Media Advisory: Wake Forest University Family Business Center announcing 2012 Spring forums

February 2

From White Castle to the White House

Family firms are the primary drivers of our economy and they significantly shape our society. In the last 25 years, family businesses have developed into an area of academic study all their own. Ann Kinkade, president of Family Enterprise USA, and Jamie Richardson, vice president of government and shareholder relations for White Castle, will present “From White Castle to the White House.” The discussion will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Kinkade will discuss the importance of FEUSA’s work as an advocate for family firms. Richardson will share the story of White Castle and how the company maintains its culture in the context of government affairs, public relations and community engagement.

February 23

The Challenges Facing Next Generation Leadership

“The Challenges Facing Next Generation Leadership” is a multi-generational workshop on how to develop human capital and make a personal action plan for transferring a business from one generation to the next. The workshop, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be led by author, educator, consultant and speaker, Greg McCann who works with family enterprises in the areas of succession, communication, conflict resolution, and gender issues. McCann is the founder and director of the Family Enterprise Center at Stetson University,

April 17

Succession Planning

Jim Perdue will share his story of succeeding his father, Frank Perdue, at Perdue Farms. Perdue was named chairman of the board of directors, becoming the third-generation Perdue to lead the company. He also followed his father as the company’s chief spokesperson. During the presentation Perdue will discuss how his succession has influenced current company policies for family members who’d like to join the family business. As chairman of the board of directors of Perdue Farms, Perdue heads the company’s executive team and is responsible for developing the company’s vision and growth strategies.

About the Wake Forest University Family Business Center (FBC) The FBC is a member-based organization that uses the educational resources of Wake Forest University to provide closely held and family firms the assistance they need to grow and succeed from generation to generation. As a program of the Office of Personal and Career Development, the FBC also provides family business education and experiential learning opportunities to WFU students, WFU alumni community and their families.

Family Business Center forums are only open to Family Business Center members, sponsors and their guests. For information on FBC membership and guest policies, please contact Kathy Baker at (336) 758.3568 or bakerka@wfu.edu , or visit http://familybusiness.opcd.wfu.edu.

Contact:

Brett D. Eaton, eatonbd@wfu.edu, 336.758.5237 or

Kim McGrath, mcgratka@wfu.edu, 336.758.3209