The Family Enterprise Center at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is sponsoring a program on “Business Killers” for a 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting May 21.

Guest speaker is Thomas A. Alexander of Rogers, sales vice president for Capitas Distributors. Registration fee is $20 for non-members of the FEC. There is no charge for members. Registration deadline is May 17.

Alexander has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, partnering with financial advisers, accountants, bankers and insurance professionals. Alexander was appointed in 1998 by Gov. Mike Huckabee to the Arkansas Ethics Commission and served as its chair until 2001. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, where he has served on both local and state boards.

Dave Robertson of Mulberry, FEC director, said the “Business Killers” program is one that can help businesses avoid costly mistakes that can come from a failure to plan for ownership succession.

“Business owners need to plan for an orderly transition, and this program will point out the downside of failing to plan,” said Robertson, adding that few challenges demand more of a business owner than the passing on of their business.

“Yet succession planning is the most critical task to secure the future of private enterprise in America,” said Robertson.

He said that each of the six modules in the “Business Killers” program -- all presented in a concise, interactive video format -- can help business owners learn from the mistakes of others.

“Family business members are encouraged to attend this brief workshop together,” said Robertson. “All of the interested parties should hear this timely message together so that each can understand the urgency and importance of making sure that adequate plans are being put into place to deal with life’s uncertainties and to protect both the family and the business.”

The Family Enterprise Center is a business outreach program of the College of Business at UAFS. The FEC acts as a regional catalyst for the family in business, serving as a bridge between UAFS and the business community through educational programs and other activities that support and enhance family businesses.

Registration for the breakfast may be completed by contacting Robertson by telephone at 479-788-7931, by email to dave.robertson@uafs.edu, by fax to 479-424-6931 or by postal mail to FEC at UAFS, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649.