Transitions Canada 2017

The conference created for business families by business families.
 
Join us in Toronto in September for Family Business Magazine’s Transitions Canada.
 
After overwhelming success in both the US and Mexico, Transitions will hold its first Canadian event from 13 to 15 September 2017 at The Radisson Admiral Toronto Harbourfront.
 
The program for our event is unique as a family business forum: all our presentations are conducted by business family members sharing their stories and experiences. In this confidential, no sell environment, our panelist from families across Canada and the US will participate on panels with the following topics:
 
  • The Successful Succession
  • Family Governance 
  • When The Inevitable Happens: Divorce, Disability, Dependency and Death 
  • Employing and Compensating Family Members
  • Preparing the Next Gen in the Business Family
 
Additionally, you’ll have your choice to attend moderated breakout sessions and expert workshops on:
 
  • Estate and Tax Planning 
  • What is your Family Culture? 
  • The Ingredients for a Fantastic Family Meeting 
  • Developing Stewards
  • Special Sessions for: Married-Ins, Siblings, Cousins, and a Next Gen Roundtable.
 
Special Bonus: Continue your learning after the conference with a one year subscription to Family Business Magazine (or a one year extension for current subscribers). You will gain access to the on-line archives of the magazine, featuring over 750 relevant articles and interviews.
 
We Listen. With 17 conferences to date, we’ve received great feedback from our participants to make our conferences even better. Some of the improvements that make our conferences extremely valued:
 
  • Plenty of time and forums to network with other families. 
  • Shared pre-conference survey results.
  • Our confidential and no sell environment.
  • A pre-conference “Family Business Basics” session for first timers.
  • Conference Pricing on Hotel Rooms the days before and after the conference.
  • Assistance with scheduling and hosting your own family meeting or get together before; during or after the conference
  • Limited attendance (150 guests from between 50 and 65 families). There are no outside advisors permitted. Families may bring a non-family executive or their own family advisor.
  • FAMILY FOCUS: Transitions is brought to you by Family Business Magazine, a family owned company, and Next Gen Anesti Principal John Neretlis, a G2 in his family business and a G2 married-in of his wife’s family business.

Featured Speakers

Douglas B. Ford, Jr.

President, Deco Labels and Flexible Packaging

John E. Peller

President & CEO, Andrew Peller Limited

Murray Flanagan

Shareholder, Flanagan Food Service Inc.

Brittany McKee

NextGen Development Planning, McKee Foods Corporation

Howard "Howdy" Holmes

CEO, Chelsea Milling Company/JIFFY Mix

Torri Hawley

Family Council Member, Windway Capital

 

Travis Klassen

CEO, Klassen Business Group

Susan Fulford

Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy

Trevor Baker

Operations, Family Communications

Charlotte E. Lamp, Ph.D.

Port Blakely Companies

Justin Schinkel

Manager, Schinkel Properties

Wes Neichenbauer

CFO, Rowntree Enterprises

Maurice Fares

VP Operations, WM Fares Group

Rosanne Longo

Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador, Longo's

Register Today!

Registration Information
 
Note:  All prices are in Canadian Dollars and are inclusive of HST. US residents and others who wish to pay in USD, please use the US registration form.
 
For more information Call John Neretlis 647-229-1664 or by email at john@anesti.ca
 
Attendance at this conference is limited to members, owners, senior executives (including non-family executives and non-family board members) or shareholders of family-owned businesses whose primary business is other than advising family-owned businesses. Senior advisers to family businesses may attend only with family members. Attendance is strictly limited to the first 65 family businesses/enterprises who register.
 
Past attendees of any Transitions Conference receive an additional 10% discount on their registration fees.
 
All registrants receive a free one year subscription to Family Business Magazine ($79US value), or a one-year extension to their current subscription.  Subscriptions include free online access to Family Business Magazine's extensive online archive of articles, organized by topic. Registration fees do not include hotel or travel expenses.
 
 
 
Family Company Attendees
 
Standard Pricing (after August 1, 2017)
 
$1750 First attendee
$1450 Each Additional Attendee
$1250 Each Additional Next Gen (29 and under)
 
All prices are in Canadian Dollars and are inclusive of HST. 
 
All attendees will be verified prior to acceptance of registration. A family company's advisers may attend only if accompanied by one or more family company members.
 
Registration price includes all conference materials, welcome reception with buffet dinner on September 13 as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner on September 14, and breakfast and lunch on September 15, as well as all refreshment breaks.
 
Cancellation policy: All conference cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Justine Wood, Transitions Events Director, 13631 Maidstone Lane, Potomac, MD 20854, or emailed to jwood@familybusinessmagazine.com. Registrants who cancel more than four weeks prior to the program date are entitled to a full refund of the registration fee less an administrative fee of $150 per registrant; if canceled within four weeks, but more than 10 business days prior to the conference date, 50% of the conference registration fee will be refunded less an administrative fee of $150 per registrant; within ten business days of the conference date and no shows, no refund is possible. Family Business Magazine may cancel the program if attendance does not meet required levels; in case of cancellation or rescheduling, full refunds of registration fees will be made. Travel fares and hotel deposits cannot be reimbursed.
 

Program

Wednesday September 13

2:30pm to 6:30pm - REGISTRATION
 
3:30pm to 4:30pm – FAMILY BUSINESS BASICS
This introductory session will highlight some of the key terms, principles, and challenges of operating a business with your family. Join our expert panel as they discuss and answer your questions about family business basics. This is a “should attend” for newcomers to Family Business conferences.
 
Speakers:  Saul Plener, PwC Canada; Wendy Sage-Hayward, The Family Business Consulting Group; Peter Begalla, Family Business Magazine. 
 
5pm to 6:15pm – THE DELICATE ART OF A SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSION
Even the best laid plans to transfer a family business from one generation to the next may not consider every eventuality. Join these families who not only created fantastic technical plans for the business, but artfully dealt with members of their family to create a successful succession. Learn when planning should start and how communication plays an essential role in the process. Who in the family should participate in planning? What third parties should be involved? 
 
Panelists: Travis Klassen, CEO, Valley Carriers, BC; Murray Flanagan, Shareholder, Flanagan Food Service Inc., ON; Howdy Holmes, President & CEO, Chelsea Milling Company, MI, USA
Moderator:  Saul Plener, PwC Canada. 
 
6:15 pm to 6:45pm – OPENING KEYNOTE
Douglas B. Ford, President, Deco Labels and Flexible Packaging, ON  
 
6:45pm – 9:00pm – OPENING COCKTAIL AND DINNER
Poolside Patio, 5th Floor Radisson, hosted by PwC Canada
 

Thursday September 14th

7:30am to 4:30pm – Registration Open 
 
7:30am to 8:30 am – Breakfast
 
8:30am to 9:45am – FAMILY EMPLOYMENT AND COMPENSATION POLICIES
As more and more family members join the business (or not!) what are some the best practices to deal with the issues of employment and compensation? Join our panelists as they discuss the how’s and why’s of their employment and compensation policies. Who should be hired and why? What challenges need to be addresses? What role is compensation currently playing and what role should it play? How can these issues affect family harmony and employee engagement?  
 
Panelists: Brittany McKee, McKee Foods Corporation; Wes Neichenbauer, CFO, Rowntree Enterprises
Moderator: Tonya Archer, Brick Labs Inc.
 
9:45am to 10:15am – Networking Break
 
10:15am to 11:30am – THE EVOLUTION OF FAMILY GOVERNANCE 
What is good family governance and when is it the right time to start formalizing the process? Our panelists will highlight and discuss what worked for their families and how they navigated the challenges associated with maintaining family harmony through the process. Learn about the role family governance plays in maintaining a healthy family and growing business. 
 
Panelists: Dr Charlotte Lamp, Family Governance Coordinator, Port Blakely Companies USA; Trevor Baker, 3rd Gen Family Member, Family Communications 
Moderator: Kelly Lecouvie, The Family Business Consulting Group
 
11:30am to 12:30 pm - EXPERT WORKSHOPS
 
  • Tax & Estate Planning with Luigi DeRose, PwC Canada 
  • The Ingredients for a Fantastic Family Meeting with The Family Business Consulting Group
  • Family Business and the Capital Markets: Investing for the Future with Matthew Flynn and Ori Mandowsky, Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. 

12:30pm -1:30pm – LUNCH

 
1:30pm to 2:00pm – NETWORKING BREAK
 
2pm to 3:15pm – NEXT GEN ROLES IN AN ENTERPRISING FAMILY
How do you get your Next Generation involved in the business and the family? In this discussion, 3 next gen members will tell you their experiences in getting involved and engaged with both the business and their family. What roles can they play? How can it be effective experience? What pitfalls should be avoided?
 
Panelists: Torri Hawley, 7th Gen Member, Vollrath Company, WI USA; Justin Schinkel, Manager, Schinkel Properties, MA; Maurice Fares, Fares, Halifax NS
Moderator: Sharon Magor, Rosseau Lake College
 
3:15pm to 3:30pm – NETWORKING BREAK
 
3:30 pm to 4:15 pm--KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Speaker:  John Peller, President and CEO, Andrew Peller Limited
 
4:15 pm to 5:15 pm -  CONCURRENT SESSIONS
 
1. Siblings & Cousins with Wendy Sage-Hayward
2. Married – Ins with Chris Delaney
3. Founders Forum with Saul Plener
4. Next Gen Roundtable with John Neretlis
 
6:30pm – 9:00pm – FAMILY DINNER
Join us for cocktails and a Casual Family Style Dinner at the Amsterdam Brew House, located just a short walk from the Hotel, and overlooking Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.  
 

Friday September 15

7:30am to 8:30am  BREAKFAST
 
8:30am to 9:00am - Keynote Address
 
Speaker:  AnnDugan, Family Office Exchange
 
9:00am-9:45 am - HANDLING THE INEVITABLE:  Divorce, Death, Dependency, Disability & Medical Issues In The Family Enterprise
Our panelists tackle these “inevitable” issues and how they, their families and business were affected.  The audience will be given the opportunity to hear first-hand the emotions, challenges and communication issues that arise. How did they prepare? Were they prepared? How is decision making challenged? What are the legal, tax and estate issues that should be addressed well before one of these issues becomes a reality for your family.
 

 

Panelists: Susan Fulford, Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy; John Neretlis, Principal, Next Gen Anesti
 
9:45am to 10:15am – NETWORKING BREAK
 
10:15am to 11:15am – EXPERT WORKSHOPS
  • Tax & Estate Planning with Luigi DeRose, PwC Canada 
  • The Ingredients for a Fantastic Family Meeting with The Family Business Consulting Group
  • Family Business and the Capital Markets: Investing for the Future with Matthew Flynn and Ori Mandowsky, Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. 
11:20am to 12pm – CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
 
Speaker:  Roseanne Longo, Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador, Longo's
 
12pm – 1:15pm – CLOSING Lunch

About Conference

Transitions Canada 2017 is sponsored by Family Business Magazine, and is the only conference created for family companies, by family companies.

Who Should Attend

Attendance at this conference is strictly limited to owners, shareholders, family members, in-laws and executives of 75 family businesses/enterprises. The conference is designed to facilitate conversation on important family issues among generations. There is special programming for family business members aged 15-29, and for those who have married-in to the family business.

The Transitions conference is for family companies and family offices of all sizes.  Approximately one third of attendees represent companies with revenues of under $25 million, one third of attendees have revenues of between $26 million and $300 million; and one third have revenues of over $300 million. And approximately a third of attendees are in the third generation or less; a third were in generations 4 and 5; and third were part of companies more than 6 generations old. What all attendees share is a desire to see their family enterprise grow successfully through generational transitions.

68% of attendees at Transitions are coming to the conference for the first time; 100% of attendees at our last conference say they'll attend again, and that they'd recommend the conference to other family members.

NOTE: All attendees will be vetted to ensure that they are family company leaders, members or shareholders. This event is only for family-run companies or enterprises. Senior advisers to family companies may attend ONLY with the family company they represent.

For further information, contact conference director David Shaw at (301) 963-6162 or email dshaw@familybusinessmagazine.com.

Registration

Registration fees do not include hotel or travel expenses. Due to the customization of the conference seating and session assignments, registrations need to be submitted at least one week prior to the start of the conference.  On-site registration is not available.

Attire
The dress code for the conference is business casual to casual. Meeting room temperatures will vary, so please bring and wear the appropriate layers of clothing to ensure your personal comfort.

Propose a Topic or Speaker

Contact Peter Begalla, Conference and Education Director, (386) 785-7856 or email pbegalla@familybusinessmagazine.com. Please note that the conference extends a complimentary registration for conference speakers.  In addition, conference speakers are featured in Family Business and Directors & Boards magazines and websites.  Speakers are responsible for their own expenses, to include hotel, meals, and travel.  Proposals promoting company products or services will not be considered.

Advisers and Sponsors

If your company provides services to family businesses, please considering sponsoring the conference.  Access to Transitions conference attendees—by attending the conference, a tabletop exhibit and/or by participating as a moderator/panelist is only available to conference sponsors.   Alternatively, if you are an adviser to family businesses, you may register to attend the conference with a family member for a business you advise. Contact Mike Bachman at (215) 405-6070, or email mike.bachman@familybusinessmagazine.com. 

Student Registration

Students who are interested in attending the conference should apply through the standard attendee registration process (submit a registration form for consideration).  Complimentary student registrations are not available.
 
Press
Press passes are not available for this conference.

What Attendees Say About Transitions

“This is one of the best conferences I've ever attended.  The diversity of topics, the openness and candidness of the attendees, the structure.  All of it was awesome.”
 
"The best ever!  Messages were clear, consistent and well organized.  People shared openly whether on stage or otherwise."
 
“This was a great conference--the person-to person idea exchanges were vibrant”
 
"I always learn something new and meet new people experiencing the same things I am.  I've never had a support network like this one."
 
"I was amazed at how open everyone was about sharing their stories.  I got several ideas on dealing with the issues facing our family and our business.  Very beneficial."
 
“Loved having access to dynamic family businesses in a helpful environment.  The speakers were so giving and open--a true gift!”
 
"Good cross section of different family companies dealing with a variety of relatable issues. Got a lot of very valuable information throughout the two days."
 
"Such an open environment--eye opening would be an understatement.  I look forward to coming back next year and bringing more family with me."
 
"Best seminar I have attended.  Focused on family rather than sponsors."
 
"Excellent conference, superbly implemented and presented."
 
“Very well done, with friendly people.  The conference was set up to be very easy to talk to others and the crowd was really good.”
 
“Excellent.  I appreciated all the takeaways from the conference and enjoyed meeting and talking with others.  I liked the positive/negative shared experiences from the family businesses.”
 
“Transitions is just a great place to learn about family business issues.”
 
“I am a small business owner.  Initially, I was intimidated by the general body of large family businesses.  What was amazing to me is that, large or small, we all experience the same issues.  Very inspirational and comforting to know obstacles can be overcome.”

 

Confirmed Speakers

Travis Klassen

CEO, Klassen Business Group

Travis Klassen has been working with the framework of family enterprise for as long as he can remember. Travis entered his family’s third generation, fifty-year-old business at the age of thirteen and worked all the way up to become CEO at the age of thirty; under his leadership his family was recognized as the Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement award winner by the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (Vancouver Chapter). Travis has extensive tried & true, first hand experience with complicated issues such as succession, transition, family legacy, philanthropy and family mission/vision and is a certified family enterprise advisor.

Murray Flanagan

Shareholder, Flanagan Food Service Inc.

Recently transitioned out of active employment in the family business, Murray Flanagan has served a 25 year full time career with a broad range of responsibilities.  Most recently Senior Vice-President/CFO, Murray has also held positions in Administration Management, Finance, and Purchasing.  As well, Murray spent 5 years as Division Vice President, overseeing all aspects of the operation at the Owen Sound branch.  Although no longer active on a day to day basis, Murray maintains minority ownership in the business and participates as an advisor to the board of directors. 
 
At Roseland Produce Wholesale, a subsidiary company, Murray held the role of President for 8 years where he ensured profitability and consistency of our fresh produce product category.
 
Flanagan Foodservice Inc., now in its second generation leadership, was founded by his father, Joseph Flanagan in 1977.  Murray worked alongside his 3 brothers to continue the trend of top line growth year after year.
 
Murray is involved with Junior Achievement as a volunteer and also holds the position of Chair of the Board.  Additionally he is very active with the Family Enterprise Exchange, Southwestern Ontario where he currently sits on the Advisory Board. 

Howard "Howdy" Holmes

CEO, Chelsea Milling Company/JIFFY Mix

Chelsea Milling Company is operated by a family whose roots in the flour milling business date back to the early 1800s. Mabel White Holmes, grandmother of current president Howdy S. Holmes, developed and introduced to the homemaker the first prepared baking mix product, “JIFFY” Baking Mix, in the spring of 1930. Currently Chelsea Milling offers 22 “JIFFY” mixes. “JIFFY” is the market-share leader in retail prepared baking mixes. In 2007, Chelsea Milling entered the institutional market, selling to mass feeders such as large hotels and prisons. The company is currently investing $35 million to build additional facilities to provide products for the foodservice sector.
 
After successfully competing in the world of motor sports for 20 years, Howdy returned to the family business in November 1987. As a racecar driver, Howdy won championships and was the “Rookie of the Year” at the Indy 500 in 1979. He competed in six Indy 500 events. When he retired in 1988, he held the best average finishing record of anyone who started more than four events. As a businessman, Howdy operated a motorsports marketing company and an advertising company, which served the motorsports community. He authored an award-winning book, Formula Car Technology, and was a contributing writer for magazines and newspapers about racing. He was also one of the first color commentators on racing for ESPN. Upon returning to “JIFFY” in 1987, Howdy led a transformation of the then-100-year-old family business. With the help of others, a professionally managed strategic vision was successfully introduced.

Douglas B. Ford, Jr.

President, Deco Labels and Flexible Packaging

Douglas Ford Jr. was born in Etobicoke on November 20 1964 and is a Canadian businessman and politician in Toronto, Ontario. Doug was City Councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North from 2010-2014. 
 
In the 1990s, Doug became involved in running the family label printing business, Deco Labels and Flexible Packaging, which his father had founded in 1962 as Deco Labels and Tags. In 2002, he became the President of the company and is solely responsible for its expansion into Chicago and New Jersey. 
 
In 2016, Doug co-authored and published a book with his brother, the Late Rob Ford, former Mayor of Toronto. The book is entitled “Ford Nation: Two Brothers, One Vision- The true story of the People’s Mayor”. 
 
Doug still resides in Etobicoke with his wife, Karla and four daughters, Krista, Kayla, Kara and Kyla. 

Brittany McKee

NextGen Development Planning, McKee Foods Corporation

Brittany McKee is a fourth-generation member of McKee Foods Corporation, manufacturer of Little Debbie Snack Cakes and Drakes, among other brands. Brittany grew up working summers at the company and has been involved for over 10 years. She is now mid-way through her journey as a Next Gen family member and is involved with Next Gen development planning. She has a BS in Health Science, and an MBA in Business Operations and Management from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.  She is now living in Chattanooga, Tennessee near the corporate headquarters and is a Client Success Manager at Vikus Corporation, a small tech start-up (also family owned) that provides web-based hiring services to Senior Care and Healthcare facilities across the country. Brittany is also a health and fitness expert and an accomplished CrossFit competitor. When she is not working, you can find her at the local CrossFit gym. 

Trevor Baker

Operations, Family Communications

Trevor is a third generation member of Family Communications, a Canadian company started by his grandfather.  Family Communications publishes magazines focusing on family milestones such as pregnancy, birth and marriage.  Trevor has a Masters in Business Administration from The Schulich School of Business – York University.  Like his grandfather, grandmother and father, Trevor has earned his private pilot license. Unlike his grandparents or parents, Trevor recently took tap dancing lessons with his wife.  He was not very good at it.
 
For over 49 years, Trevor has shared summers, autumns, winters and springs with immediate family, cousins and friends at the family cottage, originally purchased by his grandfather in 1957.

Charlotte E. Lamp, Ph.D.

Port Blakely Companies

Dr. Charlotte Lamp, a retired junior high and high school teacher, is now a researcher and consultant. Her primary research focus is family governance for extended business families. She is a third-generation family member, a shareholder of Port Blakely Companies, and presently serves on her family’s council as Governance Coordinator. During two previous family council terms, Dr. Lamp served as Education Coordinator and developed her family’s education program known as Eddy Academy. Over the years, this early project has expanded to include programs such as early education activities, teenage leadership development, college internships, and adult hands-on experiences. 
 
Dr. Lamp delivers practical and enthusiastically received presentations on such topics as education, transitions and successions, family governance, and leadership development for business families. Through Rockwood Consulting, LLC, Dr. Lamp mentors business families in their pursuit of family governance and supports other business advisers working with family businesses. She has authored many articles for Family Business Magazine and currently enjoys working as part of a research team headed by Dennis Jaffe, PhD investigating successful practices of global centennial business families. Dr. Lamp holds a BS in Biological Sciences, an MA in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD in Leadership Studies. She is a fellow of the Family Firm Institute from which she holds an advanced certificate in family business advising. 
 
Dr. Lamp resides in Spokane, Washington with her husband, Don. She has two grown children and participates in various civic activities which currently include membership on the board of Mobius Science Center and delivering Meals on Wheels. Past involvements have included the board of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, WAMPUM, Connoisseur Concerts, and Spokane Symphony.

Torri Hawley

7th Generation Family Member, Vollrath Company

Torri Hawley is a seventh generation member of the Vollrath Company, a stainless steel small-wares company in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. While not involved in the family business, she plays an active role in governance. She attended Stetson University where she graduated with a degree in Family Enterprise, and later completed the Family Firm Institute’s Certificate in Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising. Torri has spoken on her perspective as a next generation stakeholder for the Transitions Conference as well as Daughters In Charge and Family Office Exchange. In 2014 she was nominated as one of Family Business Magazine’s “25 Under 35: Next-Gen Members to Watch”. She now lives in Denver, Colorado where she works for a fourth generation family business.

Justin Schinkel

Manager, Schinkel Properties

Justin Schinkel is a serial entrepreneur who has finally settled down in the family business.  He leads a second-generation family business that has grown from humble roots and now consists of 5 hotels, residential developments and commercial real estate.  The transition from one generation to the next has been relatively smooth despite some uncomfortable conversations and high emotional levels during decision making.  
 
Justin is the CEO of The InnKeepers, which own and operate 5 mid-scale hotels in Winnipeg and surrounding area with 150 team members.  The company is on a growth trajectory with its eye on developing more hotel properties.  Justin’s father, Bob Schinkel operates the real estate division, while his brother, Evan Schinkel, operates the construction company.   

Susan Fulford

Managing Director, Dynamic Legacy

Susan grew up in a family business, worked as a lawyer in private practice for five years, and then global business for ten years, including a two year European engagement for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu working with the world’s leading financial institutions in asset management, banking & insurance. She has negotiated to deal close - the sale of the family business. Driven by values-based decision making, she helps others navigate and create the futures they want. 
 
Susan received her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and an Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and is a Family Enterprise Advisor ™ and member of the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors (IFEA). She has appeared on BNN and has been interviewed for various media & publications including The Globe & Mail and Investment Executive.  Susan pursues a variety of charitable pursuits that reflect her goal of purposeful philanthropy.

John E. Peller

President & CEO, Andrew Peller Limited

Mr. Peller was born in Hamilton, Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario (LLB, 1980), Osgoode Hall, Toronto (Bar Admission Course, 1982), L'institute de Touraine, Tours, France (1984). He began his career with the law firm of Evans, Husband in Hamilton, Ontario, practising corporate and commercial law before moving to New Jersey as Manager, Corporate Planning and Development with Nabisco Brands Inc. Mr. Peller has been President & Chief Executive Officer for Andrew Peller Limited since 1994. He is currently Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Peller has been a Director and Chairman, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as Director, RBC Life Insurance Company of Royal Bank of Canada. He is a member of the Business Council of Canada, the Chief Executives Organization, and the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Maurice Fares

VP Operations, WM Fares Group

Maurice Fares is the Vice-president of Operations for the WM Fares Group. He joined the Halifax based family business in 2009 on a full time basis, but had been involved with the company his father started for many years before then. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax with a B.Comm in Finance.
 
Maurice believes that business planning and developing are a company’s gateway to the future. “By executing our core practices while managing the economic market on a daily basis, is what in turn, will drive the strategy and vision of our company for generations”.

Wes Neichenbauer

CFO, Rowntree Enterprises

Wes Neichenbauer is the CFO of Rowntree Enterprises Inc., having joined the company in 2006. Prior to joining Rowntree Enterprises Inc. Wes was the CFO, a director and shareholder of Applewood Holdings Inc., which was purchased by one of the largest automotive groups in Canada. Previously, Wes was the CFO of a TSX-listed company and an analyst and investment banker with one of the largest Schedule A banks in Canada. Wes holds an Hons. B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and is a chartered accountant (CA), having qualified in the top 1% in Canada. 

Rowntree Enterprises, based in Toronto, has completed a transition out of its original business -- car dealerships -- to focus on real estate and private equity investing.

Rosanne Longo

Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador, Longo's

Growing up in the family business, Rosanne Longo has a natural passion for food. Her purpose through her dual roles as Spokesperson and Chair of the Longo’s Family Charitable Foundation is to connect and inspire healthier families through shared family values and a love of good food. Longo Bros. Fruit Markets was founded by three brothers, Tommy, Joe and Gus Longo in 1956. At the time, they simply wanted to be able to support their family. What started as a single fruit market has evolved into a chain of grocery stores focusing on quality, service and value, which has been the foundation for the last 61 years. Built on a strong belief and commitment to family, fresh food, opportunity and philanthropy, Rosanne Longo will share her family's story and how their entrepreneurial spirit, led by these cornerstones, remain as founding values that guide innovation in the next generation. Not only will you learn who the Longo family is and what they do, but be inspired by what motivates them to continue to do it.

Preston Root

President, Root Family Board of Directors

Preston Root is President of the Root Family Board of Directors, a position that has been continuously occupied by a family member for 110 years.

He is the great grandson of C.J. Root who founded Root Glass Company in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1901. Root Glass Company designed , patented and manufactured the original 6 1/2 ounce Coca-cola bottle in 1916.

Root Company relocated to Florida in 1950 and started to build what would become one of the largest independent bottlers of Coca - Cola in the United States. Preston has worked for the family business for 35 years in roles ranging from route sales to radio station manager.

In addition, he currently works for MRN Radio--"The Voice of NASCAR"--America's largest independent sports radio network, broadcasting NASCAR and Rolex Grand-Am races from all across North America.

Preston has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Volusia County , Museum of Arts and Sciences of Daytona Beach and The Arc of Volusia and Flagler Counties. In 2010 Preston was named "Top Volunteer in the State of Florida" by The Arc. He also serves on Halifax Health Foundation.

Preston is a certified SCUBA instructor and an EMT. His interests include mountain biking and aviation.

John Neretlis

Rowntree Enterprises

John Neretlis has spent much of life involved in various family businesses: as a Next Gen and Now Gen with his family, and as a married-in Next Gen with his wife’s. In addition to running his consultancy for Family Businesses, John has recently partnered with his teenage son in a new venture, and is chairing his married-in family’s Family Assembly where he directs the G3 training program. John holds an MBA from Queen’s University, is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and is certified as a Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA). 
 
John volunteers on two boards: Rosseau Lake College, where he serves as Vice-Chair; and  Queen’s University Alma Mater Society. He is also an advisor in the development of Queen’s University’s Generational Wealth program. 
 
He resides in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Susan, son Matthew (15) and daughter Katie (13).  

Conference Location

The Radisson Admiral Toronto Harbourfront
Address: 249 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2N5
Phone: (416) 203-3333
 
With stunning views of Lake Ontario and downtown, the Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto-Harbourfront offers a beautiful setting for work and leisure. This hard-to-beat location offers two transportation hubs, Union Station and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), both less than two kilometres from the hotel. Soak up the sun at the on-site SPLASH Pool Patio and Terrace overlooking Lake Ontario and the CN Tower. 
 
Hotel Reservations
A limited number of guest rooms are available at the reduced Transitions Conference rate of $225 single or double occupancy, plus HST and local taxes.  Rooms at these special rates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and reservations may be made by calling hotel reservations at +1 (800) 967-9033 ( US/Canada Toll-free ) and requesting the Transitions Canada rate before August 14th.  After this date, reservations may be made based on room availability at the prevailing hotel rate. 
 
In addition to the reservation phone number provided above, on line reservations can be made using discount code TRANS.
 
 
TRAVEL
Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) – Is serviced by all international airlines, with multiple flights daily from most major North American cities. The airport has multiple ways to transfer to the hotel:
Taxi/Limo: $70 – 100
Uber: Approx $70
UP Express: Direct train to downtown Union Station $12 (Uber/Taxi to Radisson from Union approx. $10) 
 
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) –  The “Island” Airport is serviced by Porter Airlines with flights from around Ontario & Quebec, Halifax, Moncton, Chicago-Midway, Newark, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington-Dulles. The airport is located just minutes from the Radisson. Walk along the waterfront (1.5km) from the airport to the hotel is about 15-20 Minutes or: 
Taxi/Uber:  Approx $10
 
Porter Airlines is offering Transitions Canada Attendees a 10% discount on all flights to and from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport from September 10 to September 18 (some restrictions apply). Book online or through your travel agent using promo code “TC2017”. 
 
 
 
Union Station – Serviced by Via Rail, Amtrak, GO Transit and the TTC.  Transfer to the hotel:
Taxi/Uber:  Approx $10
TTC: 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina Street Car Routes from Union stop right in front of Radisson. 
 

Register Today!

Registration Information
 
Note:  All prices are in Canadian Dollars and are inclusive of HST. US residents and others who wish to pay in USD, please use the US registration form.
 
For more information Call John Neretlis 647-229-1664 or by email at john@anesti.ca
 
Attendance at this conference is limited to members, owners, senior executives (including non-family executives and non-family board members) or shareholders of family-owned businesses whose primary business is other than advising family-owned businesses. Senior advisers to family businesses may attend only with family members. Attendance is strictly limited to the first 65 family businesses/enterprises who register.
 
Past attendees of any Transitions Conference receive an additional 10% discount on their registration fees.
 
All registrants receive a free one year subscription to Family Business Magazine ($79US value), or a one-year extension to their current subscription.  Subscriptions include free online access to Family Business Magazine's extensive online archive of articles, organized by topic. Registration fees do not include hotel or travel expenses.
 
 
 
Family Company Attendees
 
Standard Pricing (after August 1, 2017)
 
$1750 First attendee
$1450 Each Additional Attendee
$1250 Each Additional Next Gen (29 and under)
 
All prices are in Canadian Dollars and are inclusive of HST. 
 
All attendees will be verified prior to acceptance of registration. A family company's advisers may attend only if accompanied by one or more family company members.
 
Registration price includes all conference materials, welcome reception with buffet dinner on September 13 as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner on September 14, and breakfast and lunch on September 15, as well as all refreshment breaks.
 
Cancellation policy: All conference cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Justine Wood, Transitions Events Director, 13631 Maidstone Lane, Potomac, MD 20854, or emailed to jwood@familybusinessmagazine.com. Registrants who cancel more than four weeks prior to the program date are entitled to a full refund of the registration fee less an administrative fee of $150 per registrant; if canceled within four weeks, but more than 10 business days prior to the conference date, 50% of the conference registration fee will be refunded less an administrative fee of $150 per registrant; within ten business days of the conference date and no shows, no refund is possible. Family Business Magazine may cancel the program if attendance does not meet required levels; in case of cancellation or rescheduling, full refunds of registration fees will be made. Travel fares and hotel deposits cannot be reimbursed.
 

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

Your Hosts

Conference Hosts: 

John Neretlis is a married-in second-generation member of the Rowntree family and formerly held the property management position at Rowntree Enterprises. He currently leads the family in establishing its family assembly, constitution and third-generation training program. John holds an MBA from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). He earned his certification as a Family Enterprise Advisor with IFEA through the Ivey Business School. John’s family business consulting practice, Next Gen Anesti, specializes in helping business families execute their succession plans. John wants to share his experience and knowledge as a NextGen and NowGen from his own family’s business and as a married-in NextGen/employee with his in-laws’ family business. Previously, John served as a Captain in the Canadian Forces Medical Services, operated his own retail food store and was general manager of a central Toronto conference centre. He resides in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife, Susan; his son, Matthew; and his daughter, Katie.

Peter Begalla is a family business owner, Family Business Magazine's Conference and Education Director, and Adjunct Professor with Stetson University's Family Enterprise Center. He is at the forefront of Next Generation Leadership Development, having helped hundreds of college-aged students establish credibility and marketability with their family, with their family businesses or with non-family employers. He combines years of counseling experience with over 10 years of business development and marketing experience in online education.

Caro Rock is the publisher of Family Business Magazine, which is itself owned by a family company with interests in media and information technology research. She was the founder and publisher of Main Line Life, a weekly newspaper with 15,000 readers covering the western suburban communities of Philadelphia. She grew up in a family business that manufactured and sold flour under the labels Ceresota and Heckers Flour. The Uhlmann Company, formerly Standard Milling Company, also produced Wheatena and Maypo hot cereals, Patio Chef Charcoal and Just Add Water jelly mix. Today, her brother and his son-in-law are involved in the family business, which has ventured into additional related businesses.

 

 

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