Out of the Dark: How Asset Owners & Managers Can Impact Corporate Spending
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February 28, 2017 | 1PM EST/10AM PST to 2:30PM EST/11:30AM/PST
In politics, money talks. And it’s no surprise that from campaign donations to lobbying, corporations are often the loudest voice in the room as the biggest political spenders. But as corporate political spending has risen, so have shareholder efforts to promote transparent disclosure that have made companies more accountable. For any shareholder, the proliferation of “dark money” and spending through third party organizations risks shareholder value by threatening the reputation and profitability of companies that engage in political affairs. Mission-aligned investors are additionally concerned about the influence of these dynamics on the democratic process. What can be done to hold corporate influence in check by fostering accountability? Join us for a webinar to learn about the growing movement for transparency, and discuss the powerful impact that shareholders (including many Confluence members) have had on driving corporate accountability. This conversation will help funders and impact investors clarify their critical role in protecting both shareholder value and democratic ideals.
Speakers to include:
- Shelley Alpern, Director of Social Research & Shareholder Advocacy, Clean Yield Asset Management (Moderator)
- Bruce Freed, President, Center for Political Accountability
- Rob Jackson, Professor of Law and Director, Program on Corporate Law and Policy, Columbia Law School
- Tim Smith, Director of ESG Shareowner Engagement, Walden Asset Management
Participation in this event is open to asset owners (grant-makers, donors, and investors), and investment advisors/managers only, and is not open to grant seeking organizations or students.
Please contact Josh Ente for more information.