News from FPA of Minnesota

Your Partner in Planning

December 5, 2023

December Chapter Meeting: The Champion’s Code - Relationships built through integrity and accountability

Tuesday, Dec.19, from 2-5 p.m.

Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE

Business Speaker & Author

2023 is going out on a high note.


Join us at December's chapter meeting as Ross Bernstein, an award-winning speaker and author of nearly 50 books, parallels sports champions and successful business leaders. Based on extensive interviews with over 1,000 athletes and coaches from championship teams, his program identifies common traits and metrics shared by peak sports and business performers. Delving into the "Good to Great" concept, he emphasizes servant leadership, creating a culture of excellence, developing deep relationships and providing exceptional customer service. 


Through engaging stories, Bernstein illustrates how companies can overcome disruption, build trust and succeed. At the core of his message is the simple fact that we like to do business with people we trust, we like and who “get it.”


Attendees will learn how to:

  • Create a culture of excellence
  • Generate momentum through the "currency of karma"
  • Follow one's moral compass to win the right way
  • Create buy-in by embracing change and failure
  • Evolve into a trusted partner by enhancing the quality of relationships.


More information.

Chapter Meeting Happy Hour: Let's celebrate!

Tuesday, Dec.19, from 5-6:30 p.m.

As the year ends, we acknowledge the outstanding contributions and express gratitude for our Pro Bono Committee. In addition, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Office Connection as FPA MN transitions management services beginning January 1. Jessica Hawthorne and Bonnie Stanley from Office Connection have been an asset to the organization and are deeply appreciated for their commitment and leadership.


Join us for the festivities on December 19!

Register here.

Chapter meetings are held at Golden Valley's beautiful

Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom. Zoom option available.

Chapter Update

Board President Bruce Lorenz

Happy December!


Reflecting on the past year, we've seen remarkable achievements, growth and camaraderie that define our association. Every member played an integral role in shaping our collective success, and your dedication and contributions are deeply appreciated.


Stepping into new program ideas in 2024, I look forward to continuing this journey with each of you. Over the last three to four years, we've demonstrated resilience and determination in facing challenges. Together, there's no limit to what we can achieve. I encourage you to engage with fellow members and actively participate in the variety of initiatives planned.


I give my deepest gratitude to everyone for making the past year extraordinary. Your passion, dedication and collaboration have set the foundation for an even brighter future. Here's to many more years of success and making a positive impact together!


Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year,

Bruce Lorenz, President

FPA MN's Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Jason Kley

FPA MN annually presents the Distinguished Service Award to a local individual, organization, or company that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of professional competence, integrity, relationships and stewardship and whose extraordinary contributions advance the financial planning profession and promote financial literacy.


This year, the recipient of this prestigious award is Jason Kley. Jason is a dedicated chapter member committed to pro bono and financial education. His passion is evident through his active involvement in various committees and activities within FPA MN. In addition, he was recognized as the 2009 Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader of the Year - reflecting his outstanding contributions to the community.


Jason's commitment extends beyond awards, as evidenced by his roles as the 2018 FPA MN President and his board memberships with MN JumpStart and the MN Council on Economic Education. In the past year, he successfully led a team creating the Financial Literacy Coalition of MN. Their efforts resulted in the passage of a bill requiring every high school student in Minnesota to take a personal finance class before graduation. This accomplishment speaks highly of Jason's leadership and advocacy skills.


Congratulations, Jason, for being the well-deserved recipient of 2023's Distinguished Service Award!

Future Programming


In 2024, FPA MN will introduce exciting changes to the frequency and diversity of monthly offerings. Events will continue to align with FPA's values of P–L–A–N: practice support, learning, advocacy and networking.


Stay tuned for updates, and save the dates for these invaluable opportunities!

Recap: ASCEND Conference

The 2023 ASCEND Conference achieved remarkable success, drawing more than 400 attendees. Participants praised the accomplished lineup of speakers, which included Michael Thomas Jr., David Kelly, Brian Levitt, Linda Duessel, Corey Anderson, Brett and Bridgett Leschinsky, Ann Garcia, David Blanchett, MN Department of Commerce, Phillip Colmar, Robert Burns, Daniel Metcalf, Amy Florian, Stuart Bear, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Ryan Prochaska, Lisa Henry, Melissa Kemp, Daniel Yerger, Jackie Henry, Heidi Strohmaier, Dana Brewer, Greg Prokott, Janet Stanzak, Ben Henry-Moreland and Michael Finke. 


Thank you to all the volunteers, presenters and members who contributed to the conference's success!


To receive notices and pictures from events, please follow our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

DEI Book Club Meeting: "A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota"

Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Take an enlightening journey with us in January!


Immerse yourself in the tapestry of Minnesotan experiences through our upcoming book club selection. At their next meeting, the DEI Committee will discuss "A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota," a compilation of essays by 16 exceptional local writers that provide a range of perspectives on living in a predominantly white state. The narratives shed light on the triumphs and challenges faced by individuals of color in Minnesota, offering a compelling exploration of hidden realities. 


The thought-provoking stories provide a unique opportunity to comprehend the complexities and engage in meaningful conversations about racial disparities in our communities.


Join us, share your perspectives, and contribute to our collective evolution toward a more inclusive future. Secure your spot at this Zoom meeting here.


*If you don't have access to the book, please get in touch with us at [email protected] and you'll be given the resources to participate fully.

Member shoutout: Shawn Jacobson

In December, FPA MN celebrates Advisor Shawn Jacobson from NorthRock Partners. Shawn has been an active member of our chapter for over two decades.


An interest in investing sparked Shawn's journey into financial planning. His ambitious career path includes banking, insurance and investment management. The convergence of these experiences in a financial planning practice allows him to weave together the pieces necessary to create comprehensive financial plans. He states that helping people forge a path to financial security and achieve their goals brings him immense satisfaction.  


Shawn's commitment to FPA MN has been exceptional. His journey began with the public relations committee, where he collaborated with many inspirational members and leaders of the profession. As time unfolded, he assumed the PR Committee's leadership role. Shawn then joined the Board of Directors and became FPA MN's 2008 president. While his involvement has changed, with a recent focus on the Partnership Committee, Shawn's impact remains long-lasting.


"I have really enjoyed being part of committees and working closely with my peers. I've learned so much from them and developed great friendships. My time with the public relations committee was the most fun. We worked hard but found time to play, too!" 


Shawn Jacobson portrays the spirit of dedication and collaboration within FPA MN. His journey, spanning twenty years, is marked by a commitment to excellence, a passion for financial planning, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. We thank Shawn for his contributions and look forward to a future of shared success within the FPA MN community.


Learn more about FPA MN's committees.

Upcoming events and deadlines

FPA MN's Meetings and Events
FPA of Minnesota | 763.781.1212 | fpamn.org
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin  Youtube  Instagram