As we embrace a new year, it gives us a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements of 2014 and think about goals for the year ahead. As mentioned recently by Mick Burgess, of Canberra based family business Lighthouse, there are many advantages of being part of a supportive community of family business operators and I encourage you to be involved and make the most of the opportunities available.

Family Business Australia and the Canberra Business Chamber have had a close working relationship for some time and with the news of CEO Chris Faulks’ resignation announced this month, I think it’s important we acknowledge her outgoing comment that the Federal Government is taking note of our sector and recognising ‘Canberra’s future economic growth lies with the private sector’.

We are pleased to announce our first event will be run in partnership with the Canberra Business Chamber on March 5 focusing on passing the baton in the business, or exit planning. Essentially an exit plan may involve succession within the family business or the transition of roles or ownership. We will hear about a number of best practice initiatives and processes designed to increase successful transitions while maintaining interconnected family business dynamics.  We hope to see you there!

Any sporting fans will know the ACT is hosting the ICC cricket and AFC Asia Football Cup and I look forward to hearing the impacts this might have on our local family businesses and economy.

Warm regards,

Kylie Kovac
0419 578 176
fbaact@fambiz.org.au