- 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. These sessions are included in the Forum's membership fee.

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 Next Generation 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. There is a minimal additional fee for participation in this group.

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 which are included in the Forum membership fee.

The Successors group is a confidential group of family business members, meeting bi-monthly, to discuss matters of business and personal interest. The members are individuals in similar positions in family businesses who meet to share experiences and perspectives on family business issues. These meetings are included in the Forum's membership fee.

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