A body of young professionals is this week hosting a forum in partnership with the Bermuda Stock Exchange on investing in island companies.

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Professionals Division’s (Bepro) Local Investment Forum, aimed at first-time investors, will take place on Thursday, July 6.

Entitled ‘Local Investing, Why Bermuda?’ the panel discussion is aimed at first-time investors interested in learning more about the opportunities available to them in the domestic market.

Bepro chairwoman Meredith Lombardo said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to provide an educational and social platform for our members, Bepro is delighted to be collaborating with the BSX and a number of its listed issuers, to provide this open forum on local investing.”

The panel discussion will be led by Greg Wojciechowski, chief executive officer of the BSX, and include BF&M CEO John Wight, One Communications general counsel, Michael Tanglao and LOM sales manager Michael Greaves.

The panel will explore the BSX’s role in the Bermuda capital market, discuss the value of Bermuda domestic market share ownership, review basic investment principles, and outline how to open a local market account.

Speaking on the eve of the event Mr Wojciechowski said: “The upcoming Bepro forum aligns perfectly with the Exchange’s ongoing commitment to our ‘Own your Share of Bermuda’ investor education programme and we were delighted when the Chamber’s Emerging Professional’s Division agreed to partner with us on this event.

“It is our hope that this will be the first in a series of initiatives we will undertake in partnership with Bepro and our listed issuers over the coming year.”

Mr Wojciechowski added: “It is extremely important for Bermuda’s future leaders to be aware of the importance of their national stock exchange to the overall economy of Bermuda, and to embrace the opportunities available to them locally. No doubt there will be those in the audience who one day will aspire to list their own successful company on the BSX and we look forward to welcoming them when that time comes.”

Ms. Lombardo concluded by noting; “BEPRO is always interested in growing its membership base, so we are actively encouraging all interested young professionals to attend this free event.”

The forum will start at 5.30pm at the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 1 Point Pleasant Road, Hamilton. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Ms Lombardo at beprobermuda@gmail.com