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Becoming a Member of the CFA

An experienced leader and financial professional in Chicago, Illinois, Todd Bernier manages portfolios, underwrites senior debt, and negotiates letters as the managing director of the Asset Based Lending Department of The PrivateBank. Dedicated to staying active within his professional community, Todd Bernier belongs to several organizations, including the Commercial Finance Association (CFA). The CFA was founded in 1944 with the goals of maintaining a forum for industry ideas, increasing the field's public transparency, and promoting education and responsibility among its members. The Association offers a wide range of benefits to its close to 300 member companies and 16 chapters. National membership is available for organizations who are engaged in secured lending, whereas chapter membership is available to individuals. The CFA encourages individuals to request that their organization become a national member if they work for a lender before they apply as a chapter member. As members, individuals receive such benefits as support advocacy, targeted networking, and event discounts. Members are allowed to participate in various committees hosted by the CFA and have access to members-only educational programs. Meanwhile, national members have more chances to meet referral sources through different events, can share their experiences and best-practices with large lenders and entrepreneurs, and are able to improve their staff’s industry education.                            

#Todd Bernier #chicago #membership #cfa #Commercial Finance Association

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Johan Botha - A Premier Tenor on the World Opera Stage

Todd Bernier is an experienced Chicago financial executive who guides The PrivateBank and underwrites medium-sized leveraged credit transactions. An opera enthusiast, Todd Bernier enjoys classic productions such as the Magic Flute and La Boheme. He is a fan of tenor greats such as Luciano Pavarotti and Johan Botha. Born in 1965 in South Africa, Botha studied in Pretoria and had his debut lead role as Max in Der Freischutz in 1989. Moving to Europe the following year, Botha gained recognition in Germany and performed with the Staatsoper in locations such as Munich, Dresden, and Berlin. Since the mid-1990s, the big-voiced tenor has maintained a close relationship with the Vienna State Opera and has performed in productions such as Leoncavallo's Pagliacci and Strauss's Daphne. Over the years, Botha has become particularly well known for his interpretations of Wagner and has excelled in technically demanding roles such as Lohengrin, in the Wagner opera of the same name.                            

#Todd Bernier #chicago #Johan Botha #Premier Tenor #World Opera Stage #music

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Chicago Blackhawks Sign Kyle Baun and Michael Paliotta

A chartered financial analyst in Chicago, Todd Bernier leverages more than 15 years of experience in corporate banking and loan structuring to serve as a managing director at The PrivateBank. In his leisure time, Todd Bernier likes to watch the NHL, and supports the Chicago Blackhawks. During the final week in March 2015, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Kyle Baun and Michael Paliotta to two-year deals. Each player opted to join the franchise for the 2014-2015 season, expiring the first year of their respective contracts. However, they did not play in the postseason because of their late addition to the team roster. Baun recently finished his collegiate career at Colgate University, where he scored 39 goals and 40 assists in three seasons. Similarly, Paliotta reached the end of his athletic tenure at the University of Vermont. He contributed to the Team USA gold medal-winning campaign at the U18 World Junior Championship in 2011 and accumulated 27 points last year at Vermont.

#Todd Bernier #chicago #Blackhawks #Michael Paliotta #Kyle Baun #sports

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Fred Degerberg’s Community-Focused Martial Arts Academy

Todd Bernier guides The PrivateBank in Chicago as managing director and handles asset-based loan underwriting. Passionate about fitness, Todd Bernier trains at the Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness (DAMA). He is working toward a black belt in Fred Degerberg’s innovative MMA style, which combines techniques from some 300 world fighting disciplines. Along with Bruce Lee, Degerberg is considered by many to be one of the true pioneers in the development of mixed martial arts. Run by the founder himself, the academy provides a dedicated community of people from all walks of life with a place to root themselves in a life centered around martial arts. Degerberg explains that the community feeling, which has spawned marriages between members, is related to the way in which martial arts sometimes attracts people who didn’t excel in competitive sports. A core focus is on fostering a “can-do” attitude that encourages positive health habits and enables practitioners to deal with challenging life situations. In 2006, the iconic school was recognized by Black Belt magazine as the Best Overall Martial Arts School in the World.                            

#Todd Bernier #The PrivateBank #Chicago #loan underwriting #Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness (DAMA)

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Basics for Kickboxing - Stance and Punches

As the managing director for asset-based lending at the PrivateBank in Chicago, Todd Bernier facilitates a variety of financial services for corporate borrowers. Todd Bernier also enjoys staying fit by kickboxing in his free time. Also useful for self-defense, kickboxing offers a good cardiovascular workout. Success in learning its basic moves depends on having the proper stance. The feet should be at the shoulders’ width with the right leg moved back at that distance. The right foot should be angled at 45 degrees to the right. The left foot should be flat while the right foot's heel should be slightly elevated. Both knees should be bent slightly. The right fist should be held near the temple and the left should be in front of the chin. This stance enables practitioners to make one of four basic moves: - For the jab punch, keep the wrist straight, extend the forward arm, and step ahead, placing your weight on the front foot. - The cross punch comes from the rear arm; pivoting your hips adds power to the arm motion. - The hook punch comes from either or both arms. It is a rounded punch, intended to strike an opponent's jaw or ribcage. Make contact with the first two knuckles as you move. - The uppercut punch contacts the opponent's chin or ribs, driving upwards. Either hand can be used to add to the power of the hip swivel.                              

#Todd Bernier #chicago #Stance and Punches #Kickboxing #sports

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Todd Bernier serves Chicago's the PrivateBank by consulting with clients about credit analysis, due diligence, and corporate loans. To improve his community, Todd Bernier volunteers for the LadderUp program. Begun in 1994 as a free tax preparation service, the Chicago-based nonprofit organization LadderUp has since expanded to provide additional help in basic family finances and college loan applications. Workshops offer, several of which are detailed below, opportunities for individuals to enhance their economic literacy. 1) The Consumerism Workshop teaches methods of getting the most out your income. Subjects include keeping priorities, managing debt, major purchases, and identity theft, as well as buyer's rights. 2) The Budgeting Workshop demonstrates the difference between flexible and fixed expenses and emphasizes setting goals. Participants also learn how to use online budgeting applications. 3) Achieving and maintaining a good credit score is the focus of the Credit Control Workshop. In addition, it describes common mistakes and encourages the benefits of responsible uses of credit. LadderUp can adapt these and other workshops for various groups, as well as setting up one-to-one counseling and mentoring. For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.goladderup.org.                            

Chicago's LadderUp Program Workshops Promote Financial Literacy

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Chicago's LadderUp Program Workshops Promote Financial Literacy

Todd Bernier serves Chicago's the PrivateBank by consulting with clients about credit analysis, due diligence, and corporate loans. To improve his community, Todd Bernier volunteers for the LadderUp program. Begun in 1994 as a free tax preparation service, the Chicago-based nonprofit organization LadderUp has since expanded to provide additional help in basic family finances and college loan applications. Workshops offer, several of which are detailed below, opportunities for individuals to enhance their economic literacy. 1) The Consumerism Workshop teaches methods of getting the most out your income. Subjects include keeping priorities, managing debt, major purchases, and identity theft, as well as buyer's rights. 2) The Budgeting Workshop demonstrates the difference between flexible and fixed expenses and emphasizes setting goals. Participants also learn how to use online budgeting applications. 3) Achieving and maintaining a good credit score is the focus of the Credit Control Workshop. In addition, it describes common mistakes and encourages the benefits of responsible uses of credit. LadderUp can adapt these and other workshops for various groups, as well as setting up one-to-one counseling and mentoring. For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.goladderup.org.                            

#Todd Bernier #LadderUp Program #Financial Literacy #Workshops #chicago

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The Modern History of Mixed Martial Arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Assistant Vice President of Capital Markets at GE Capital, Todd Bernier keeps physically fit by practicing mixed martial arts (MMA). As he studies towards a black belt in MMA, Todd Bernier is learning a combination of 300 combat styles from around the world. Although fighters have competed using varying techniques for thousands of years, some consider the 1970s as the start of modern MMA. One of the first major mixed-style bouts occurred in Japan in 1976, when Muhammad Ali fought Antonio Inoki. Although the event caused some controversy, it garnered attention around the world. Nevertheless, it took another 17 years for MMA to break through in America. November 12, 1993, saw the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tournament to air on pay-per-view. Featuring competitors trained in MMA, UFC wavered in popularity until the early 2000s, when it came under new ownership. Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who bought the company, appointed Dana White as its President, and UFC soon obtained significant public recognition and numerous television deals.     

#Todd Bernier #Mixed Martial Arts #modern history #Ultimate Fighting Championship

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St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir

An experienced chartered financial analyst and business administrator, Todd Bernier presently directs the Asset Based Lending Department at The PrivateBank in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of the professional arena, he is involved with several charitable initiatives at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, a Roman Catholic community located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Todd Bernier also serves as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir. Music has always been an important part of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish. The organization looks upon devotional song as an “offering of praise and thanksgiving to God.” Comprised of both men and women, the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir performs at regular 10 a.m. Sunday masses accompanied by the church’s traditional Lyon & Healey pipe organ. This inspirational vocal group explores a wide variety of sacred choral music with a focus on refining skills such as sight singing and knowledge of basic music theory. The choir practices on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Ozanam room of DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus. These practices span the entire duration of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir’s active season, which runs from Labor Day to the Feast of Corpus Christi in early June.

#St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir #Todd Bernier #Chicago Illinois

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Supporting Ladder Up

Chicago resident Todd Bernier is managing director of the asset based lending department at The PrivateBank, where he underwrites senior debt and manages existing portfolios. A caring member of the community, Todd Bernier supports local charitable organizations such as Ladder Up. Founded in 1994, Ladder Up offers free college financial aid application assistance, tax return preparation, and money management workshops to individuals in Chicago, Illinois, helping them advance on the economic ladder. Volunteers with the organization may help with either the Life-Improving Financial Tools (LIFT) program or the Tax Assistance Program (TAP). Ladder Up provides training to volunteers for both programs. Ladder Up also accepts financial donations and maintains different giving levels ranging from $1,000 to upwards of $250,000. All donors are included in the organization’s website and annual report, while Gold Circle donors and above are included on the back of the organization’s volunteer t-shit. Ladder Up also looks for corporate sponsors willing to donate space for its various events. Through its partnerships with local communities, businesses, and schools, the organization uses in-kind donations such as legal services and office space to support its mission.

#Todd Bernier #Ladder Up #support. #donations #volunteers #free college financial aid application assistance #tax return preparation #money management workshops

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Exercise and the Importance of Proper Hydration

As a Managing Director at The PrivateBank, Todd Bernier serves clients in the Chicago area where he underwrites medium-sized leveraged credits and manages portfolios. In his free time, Todd Bernier stays active by training for marathons and triathlons and participating in martial arts. Drinking water is crucial to enjoying a great workout because it helps people exercise efficiently by serving as a lubricant for the entire body and moving important nutrients to the right places. However, many people are dehydrated when they start their workouts. Mostly this is due to people underestimating how much water they need; even seasoned athletes struggle with proper hydration. Ideally, you should drink water throughout the day before you exercise and consume approximately 20 ounces of water an hour or two prior to your workout and another 10 ounces 15 minutes before your workout. During the workout, make sure to drink 8 ounces for every 15 minutes of activity. If it’s a hotter day and you’re sweating more, increase your water intake.                            

#Todd Bernier #hydration #proper #importance #exercise #health #fitness

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Get Involved with LadderUp

Todd Bernier serves as a Managing Director at The PrivateBank in Chicago, Illinois, where he manages a portfolio of multiple corporate borrowers. In his free time, Todd Bernier enjoys charity work and supports local Chicago nonprofits, including LadderUp. LadderUp has helped more than 197,000 people since 1994 by offering financial resources and opportunities enabling them to better their lives and climb the economic ladder. Services include free tax preparation, money management workshops, and college financial aid application assistance. Part of the organization’s success relies on a generous group of volunteers. Chicago residents interested in helping out are invited to start the volunteer process by creating a profile at the website, goladderup.ehclients.com. After signing up for the volunteer training, they can complete the training and all required tests. Volunteers can then sign up for at least three volunteer shifts and begin helping LadderUp clients. There are numerous volunteer roles within the organization. Visit the website to find out more about the different opportunities.

#Todd Bernier #Chicago Illinois #LadderUp

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Degerberg Academy's MMA Program

A chartered financial analyst with 15 years of professional experience, Todd Bernier currently serves as managing director of the Asset Based Lending Department at The PrivateBank in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of the professional environment, he is involved in a number of recreational athletic activities. As a member of the Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts, Todd Bernier is pursuing his black belt in mixed martial arts (MMA). The Degerberg Academy supports two locations in the greater Chicago area, one in Lincoln Square and another in Irving Park. Experts in cross-training, Degerberg’s award-winning MMA instructors presently conduct classes at both branches. Incorporating approximately 300 different fighting styles from across the globe, the MMA style endorsed by Degerberg features “powerful strikes, strategic blocks, and lock-tight holds.” All Degerberg MMA training is conducted in a constructive and encouraging atmosphere that is designed to deliver noticeable results. Whether students want to learn how to defend themselves or simply get their bodies into exceptional shape, the Degerberg Academy MMA program can help them increase strength, reduce stress, and boost confidence. Program instruction ranges from workshops and seminars to individualized instruction.

#Todd Bernier #Chicago Illinois #Degerberg Academy

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Benefits of a Polarized Endurance Workout Approach

As managing director of The PrivateBank in Chicago, Todd Bernier provides asset-based loans and manages a portfolio of several corporate borrowers. Passionate about mixed martial arts, Todd Bernier also trains for marathon and triathlon events. For many triathletes, the key to a successful event performance is not simply a matter of excelling at the individual disciplines of running, cycling, and swimming. It involves developing the stamina and endurance to excel at all of these events in one go. The basic strategy for any endurance event is to begin training well in advance of the competition and to gradually build up speed and distance as the weeks progress. At the elite level, this typically involves 15 to 30 hours of sustained work each week, split into approximately a dozen sessions. An emerging strategy among elite endurance athletes is the polarized workout, which involves sustained periods of light-intensity aerobics combined with short periods of high-intensity exercise. For marathon runners, this may involve running approximately 80 percent of the time at below-competition exertion levels, and 15 to 20 percent of the time at above-marathon exertion levels. This stands in contrast with many recreational competitors, who spend most of their time engaged in medium-intensity workouts. The benefits of this polarized approach are that competitors gain efficiency and mastery over their discipline through repetition during low-intensity sessions, as well as the ability to continue over extended periods of time. The high-intensity bursts help them adapt to pain and test their thresholds. Subsequently, returning to light exertion gives their bodies time to bounce back and recover and to prepare for the next high-intensity workout.

#Approach #Todd Bernier #Polarized Endurance #workout #exercise

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A Look at the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center, by Todd Bernier

Located in Chicago, the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center functions as a division of DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus. At the 123,000-square-foot complex, people can work out in a variety of ways. It contains more than 100 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, numerous free weights, racquetball courts, and a four-court gymnasium. Moreover, the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center hosts more than 65 group fitness classes every week and numerous instructional courses that include Pilates, yoga, martial arts, and self-defense. People who sign up here can also receive outdoor equipment rentals, massage therapy, and personal training. Anyone who is 16 or older can join the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center. While DePaul University students, faculty, alumni, and family can acquire memberships at discounted rates, people in the community can sign up to use its facilities at full price. To learn more, log on to campusrec.depaul.edu. About the Author: Possessing series 7 and 63 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Todd Bernier aids GE Capital as Assistant Vice President of Capital Markets. Interested in physical fitness, Bernier participates in marathons and triathlons. He conducts spinning classes at the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center in Chicago.

#Todd Bernier #Fitness and Recreation Center #ray meyer #chicago

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Saint Vincent de Paul and the Care of the Poor By Todd Bernier

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is now an international organization, with more than 1.3 million members helping poor and disadvantaged people in 148 countries, but like many other great forces, it began small. In 1833, a group of students at the Sorbonne in Paris, dismayed that the Catholic Church did not seem to serve the people they believed it should, formed the Conference of Charity with the aim of providing food, clothes, and shelter to denizens of the Parisian slums as well as supporting tutors and libraries. The group took as their patrons the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Vincent de Paul. Vincent de Paul, the son of a peasant farmer, was born in France in 1581. He received an education from the Cordeliers, an order of Franciscan monks, and became a priest. He was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. After he escaped, he served as chaplain to the Gondi family and began preaching to peasants and galley-slaves. He founded the Congregation of the Mission, and later he created the Daughters of Charity, an association of parish women who served the poor of Paris. Vincent de Paul was canonized in 1737, and Frédéric Ozanam, the leading voice in the society named for the saint, was himself beatified in 1997. About Todd Bernier: Todd Bernier of Chicago is Assistant Vice President of GE Capital Markets. He is an active contributor to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

#Saint Vincent de Paul Society #Saint Vincent de Paul #Todd Bernier #Chicago

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Todd Bernier Discusses Equity Research Basics

We spoke to Todd Bernier, former Associate Director of Equity Research at Morningstar, Inc., about the fundamentals of equity research. During his five years with the firm, Mr. Bernier led the efforts of a group of stock analysts. He currently handles the role of Assistant Vice President of Capital Markets for GE Capital’s Structuring and Syndications Group.

Q: What is equity research?

A: Equity research involves closely evaluating the financial data of a public company and also its stock price performance to determine the relative value of the equity as an investment. A myriad of statistical calculations and metrics are computed regularly to evaluate a firm’s profitability, and this information is compared not only to the historical data associated with that particular firm, but also to the financial data of other companies and the industry as a whole. In this way, equity can be assessed objectively.

Q: What is a typical day like for an equity researcher?

A: Equity research requires the individual to look at large amounts of data and then quickly recognize trends. Understandably, this work requires strong knowledge and skill in the areas of economics, finance, statistics, and accounting. Analysts are always working on reports, so they must have the ability to flag important information that should be considered when they release a final report or grading of certain equities. Analysts who focus on a certain industry sector also need to stay abreast of any technological or legislative changes that might affect that particular industry. The days are very long, especially for senior-level equity researchers and analysts, as developments sometimes occur after the stock market closes.

Q: Why is equity research important?

A: Equity research provides investment and rating firms, traders, private bankers, corporate managers, and clients with a clearer, impartial picture of the financial health of a company. This type of sound economic information is vital to business decision making and risk assessment.

#Chicago #Equity Research #Equity Research Basics #GE Capital #GE Capital’s Structuring and Syndications Group #Illinois #Todd Bernier