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:

  • Wed, Sep 16, 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
  • Thur, Nov 12, 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 —

    Psychology Safety: What It Is and Why It's Needed in Your Team, Business, an 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
    Oct 22, 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.  

More Information

For more information about The Forum for Family Enterprise, fill out the interest form by clicking the button below! 

Contact

Chris Broberg, The Forum Interim Director

Email: chris.broberg@wichita.edu