First Allied Securities, a Cetera Financial Group Firm, Provides Industry-Leading Advisor Experience Through Annual National Conference

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- First Allied Securities (First Allied), an independent firm that is part of Cetera Financial Group^®, a leading network of independent broker-dealers, announced the successful conclusion of its annual national advisor conference, held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California, from July 6 through July 10, 2016. The event brought together over 1,100 attendees to participate in active education, training, networking, and fundraising on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis research.  Attendees of the conference included several prominent industry experts, inspirational keynote speakers, strategic partners, and over 340 First Allied-affiliated independent advisors from across the country.

Kevin Keefe, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Allied, said, "Once again, our annual National Conference was a resounding success. The benefits achieved when we unify our advisors, empower their practices, and collectively support an important cause are second to none. We believe our companies' commitment to providing these extracurricular opportunities to our advisors is a foundational component of what makes our business continue to thrive. This has been a meaningful year for our advisors and the firm, and we anticipate many years of successful annual conferences to come."

The conference's keynote speakers included George Will, a Pulitzer-prize winning columnist who kicked off the conference by discussing how to navigate the political climate in an election year; Dr. Jonah Berger, a University of Pennsylvania marketing professor and author, who discussed his best-selling book Contagious: Why Things Catch On; and Bonnie St. John, a Paralympic medalist who overcame the loss of a leg to lead a life full of athletic and professional success.

One of the more important components of the conference was the tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of First Philanthropy, First Allied's community service program organized by a volunteer committee of employees. Each year, First Allied's employees vote on a new spotlight charity, with this year's choice being the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Conference attendees made more than $72,000 in charitable contributions to the Foundation, which continues to be the world leader in the fight to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening illness that currently affects more than 30,000 Americans. This figure far exceeded the initial goal of $50,000. In the program's seven-year history, First Philanthropy has raised more than $350,000 for several deserving non-profit organizations located throughout the United States.  

A major contributor to these fundraising efforts was Archie Manning, a former NFL legend and father to Peyton and Eli. For more than 25 years, Archie has played a significant role in the fundraising efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Not only did he provide his leadership insights to the audience through a motivational speech, but he also donated multiple pieces of priceless memorabilia that were subsequently auctioned off at the conference. In addition to the auction, First Philanthropy also organized a 'Walk for the Cure' that took place on Thursday, consisting of a two-mile walk aimed to unite and fundraise on behalf of the cause.

Bert Jacobs, Founder and CEO of the Life is Good Company was also on hand to provide a powerful motivational speech, as well as contribute to the fundraising initiatives. Following the conclusion of his speech, he set up a booth to sell his companies' t-shirts to attendees, and subsequently donated the proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  

A main stage auction for the Foundation featured the star of the show, young Buster Douglas, a three year old suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. Buster's story, along with his heart-wrenchingly difficult daily treatment routine, provided an ideal backdrop for attendees to witness first-hand the trials and struggles faced every day by those suffering from the disease. 

Buster's parents, Laurel and Michael, commented, "Our family is beyond grateful to First Allied for supporting the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The work of First Allied's First Philanthropy program has been incredible. The funds raised are leading to remarkable medical advances for our son Buster, and all of those living with Cystic Fibrosis. In addition to the funds raised, First Allied was able to spread awareness about Cystic Fibrosis which we believe is the key to a cure."

Mr. Keefe added, "Here at First Allied, we pride ourselves on our tradition of strong community engagement. I am continually moved by the display of generosity demonstrated by so many of our advisors and employees. We went well above our initial goal, and just as importantly, these acts of collective generosity serve to reinforce our strong relationship with our community. First Allied and its affiliated independent advisors are proud to show our unwavering support to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and will continue to support those who are fighting to find a cure."

About Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe. Funds raised will support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with cystic fibrosis and – ultimately – to find a cure.

For more information on the Foundation or to donate, please visit https://www.cff.org/

About First Allied
Based in San Diego, First Allied serves as the firm of choice for independent financial advisors from across the nation who seek to grow their businesses. Our exclusive business development platform has been expertly constructed to provide entrepreneurial financial advisors with one of the most comprehensive platforms for growth in the industry. First Allied is part of Cetera Financial Group^®, a leading network of independent retail broker-dealers. First Allied Securities is part of First Allied Holdings, which also includes The Legend Group, a specialized provider of investment and retirement solutions to the not-for-profit space, including 403(b) accounts.

First Allied offers securities through First Allied Securities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through First Allied Advisory Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. For more information, please visit firstallied.com.

About Cetera Financial Group^®
Cetera Financial Group ("Cetera") is a leading network of independent retail broker-dealers empowering the delivery of objective financial advice to individuals, families and company retirement plans across the country through trusted financial advisors and financial institutions. Cetera is the second-largest independent financial advisor network in the nation by number of advisors, as well as a leading provider of retail services to the investment programs of banks and credit unions.

Through its multiple distinct firms, Cetera offers independent and institutions-based advisors the benefits of a large, established broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, while serving advisors and institutions in a way that is customized to their needs and aspirations. Advisor support resources offered through Cetera include award-winning wealth management and advisory platforms, comprehensive broker-dealer and registered investment adviser services, practice management support and innovative technology. For more information, visit www.ceterafinancialgroup.com. 

* "Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of retail independent broker-dealers encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors, Cetera Advisor Networks, Cetera Financial Institutions, Cetera Financial Specialists, First Allied Securities, Girard Securities, The Legend Group and Summit Brokerage Services.

Media Contacts:

Joseph Kuo
Haven Tower Group
Tel: 424.652.6520
ext. 101
[email protected]

Matthew Griffes
Haven Tower Group
Tel: 424.652.6520
ext. 103
[email protected]

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group

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