FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12-07-11 600AM

Dr. Michael W. Olff of Gateway Financial Advisors, Inc. of Walnut Creek announced his recent attendance at the Cambridge 2011 National Conference in Atlanta, Ga. Conference participation set a new record, as more than 800 knowledge leaders from across the country gathered at the Marriott Marquis to share best-practice ideas between rep- advisors, engage with company executives, and meet new and longtime sponsors.

Affirmation of Cambridge’s commitment to rep-advisors’ success

Throughout the conference, members of the Cambridge board – Founder, Chairman and CEO Eric Schwartz; President and Chief Operating Officer Amy Webber; First Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jim Guy; and Senior Marketing Vice President Dan Sullivan – all affirmed Cambridge’s commitment to enhance its rep-advisors’ journeys to success by promoting initiatives that offer time management, succession planning and marketing solutions.

Cambridge Source

Cambridge announced the official launch of Cambridge Source, a program designed to offer assistance to Cambridge rep-advisors in a variety of areas including customized marketing solutions, human capital, social media, staffing, OSJ supervisory visits and website design. A panel of Cambridge rep-advisors shared their success with the program during a breakout session at the conference.

Continuity Express

Cambridge’s continuity and succession planning initiatives were advanced in Atlanta by the launch of Continuity Express, an emergency continuity plan offered to all Cambridge advisors through the home office. It is designed to assure payment to the advisor’s family and protection of the value of a practice in the event of sudden tragedy by providing immediate service to clients. This first step in a long-term succession strategy is unique to the industry and highlights Cambridge’s commitment to solving the succession problem for it rep-advisors.

CEO address outlines principles necessary for continued success

In his CEO address, Schwartz focused on the importance of learning how to thrive in good, average and bad times. He emphasized that surrounding oneself with great people and being passionate about what one does are keys to success. He spoke about the ever-changing market conditions, regulations, technology and the need to stay true to one’s core values. Schwartz noted that the core values of integrity, commitment, flexibility and kindness have served the Cambridge family of rep-advisors very well for the last 30 years – and that these values will continue to drive mutual success for future decades. Schwartz assured rep-advisors during his speech that he has no intention of selling Cambridge and that his only desire is to allow them to be more involved in the company.

President’s welcome highlights story of success

Webber, in her president’s welcome, delivered insight on what Cambridge is doing well and the firm’s continual enhancement efforts on behalf of its rep-advisors. Webber’s focus was on the feedback received from Cambridge’s annual rep-advisor satisfaction survey. She also highlighted key projects underway to further enhance support in the areas of service, succession planning, and marketing. Webber also introduced new initiatives in progress aimed at helping Cambridge’s rep-advisors in their independent businesses. These programs include a new website design, effective solutions to the functions and expenses that take rep-advisors’ time away from clients, social media support and marketing.

Conference participants give back to Atlanta

Conference planners and attendees received a warm welcome from Atlanta, and in response combined their efforts to raise funds for the Fugees Family, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping child survivors of war develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. Prior to the conference, Cambridge donated items for rep-advisors to bid on during a silent auction. On the closing day of the conference, Cambridge presented a check for more than $30,000 to members of the Fugees Family in the spirit of giving back and holding true to their values of integrity, commitment, flexibility and kindness.

Face-to-face engagement

Cambridge’s annual National Conference is based on a broad offering of relevant professional education for rep-advisors and access to highly acclaimed speakers. First Vice President of Marketing Bobbi Martin directs conference strategy with a focus on designing sessions that provide attendees with the ability to engage with industry experts and other experienced financial professionals on a face-to-face basis. The annual conference is an example of Cambridge’s recognition of the importance of providing opportunities for financial professionals to continually enhance knowledge to better serve clients.

Dr. Michael W. Olff, president of Gateway Financial Advisors of Northern California, established Gateway after a successful 30-year career as a doctor of chiropractic. Due to disability, he turned to financial planning as a way to continue helping people. For more information, call Olff at 925-354-7602.

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