EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 3 Issue 3 | Page 51

so that the American economy can continue to benefit from the program’s critical economic stimulus. He discussed the need for legislative reform to ensure that the efforts of EB-5 regional centers are sustained, and that job creation projects in both rural and urban areas are able to thrive under the EB-5 program. After Congressman Goodlatte’s speech, the dual track panels began. The panels were split into beginner and advanced tracks to maximize the educational value for attendees of all levels of EB-5 knowledge. The morning panels ranged from cornerstone topics like EB-5 financing basics to more nuanced analysis of topics like EB-5 program reauthorization, and potential changes to the Regional Center Program. The beginner track laid a strong foundation through panels on EB-5 deal structures and due diligence considerations. The advanced track looked at the intricacies of USCIS policies involving the use of loans as a source of investor capital, “Investing Cash from Loan Proceeds,” which was followed by an EB-5 Securities Roundtable discussion. The moderators and panelists represented a cross-section of the industry’s most respected and experienced voices from the many diverse perspectives and professions within the EB-5 industry. Each speaker offered their unique experience and seasoned wisdom to an equally diverse group of attendees. After each panel discussion, a Q&A session gave attendees the chance to interact directly with the speakers. The Los Angeles room was once again filled to capacity at lunch, where former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell gave a special address voicing his support for the program. He detailed the many benefits the program has provided in terms of job and economic growth to his home state of Pennsylvania. He further echoed Chairman Goodlatte’s sentiments regarding the need for program reauthorization to further the program’s appeal and positive contributions to the American economy. Conference attendees network at the Monday evening post-conference reception, hosted by David Hirson & Partners, LLP. CanAm Enterprises, LLC hosted an EB-5 Gala on Monday evening following the conference to celebrate the successful repayment of over 1,250 investors. Holding the symbolic check presented to investors at the event, left to right: David Paterson, Former Governor of New York, Tom Rosenfeld, CEO of CanAm Enterprises, LLC, Edward Rendell, Former Governor of Pennsylvania, Ali Jahangiri, founder and CEO of EB5 Investors Magazine, and John Grady, president of PIDC. Panels throughout the afternoon addressed hot topics currently facing the industry. A highlight was a panel discussion between leading migration agents that was simultaneously translated from Mandarin into English. Panels also explored the impact of Chinese EB-5 visa retrogression, as well as “EB-5 Investment Capital Outside of China.” The beginner panels covered fundamental EB-5 fundraising topics such as “EB-5 Success in Public-Private Partnership Models,” and discussions on EB-5 financing in hotel projects and the economics of EB-5 Job Creation. Breaks offered attendees, exhibitors and sponsors ample time to build valuable industry connections. The cocktail reception following the conference allowed attendees, speakers, and sponsors to continue to grow their professional network and develop relationships to strengthen the EB-5 industry. WWW.EB5INVESTORS.COM 49 The support of sponsors, attendees and panelists made the event a resounding success, and cemented the conference series as a “must” for anyone currently working in or considering working in the EB-5 program industry. ★