Rockbridge Leads With One Goal: End Cancer

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockbridge, a leading U.S. investment firm, rallied industry leaders during the fifth annual Rock the Road Innovation and Leadership conference. Attendees were motivated to recharge, refocus and recommit to themselves and to their communities to be better thinkers and leaders.

Rockbridge founded Rock the Road to unite industry leaders behind one goal: to end cancer. Rockbridge is generating a new era of corporate caring and social responsibility by redefining how organizations respond to the greater needs of their communities. By merging good business, personal fulfillment and purpose, Rockbridge is making a difference in cancer research funding.

Rock the Road is a platform of ideas and provocative thinking with leadership from renowned cancer researcher Dr. Michael Caligiuri and Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman. Through a convergence of the best in innovation across industries as diverse as cancer research, philanthropy, hospitality and more, this unifying experience featured keynote speakers that energized this year's attendees, motivating them to ask better questions and pursue a different approach to making a difference:

• Devin Liddell, Principal Strategist of consultancy Teague
• David Mead, Chief of What's Next, Start with Why
• Brad Montgomery, Motivational Speaker focused on personal performance and creating a positive culture

"Rock the Road started out being an opportunity for the hospitality industry to contribute to cancer research and is positioned to expand into a premier conference experience that extends beyond hospitality. Leadership and innovation have no boundaries," said Rockbridge CEO Jim Merkel. "Our goal of disrupting the industry by incorporating good business, personal fulfillment and giving back –all to reach a higher purpose – is well underway."

Rockbridge's efforts to commitment of change are evident and prove that Rockbridge is committed to making a real difference. Rockbridge creates an experiential investment with their clients and community, which is not limited to giving back or meeting a monetary goal. Rockbridge excels because they care and are dedicated to bringing forth a positive standard of corporate responsibility.

Rock the Road extends its outreach and directly supports Pelotonia, the nation's largest cycling event benefiting cancer research. To date Rockbridge has contributed more than $1.4 million to Pelotonia and cancer research over the last five years by way of Rock the Road attendees, sponsorships, and individual rider fundraising. As a result of the conference proceeds, sponsorship, and team fundraising, Rockbridge CEO Jim Merkel was able to present a donation of $800,000 for cancer research.

"Our families, friends and colleagues are all affected by cancer. We started Rock the Road because we refuse to stand by and do nothing," said Merkel. "Each and every year, Rockbridge builds on its vision for Rock the Road, continuing to work side by side with innovative leaders toward our vision of living in a cancer free world."

Rock the Road attendees are invited and encouraged to stay one day after the event and ride in Pelotonia. Rockbridge provides a high-end road bike, team jersey, and helmet for those wanting to fundraise for and take part in the cycling event.  Team Rockbridge had a combined Peloton of 137 members this year with 105 cyclists, 24 virtual riders, and 8 volunteers.

Hospitality industry executives continue to commit to Rock the Road and Pelotonia because they share Rockbridge's passion and one goal: to end cancer. Rockbridge's Rock the Road conference is an inspirational example to show companies that dedication, spirit, and ingenuity can make a major difference in the community.

Presidential sponsors for Rock the Road 2016 included Rockbridge, Rockbridge Hotel Development; Marriott; Hilton; Davidson Hotels & Resorts; IDC; Morris, Manning & Martin LLC.; Hodges Ward Elliot; Winter Construction; SRS Construction LLC.; Starwood; Hospitality Ventures Management Group.

About Rockbridge
Rockbridge is an investment platform with nearly two decades of experience investing in real estate and operating companies. It has made more than 200 investments in 38 states in transactions worth more than $5.5 billion.  Through its deep in-house experience and strong foundation of industry relationships, Rockbridge has delivered a track record of high absolute returns across multiple cycles and is a leading investor in hospitality.

For additional information about Rockbridge, visit www.rockbridgecapital.com.

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SOURCE Rockbridge

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