IDEAS Investor Conferences Sponsors

SPONSORED BY INVESTORS. FOR INVESTORS.

1102 Partners is a Family Office and Investment Advisory firm serving high net worth families and individuals utilizing a goals-based approach to wealth management and asset allocation.  Among the strategies offered is a Special Situations Micro-Cap portfolio managed for some 20 years by our Chief Investment Officer. For more information, visit http://www.1102partners.com.

The Adirondack Small Cap Fund (ADKSX) is an owner operated, no-load mutual fund managed by Adirondack Research and Management since the fund’s inception in April 2005. At Adirondack Funds, we believe that the best opportunity for investment success is focusing on smaller companies that have fallen out of favor with investors. Our mission is to identify and monitor the most attractive small-cap turnaround situations before mainstream investors take notice. By assembling a diversified portfolio* of these opportunities we believe we can offer our shareholders compelling risk-adjusted returns over the long-run. For more information, visit www.adirondackfunds.com

​Ariel Investments is a Chicago and New York-based money management firm with a historic specialty in small and mid-capitalization U.S. equities. The firm serves individual investors, defined contribution plans as well as institutional clients. Since our founding in 1983, a “slow and steady” approach as illustrated by our turtle mascot has served as the bedrock of Ariel’s investment and business philosophy. As value investors, our offerings focus on the long term, allowing us to take advantage of buying opportunities arising from Wall Street’s excessive short term emphasis. The accumulated experience of our team has taught us that patience, focus, independent thinking and teamwork create a winning culture of excellent long-term performance and outstanding service. For more information, visit http://www.arielinvestments.com

Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC is an institutional asset management firm focused on value-added strategies. The firm’s investment strategies include Small Cap Equity and Small/Mid Cap Equity. Aristotle Boston manages high-conviction portfolios with diversified companies that we believe to be high quality. We strive to build portfolios that consist of stocks that we believe can be purchased at discount but that possess long-term value. For more information, visit www.aristotlecap.com

Ascend Wealth Advisors, LLC (AWA) is an investment advisory firm founded in 2012 and based in Cleveland, Ohio. Primarily serving individuals and families, we believe long-term wealth accumulation is best achieved by being an “owner” (equities), not a “loaner” (fixed income). Starting with a nucleus of core fund holdings, we strive to add value to client portfolios by including individual securities that may not be widely followed or may be out of favor but have evidence of a catalyst(s) that may positively change investors’ perception and outlook. We are capitalization agnostic in this regard, but have focused more on smaller companies where we have a better opportunity to get to know managements. We love dividend payers, especially ones with a history of increases, but not exclusively. This approach requires diversification and patience for the stories to unfold, which in turn, results in lower turnover to the benefit of our clients. Historically, we have focused on resource related ideas and the interconnectivity between the energy, metals/mining, water, agriculture, materials and infrastructure sectors. A secondary area of interest finds us investigating companies in medical related industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech and medical device manufacturers. For more information, visit www.ascendwealthadvisors.com .

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss has provided value-oriented investment strategies to institutional investors, mutual funds, and family offices since 1979. Today, clients representing more than $80 billion in assets rely on Barrow Hanley to manage equity and fixed income portfolios with the same rigor and discipline that has resulted in the outperformance of Barrow Hanley's flagship large cap value equity strategy for more than 30 years. Please take a moment to learn more about the investment philosophy and process that Barrow Hanley uses to manage value equity and fixed income portfolios.  For more information, visit www.barrowhanley.com

BMO Global Asset Management is a financial strength, sound management and incorporates an ongoing commitment to delivering innovation. When you choose BMO Global Asset Management, you choose to work with an asset management firm that is backed by the strength of BMO Financial Group, a fully diversified financial services organization that has helped clients like you pursue their investment goals for over 190 years. For more information, visit www.bmo.com/gam

The CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (formerly the Dallas Society of Financial Analysts and prior to that, the Dallas Association of Investment Analysts) was founded in 1951. As of September 2015, The CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth has 1,254 active members, and is among the largest member societies of the CFA Institute (formerly the Association of Investment Management and Research). For more information, visit www.cfadfw.org

CFA Society Houston, founded in 1955. We promote the highest professional and ethical standards within the investment community and maintain ongoing educational and certification opportunities for its members. The Society allows individuals with common interests to advance their professional studies and obtain insight into key areas affecting investments. We are a volunteer organization boasting 895+ members strong. All agree to abide by our ethics and code of conduct. For more information, visit www.cfasociety.org/Houston

At Constitution Research & Management we believe that the best opportunity for financial appreciation is found in high quality, small companies, whose revenues and earnings are growing much faster than their respective peer groups. We look for companies with a market cap below $1.5 billion, strong balance sheets, above average profitability, and rapid earnings growth. Not always visible to the institutional investment community, intensive field research is required to uncover these hidden companies. We provide each of our clients with this advantage. For more information, visit www.constitutionresearch.com

Diamond Hill is a valuation-disciplined boutique asset manager focused on institutional-oriented investors. We are fiercely committed to generating excellent, long-term investment outcomes and building enduring partnerships. We offer investment strategies in four key asset classes — US equity, international equity, alternatives and fixed income – in vehicles that best meet our clients’ needs.” For more information, visit www.diamond-hill.com

First Wilshire Securities Management, Inc. (FWSM) invests in Global stocks across all market capitalization in all sectors. The firm is a value and growth investor. First Wilshire Securities Management, Inc seeks long/short strategy for selection of stocks and uses a bottom up investment approach that seeks U.S. stocks with: (a) positive earnings or the potential to show positive earnings in the near-term; (b) strong cash flows and low debt; (c) industry leadership; (d) lack of Wall Street following; (e) strong management; (f) price-to-earnings ratios below the unweighted market average; and, (g) high returns on equity. The firm often buys stocks that it believes are undervalued due to significant tax-related selling. For more information, visit http://www.firstwilshire.com

Granahan Investment Management is an independent, 100% employee-owned firm that was founded in 1985 by investment professionals with a passion for small capitalization equity investing. Granahan invests in emerging market stocks across small- and mid-market capitalization and all sectors. The firm has grown to over $3 billion in assets under management and the investment team has grown accordingly, now totaling ten professionals. The firm maintains its focused, dedicated and consistent approach to investing, highlighting an investment process that has been honed and proven for over 25 years. For more information, visit http://www.granahan.com/

Great Lakes Advisors, LLC is a Chicago based investment manager. The firm currently manages $4.2 billion in assets for religious communities, public funds, Taft-Hartley plans, corporations, endowment/foundations, health care plans, and high net worth individuals. Great Lakes provides customized large cap and small cap value equity, high quality fixed income and systematic strategies to a diverse group of clients. Our aim is to deliver superior performance while maintaining a conservative risk profile. Today, we manage portfolios for a wide variety of clients including those who desire socially responsible investing.  For more information, visit www.greatlakesadvisors.com

Greenbrier Partners, LTD invests in U.S. stocks across all market capitalization and sectors. Greenbrier Partners, LTD seeks long only approach to select stocks. The firm's bottom up research effort seeks stocks with: (a) strong cash flows; (b) low debt levels; and (c) little institutional following. Greenbrier Partners, LTD also pays attention to insider-trading reports and earnings histories. The firm holds approximately 40 positions and typically invests long-only, but may hedge with options or short positions, depending upon market conditions. Greenbrier Partners, LTD does not use leverage.

Hodges Capital Management is an investment advisory firm managing assets for individuals and institutions. Founded in 1989 and based in Dallas Texas, Hodges Capital Management (HCM), Inc. manages separately managed accounts and mutual funds. HCM manages customized portfolios for many high net worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and charitable organizations. HCM is also the advisor to six mutual funds. For more information, visit www.hodgescapital.com

Ironwood Investment Management, LLC is an independent, 100% employee owned investment management firm located in Boston that specializes in finding and investing in undervalued small cap companies. The firm was formed in 1997 by a group of experienced investment professionals that have had success in building quality investment firms, assembling investment talent, and successfully managing small cap portfolios for institutions and individuals. Ironwood is unique because of the depth of experience and the investment professionals’ ability to identify overreactions by investors to short term conditions and find undervalued small cap companies. A great deal of emphasis is placed on knowing management, insisting on their involvement with insider purchases, and monitoring the investment thesis. For more information, visit www.ironwoodinvestmentmanagement.com

Since their inceptions, both Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) and Keeley Teton Advisors, LLC (Keeley Teton) have been pioneers in small, mid and micro-cap, active, value investing. The two share a common investment approach which utilizes disciplined bottom-up, fundamental analysis in the search for inefficiently priced equities. The transformational purchase of Keeley Asset Management Corp. by Teton in March 2017, combined two well-established active, asset managers into a single, scalable investment firm. For more information, visit www.keeleyteton.com

Luther King Capital Management is an SEC registered investment advisory firm founded by J. Luther King, Jr. in 1979 with an initial client located in Fort Worth, Texas. LKCM provides investment advisory services to high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts and estates, and other organizations. LKCM is owned and controlled by employees of the firm. LKCM has 81 employees, including 48 investment and other professionals with many educational and professional designations, including CFA (30), MBA (31), and CPA (7). At December 31, 2014, LKCM had $15.0 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.lkcm.com 

Marble Harbor Investment Counsel makes long-term investments in strong businesses within attractive industries. The firm invests in U.S. stocks across all market capitalization and sectors.  These investments must have sustainable competitive advantages, consistent patterns of growth, strong profit and cash flow characteristics, solid balance sheets and proven management teams. For more information, visit http://marbleharboric.com/

​​Founded in Dallas in 1989 NFJ Investment Group manages assets for a sizable list of institutional and private clients through retail mutual funds and managed account  programs, which are both offered through Allianz Global Investors. NFJ is a disciplined, value oriented equity manager specializing in a diversified, low P/E approach that selects stocks on a bottom-up basis. Investment philosophy is based on research which has shown that portfolios of dividend paying low P/E stocks have outperformed market indices throughout all capitalization levels over extended periods. Currently 8 value products are managed. These products are available in separate accounts and institutional mutual funds format. Dividend Value (mid/large cap); Large Cap Value; Renaissance Fund (mid cap); Mid Cap Value; Small Cap Value (closed to new investors); All Cap Value; Global Dividend Value; International Value. For more information, visit http://us.allianzgi.com/Pages/Default.aspx 

North Star Investment Management is a Chicago-based investment management firm serving individual investors and pooled accounts. For more than 20 years, we have navigated through volatile markets while attempting to illuminate value and uncover unique investment opportunities. Considering risk and return, North Star’s Investment and Research team looks to establish long-term positions in high-quality businesses at the right price. The result is a portfolio of securities typically undiscovered by most investors, which we believe may offer compelling value. Through our North Star Mutual Funds and separately managed accounts we offer investment strategies that provide exposure to publicly traded stocks and bonds. Our “Micro to Macro” approach to investing incorporates expertise in finding undervalued and overlooked small- and micro-capitalization companies, as well as investing in opportunities identified by our macroeconomic and primary research. For more information, visit https://nsinvest.com/investment-management

Perritt Capital Management, Inc. is an independent and registered investment advisor located in Chicago's Financial District.  The firm manages over $500 million of client assets including two no-load mutual funds and 150 separately managed accounts. Since its establishment in 1987, the firm has specialized in small company investing for individual and institutional investors. In addition, the company offers asset allocation portfolio management to individual investors. For more information, visit  www.perrittcap.com

Punch & Associates is a globally recognized, independent asset management boutique known for their commitment to delivering superior investment performance and exceptional client service. Punch & Associates risk-averse investment philosophy is centered on preserving and growing their clients’ assets. For more information, visit www.punchinvest.com

Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk (“SKK”) is a leading, independently-owned, SEC Registered Investment Advisory firms. With more than 20 years of experience delivering fiduciary management and investing services and over $6 billion of assets under management, SKK combines a deep bench of talented professionals with a cutting-edge, proprietary technology platform to meet the unique needs of our private clients. We take pride in our ability to provide institutional capabilities with boutique quality client service. SKK provides a wide variety of services and capabilities within two divisions: Wealth Management and Asset Management. For more information, visit https://skk-llc.com/

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, manages investment assets and provides services for its clients. The company operates in two segments, Advisory and Trust. The Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, individuals, and the Westwood Funds; and investment sub-advisory services to mutual funds, pooled investment vehicles, and its Trust segment. The Trust segment offers trust and custodial services; and participates in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit  www.westwoodgroup.com

William Harris Investors, Inc. (WHI) is a privately owned, Registered Investment Adviser that provides investment and wealth management services. Initially founded in 1976 by Irving B. Harris to manage his own family’s capital, WHI became a Registered Investment Adviser in 1987. Today, WHI invests in a broad array of investment strategies, including public and private equities, fixed income, venture capital, hedge funds and real estate. The overall investment goal of WHI’s asset allocation process is to achieve attractive long-term, risk-adjusted returns while protecting capital during volatile markets. For more information, visit https://www.whi.com