Monthly Archives: October 2015

Socially Responsible Becomes Institutionally Acceptable: DOL opens door to ESG investing for plan sponsors

The Department of Labor just made it easier for retirement plan sponsors to include ESG factors when considering investments. ESG (environmental, social, governance) is shorthand for: is a company doing good while doing well? ETI (economically targeted investments) is another acronym referring to companies that create a benefit for the community as well as the stockholders. Since 2008, when the DOL issued Interpretive Bulletin 94-01 stating that ETI investing should be “rare,” many sponsors have been reluctant to look at ESG when evaluating investments; as fiduciaries, they needed to focus primarily on financial factors. But the Department of Labor’s new ERISA guidance on ETIs opens the door for sponsors to consider ESG factors in their retirement plan investment options. Read more »

Halloween Debt Ceiling Crisis IV

By November 3rd, the U.S. government will run out of cash. Again.

Judging from the U.S. government shutdowns of 1995-1996 and the debt ceiling crises of 2011 and 2013, we might be tempted to assume that this year’s debt crisis will follow the same tried-and-true storyline: A few weeks of dramatic fiscal brinksmanship, followed by a bold yet pragmatic budget deal. Read more »

Arnerich Massena’s Diane Kern Wins HR Leadership Award

During her near-20-year tenure, Diane Kern has been integral in creating and maintaining Arnerich Massena’s renowned culture. As HR Director, she manages everything from performance reviews to benefits to employee recognition programs. That’s why, upon the announcement that she had won The Portland Business Journal’s top honor for HR professionals – the HR Leadership Award in the small business category – the whole firm was cheering her on. We know how lucky we are to have her; now the Portland business community knows too. Read more »

The FOOD FIGHT 20th Anniversary Celebration of the I AM Learning Partnership a Huge Success!

On Saturday, October 17, the Irvington Elementary School gymnasium was filled with the aroma of exquisite foods created by a sea of miniature chefs, a delectable celebration of nutrition and education. The I AM Learning Partnership, Arnerich Massena’s award-winning community service program, marked its 20th anniversary with this remarkable event. Read more »

Arnerich Massena Staff Goes Crabbing

Every year in October, Arnerich Massena staff and families head out to Nehalem Bay to jump in crabbing boats and lower the crabbing pots in hopes of collecting some saltwater treats. This year, on October 9, we braved an incoming storm, heading out on the water despite reports of oncoming high winds. But the storm held off long enough for the team to enjoy a – somewhat rainy and windy – day on the bay. Read more »

Arnerich Massena recognized as one of The Portland Business Journal’s Top Ten Corporate Philanthropists in the Small Business Category

The Portland Business Journal celebrated corporate philanthropy in Oregon and Southwest Washington at the annual Corporate Philanthropy Awards Luncheon on October 9, 2015. We were proud to be among the honorees at the ceremony, and excited to rank among the top ten small business corporate philanthropists for the second year in a row. Also for the second year in a row, Arnerich Massena ranked #1 in the small business category for the number of employee volunteer hours donated, with 5,512 volunteer hours given by employees to our I AM Learning Partnership program in 2014. Read more »

Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes Reforms to Enhance Liquidity Risk Management

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a set of reforms that seek to enhance liquidity risk management by open-end funds such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The proposed rules would require mutual funds and ETFs to implement liquidity risk management programs and enhanced disclosures regarding fund liquidity and redemption practices. Read more »