Programs and Events
The Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center offers year-round programs that support the people who lead and work in family-owned businesses. Our events help owners, successors, non-family executives, and advisors learn from experts and from each other. We host up to 10 programs each year, serving family businesses in Fort Smith and the surrounding region. Most events are open to non-members at a non-member rate.
Programs and Events
Quarterly Breakfast Series
The Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center brings national and regional speakers to Fort Smith to share insights on leadership, governance, succession, communication, and growth. These sessions give family business leaders practical tools they can use right away. Open to members and non-members.
Peer Groups
Our peer groups provide a confidential space for owners, next-generation leaders, and family employees to talk through real challenges. Groups meet regularly and are facilitated to support healthy conversation and problem-solving. Peer groups are a member benefit.
Member Social Events
We host relaxed, relationship-focused gatherings for members. These events help families build trust, connect with peers, and strengthen their support network..
Workshops and Lunch-and-Learns
We offer skill-based sessions on topics that matter to family businesses, including communication, planning, leadership, and financial literacy. Members receive preferred pricing.
Annual Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards
This annual celebration honors family-owned and small businesses that strengthen our region. The awards recognize leadership, innovation, community impact, and strong family enterprise practices.
Discounted Training through the UAFS Center for Business and Professional Development
FEC members receive discounted access to professional development programs delivered by the Center for Business and Professional Development. Courses include leadership, HR, project management, and quality improvement.
Recent Speakers and Topics
Meghan Lynch
CEO and Strategic Partner, Six-Point Strategy
Focus: brand clarity, leadership alignment, strategic growth
Website: sixpointstrategy.com
Chris Yonker
Founder, The Center for Conscious Living and Fulfillment
Focus: succession planning, personal vision, family alignment
Website: chrisyonker.com
Mike Atchley
Certified EOS Implementer, former CPA
Focus: operational systems, traction, leadership accountability
Website: implementer.eosworldwide.com
Katherine Dunlevie and Jennifer Pratt
The Family Office at Synovus
Focus: family governance, wealth strategy, next-generation preparation
Website: synovusfamilyoffice.com
Sarah McBroom
National Projects Lead, Project Equity
Focus: employee ownership and alternative succession pathways
Website: project-equity.org
David Moody
Founder, Jacksson David
Focus: leadership, culture, values-driven growth
Website: jackssondavid.com
Tom Deans
Author, Every Family’s Business
Focus: ownership transitions and family communication
Website: thomaswilliamdeans.com
Anne Bauer
Family Business Coach, Racket Merchandise and Legacy Magazine
Focus: communication, multigenerational teamwork, healthy family dynamics
Website: thelegacyevolution.com
Russ Sullivan and John Gugliada
Family Enterprise USA
Focus: advocating for family-owned businesses in D.C.
Website: familyenterpriseusa.com
Dr. Kimberly Eddleston
Founding editor of familybusiness.org
Focus: family as a resource or constraint to the family business; innovation
Website: familybusiness.org
Past Program Topics
These topics represent the practical, honest conversations we have had with family business leaders in our programs. They focus on the challenges and opportunities that matter most as families grow, lead, and plan for the future.
- Branding Without Bragging
- Decision Making for the Family Business
- Cybersecurity Simplified for the Family Business
- Planning for What’s Next: Securing the Future of Your Family Business
- When the Family Undermines the Business
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Family Business Edition
- How to Use a Company Scorecard to Get More of What You Want
- Family Business Transition: Legal, Accounting, and Financial Perspectives
- Protecting the Wealth of Family Businesses
- Balancing Family, Wealth, and Business: Adopting a Family Enterprise Mindset
- Notable Family Business Stories: Simmons Foods, Slim Chickens, 7 Brew, Stuckey’s, Hytrol, and more
- Family Business: Fulfillment versus Folly
- Exit Planning and SBA
- Fraud Prevention in the Family Business
- EOS for the Family Business
- Employee Ownership as a Tool for Your Family Business
- Why Sell and What Comes Next
- Company Culture: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Healthy Boundaries for Healthy Relationships in the Family Business
Questions? Contact Us.
Justin Smith
- Director
- justin.smithFREEuafs
- The Bakery District - 70 S. 7th Street, Suite D
The Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center can help you find the right event, peer group, or learning opportunity for your business. If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to connect with us or explore membership.