Empowering Iowa Retirees
As retirees, many of us in Iowa have spent a lifetime working hard, saving diligently, and investing wisely to secure our financial futures. Our retirement accounts represent our past efforts and our hopes for a comfortable and secure future for the next generation.
This is why I was thrilled to learn that BlackRock, a global leader in investment management, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will revolutionize how we engage with our investments. By enabling Voting Choice for over three million U.S. retail shareholder accounts, representing $200 billion in assets under management, BlackRock is giving retirees like us a newfound voice in corporate governance.
This initiative holds particular significance for retirees because it directly puts the power of proxy voting into our hands. For too long, decisions about how our shares are voted have been made by others, often without consideration for our individual preferences or values. BlackRock’s Voting Choice program changes that by allowing us to participate directly in the decision-making process.
The implications of this initiative are profound. By expanding access to proxy voting, BlackRock is empowering retirees and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the companies we invest in. When shareholders have a say in corporate decisions, it encourages responsible behavior and enhances the long-term value of our investments. Moreover, BlackRock’s commitment to evaluating investor interest and user experience demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that this program is effective and beneficial for retirees. By soliciting feedback and continuously improving Voting Choice, BlackRock is putting our interests first and foremost.
As retirees, we have a wealth of experience and wisdom to contribute to the companies we invest in. By actively engaging with corporate management and exercising our right to vote on important issues, we can help shape the future of these companies in a way that aligns with our values and priorities.
I encourage my fellow retirees in Iowa to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the proxy voting process and make their voices heard. By doing so, we can ensure that our investments reflect our financial goals and ethical and social considerations. By giving us a seat at the table, BlackRock is advancing the interests of its clients and strengthening the fabric of our financial system. As retirees in Iowa, let us embrace this opportunity to shape the future of corporate governance and leave a legacy of responsible investing for future generations.
-John Elkhorn, Dubuque Co, Iowa
