SHORT HILLS, N.J. - The Short Hills branch of A.G. Edwards is spearheading an initiative to reach out to the expanding Hispanic population in the state. On June 30, the branch hosted a pre-game reception with the MetroStars and local business leaders to discuss services offered by the firm.
Two financial consultants from the branch realized the importance of raising the awareness of financial planning in the Hispanic community.
"We were working with a few individuals and realized the community was vastly underserved," said Manuel Rey, senior financial consultant and trust specialist with the branch. Rey, of Cuban descent, went on to say, "There is a tremendous opportunity to educate the community and we are seeking to be here for the long term."
Financial consultant Roger Goncalves noted, "It is important to be a part of the largest growing segment of our community." He said, "The goal of our initiative, which we launched with the MetroStars networking event, is to bring A.G. Edwards' full range of financial services to all members of the community, both individuals and businesses." Goncalves, who is of Portuguese descent, added, "A recent report I read illustrated the Hispanic market is being underserved by about 50%. We knew we had to make it a part of our business."
Branch manager Rich Barber stated, "We wanted to leverage our recently launched branding campaign and use this opportune time to establish ourselves." Barber, of Mexican descent, commented that the heart of the community revolves around soccer, so partnering with the MetroStars seemed logical to create an environment to introduce the firm and network with the community. The local branch of the firm plans to maintain its presence in the Hispanic community by collaborating with local cultural productions and further sports events.
For more than 117 years, individuals and businesses have turned to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. to develop strong personal relationships with financial consultants who are dedicated to a client-first philosophy of providing sound investment advice and long-term financial solutions tailored to their clients' individual needs. A.G. Edwards and its affiliates encompass approximately 7,000 financial consultants in over 700 offices nationwide and two European locations in London, England and Geneva, Switzerland. More information about A.G. Edwards and Rey/Goncalves can be found at the Short Hills A.G. Edwards branch at 150 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, NJ or by calling (973) 467-3404.
