M. H. West & Co., Inc. associates Meaghan West and Erica Cage attended the 2009 Diversity and Aging Forum hosted by AARP Virginia on Thursday, November 12th. The forum provided an opportunity for businesses, government officials and individuals to explore state and national diversity trends and prepare for changes taking place as a large segment of the population begins to age. Keynote speakers for the event were AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen and Kathy Greenlee, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging.

Topics discussed at the 2009 Diversity and Aging Forum included:

• Cutting-edge research, and innovative programs on diversity and aging
• Issues faced by older adults from diverse communities
• Information on managing an older and more diverse workforce

Erica Cage found the forum to be extremely informative and seemed particularly impressed with keynote speaker, Kathy Greenlee. Meaghan found it interesting that the AARP is educating not only seniors but everyone on the issues facing seniors.  The AARP also is playing a significant role in the health care debate to ensure that seniors are provided affordable and attainable health care.

M. H. West & Co., Inc. was proud to be a participating sponsor for the 2009 Richmond Kidney Walk. WEST had eight participants this year: Marilyn West, Ed West, Meaghan West, Eugene Sampey, Zulu Sampey, Ned Conway, Nina Conway and Joe Armstrong.  Over 500 walkers were involved in the event on a  perfect Sunday afternoon. The event proved to be a big success with the  goal of raising $60,000 being surpassed and donations are now quickly approaching $75,000.

The Richmond Kidney Walk is an event that has grown each year and all the WEST  members were happy to donate their time and effort to this worthy cause.