The Forum for Family Enterprise

Formerly the Kansas Family Business Forum

Established 1995

The Forum provides unique learning experiences to those involved with family enterprise. Events bring owners, families, and managers together to address issues such as ownership and management succession, strategic planning, estate planning, risk management, family dynamics, and family governance just to name a few.

Vision Statement:

To secure the future of family enterprise.

Mission Statement:

To empower closely held family businesses through connection, inspiration, and education.

2026-2027 Membership Programming

Executive Breakfasts:

Tues, Sep 15, 2026
Scaling for Success: How Leadership, Structure, and Governance Must Evolve as Your Business Grows
Tues, Oct 13, 2026 —
Scaling in Practice: Lessons Learned from Business Leaders Who've Done It
Wed, Nov 4, 2026
Compensation in the Family Business: Getting Pay, Performance, and Incentives Right
Thur, Dec 10, 2026 —
When the Business Becomes Your Identity
Thur, Jan 7, 2027 —
Author Discussion: Hug of War: Balancing Love, Control, and Independence Across Generations
Thur, Feb 11, 2027 —

Panel Discussion: Practical Uses of AI in Family Businesses
Thur, Mar 11, 2027 —

Psychological Safety: What It Is and Why It's Needed in Your Team, Business, and Family
Thur, Apr 8, 2027
Beyond the Traditional Transition: New Models for Engaging the Next Generation

The Forum Presents...

Kickoff: Program Overview & New Member Introduction
Sept 9, 2026- 5:30-7:30pm - Botanica
Fall Event: Fireside Chat with the JR Custom Products Family
Nov 11, 2026 - 6-8pm - Woolsey Hall Fidelity Ballroom
Spring Event: Leveraging Entrepreneurship Through Aquisition as an Innovative Approach to Legacy
Apr 20, 2027 - 6-8pm - Woolsey Hall Fidelity Bank Ballroom

Personal Advisory Groups:

Tues, Sep 29, 2026 —
Founder/CEO
Wed, Sept 30, 2026—
Next Gen
Tues, Nov 17, 2026 —
Founder/CEO
Wed, Nov 18, 2026 —
Next Gen
Tues, Jan 26, 2027 —
Founder/CEO
Wed, Jan 27, 2027 —
Next Gen
Tues, Mar 23, 2027 —
Founder/CEO
Wed, Mar 24, 2027 —
Next Gen

For over 25 years, The Forum has been a great organization for meeting other family businesses. There is a sense of belonging to a greater community, of sharing similar values and beliefs and of continued learning from professionals for the well-being of our family business.

Patty Koehler, J.R. Custom Metal

"No matter what Family Business issue that we are confronting at Star, we know that others have already addressed similar situations in their own businesses. Thanks to The Forum, we have The Forum to interact and learn from quality Grantors and other experienced business owners who already dealt with the similar issues."

- Chris Goebel, Star Lumber

"The Forum is an important resource for our family business by providing education, resources and networking on risk management, human resource management, strategic planning and succession. These issues are imperative in any business at any time, but especially now. We must find the resolve to endure and the strength to thrive!"

- Walter Berry, Berry Companies Inc.