UNI Family Business Center sees largest attendance yet at fourth annual Iowa Family Business Conference
The University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center (UNI FBC) hosted the fourth annual Iowa Family Business Conference on Nov. 6 at Krause Gateway Center in Des Moines, home to the family business Krause Group.
“Each year, we see increased engagement from family-owned businesses across Iowa, and this year’s record attendance is a testament to the strength and resilience of our family business community,” said Katie Kreis-Voigt, marketing manager at UNI Family Business Center, who emceed the event. “We’re proud to provide a space where family businesses can connect, share knowledge, and gain insights that directly impact their growth and sustainability.”
The one-day event began with a presentation by Family Enterprise USA about the impact of the election on family business interests. The lunch keynote address was by Kevin Hancock, CEO and Managing Partner of Hancock Lumber, a six-generation family business in Maine.
Panels featured Iowa’s family business leaders on topics like succession planning, next generation development and preparing for retirement. Founding Partners of the UNI FBC, RSM, BrownWinick Law Firm and Foster Group shared their expertise on family office development, estate planning and family governance.
Started in 2018, the UNI FBC offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services to Iowa’s family-owned companies. Family firms deal with a unique set of challenges and opportunities including family succession planning, next generation development, governance and other issues impacting the longevity of the firm. The center provides consulting, peer learning, events, programming and networking opportunities.
The focus of the UNI FBC is to create a community of family businesses that will have the ability to learn about business governance, continuity, strategic planning, leadership transition and growth together. The UNI Family Business Center is now a standalone program within UNI Business and Community Services with staff dedicated to this unique and important business sector. More information about the center can be found at unifamilybusinesscenter.com.