Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center
Family businesses are the backbone of Arkansas, and they face challenges unlike any other. You make decisions around a dinner table as often as boardroom table. You balance tradition with innovation, and you carry your company’s future on your shoulders. The Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center provides peer groups, succession planning support, and executive education for family-owned business across the River Valley.
The Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center (JWFEC) exists to help you protect what you’ve built, prepare who’s next, and plan for what’s ahead. We bring together family business owners, next-generation leaders, key non-family leaders, and advisors who understand the delicate balance between family values and business performance.
Family Businesses by the Numbers
Family-owned companies arent just part of the economy; they’re a driving force behind it.
of all U.S. firms are family-owned
of the U.S. private-sector workforce (over 42 million workers)
is employed by family-owned companies.
Family-owned businesses are more likely to be 10+ years old, showing greater stability and longevity compared to non-family firms.
of family-owned firms operate in goods-producing sectors — compared to 16.5% of non-family firms, strengthening manufacturing and regional economies.
What You’ll Gain as a Member
Membership in the JWFEC isn’t another item on your calendar, it’s a chance to connect with people who understand what it takes to run a family business. Multi-generational family businesses, next-generation leaders, advisors and others will find practical ideas, shared experiences, and trusted relationships that help them make decisions with confidence.
Annual membership starts at just $1,050 for family businesses and $1,500 for associate
members.
We have special discounts for first time members as well.
Company-Wide Membership
Your membership covers your entire family or company, not just one individual.
Breakfast Events with Top-Tier Speakers
Needing expert guidance, training, or operational support?
Member-Only Events & Learning Sessions
Invitations to exclusive social hours and lunch-and-learn workshops designed specifically for families in business.
Peer Groups & Professional Support
Access to confidential, role-based peer groups where owners, next-gen leaders, and non-family executives learn from each other’s real experiences.
Discounted Professional Training
Member discounts on employee training through the UAFS Center for Business & Professional Development (CBPD).
Recognition & University Engagement
Your company is recognized on our glass member wall, with invitations to select UAFS events throughout the year.
Annual Awards Access
Discounted tickets to the Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards held each October.
Newsletters, Family Business Magazine, and Resource Library Access
Quarterly newsletters, a complimentary Family Business Magazine subscription, and access to a curated family business resource library.
Become a Member Connect with the JWFEC Team
Family Business Members
- ADKO, Inc.
- Alpha Packaging, Inc.
- Arkansas Glass & Mirror Co.
- Arkansas Lighting
- Arkansas Poly & Printing, LLC
- Arkansas Warehouse Incorporated
- Belle Point Beverages, Inc.
- Beshears Construction, Inc.
- BHC Insurance
- Bruce-Rogers Company
- Burford Distributing, Inc.
- Burger King - Triple N Restaurants
- Burton Pools & Spas
- Capital Structures
- C&C Market Research, Inc.
- CK Restoration LLC dba SERVPRO
- Crawson Corp
- Davis Iron & Metal
- Eads Brothers Furniture Co.
- Farmers Bank
- Forsgren, Inc.
- Goodwin Engineering
- Griffin Properties of Fort Smith, LLC
- Hanna Oil & Gas Company
- Hug Chevrolet GMC
- J&B Supply, Inc.
- Jody's Auto Service Centers
- Johnson Dermatology
- Las Americas - A Mercedes Company
- Littlefield Investment Co.
- Lovvorn Lumber
- McDonald's
- Mickle Griffin Engineers & Surveyors
- My HR Pros
- Platinum Distributing
- Poultry Direct Inc.
- Ralston Industries
- Rumsey Land Trust, LLC
- Schaffer LLC
- Sharum's Garden Center
- Snelling Staffing
- SPF America
- WeatherBarr Windows & Doors
- Weldon, Williams & Lick, Inc.
- Williams Ranch LLC
Associate Members
- Arvest
- EOS Worldwide - Mike Atchley
- The First National Bank of Fort Smith
- First Security Bank
- Landmark CPAs and Landmark Financial
- Merrill Lynch - The Lawson Hembree Group
- Regions Bank
- Resolution Equity Partners
- Siebenmorgen & Associates
- Simmons Bank
- United Federal Credit Union
Why Family Businesses Are Different
Family-owned companies drive much of the Arkansas River Valley but they operate within
a three-circle system unlike any other:
family, ownership, and business.
The overlap creates extraordinary strengths and equally unique challenges:
- Preparing the next generation
- Managing transitions and governance
- Balancing leadership roles
- Communicating across generations
- Aligning business strategy with family values
The JWFEC supports families with programming built around these realities, not generic business content.
Our Legacy
Founded in honor of Jim Walcott, a respected entrepreneur and community leader, the Center continues his belief that family enterprises are vital to the strength and character of our region.
Today, the JWFEC serves as one of four Centers of Excellence within the UAFS Center for Economic Development, advancing a mission of education, innovation, and economic growth across the River Valley.
Questions? Contact Us.
Justin Smith
- Director
- justin.smithFREEuafs
- The Bakery District - 70 S. 7th Street, Suite D
We’re here to help you explore whether the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center is the right fit for your family and your business.