VCC 2014 Annual Report Page 10

8 · VCC 2014 Annual Report

mpact investing is a concept that is taking hold nationally, linking investors with a
double bottom return (financial and social). In 2013, VCC rolled out a new investment
product, Local Impact Opportunity Notes (LION), offering accredited socially conscious

investors a small financial return and a local social return by funding projects impacting
Virginia communities. Investors have the opportunity to do more than traditional
philanthropy--to contribute to enhancing Virginians' lives by allocating their dollars
to regions they care about most. Projects may include creating affordable housing,
renovating a blighted building for mixed use or helping a small business create jobs.

Why make a social investment in VCC?

It's simple--to create healthy, vibrant Virginia communities. When asked why he
invests in VCC, Jeff Ukrop said, "VCC provides financing that probably wasn't
available to my grandparents (or other small business owners) when they started
Ukrop's Super Markets. So, my investment is supporting small business financing that
helps fuel community revitalization."

Susan Brock Wilkes, Ph.D., Owner of Wilkes Consulting, added, "I had heard

of VCC's reputation for some time and like their work in community development and
investing in communities. I support nonprofits through traditional means--philanthropy
and volunteering-- and saw this as a very unique opportunity to invest vs. just give. The

social benefit is very important to me, so my investment
is really congruent with my values. I am impressed that
a Richmond company is on the forefront of something so
innovative and progressive."

Another impact investor, Marc McGahee, mentioned,

"The LION note concept is very innovative and offers
a significant opportunity to make a huge difference in
Virginians' lives by creating jobs, providing affordable
housing, health care, and more. It is exciting to be a part
of this new type of philanthropy."

Impact Investors Making a Difference