
Building a Sustainable Enterprise: How to Plan For the Future Without Ready Now or Ready Soon Successors
Good governance: How to build or refresh your corporate board and what it can do for you. There are various strategies to grow and many considerations when doing so. When developing a growth strategy, it’s wise to engage potential successors…


The Business of Family
Last week I received a letter at the office, dated November 10, 2021, addressed to Progressive Industries. I’d like to share it with you. Dear Progressive Industries, I would like to thank you for such good employees. Also thank… Read more→


Introducing Neil O’Donnell, EFBC President 2021-2022
I became a member of the EFBC (then FBC) over a decade ago. At the time, I was very uncertain as to how I would fit in to the overall group and my Forum. I met with TAU and we… Read more→


President’s Message – The New EFBC
I am hoping by now you have seen our rocking rebrand of the EFBC. It took an immense amount of work and effort by our strategic planning committee, strategic partners, executive committee and staff to make this happen. It was… Read more→


Tips for Family Harmony During the Holiday Season
Traditions play an important role in families. Most of us feel the holidays are a good time to come together and reinforce those traditions. Some look forward to these gatherings, while others approach them with great trepidation—especially when sibling rivalries,… Read more→


The Hokey Pokey of Family Business
Being a leader can be the most challenging during times of transition. Perhaps the family business is in the middle of a succession plan, expanding into new markets or trying to open a new location. It could be that you’re… Read more→


Acknowledging Blind Spots: Are You Truly Prepared to Take Over the Business?
No matter how many times you’ve driven a car, you still have blind spots. As an experienced driver, you know to check for blind spots when changing lanes or pulling out of your driveway. Taking over your family business is… Read more→


A 2017 Manufacturing Outlook
by Deanna L. Salo, Cray Kaiser Struggling to find and retain tradespeople? Deciding when the timing is right to replace that 30-year-old machine? Noticing that your technology systems are slowing you down rather than making you more efficient? You’re not alone…. Read more→


Welcome to CFBC’s Newest Members!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest members of the Chicago Family Business Council! Since 1994, we’ve educated and empowered the people of entrepreneurial and family businesses through impactful programs and a unique community of peer… Read more→


The Rise and Fall of a Family Business
A family’s once illustrious oil and construction business was a giant in the industry, but following the death of the founder, the family’s inability to resolve their disputes led to its downfall. While the arguments and issues that arose from… Read more→
