Barry Manilow’s Debut Eponymous Album

An investment manager in New York City, Geoffrey J. “Geoff” Block oversees his family holdings portfolio and heads RLB Squared with his wife Kim. Outside of the professional environment, Geoff Block is an avid Barry Manilow fan.

Although he didn’t reach superstardom until the success of the hit single “Mandy” on 1974’s Barry Manilow II, Barry Manilow had modest success with his previous and first album, 1973’s Barry Manilow. After the release of Barry Manilow II, his eponymous debut was reborn as Barry Manilow I.

Barry Manilow recorded Barry Manilow I while working with Bette Midler as her music director and record co-producer. Although this album is relatively unpolished when compared with its flashier predecessors, it established Barry Manilow as a uniquely dramatic voice in the world of pop music.

In the end, Barry Manilow I sold half a million units, enough to qualify it for gold record status. The single “I Am Your Child” charted as a minor hit.

The Difference Between Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

A resident of New York City, Geoffrey J. (Geoff) Block has worked in the financial services and investment industry for more than 20 years. Geoff Block’s experience includes investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, the foundations of the stock market. Each of these investment options comes with its own associated risk.

Stocks are the riskiest, as an investor is buying shares of a company that will fluctuate based on many different factors. With stocks, investors can make money as share prices increase, as well as if and when the company pays out dividends to shareholders.

Mutual funds are less risky than buying stocks. They consist of a handpicked group of stocks and/or bonds that a group of investors pools money into. These funds are supervised by a portfolio manager and can be very diversified, with up to 100 different stocks in one portfolio. All mutual fund transactions take place when the markets are closed, so prices remain stable during trading.

Bonds are the safest of the three. They are basically a promissory note that guarantees payment at a later date for purchasing the bond. Companies or government entities issue bonds to gather capital, and the investor is paid a certain percentage of interest after a certain length of time.

Membership Benefits with the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce

A former executive with Crown Growth Partners, Geoffrey J. “Geoff” Block relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, in 2013. Geoff Block currently serves as manager of an investment firm and maintains membership in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce invites professionals to join in its efforts to enhance economic growth and improve quality of life for local residents. Whether they own small businesses or large corporations, local entrepreneurs can benefit from a variety of professional opportunities, such as more than 60 annual networking events each year. Bringing together more than 1,600 partners, these events help members gain exposure and grow their client base.

Additionally, members gain access to valuable benefits ranging from discounted advertising and health insurance to educational seminars and conferences throughout the year. In recognition of its commitment to creating valuable member benefits, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has twice received the National Chamber of the Year Award.

Scholarship Opportunities with the Community Foundation of Low Country

A manager with an investment firm in Bluffton, South Carolina, since 2013, Geoffrey J. “Geoff” Block maintains a portfolio that includes real estate ventures and hedge funds. Together with his wife, Geoff Block supports several local charitable organizations, among them the Low Country Strong Foundation.

The Low Country Strong Foundation is a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has worked since 1994 to enhance the community and provide resources for residents of Beaufort, Colleton, Jasper, and Hampton Counties. Among the foundation’s efforts is a scholarship program that has distributed more than $7 million to nearly 900 students. Relying on the generosity of private donors, the foundation operates a number of scholarships with diverse criteria that may include academic achievement, financial need, and community service.

The Jack Ward Endowed Scholarship, for example, is available to students who have shown exceptional initiative in overcoming obstacles, while the Dominique’s Musician Corner Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing post-secondary degrees in the performing arts. For a full list of scholarship opportunities, visit www.cf-lowcountry.org/scholarships.