Pottstown Independence Planning Group owner earns designation
POTTSTOWN >> Patricia Picardi, of Independence Planning Group, has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College of Financial Services, Bryn Mawr.
The three course credential helps advisors master retirement income planning, a key focus area not fully covered in other professional designation programs.
Picardi graduated with a BBA with honors in finance and a minor in economics, from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.
In 2002, Picardi collaborated with some other advisors in her region and formed the Independence Planning Group of Guardian under the leadership of General Agent Dan Linehan. She owns one of Independence Planning Group’s eight satellite offices, which is located in Pottstown.
Picardi has obtained her CLU and ChFC designations; she is series 65 and 7 licensed and is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, where she has served as president and treasurer. She is also a member of Women in Insurance and Financial Services. She has served on Guardian’s Women’s Advisory Board, the Foundation for Pottstown Education, the Greater Pottstown Tennis Association, and is a current elder, Clerk of Session, and endowment chairperson at her church. Picardi has also been named as a 5-Star Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine every year since 2010, is featured in the American Registry as a top 5 percent financial advisor, and received the YWCA 2009 Woman of Excellence in Business.
Souderton
UNIVEST BANK AND TRUST CO. PARTNERS WITH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ON FUNDRAISER >> Univest Bank and Trust Co. is teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region Inc. for its Adopt a Blarney fundraiser. Blarney, a cuddly, plush dog, is available for purchase for $10 at 36 Univest financial centers across Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, through March 25.
All proceeds will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities’ mission to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. A complete listing of Univest’s locations can be found at https://www.univest. net/locate-us.
Donations can also be made during the 8th Annual Change the Luck of a Child Telethon, which will air live on CBS 3 and the CW Philly on March 28, 2017 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Univest in January 2015 made commitments totaling more than $350,000 to support Philadelphia nonprofit organizations over the course of 2017. In 2016, Univest donated more than $1.6 million across its service area and its employees contributed 17,600 volunteer hours.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities visit www.rmhcphilly. org. For more information about Univest Bank and Trust Co. visit www. univest.net.