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The dog days of August typically mean few industry events, and the ones that are on the calendar are more likely to be skewed toward networking and socializing rather than a full day of panels.
Case in point: the Security Traders Association of Chicago will host its STAC Classic Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 21. Traders Magazine reached out to STAC to learn more about the event.
When and why did the STAC Classic launch?
Kevin Skarbek, Former STAC President: The STAC Classic launched over 30 years ago as an event called ‘Day in the Sun.’ The original goal was to get STAC members off the desk and put them in a fun environment where they could engage with their clients and network with the broader trading community while supporting STAC’s ongoing operations.
How has it expanded / changed over the years?
Kevin: The STAC members and volunteers who support this event every year have shaped it into what it is today. We’re fortunate that the event has expanded significantly as STAC as an association has grown and our mission has evolved. As we’ve changed venues over the years, it’s given our members, sponsors and guests the opportunity to play at some wonderful and exclusive courses throughout Chicagoland, which in turn has attracted new participants from outside the local area who now fly in specifically for the event. We’ve also added several fun components to the day including the horse race of a playoff hole at the end of the tournament where all attendees can cheer on the players, and a dinner and awards showcase to cap off the night.
The amazing company sponsorships we’ve been able to attract from across the trading community have been a great driver of our success and we’re proud this has allowed us to continuously scale the event and ultimately contribute additional proceeds to the STAC Fund to support our community service efforts throughout the year.
What is the purpose of the event?
Lauren Arbid, Vice President of STAC: The STAC Classic brings together STAC members and the broader trading community to support our mission of education, networking and philanthropy. More than 140 golfers from across the country will attend this year to enjoy a great day of golf, food, prizes and networking while helping to support STAC’s future activities and charitable efforts.
How does the event benefit the industry as well as charitable causes?
Lauren: This is an incredibly fun and valuable event that offers an ideal opportunity for professionals in the securities industry to connect and build new professional relationships as we work to support the local community and help shape the next era of securities trading in Chicago.
Proceeds help fund STAC events and conferences throughout the year, including our annual Mid-Winter Meeting in January 2024 that will bring together members of the trading community from across the country to learn, connect and exchange ideas with influential industry leaders. It also benefits the STAC Fund, a 501c3 organization that supports college scholarships for deserving students and provides local grants within the Chicagoland area for charitable and educational institutions. In the last 10 years the STAC Fund has made approximately $500,000 in charitable donations and scholarship awards due to the success of our events like the STAC Classic and the generosity of STAC members, sponsors and friends.
What will be the highlights of this year’s event?
Dan Romanelli, President of STAC: This is always a sold-out event that offers unmatched networking and great competition and prizes, including Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Beat the Pro. This is the first year we’ve opened the event so non-golfers can enjoy all the benefits of the STAC Classic by offering a Spectator Pass. Now STAC members and non-members who are not golfing have the opportunity to watch the playoff hole and cheer on the STAC community while enjoying open bar, food and networking. We’re proud that the STAC Classic always showcases the goodwill, spirit and camaraderie of STAC members and the generosity of our sponsors and Chicagoland community.
This year’s event will be held at Ridgemoor Country Club in Harwood Heights, IL on Monday, August 21, 2023. It will feature a shotgun start at 12:00 PM, Chicago-style hot dogs on the course throughout the day and a wonderful dinner and awards showcase beginning at 5:00 PM.
