: Dee Haslam (OH, '09) submits bid to host NFL draft in 2019, 2020

The Cleveland Browns announced Thursday that it has partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to potentially host the annual three-day draft, which has swelled into a made-for-TV spectacle and showcase for the league — a virtual football-palooza.

The group delivered its application to league headquarters in New York last week, and as luck would have it, Commissioner Roger Goodell visited the team’s headquarters on Thursday.

“I noticed that draft announcement on my way in,” Goodell said as he sat next to Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam during a fan forum before the team’s final training camp practice. “Was that a coincidence?”

Probably not.

With their rich tradition, the Browns, who are coming off a 1-15 season and have been a staple at the top of the draft for several years, are eager to move back among the league’s model franchises. Hosting the draft might be one small step toward restoring the team’s glory.

Dee Haslam said landing the draft would not only be a major coup for Cleveland and its fans but would also provide an opportunity to showcase the football-obsessed region.

“Once you get here and see what a great place it is, we can tell a story all we want, but getting people to come here and seeing it and feeling it,” she said. “The draft is amazing exposure because it goes everywhere and people see it, and so we’re really excited about that opportunity to get people to come to Northeast Ohio and see what a fantastic place it is.”

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Keith Miller (SC, '14) discusses the two-year college graduate rate in South Carolina

One measure that weighed down the state's overall ranking in the U.S. News analysis was South Carolina's two-year college graduate rate.

The report placed that rate at 48th in the nation. But the study uses data that have been widely denounced by two-year colleges, said Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College.

"It (the two-year college ranking) doesn't even come close to reflecting reality — not even close," Miller said.

At Greenville Tech every year, for instance, up to 4,000 students (25 percent of the student body) attend classes for a semester or two and then transfer to a four-year college. Those students count against Greenville Tech's graduation rate, Miller said, because they don't actually graduate but rather transfer to a four-year program.

An additional 1,400 high school students who take dual-enrollment courses (college credit classes) may count against Greenville Tech's graduation rate as well, Miller said.

"The reason they count as a negative is that they're attending classes but their intent is not to graduate from Greenville Tech," Miller said. "It's simply to attend some classes while they're in high school, so that counts against us."

The two-year college ranking is based on first-time full-time students, Miller said.

At Greenville Tech, however, 60 percent of students attend classes part-time.

"This data doesn't even consider 60 percent of our student body," Miller said.

Studies on education have to be considered critically, Miller added.

"These reports are intended to achieve a certain level of transparency and help inform the public about different colleges and universities across the nation," Miller said. "That's a laudable goal. Having said that, what's sad and so deceiving is not only do they not tell the full story, they tell a misleading story. They don't give an accurate picture."

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Band of SIBF Sisters (BOSS) - Webinar Tomorrow!

Date: August 22, 2017  

Time: 12:00pm

Topic: Mind Mapping to Create Possibilities

When you what you are doing is connected to your passions and core values, you are living a life of discovery that energizes you every day. However, you may have become disconnected with your passion or never connected with it. You may have once been energized but you aren’t any longer. For any number of reasons, you just don’t seem to be getting anywhere with where you want to go. We are comfortable with the familiar, but that very comfort may be holding us back. You feel stuck – maybe even trapped – and can’t think of what to do next. When we are connected to our passions and are living on purpose, we are energized and engaged. Discover or reconnect with your passions and explore how you can use them to articulate your purpose for yourself. Brainstorm about the possibilities and use your ideas to create potential visions for your future to explore further. 

Bill Gillon (TN, '14) partners with the Food Policy Leadership Institute (FPLI)

The Food Policy Leadership Institute (FPLI) at the George Washington University will welcome its first class in September 2017. The FPLI certificate program is tailored for working professionals and designed around the goal of deepening the bench of young leaders ready to carry forward meaningful food and agriculture policy agendas.

The program’s curriculum will be delivered primarily via distance learning but will include regular visits to farms and food processing facilities. Near the conclusion of the program, participants will also travel to Washington, D.C., to interface directly with food policy leaders of all stripes and tour farms and processing facilities along the eastern seaboard. Lead by Professor of Public Policy Kathleen Merrigan, the Institute’s 16-member faculty roster includes lobbyists, CEOs, congressional staff, lawyers, and economists.

According to the FPLI’s leadership, multiple of the existential challenges facing the food system today cannot be solved through individual action or marketplace campaigns alone. Fewer young farmers come from farming backgrounds, agriculture is moving onto rooftops and into buildings, and even in traditional farming communities the pace of change is continuing to accelerate. The FPLI faculty contend that government policy plays a fundamental role in dictating who can tap into resources and for what purposes, who has access to food and of what quality, and how well persistent and historical inequalities are addressed.

Food Tank had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Merrigan, the Executive Director of Sustainability at the George Washington University and the Founder of the Food Policy Leadership Institute. From 2009 to 2013, Dr. Merrigan was U.S. Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She wrote the law establishing national standards for organic food. Her prior students have progressed to leadership roles such as the Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (a role Merrigan herself also previously held), heading up sustainability and industry relations at major food companies, and steering investments in climate change at international foundations.

Food Tank (FT): What drove you to sit down at your desk and say “the bench is too shallow, we need to develop a leadership training program?”

Dr. Kathleen Merrigan (KM): The challenges are so great. There’s a growing chorus in support of the kind of change we need in the food system and there’s an unbelievable new interest in food that is wind in the sails for new policy change. But when I look across the spectrum of organizations involved, there are just not enough strong young leaders who have the kind of knowledge base necessary to really make that change. We also need to have a lot more diversity in our leadership circles.

FT: Could you talk about your partners and who you’re excited to have with you at the table and in the (virtual) classroom?

KM: What a fun thing for me—I’ve put together a dream team faculty! We’ve got folks like Bill Gillon at the Cotton Board, with whom I shared an office for years working for Senator Leahy on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Bill helped me draft the Organic Food Production Act. He’s been more involved with traditional agriculture over his career and has spent many years in the cotton industry, so he brings a huge amount of perspective for the fellows in the program. Folks like Walter Robb, who about three-quarters of a year ago exited the position of CEO at Whole Foods Market and who helped build that company to what it is today. He’s a really thoughtful, creative industry leader. To Janie Hipp, who is at the University of Arkansas Law School now and was the head and founder of the Office of Tribal Relations at USDA when I was there. She’s been a really great advocate for Indian Country.

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IT Authorities Names Jeff Lynn (FL, '15) Chief Operating Officer

T Authorities, a world-class IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Tampa, is pleased to announce Jeff Lynn will join the senior leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. Lynn is a seasoned executive bringing nearly 40 years of experience in the technology industry to ITA and its growing customer base.

Lynn most recently served as President of Tribridge, a technology services firm, where he led the strategic direction, service delivery and growth of Tribridge's global operations.

Before joining Tribridge, Jeff had been global COO of Tectura, then the largest Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM partner. Prior to Tectura Jeff was Vice President of Dell Professional Services, VP & General Manager of Compaq Professional Services, and VP of Consulting & Services for IBM.

"I'm pleased to join IT Authorities at such an exciting time", Lynn said. "ITA is growing the size of its customer base, not just in raw numbers, but in the size, complexity and critically of the workloads under our stewardship. The challenges that come with such a large-scale transformation are formidable. But big challenges are what make IT Authorities an exciting place to be."

Lynn begins his tenure as COO on Tuesday, August 15, reporting to Phil LaForge, recently appointed Chief Executive Officer.

"Companies cannot deliver on the promise of world class service without world class leaders at the helm", said CEO Philip LaForge. "Our customers and coworkers will immediately benefit from Jeff's significant capabilities and leadership style backed up by a history of success at some of the tech industries most revered companies".

Besides his professional work, Jeff gives back by serving as Chair of The CEO Trust in Manhattan. He is Board Member of the Society of International Business Fellows, a Board Member of the MIT Sloan School Club of New York and is on the Board of Visitors of the McDonald Observatory, a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin.

Lynn holds a MS in Management Information Systems from the Sloan School of Management, M.I.T. and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Sports, art converge during Family Day at OZ Arts Nashville

Art and sports converge at the fourth annual Family Day at OZ Arts Nashville. Curated to spark creativity, fun, and interaction, this year’s popular festival offers up food, a slew of sports-themed art-making activities and performances, and sculptures and interactive installations by featured Nashville artist and TSU assistant art professor Brandon Donahue.

“Creating artworks with your hands and interacting with artists opens up a whole new dimension for young adults and children,” said OZ Arts CEO Tim Ozgener (TN, '12). “Nowadays, families are on the go so much that creating a compelling occasion that brings families together to interact with some of the region’s standout artists was a goal of ours.”

BMX Pros Trick Team. (Photo: Photo courtesy of Oz Arts)

Over a dozen local artists and community organizations will set up indoor and outdoor art-making activity stations, and several performances will punctuate the day, including a Tai Chi Demo by The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville and stunts by BMX bikers and skateboarders in the front parking lot-turned BMX course and skate park.  

In addition to a selection of his elegant “Basketball Bloom,” sculptures, Donahue will create an outdoor volleyball court made from used volleyballs and rope and a full-size, backlit indoor basketball court with backboards made from bamboo and toilet seats.

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Brandon Donahue, "Basketball Bloom USA Nike," 2017, basketballs and shoestrings. (Photo: Photo courtesy of Oz Arts)