Aquila Group of Funds Appoints Arizona-Based Regio

PHOENIX, Feb. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aquila Investment Management LLC and The Aquila Group of Funds (Aquila) are pleased to announce the appointment of Nimo Rijhwani as Regional Sales Manager based in Phoenix, AZ. His appointment reinforces Aquila’s long-standing commitment to providing local support to the financial professionals working with Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Arizona (AZTFX), a municipal bond mutual fund established in 1986 and designed especially for Arizona residents.

Mr. Rijhwani’s appointment makes him Aquila’s primary contact for Arizona-based financial professionals interested in implementing a tax-free municipal bond strategy within their clients’ portfolios. In addition to his focus on Aquila Tax-Free Trust of Arizona, Mr. Rijhwani also serves as a resource for Aquila’s two nationally distributed mutual funds, the equity fund   Aquila Three Peaks Opportunity Growth Fund (ATGAX), and its high-yield corporate bond fund, Aquila Three Peaks High Income Fund (ATPAX). From his base in Arizona, Mr. Rijhwani also serves financial professionals in California.

Aquila has found that locally based representatives are a key for helping financial advisors understand and implement tax-free municipal bond fund strategies within their client portfolios. Bolstering local representation is especially important at a time when investors across the country are expecting a shift in the interest rate environment and may need more guidance in managing their portfolios. Aquila maintains an investor education resource on their web site in addition to its front-line support of investors in the seven states where it offers state-specific, municipal bond fund strategies.

“We are determined to continue to support one of our flagship municipal bond fund strategies with a seasoned Arizona-based Aquila sales manager,” said Diana Herrmann, President and CEO of Aquila Investment Management LLC. “Having a local presence, particularly in the management of our municipal bond funds, goes hand-in-hand with our core principles, which include detailed security knowledge and putting our shareholders first. This includes the fund’s Phoenix-based portfolio manager Todd Curtis, and several local Trustees. Locally-based representatives continuously serve to strengthen our relationships with Arizona investors and their advisors and have been part of Aquila’s uniqueness since the Fund’s inception more than three decades ago.”

Mr. Rijhwani transferred to Phoenix from Aquila’s corporate headquarters in New York, where he previously served as Regional Sales Development Manager. Prior to joining Aquila, he served as Regional Vice President at BIC Group / James Alpha Management. He had previously held regional sales roles at The Hartford Mutual Funds and JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management. He holds the CMFC designation and earned his degree from Niagara University in Lewiston, NY.

ABOUT AQUILA

As investment managers for over 30 years, we have always believed that investing successfully depends on knowing what you own and why you own it. We think this is particularly important in today’s markets. Within the Aquila Group of Funds, each fund is managed to our high standards of quality and care, which we apply when implementing our municipal bond, equity and high-yield corporate bond strategies. We combine rigorous, hands-on investment research with a strong commitment to service and approachability. As of December 31, 2016, we manage about $4 billion in assets. Aquila Management Corporation, the Funds’ founder and sponsor, is a family-owned, privately-held firm established in 1984 to serve the needs of investors and financial advisors. Please see the Aquila Group of Funds Guiding Principles at this link .

Before investing in one of the Aquila Group of Funds, carefully read about and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information found in the fund prospectus. Prospectuses are available from your financial advisor, and when you call 800-437-1020 or visit www.aquilafunds.com .

Contact: Christopher Wilson Tel. 571-551-2663 KANTER Diana Herrmann Tel. 212-697-6666 Aquila Investment Management LLC