- Affinity Groups -

The Forum community places a high value on the opportunity to learn together and to discuss strategies and concerns with one another in a problem solving and leadership development mode. Membership in the Forum is a pre-requisite for participation in these groups.

The Best Practices group meets over lunch to discuss bottom line issues, to learn about management trends, to develop resource sharing opportunities, and to explore effective ways to integrate best business practices with the benefits of family ownership. The composition of this group varies depending on the topic of the meeting.

Information Technology Professionals meet quarterly to benefit from an exchange of ideas, to gather excellent advice from our sponsors, and to provide an outlet to discuss issues and ideas.

The Generation Now group began in late 2005 as an offshoot of the Successors group. This group of family members meets monthly, focusing on a learning component, an application component, and relevant topic presentations. The group has a professional facilitator who plans the agenda, coordinates the learning and application components, and secures the presenters. Confidentiality is a key component of these meetings.

The Non-Family Executives group meets on a monthly basis to discuss the value and challenges of working in a family owned business. Group members find value in exploring topics such as how to mentor successors, develop their own succession plan, and anticipate needs with increased business growth and complexity. Members of the group represent first through fourth generation businesses and roles ranging from executive officer to functional managers. Confidentiality is a key component of these meetings.

The POPs group is composed of next generation family business members, meeting monthly, to discuss matters of business and personal interest and to develop their careers and skills. The members have full- and part-time roles in their family businesses. The group has a professional facilitator who plans the agenda, coordinates the learning and application components, and secures the presenters. Confidentiality is a key component of these meetings.

The Couples group is composed of husband/wife teams who do not have other family members currently active in the business. They meet for dinner on a periodic basis to share experiences and learn from one another.

The Executives group, facilitated by two family business owners/CEOs, is now forming. The objective of this group is to have a problem solving, networking peer group in which to discuss issues of succession, retirement, estate planning, etc. The group will meet monthly beginning in February 2008.

Affinity group meetings provide an opportunity to:

• share, learn, and grow
• seek advice and help solve problems
• give advice and support to help others discover solutions to their problems

These meetings provide:

• a confidential trustful environment for education and idea exchange
• advice and problem solving on business and personal issues
• an opportunity for integration of business, family, and personal issues
• leadership development skills
• family business education
• personal growth and self-awareness