SIFE receives Charlotte Saves partnership award

The UNC Charlotte chapter of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) recently receivedan award from Charlotte Saves, a not-for-profit organization that promotes financial security and wealth-building in Charlotte.

Charlotte Saves presents itsCommunity Partnership Awardin recognition of major contributions to the creation and support of community partnerships that promote and encourage individual financial security and self-sufficiency. SIFE was recognized for planningoutreach programsthat promote financial literacy, market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship and business ethics.

Six members of the SIFE teamattended Charlotte Saves’ annual awards luncheon on Jan. 23, along with theirchapter advisors, Dr. Daryl Kerr and Kristine Hopkins from the Belk College of Business. The students, all seniors, are Joseph Rinaldi, Trey Rhyne, Ellen Lusby, Kristina Allgood, Natalie Rogersand Erika Escalera.

SIFE president Joe Rinaldi accepted the award from Joe Smith, N.C. commissioner of banks. In his remarks, Smith stressed the importance of higher education in the state’s future as a financial services leader. Hecommended the SIFE students for their efforts and the Belk College for its support of the student organization.

SIFE was nominated for the Charlotte Saves award by Kevin Toomb, executive vice president at First Charter Bank and a member of the SIFE and Charlotte Saves advisory boards.