AI is the current “it” thing, but are you prepared for what might happen if you don’t take steps to manage your employees’ use of it effectively? Join in on the discussion on how to best utilize AI and how to best protect your business. While the majority of the discussion will focus on AI in relation to human resources and your employees, you’ll also leave with an understanding of the current trends attorneys and business owners are keeping an eye on. Everyone attending will receive an AI policy template that they can customize for their businesses. Sharon DeLay, President of GO-HR and Conway member, will lead the discussion and provide her expertise on the challenges that face family businesses. Nikki Mayo from Porter Wright will also join us to provide legal consultation about AI issues. Don’t miss this in-person opportunity to dig deep into HR issues, engage with each other, and consult with our experts! ... read more

The In’s and Out’s of the Ohio Unemployment System We’re bringing the ODJFS experts to the table to discuss the qualifications for unemployment insurance, separations from employment and how to respond to them, an overview of the SIDES System, fraud prevention and to share various resources that may be helpful to attendees/employer representatives. We’ll also give an update on the recruiting landscape. Be sure to bring your questions so you can leave prepared to navigate the Ohio’s unemployment system like a boss! Sharon DeLay, President of GO-HR and Conway member, will lead the discussion and provide her expertise on the challenges that face family businesses. Don't miss this in-person opportunity to dig deep into HR issues, engage with each other, and consult with our experts! Generously sponsored by Morgan Stanley ... read more

The Kentucky Derby and the Family Business featuring Hall of Fame Jockey – Chris McCarron The flag is up for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024. Join us for the behind-the-scenes look at The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports on April 15. Moderator Jill Hofmans, Executive Director of Conway Center for Family Business, grew up at Santa Anita Park and shares stories of the famous and infamous. Panelists include legendary, Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron winner of 7,141 races, six Triple Crown races, and $264 million in purse money, the Superintendent of Stalls at Santa Anita Racetrack, Jeff Metz and his daughter Zoe Metz, and one of the best female handicappers in America, Ellen Patrick Leavell. We are collaborating with NxtGen Nexus and other family business centers on this program. ... read more

Validating data sources, using data & technology to your advantage, incorporating multiple sources, and adapting to your organization’s compensation strategy are just a few of the challenges facing companies. Add to that, candidates, employees, managers, job boards, and leaders adjusting to new pay transparency expectations and regulations, and you find compensation rising up the ladder of importance in most businesses. Join Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies at MRA as he reviews MRA’s 2023 Compensation Trends survey results. Jim will share the top comp trends that will help you attract & retain the high-quality talent you need, while navigating the complex compensation environment today. ... read more

Succession planning can pose many different challenges. Today our panelists will discuss figuring out how the next generation comes up with the proceeds to buy out the leading gen sellers. A cash balance plan can help solve that problem by contributing business revenue to pre-tax cash balance accounts, most of which benefit the leading gen, but to some extent benefiting other employees, too. The liability reduces the value of the business and thus cash and loan proceeds buyers need to come up with. The sellers, while receiving a lower purchase price, make up for that by receiving payments from their cash balance accounts, which also could be rolled over to an IRA. In that way, the cash balance plan benefits the buyers and sellers. We will discuss in more detail how this strategy works and which companies would be good candidates for this strategy. ... read more

Have you considered Angel Investing? There is no more direct way to make an impact on the change you want to see in the world than by investing in a startup company with innovative products or services that can save lives or create positive social, technological, and environmental changes. Angel investors leverage their success and expertise to invest in local startup businesses, making dreams come true for entrepreneurs and kick-starting economic growth in their regions. Join us to learn about angel investing, who are angel investors, why they invest, what kind of companies they invest in, and how the angel investment process works. ... read more

Accountability in a family business is critical – without it, issues of favoritism, nepotism, and entitlement creep in and erode the culture. There is much advice out in the world about this, and many different operating systems are designed to conquer it. Our panelists will share how they keep everyone accountable, from the receptionist to the CEO, and why it’s important for their family business to do so. ... read more

Join us for a candid discussion with Todd Wilson, President of Accelerated Laboratory Logistics. Learn the remarkable story of this 103-year-old company that has evolved from moving household goods to relocating laboratories throughout the United States, weathering the storms of both the Great Depression and Covid. Now in its 3rd generation of leadership, Todd will share the history, values, succession journey, and hopes for the future. He'll also discuss their plans to open the Columbus Museum of African American History and Culture for the many artifacts they have on display. ... read more

There are several ways to grow a business. Since mergers and acquisitions top the list of interest in our annual membership survey, we will convene a panel to learn from family business leaders who have been involved in all aspects of M&A activity – and the lessons they learned in the process. Facilitated by Brett Thornton, Porter Wright ... read more

Creating impact in and around community is becoming increasingly important to family business leaders that we work with. Philanthropic efforts not only feel good, but they do good and can help foster a workplace culture of giving and growing. In addition, creating a culture of philanthropy benefits the family by: Nurturing the family legacy; Strengthening the bonds between generations; Involving Next Gens in the future of the family business. Our panelists will share how their approach to community, giving, and philanthropic efforts creates impact in our communities and on the family business itself. Panelists: Nevin Bansal, President & CEO, Outreach Promos Erin Shannon, Corporate Relations Manager, White Castle System Matina Zenios, President, Artina Promotional Products Facilitated by Stefanie Coffman, The Columbus Foundation ... read more

Come hear the stories of family business leaders who survived - and some who thrived - through two major market upheavals. They will share their experiences and advice on how to weather business factors outside of your control. Panelists: Chip Chapman, President - Integrated Building Systems Scott McComb, President - Heartland Bank Jane Arthur Roslovic, CEO & Co-Founder, Treplus Communities Facilitated by Michelle Haslinger, Heartland Bank Generously sponsored by GREENCREST ... read more

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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

Alex Canters love of his family business and desire for change led to creating Ordermark where he raised $100+M and changed the restaurant industry. Alex Canter loves Canter?s Deli ? the legendary Jewish Deli in Los Angeles that hosted dignitaries including Mick Jagger, Haim, and Guns & Roses. Known as ?Mini Patrón,? or ?El Patrón? which is little boss, Alex started waiting tables at age 13. After college, he returned to Canter?s and introduced POS and other innovations that didn?t always go well with the family members and employees. In 2015, Canter?s delivery business started to boom as they signed up for GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEATS, Postmates, delivery.com and more. Each company had its own proprietary software so there were nine separate tablets handling to-go orders in the kitchen. From this chaos, a new company was formed. Alex shares stories ranging from being a family-owned restaurant open 24/7 for the past 50-years to receiving a check for $100+M in venture meeting that lasted 25-minutes. During Family Business Entrepreneur?s Dream webinar, Alex will discuss everything from growing up in the family business to raising initial capital for the business. Afterwards, there will be a short Q&A session. ... 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