Buy-sell agreements are critical documents that help facilitate the successful transfer of ownership in a family business; however, the valuation-related language in buy-sell agreements is often the source of confusion, dispute, and unfair outcomes. Join us as we present several case studies involving the valuation elements of buy-sell agreements, dissecting the problems to avoid and the essential elements to include in the drafting and administration of your buy-sell agreements. Key takeaways will include: - The importance of the valuation language and process contained within buy-sell agreements; - The problems with formula-based buy-sell agreements; - Critical valuation elements that should be addressed in agreements; - Potential areas for concern with certain valuation language common in agreements; - Best practices and recommendations for a successful buy-sell agreement. ... read more

Let’s address total compensation and discuss ways to weave in creative leave strategies as a benefit to attract and retain employees. The term ''leave'' covers any paid or unpaid time off you may want to offer your employees. We’ll discuss various leave options available to Ohio employees and have candid conversations on their impact to your business. We’ll also discuss what you should put in writing regarding leaves to reserve your rights as an employer and set up employee expectations. This discussion will also include the good, bad, and ugly about “unlimited” leaves! ... read more

Prioritizing Mental Health: Coping with the Pressures of Family Dynamics - Running a business is hard. Adding family dynamics to the mix makes it that much more challenging ? and rewarding. Our panelists will discuss ways in which they help themselves and their employees cope with the added pressures of mixing family and business. From EAPs to mental-health days, panelists will share best practices on creating a culture that prioritizes the well-being of all members of a family-owned business. ... read more

Should you gift your family business to the next generation, or should the next generation be asked to buy the family business? What happens when the next generation inherits the family business? Should you gift your family business to the next generation, or should the next generation be asked to buy the family business? What happens when the next generation inherits the family business? Join us for this Succession Planning Roundtable as we address these transfer issues, including: When you should start the discussion to minimize disruption around your family relationships and your family business. Ways to transfer your business to your son or daughter so you incur the least amount debt and tax liability possible. How each transfer technique affect the new owner’s basis, and how to best structure your transition plan to meet your overall goals. Bea Wolper of Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin and Meredith Sugar of Taft/ will facilitate this discussion, give practical advice, and answer any questions you may have. Generously sponsored by Morgan Stanley ... read more

If you or your company is planning to build, purchase or renovate a building, or has done so in the past several years, a cost segregation study is a powerful tool that may help boost your cash flow and decrease your tax liability. Join Brendan Walsh, cost segregation expert and tax leader from Clark Schaefer Hackett for this webinar on May 24. Brendan will walk us through who should consider a cost segregation study, the benefits, what types of properties qualify, and more. ... read more

Coaching and mentoring are key components of a strong organizational culture and key to attracting and retaining talent. Research shows that a strong coaching and mentoring program contributes to increased engagement and productivity, improved employee well-being, enhanced D, E & I, and better stakeholder experiences. Surveys show that the consistently top-ranked “wants” of today’s employees include frequent and constructive feedback and career development opportunities. Join us for this Human Resources Roundtable to discuss best practices and great ideas when it comes to implementing coaching and mentoring into your organization as a retention, engagement, and recruiting tool. ... read more

The phrase ''lonely at the top'' refers to the sense of isolation and exclusion that highly successful people in a particular field eventually face. Being a CEO is isolating; being the CEO of a family business can be like walking a tightrope. Come learn from our panelists on how they cope with the challenges of navigating family and shareholder governance, the weight of final decision making, working on the business and not in, and how they maintain family/business harmony. We'll cover peer and association groups, advisory boards, family offices, and other techniques and support systems available to family business CEOs. Panelists: John Ness, CEO ODW Logistics Facilitated by Clayton Hall, Windsor Advisory Group ... read more

Your current and future employees of your family business are increasingly voicing their expectations that their employers need to demonstrate care. They’re making decisions to join or stay with a company based on the employer’s commitment to a variety of social, environmental, and other issues. Are your employees connected to the core values of your family business? Join us for an interactive discussion about aligning your company core values with your workforce’s values. Improved employee engagement shows in your bottom line through better productivity, less turnover, and longer tenure within your organization. All attending are encouraged to complete the free Life Values Inventory prior to this session, and to bring your results and company values with you. ... read more

In Glassdoor’s 2020 Diversity Hiring Survey, more than 3 out of 4 job seekers and employees (76%) report that a diverse workforce is an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers. If your organization’s benefits offerings are not perceived as inclusive, you may be missing out on talent or failing when it comes to retention. As well as being a part of benefits offerings, inclusive benefits can be a key metric for empowering and establishing an actionable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy. This session will also address trends we are seeing with employers as it relates to culture and wellbeing, and the benefits that companies can offer to help attract and retain top talent including but not limited to: * Mental Wellbeing * Family forming benefits and caregiving support * Financial Wellbeing You're invited to join Gary Abernathy and Nick Bellanca from Marsh McLennan Agency as they: * Define inclusive benefits * Describe the business case for inclusive benefits and rationale behind certain options * Provide examples of inclusive benefits strategies that are relevant today ... read more

A well-drafted and executed buy-sell agreement can go a long way toward ensuring the multigenerational longevity of your family business. It can help to protect the family, the company, and can provide peace of mind about the future for family business owners. Join us in person as we pull back the curtain to dig deep into the details of buy-sell agreements. Discussion will include: • Who should own? Who are “Permitted Transferees?” Who should be? • The 4 D’s (death, disability, d.i.v.o.r.c.e, and dissension) • Calls and Puts • Drag Along and Tag Along • How to determine fair market value if buying out an interest…and values depending on circumstances • What happens if the buy-sell agreement is TOO restrictive? Bea Wolper of Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin and Meredith Sugar of Taft/ will facilitate this discussion, give practical guidance, and answer any questions you may have. Don't miss this opportunity! Generously sponsored by Morgan Stanley ... read more

Year-End Tax Update Join the team from Meaden & Moore as they discuss key tax law changes and strategies that will help put your family business on the right track as a new year begins. Their discussion will include: Tax depreciation updates and planning considerations Section 174 (capitalization of R&D costs) update Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expiring provisions over the next few years Ohio’s passthrough entity tax (PTET) Ohio’s new rules for municipal nexus and apportionment related to employees working remotely ... read more

Take a deep dive into the into the challenges faced by non-family executives and the strategies employed to overcome them. The scenarios explored will give participants a platform to share findings, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of the intricacies of blending family and non-family executives in leadership roles. ... read more

Sometimes next gens feel ''trapped'' in their family business. How does this happen? What are their options? Our panelists will answer these questions and more during this deep dive into one of the perils of working in a family-owned businesses. ... read more