Press Releases

For Immediate Release
March 1, 2006

First Annual Shawano/Menominee Counties Financial Wellness Conference
The Money Conference™
Offers Financial Education for All Ages

(Madison) A free credit report complete with a credit score, nutritious breakfast and lunch and adult and youth classes are among the many benefits of attending the first-ever Shawano/Menominee County Money Conference™. The event will be held Saturday, April 1, 2006 at Menominee Indian High School, Keshena, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

The Conference will feature Vickie Oldman of Building Native Communities and Kip Kint of Mission Ignition, Inc. as keynote speakers. A host of other presenters will lead break-out sessions.

The Money Conference™ offers high-quality, impartial financial education programming for families in a fun, motivational setting. Shawano/Menominee joins Racine/Kenosha, Milwaukee, Madison, Beloit/Janesville and the Fox Cities as sites that have hosted the event. Over 4,500 people have attended Money Conferences over the past six years. No financial products or services are promoted or sold.

“DFI is happy to support the first Money Conference for Shawano and Menominee counties,” said DFI Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann. “I urge everyone to take advantage of this low-cost, high return investment that is very timely and relevant during tax season. I especially encourage young people to attend,” added Secretary Heinemann.

Highlights of the 15 separate one-hour break-out sessions for adults include:

• Credit Problems . . . How You Can Fix Them
• Goal Setting and Budget Basics
• Get Smart About Vehicle Financing
• Homeownership 101
• April 15th is Coming . . . Are You Ready (taxes)
• Entrepreneurship (two sessions)
• How to Buy Food Economically and Cook Healthy Food

Age-appropriate sessions for youth (ages six to 18) include:

• Get Hooked on Saving
• Dollars and Sense
• The Juggling Act (personal finance real-life simulation for high schoolers)

Asset Builders of America, Inc., a nonprofit organization, produces the Money Conference™ in cooperation with many area partners. Sponsors include Wisconsin Auto and Truck Dealers Association, Menominee Tribal Clinics Diabetes Program, Shawano Medical Center, Associated
Bank, Fannie Mae, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc., Diabetes Prevention Board, Menominee Indian School District, WHEDA, Myrna and Robert Vandehey Foundation and DFI.

Registration fees for the conference for pre-registered participants are $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth. The fees for participants paying at the door on conference day will be $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth.

To get more information and to register:

• Call Richard Entenmann of Asset Builders at 866-304-6896
• Call Linda Olson of UW Extension Shawano county at 715-526-6136
• Call Glenda Kaquatosh of Menominee Indian School District at 715-799-3824-Ext. 6011