Sustainable Investing Event - May 18, 2023

Posted on: April 24, 2023 - 8:55am
Sustainable Investing

AVON CLEAN ENERGY COMMISSION TO HOLD PANEL DISCUSSION ON “SUSTAINABLE INVESTING”

Avon, CT – April 21, 2023 – The Avon Clean Energy Commission (ACEC) invites the public to attend a panel discussion entitled “Sustainable Investing” on Thursday May 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Avon Free Public Library located at 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001. Panel members Bernard Zahren, Bernard Pelletier and Tim Kretz will discuss a variety of topics that investors should consider when looking to invest sustainably and have a positive impact on climate change. The panel will address the following topics, and more:

  • What is ESG (Environment; Social; Governance) Investing and why is it important?
  • How can investments accomplish the goal of “Doing Well by Doing Good”?
  • What are the tools in the ESG toolbox?
  • Does paying attention to E and S and G mean that I am sacrificing financial performance?
  • Are ESG Mutual Funds or similar investment structures true commitments from large corporations to reduce their carbon footprints?
  • What should I ask my investment advisor/financial planner about investing in sustainability?
  • How can my advisor utilize the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a guide?
  • Where is climate change today relative to the goals set by the Paris Accord and the latest update from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?
  • How do I leave a legacy for all future life on our planet?

Biographies for the panel members are as follows:

Bernard Zahren – Bernie Zahren is the founder and executive chairman of Zahren Financial Co., LLC, the Manager of Clean Feet Investors I, LLC, a private multi-million dollar investment fund with a portfolio that includes solar PV, SREC aggregation and finance, energy efficient hydroponic greenhouses, battery storage, water heater controls, and solar thermal and energy brokerage. Bernie has over 47 years’ experience in the investment and renewable energy sectors. Bernie lives and works in Avon and is a current member, and past chairman, of the Town’s Clean Energy Commission.  

Bernard Pelletier – Bernie Pelletier is Vice President of People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE). PACE’s 100PercentCT project works with Connecticut towns to accelerate Connecticut’s progress toward energy efficiency and adoption of renewable energy. Investment choices determine what technologies are adopted and are a key tactic in making progress to our renewable future. He lives with his wife in West Hartford and serves on the Town’s Clean Energy Commission.

Tim Kretz – Tim Kretz is currently the President of Zahren Funds and has over fifteen years’ experience as a wealth advisor counseling and advising high net-worth individuals and business owners with regard to investment opportunities, risk analysis and monetary returns. Tim and his family live in Avon. In his free time, Tim volunteers as a coach for the Avon Soccer Club, is a volunteer steward for the Farmington River Watershed Association.

Disclaimer: All content and information presented during this program is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not provide financial advice and does not establish any kind of investor-client relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any professional, legal, financial or tax-related decisions.

Please contact Grace Tiezzi, Assistant Town Manager at (860) 409-4300 or gtiezzi@avonct.gov with questions.