Raise Your Voices

Consumers Invited to Raise Their Voices at the Consumer Empowerment Conference and Expo on November 21, 2009 in Hollywood, FL

Hollywood, FL, Nov. 9, 2009- Don’t let the big banks dominate the conversation any longer; join with consumers and advocates at the Consumer Empowerment Conference and Expo on November 21st and raise your voice against abusive and predatory lending practices.

“We can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on the radio or the TV these days without hearing yet another story about fraud, identity theft, spiking credit card interest rates, or foreclosure nightmares,” says Denise Richardson, co-host of the event. “The current financial crisis and mortgage industry meltdown has affected this entire nation, but the state of Florida is one of the hardest hit. Now, we finally have a way to do something about it.”

The upcoming event, to be held at the Crowne Plaza in Hollywood Florida, will be hosted by Americans for Fairness in Lending (AFFIL) and Denise Richardson on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 from 1-5 pm. It is free to the public.

“Whether you have questions about fair lending practices, want to know what’s being done about abusive credit card interest rates, or need advice about how to deal with identity theft, this event is for you,” says Richardson. Advocates on site will also be speaking on panels, talking with consumers at tables, and answering questions about credit scores and reports, mortgages, short term loans, medical debt, debt collection, and will be providing information about current legislation that is furthering the fight to create a fair lending system.

Sarah Byrnes, Director of AFFIL says “It is our hope that by attending this event, even more consumers can become part of the solution in the fight against predatory lending and help shine the spotlight on the problems caused by abusive loan products. By working together, we can raise the volume on our collective outrage and the need for better consumer protections.”

This event will give consumers a unique opportunity to interact face-to-face with local and national advocates who are working to reform the lending industry. It’s a chance for people to connect over the issues, speak one on one with consumer attorneys and advocates on issues that matter most to them, and to find new ways to work toward a common goal: a more fair financial system for all.

Confirmed participants include:
Americans for Fairness in Lending
Credit Union Strategic Planning and American Debt Relief Challenge
Florida AARP
Florida CHAIN
Florida PIRG
GiveMeBackMyCredit.com
Identity Theft Victims Support Group of North America
Robert Murphy, Attorney and Law Professor
National Organization of Victims Assistance
Ira Rheingold, Executive Director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA.net)
Scam Victims United
John Watts, NACA Attorney
… and more! Visit www.givemebackmycredit.com for an updated listing of attendees.

Event details:
Consumer Empowerment Conference and Expo
November 21, 2009
Speakers/panels start at 1:00 pm. Open to the public 1-5 pm
Crowne Plaza, Hollywood Beach Hotel, 4000 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood FL