Welcome to the firstADVISOR

I can think of no better way to launch this newsletter than with a tribute to Edna Cern, a friend and colleague who recently passed away. Who she was, both professionally and personally, represents exactly what this newsletter aims to be for its readers—a source of guidance and inspiration.

Ultimately, Edna’s brokerage career spanned 44 years and included affiliations with organizations such as the SIA, the Investment Women’s Club (president, 1974-1986) and the Bond Club of Philadelphia (treasurer, 2003). Never judgmental or condescending, she helped people be their best and took time to tell everyone how much she appreciated them—co-workers and clients, family and friends.

Edna was a mentor, a sounding board on professional issues and best practices, a fount of knowledge gleaned from real-life experiences, and a champion of camaraderie among people throughout our business. If this newsletter can accomplish just some of the things Edna represented—to our company, to our industry, and to me—it will be a success. In future editions, we will be asking for your feedback about topics that are on your mind-that you want to read about. We will also feature a best practice showcase from some of your fellow advisors-what works and what has been disastrous-stay tuned! I look forward to this opportunity to work with all of you.

And Edna, here's to you, sweet-pea.

Tarah Mattia Carlow

Edna M. Cern
1939-2006

Cutter's Castiglioni Carves Her Own Career Path

Deborah Castiglioni likes to call it "luck." Spend five minutes with her, though, and it quickly becomes apparent that this woman is used to making her own luck. In 1983 she was working as an assistant to an insurance salesman to pay her way through school to become a court reporter—one notch above secretary in the hierarchy of traditional women’s careers.
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FEATURE:

Where Have all the Women Gone?
Feeling the strain of successful women giving up their careers, firms find ways to lure them back

(Part 1 of a 3-part series)

It's called the "hidden brain drain." Highly educated, highly successful women are stepping off the corporate career ladder faster than ever, disappearing from a critical sector of the workforce already under pressure as baby boomers stream into retirement.
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80%
Women's spending power, control or influence of all purchases of consumer and business goods and services.

Source:
PINK magazine

DATA POINTS:

EVENTS CALENDAR:

First Impression—the Financial Advisor's Career Connection
February 8-9, March 1-2, March 8-9, March 22-23
Richmond, Virginia
Our First Impression Series is the initial step in making a connection with one of First Clearing's many outstanding broker-dealer partners. It's also an opportunity for you to meet with members of First Clearing's senior management and key product experts while enjoying Richmond's renowned hospitality.