Press
CUSO Financial Services and Sorrento Pacific Financial announce new award winners at 2014 Annual Conference
SAN DIEGO, CA (September 24, 2014) — Sister companies, CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS) and Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC (SPF), full-service broker-dealers and SEC Registered Investment Advisers providing customized investment and insurance solutions to financial institutions, recently hosted the four-day 2014 CFS/SPF Annual Conference in San Diego. A record-breaking 650 executives and advisors gained knowledge, tools and inspiration to thrive in today’s complex investment environment. With nearly 60 educational breakout sessions on topics from life insurance strategies to Social Security planning, and more than 30 different exhibitors, the conference showcased some of the best minds in the investment services industry.
CFS and SPF honored 136 top financial advisors from financial institutions across the country with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Pacesetter Awards, recognizing those who have met top goals in production and provided outstanding service to clients. CFS and SPF recognized 65 representatives with Gold Pacesetter status while 27 achieved Silver Pacesetter status and 44 achieved Bronze Pacesetter status.
Top investment programs were also recognized. Three credit unions that recently joined CFS or SPF received the 2013 Rookie of the Year Award for having the highest GDC (gross dealer concession) per $1 million of financial institution deposits. Eleven investment programs received the 2013 Breakthrough Award for producing a minimum 50 percent increase in GDC over the prior year. Finally, nine programs received the 2013 Keystone Award for having the highest ratio of GDC per $1 million of total deposits.
In addition, the sister broker-dealers announced the inaugural Hall of Fame Awards, which were developed to recognize individuals and financial institutions that have consistently brought their passion for service to their investment programs. Individual inductees had to be ranked as a Gold Pacesetter for at least 10 years or to have been the “Top Advisor of the Year” at least once. Inductee programs had to be the top-performing program of the year or ranked among the top five producing CFS/SPF programs at least 10 times. Ten individual inductees were recognized, along with four programs.
“Because of their talents and dedication to excellence, the Hall of Fame Award recipients have consistently provided stellar service to their investment clients. These programs wouldn’t be nearly as successful without these honorees and we want to thank them,” said Valorie Seyfert, president and CEO of CFS and SPF. “Their passion for what they do, extraordinary levels of experience, and tremendous successes exemplify the pinnacle of our industry.”
Keynote presenters included world-renowned leadership expert Mark Sanborn, swimming legend Diana Nyad and noted political strategist Greg Valliere. Attendees and their guests also enjoyed an opening night reception at the USS Midway Museum in the San Diego harbor.
Continuing its leadership in the mobile app space, CFS and SPF employed a conference mobile app again this year. The 2014 app, enhanced from previous years, was a robust tool that provided conference information as well as interactive networking for attendees.
“After you partner with a broker dealer, when all of the newness of the relationship fades away, all you have left are people who care about you and work hard for you. That is the strength of CFS and SPF,” said Rick Orr, director, Investment Advisors at Baxter Credit Union in Vernon Hills, Ill.
About CUSO Financial Services, LP and Sorrento Pacific Financial LLC
Full-service, sister broker dealers CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS) and Sorrento Pacific Financial LLC (SPF) (Members FINRA/SIPC) provide customized investment and insurance solutions to financial institutions throughout the country. Headquartered in San Diego, with branch offices and licensed representatives nationwide, both broker dealers are SEC Registered Investment Advisers, with expertise in key areas including retirement services, wealth management, and fee-based and insurance products for both individuals and business customers. For more information, see www.cusonet.com or www.sorrentopacific.com or visit their LinkedIn pages: CFS and SPF.