The Family Enterprise Center (FEC) at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is housed within the Center for Economic Development. The only center of its kind in Arkansas, the FEC curates a learning community for family businesses to meet their unique needs through workshops, quarterly breakfast meetings, and peer groups. With over 50 regional family businesses as members, programming and forums provide relevant family topics around the multi-generational advantages and challenges of the family in business.
 
You will also hear from Van Buren Chamber member and longtime FEC member, Jeff Null of Arkansas Lighting in Van Buren. Jeff will provide a snapshot of his beneficial experience in the FEC and its peer group program.  
 
Justin Smith, Director of the FEC, will provide us with an overview and the common challenges we face in family business. Executive Director of the Center for Economic Development, Kendall Ross, will also give a quick overview of employee training and other resources offered at the Center for Economic Development.