With financial growth and the future in mind, a local group of Fort Lauderdale, FL, women set out to capture and support the vision of Delores McKinley and Mildred Bryant. They are all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the first African American Greek letter organization for college women founded at Howard University, Washington, D.C. in 1908. The vision included chartering an Investment Club as a means of enhancing financial knowledge of investing, increasing financial growth options, and assisting in potential financial security. With these goals and objectives in mind, it was determined to proceed with what is now known as Sisters Investing Seriously Investment Club or SIS. During the inaugural meeting, Mildred Bryant was elected as the first Senior Partner. Continuing the challenge of leadership, Delores McKinley currently holds the office of Senior Partner. Both are still trusted, knowledgeable, and guiding resources within the group.
Formed in 1998, Sisters Investing Seriously Investment Club has been in existence for 25 years. During this time, the club has grown to as many as 28 members. The study tool used to gain financial knowledge and establish a foundation to build upon was “Starting and Running a Profitable Investment Club,” by Thomas E. Ohara and Kenneth S. Janke, Sr. This was the Official Guide from The National Association of Investment Clubs. Currently the membership consists of 16 partners of which 15 are original members. As noted, SIS members are extremely excited to have reached a twenty-five-year milestone!
Additionally, we proudly boast of our 25 years of successful and negotiable decision making.
SIS meets on the second Tuesday of each month with a determined agenda to include officers’ reports, an educational component, portfolio analyzation, valuation, update of new and old stock reviews, as well as stock purchases and sales. Better Investing magazine is one of the major informational and educational tools used during meeting sessions. Each partner is assessed a monthly fee of $35. There are no meeting sessions during the months of July and December, however monthly assessments are still due. Annually in the month of November, the club hosts an all-expense paid holiday dinner outing for each partner who wishes to attend.
To manage the operational functions of the club, the following offices and appointments are utilized; Senior Partner, Junior Partner, Recording Partner, Financial Partner, Assistant Financial Partner, Chaplain, and Hospitality Partner. Partner responsibilities for each member include managing at least one or two portfolio stocks, as well as introducing a new stock annually, for review and possible purchase.
The current portfolio shares for the club consists of a combination of small, medium, and large cap stocks. These stocks are diversified to include shares from a variety of industries, such as medical, retail, technology, food, fuel, and biotechnology.
The club has had external portfolio reviews and conducts annual verification of operational procedures. In addition to these practices, to ensure the continued success of meeting the club demands and member business matters, the Operational Procedures are currently under review and being updated.
Plans for the club “Silver Anniversary” celebration are currently underway. Members are exploring ideas of a dinner theater outing, home dinner party with entertainment, or a day cruise, and a cash BONUS for each partner.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SIS as we continue to “SOAR IN SUCCESSFUL INVE
