Sidebar
529 Program Managers Also Sponsor
7/26/10: In addition to state programs, sponsorships on behalf of 529 plans can be spearheaded and funded by financial services companies that operate the programs and invest their funds.
For example, iShares this year spearheaded a partnership with the Little Rock Film Festival on behalf of iShares 529, a college savings product endorsed by the State of Arkansas. The program’s investments are managed by BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., the trademark holder for iShares exchange traded funds.
“It’s a relatively new program, and we are committed to making it a success,” said Dan Osipow, iShares’ director of sponsorship.
The association with a film festival showcases iShares’ core principles of creativity and innovation, Osipow said, noting the brand
sponsored the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008 and 2009.
At last month’s Little Rock Film Festival, iShares sponsored an award for the best film made in Arkansas to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the state. It activated the sponsorship by hosting financial advisors at screenings, Osipow said.
Later this summer, iShares plans to expand an existing partnership with Fayetteville, Ark.’s Walton Arts Center through a new sponsorship of a music series.
Money management firm BlackRock, Inc. acquired the iShares EFT platform in 2009 as a result of its $13 billion acquisition of Barclays Global Investors, N.A.
Sources
iShares, Inc., Tel: 617/937-7270