Investment Banker Calls on Corporate CFOs to Seize Growth Opportunities

James Cassel of Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, Moderates CFO Alliance Panel About the CFOs Role as Chief Investor

MIAMI — August 4, 2011  James Cassel, co-founder and Chairman of Miami-based investment banking firm Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC, moderated a panel comprised of financial experts who discussed how CFOs can direct and accelerate their companies’ growth. Hosted by The CFO Alliance and the University of Miami School of Business Administration, the presentation titled, “The CFO as Chief Investor: It’s Time to Make the ‘Right’ Investments and Do Deals,” incorporated a presentation, open discussion among panelists, and an audience question-and-answer session.

“Even the most successful companies are apprehensive about investing in expansion during this uncertain period, but the time is ripe for growth” says Cassel. “Many CFOs feel they can’t grow their companies through organic growth alone. Our panel members provided valuable insight about how, when, and where to invest capital.”

After the discussion, Cassel and the other panelists hosted a networking session.

“We finally see that capital is available in the market, and we know that investors want it to be deployed,” says Cassel. “The problem as it pertains to valuation is that many owners and CFOs only hear about the bigger deals – such as LinkedIn and Facebook – so they have unrealistic expectations. I made a point of discussing the value of smaller deals.”

“The CFO as Chief Investor” took place late June, at the Coral Gables Country Club.

About Cassel Salpeter & Co., LLC
Cassel Salpeter & Co. is an investment banking firm with professionals who have more than forty years of financial experience. They deliver smart, straight-forward advisory services to middle market companies across America. With a thorough understanding of their clients’ industries and a keen sense of the economy, the Cassel Salpeter team provides independent, timely advice so clients can capitalize on a rapidly changing global environment. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cassel Salpeter is led by James Cassel and Scott Salpeter. Member FINRA and SIPC.

About The CFO Alliance
Established in September of 2007 to promote connectivity through a professional community of leading financial executives, The CFO Alliance brings together the experience, knowledge, and collective wisdom of peers, subject matter experts, and academic authorities to enable senior financial leaders and decision makers to be more effective and act with greater confidence throughout their career. By fostering relationships among those with common objectives, interests, opportunities, and challenges, financial leaders can make long term investments in their companies and their careers through sharing expertise and gaining confidence in their roles. Based on the success of the initial Philadelphia-based chapter, The CFO Alliance has established a national expansion, with a current presence in nine U.S markets: New York, Boston, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Connecticut, Charlotte, Phoenix, South Florida, and Philadelphia. For more information, please visit www.theCFOalliance.org or AchieveNext.com and follow The CFO Alliance Community on twitter @theCFOAlliance.