Professional Advisor News March 2010 More Available Online    Events    News & Resources Letter from the CEO: Investing in a Renewed Silicon Valley For the third year, we are pleased to have again partnered with Joint Venture Silicon Valley to release the 2010 Index of Silicon Valley. This year's Index reported that there are clear warning signs that the region has entered a new era of uncertainty, one in which our ability to attract top talent, fund innovation and preserve a decent quality of life is no longer guaranteed.     May 11 Conference on Charitable Giving Save the date and mark your calendars now for the 11th Annual Conference on Charitable Giving to be held May 11, 2010 at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center in Stanford, CA. Presented by Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Stanford University's Office of Planned Giving . May 7 Northern California Planned Giving Conference Join us at the 18th annual NCPGC Planned Giving Conference, sponsored in part by Silicon Valley Community Foundation, on May 7. Key note speakers include Geoff Puckett and Jeff Kutash. Early registration ends March 12. Register today. Dual Trust Strategy Increases Wealth Transfer to Heirs and Charity By Matthew Leek, CRPC, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. In the game of chess, using two of the chess pieces in tandem often provides a powerful and winning combination. In the game of life, establishing two trusts supporting each other can maximize wealth transfer to heirs as well as to your favorite charities. Haiti Update: Matching Gifts Provide More Impact When disaster struck Haiti on Jan. 12, we were moved by the amazing response from our network of donors. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to leverage donations and make grants to nonprofit organizations providing relief. Just Released! 2009 Year In Review: Charting a Clear Course Charting a clear course during challenging times requires the ability to be versatile and respond nimbly while recognizing the opportunities ahead. This year-end report provides a review of our accomplishments in 2009. Learn more about the progress we've made in strengthening the safety net and building financial security for our region's most vulnerable families. Now Available: 2010 Silicon Valley Index and Special Analysis Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network and Silicon Valley Community Foundation have released the 2010 Index of Silicon Valley, an annual report on Silicon Valley's economic health. This year's report reveals that Silicon Valley's vibrant innovation economy is entering a new phase of uncertainty and that our global competitive standing is at risk.