By Jackie Stiles, Vice President of Business Development & Special Programs, GRCA
Running a family business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel lonely, especially when you’re the person responsible for making the big decisions. Who can you turn to when you’re navigating a difficult family dynamic, planning for the next generation, considering a major business decision or simply wondering if other family business leaders are facing the same challenges?
That’s where the Family Business Alliance (FBA) comes in.
The FBA, a program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, brings family businesses together to learn, connect and grow. Our goal is simple: to provide family businesses with the relationships, resources and support they need to build stronger businesses and stronger families.
Throughout the year, FBA offers programming designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with owning and operating a family business. One of our most popular programs is our Family Business Storytelling Series, where local family-owned companies open their doors and share their stories, their successes, challenges, lessons learned and plans for the future.
This year, we’ve had the opportunity to hear from Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., Heeby’s Surplus Inc., New Castle Lawn & Landscape, Inc. and Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. (coming up in October). These events provide a behind-the-scenes look at how local family businesses have built their organizations while navigating the complexities of family, ownership and leadership.
But the FBA is about more than events.
Our FBA Peer Groups have continued to grow this year, demonstrating the demand for a confidential space where family business leaders can have honest conversations with people who truly understand what they’re experiencing. We currently have two C-Suite peer groups and two Next Gen peer groups, creating opportunities for both current leaders and the next generation of family business leaders to build relationships and learn from one another.
Think about it: Where else in our area can you find a confidential environment where you can openly share your biggest challenges and struggles with people who understand the unique dynamics of a family business?
“Being part of the Family Business Alliance has been incredibly valuable to me, both personally and professionally. Having a trusted group of local business owners to share experiences, challenges and ideas with provides a perspective that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Over the years, the relationships and camaraderie we’ve built have become just as valuable as the business insights—and I always leave our meetings having learned something new,” said John Gallen, President of Ethosource, LLC, and an active FBA member.
That kind of connection is at the heart of what FBA is all about.
And sometimes, leadership can be lonely. Family business leaders often feel like they must have all the answers. The FBA provides a community where you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you are part of a family-owned business or the next generation preparing to take on a greater leadership role, we invite you to learn more about the Family Business Alliance.
Join us at the FBA Reception on Thursday, Sept. 17 and experience the community for yourself. You’ll have an opportunity to meet current FBA members, including members of our peer groups, ask questions and learn how FBA could be the right fit for you and your family business.
Whether you’re a longtime family business leader, a second- or third-generation owner or someone just beginning to think about the future, there’s a place for you at FBA.
Come meet the people who understand. Come find your community. Come see what FBA can do for you and your family business.
Sometimes it’s lonely at the top. We’re here to support you.