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Outreach

The seminars, programs and events offered by the Alberta Business Family Institute can help you build a successful future for your organization and the members of your family.

A must-attend Alberta business gala dinner, the Signature Event is ABFI’s annual celebration of the history and success of outstanding multi-generational business families. With an attendance of over 600 people combined in Edmonton and Calgary, it is an opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of some of Canada’s most successful businesses and the families who own them.

Since 2003, Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) has been sharing the stories of successful business families. Not merely an award or a family of the year designation, the Signature Event it is a celebration, highlighting the inner workings of businesses and the families who own them. This year, we are pleased to announce the 20th Signature Event honouring the Sunner Family of Durabuilt Windows & Doors.

ABFI hosts Terry Hay Legacy Series events to celebrate Terry’s commitment to learning and personal development made possible by the Hay Family of Scandinavian Building Services, our 2022 Signature Family

Check out our Terry Hay Leadership Series brought to you with the support of the Hay Family Scandinavian Building Services.

Dive into the world of family businesses with our podcast, “Table Talk with ABFI.” Hosted by ABFI’s Executive Director, Matt Knight, this unscripted podcast spotlights Alberta’s entrepreneurial families, revealing:

  • Origins & Evolution: Discover the foundation of family enterprises and their transformative journeys.
  • Personal Triumphs: Hear heartfelt stories of individual ambition and resilience.
  • Family Dynamics: Navigate the intricate interplay of relationships, transitions, and generational handovers.
  • Growth & Motivation: Uncover breakthrough moments and strategies propelling these businesses forward.

Matt Knight hosts a deep-dive discussion with three experts in family business succession and wealth transition: Tom Deans, best-selling author of “Every Family’s Business,” “Willing Wisdom,” and “The Happy Inheritor”; Jane Halford, president of Halford Consulting specializing in governance and leadership transitions; and Bob Hahn, partner at HLH Chartered Professional Accountants with extensive experience in accounting, tax planning, and wealth management for family enterprises.

Listen as our guests explore the critical conversations families need to ensure successful wealth and business ownership transitions across generations.

  • Tom Deans explains why he advocates for selling family businesses to third parties and the transformative power of facilitated family meetings.
  • Jane Halford and Bob Hahn delve into the challenges of engaging family members in succession planning, emphasizing the crucial role of trusted advisors in guiding sensitive discussions.
  • They highlight the importance of initiating conversations, involving all generations and addressing financial and emotional dimensions to prevent conflicts and sustain the family business legacy.

Whether you’re a family business owner, a successor in waiting, or an advisor in the field, this episode offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of family enterprises.

Episode 1: ArrKann Trailer & RV, Sarah Baptiste (President and CEO)
Episode 2: VETS Group, 4th Generation leaders, Sean Rayner and Erin Rayner
Episode 3: Poppy Barley, Justine and Kendall Barber (Founders and Co-CEOS)
Episode 4: Cashco Financial leaders, Tim Latimer and Lindsay Dodd
Episode 5: Durabuilt Windows & Doors, Harry Sunner (President & CEO), Joe Sunner (Chairman), and Henny Sunner
Episode 6: Rohit Group, Rohit Gupta (President & CEO)
Episode 7: Tom Deans (Author), Jane Halford – Halford Consulting (President), Bob Hahn – HLH Chartered Professional Accountants (Partner)

Be inspired by tales of tenacity, innovation, and family legacy by subscribing to Table Talk.

Would you like to be a guest on “Table Talk with ABFI”? Or maybe you know someone who has something to say on our podcast. If so, contact abfi@ualberta.ca for more information.

BEING PART OF A BUSINESS FAMILY CAN FEEL ISOLATING. Peer groups bring together a group of 8-10 business family leader to share common experiences and solutions to business, family, and governance challenges.

The relaunch of our NxGen Leadership program has been designed to allow the leaders of tomorrow the opportunity to exchange

ideas, pursue learning and share strategies to achieve growth and success on both a professional and personal level. 
Family business peer groups are moderated by professional facilitators from ABFI. These confidential groups often become one’s personal board of advisors, offering support and peer-to-peer learning. Please apply to abfi@ualberta.ca if you would like more information on our peer groups.

The FEA Program & Designation will expand your expertise and help you bring family-focused and thoughtful solutions to your family enterprise clients. The Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) Program prepares you to be fluent in the complexities and nuances of serving business families. In 2024, Family Enterprise Canada will offer three opportunities for the FEA Programs in January, May, and October. Register for the 2024 FEA Program today. For more information contact Tim Mohr at tmohr@familyenterprise.ca