Capital Advisory Group November 2018

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119 Old State Rd., Ellisville, MO 63021 CapitalAdvisoryGrp.com

NOV 2018

SHARING OUR GRATITUDE

Around our office this time of year, we’re all pretty focused on

We believe gratitude and giving should extend beyond Thanksgiving, and many others agree. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people around the world give back. On Giving Tuesday, people can give back to causes that are important to them and make a difference in their community.The event was created several years ago at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York by the folks of the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, with the aim of bringing people together to give back. From there, it’s grown and spread all around the globe, and every year on that Tuesday, people get in on giving back. With the end of the year approaching, you’re likely thinking about making your last charitable contributions. Even with changes to the tax laws, charitable contributions are still a viable way to give back. Giving Tuesday might be the time to pick the causes you’re passionate about and donate. We could all use some extra support once in a while, right? This could be in the form of volunteering or donating to a charitable organization. We have a food pantry just a couple miles away from us, and they have a pretty heavy need this time of year. We’re excited to be part of the cause and lend a helping hand in our community.

gratitude with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, we’re looking forward to the turkey and pumpkin pie, but that’s not really what it’s about, is it? Whether it’s writing down something you feel grateful for or calling up an old friend to tell them how much you appreciate them, now is the time to reflect on everything we have in our lives.There are also a few events surrounding the day that remind us of gratitude and giving back. We feel very thankful for all of it — our family, our friends, and our clients. We work with an amazing group of people. First of all, we’re so glad you’re in our lives. Our greatest reward is working with you and building the trust that’s so important in every relationship. Thank you for supporting our mission to enable individuals and businesses to manage financial risk. We love working with you. As a family-run business, we see the value of family every day and know that the work we do makes what you do possible. We’re also grateful for our own family members who are there for us and keep us motivated.

Small Business Saturday also takes place after Thanksgiving, and it’s a good way to get some early Christmas shopping done while supporting local businesses. Inside the newsletter, we share a bit more about the event. We recognize that Thanksgiving isn’t the only holiday this month. Veterans Day is a special day to thank those who served in the military. Many businesses participate in discounts for veterans and thank them for their service. It’s always good to acknowledge our veterans, but on this day especially, we want to remember what they’ve given.We are grateful for them and the honor to work with folks who have served.To all the veterans out there, thank you for your service. We hope you have a wonderful time with your family this month and that you have some time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Enjoy the special time with your loved ones.

-Jeff and John Zufall

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HowThanksgiving Became a National Holiday SARAH HALE

AN ACT OF GRATITUDE OR A HOLLOW GESTURE?

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays celebrated throughout the United States. One of the first documented Thanksgiving celebrations took place in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast together. But the banquet, which celebrated the colonists’ first successful harvest, wasn’t just one large meal, nor did it last for only one day; in fact, the feast lasted for three days.

Say Thank You Like You Mean It

Thanksgiving is a time to express your gratitude to the people in your life. During this time of year, plenty of companies talk about how thankful they are for their clients. But more often than not, to those clients, words of thanks feel like just another sales gimmick. If you want to show your clients how much they mean to you, here are a few ways you can express that thanks authentically. Send aThank-You Note Getting a letter in the mail is a nice feeling. Taking the time to send a client a handwritten letter is the kind of pleasant surprise that really makes someone feel good. Obviously, a handwritten note will take more time to craft than an email, so it’s okay to send fewer notes in order to really make an impact. Find some tips for writing awesome thank-you notes at Helpscout.net/blog/ how-to-write-a-killer-thank-you-note. Give the Gift of Food We all need to eat, so what better way to say thank you than with a sweet treat? You may not be aware of any unique dietary restrictions your client may have, so it’s best to play it safe. A tin of cookies or some peppermint bark will delight almost anyone, but if your client is a fitness company, they may prefer a healthier treat, like a fruit basket. Donate to a Client’s Favorite Charity A great way to show that you care is by helping a client give to their favorite charity or cause. If you happen to know a charity near and dear to their heart, you can make a surprise donation in their name, or you can reach out and ask them directly. It’s the season of giving, after all! The best way to make your thank-you feel authentic is to genuinely be authentic. Yes, an unexpected gesture can reflect well on your company and encourage clients to talk you up to their friends and family, but potential referrals should be a perk of giving back, not the main goal. Practice genuine gratitude this Thanksgiving, and it will be well-received.

In later years,Thanksgiving also lasted for longer than a single meal. During the time of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress chose several days throughout the year to celebrate giving thanks.Then, in 1789, George Washington made the U.S. national government’s first Thanksgiving proclamation. He used this to speak to his fellow American citizens about the Revolution’s satisfactory conclusion and encouraged them to show their thanks for the freedoms they gained. Thanksgiving became a national holiday more than 200 years after its first celebration. It gained this status largely due to the persistence of a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. Hale was a successful magazine editor, prolific writer of novels and poems, and author of the famous nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” which was first published in her 1830 collection entitled “Poems for Our Children.” In 1827, Hale began a campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. For the next 36 years, she wrote numerous editorials and countless letters to state and federal officials expressing her desire that it gain official status. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln finally declared it a national holiday, hoping that it would help heal the wounds of the country. Lincoln decided that the holiday would take place on the last Thursday of November. It was celebrated on that day until 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving a week earlier in the hopes of increasing retail sales during the Great Depression. However, this plan was very unpopular, and in 1941, the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. Without the efforts of Sarah Hale, we might not have the pleasure of the Thanksgiving feast we know and love to this day.This year, give thanks for family, good food, and the resolve of one woman who recognized the importance of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

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Happy Thanksgiving

It’s at this time each year when we take time to appreciate what we’ve accomplished, and to say thank you. We value your patronage and appreciate your confidence in us. Counting you among our clients and friends is something for which we are especially grateful.

May health, happiness and success be yours in abundance! Happy Thanksgiving!

WHAT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS ALL ABOUT

TAKE A BREAK The holiday was started in 2010 by American Express in an effort to give small businesses a boost, and it has grown from there. Leading up to Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24, you’ll likely see advertisements on social media M aybe you’ve heard of Small Business Saturday and wondered what’s behind the social media posts and excitement in downtown shops.The national event takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and it encourages people to shop at their favorite local small businesses.These businesses provide a livelihood to friends, family, and the community.They put money right back in the local economy’s pocket by giving jobs to people in the community.This day recognizes that role by encouraging shoppers to turn to their local small businesses for holiday shopping.

Silver Lady has a unique collection of silver jewelry.The Craft Alliance, a nonprofit art center in St. Louis, puts on an annual sale over the post-Thanksgiving weekend of student and faculty pieces, including pottery and jewelry. Left Bank Books puts on some activities for the weekend and gives out staff recommendations. So look out for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24, and visit the shops you frequent

talking about the event and some of your favorite local businesses promoting discounts and deals. Some businesses go all-out with decorations and special giveaways in their store. How can you take part? Shop at your favorite local small businesses and recommend your favorites to friends

and family to encourage participation. You might be thinking about Christmas gifts, and Small Business Saturday is a good time to get everyone on your list crossed off. At Delmar Loop, for example, several different shops participate. Wizard’s Wagon has great gifts for a friend who likes games.The

— they may just have something happening for the occasion. What’s your favorite St. Louis small business?

PUMPKIN PIE Inspired by Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin • 1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425 F. Whisk pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes. 2. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and continue baking 35–40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. 3. Cool pie. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

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119 Old State Rd. Ellisville, MO 63021 CapitalAdvisoryGrp.com

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Giving Thanks

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What Are Companies Thankful For?

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How Thanksgiving Became an Official Holiday!

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Small Business Saturday

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Pumpkin Pie

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Our Local Support Systems

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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Missouri that qualifies for Champion for Children tax credits. Donations of $100 are eligible for a 50-percent tax credit on Missouri income tax, in addition to other deductions. Call 417-255-2100 for more information. Jewish Federation of St. Louis St. Louis The mission statement of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis is to “mobilize the Jewish community and its human and financial resources to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel, and around the world.” Founded in 1901, this is one of St. Louis’s oldest nonprofits, and the organization supports more than 90 agencies in the area and around the world that serve vulnerable populations. Phone: 314-432-63146 Website: JFedStL.org

Instead of local events this month, we wanted to highlight some of the local organizations that support community members and give back.They work every day in our neighborhoods to empower and uplift the underserved. When you’re looking for inspiration as you make your final charitable contributions for the year, you may want to keep these organizations in mind. Sts. Joachim&Ann Care Service St. Charles ever since.The nonprofit’s mission is “to serve those in crisis and to prevent homelessness and hunger.” Court Appointed Special Advocates Phone: 636-441-1302 Website: JACares.org

Carrying out their motto to “plant the seed of hope [and] break the chain of despair,” Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service is a nonprofit organization that provides case management and support services to individuals and families in crisis, including homelessness. It was started in 1981 by five volunteers, using only $500, and the organization has empowered and uplifted folks in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties

(CASA) St. Louis Phone: 314-552-2352 Website: Voices-StL.org

This national nonprofit, known in the St. Louis area as Voices for Children, has a mission to “recruit, train, and support volunteers to advocate for every abused or neglected child in state care so that they can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.” CASA is one of only three agencies in

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