Forum Offers Family Businesses Insights into Compensation Trends

St. John Fisher University’s Family Business Program announces their fall forum event “Family Business Compensation,” running from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Cleary Family Auditorium in Kearney Hall. The program includes presentations on recent national compensation research, regional trends and a panel discussion from area family business leaders.

“We’re pleased to host national compensation experts and family business owners to share on one of the most complex decisions family firm leaders consider – compensation. Determining compensation levels and designing pay programs are challenging in all companies, but it can be even more difficult for family businesses because of interpersonal dynamics,” said Dr. Carol Wittmeyer, director of the Family Business Program. “Family business leaders often need education on the market pay rates, how to make objective compensation decisions, and how ownership and dividends play into overall family employee financial benefits.”

Dr. Omar Watts, chair of accounting and finance in the University’s School of Business, will moderate the forum. The morning will begin with a presentation by Bonnie Schindler, a partner from Compensation Advisory Partners, on findings from her national study completed in partnership with Family Business Magazine. Following, Jill Knittel ‘94 ‘03 (MBA), president and CEO of JK Executive Strategies, will discuss regional compensation topics including the New York State Wage Transparency Law. Finally, a panel of family business leaders will discuss family business compensation topics at their firms. Panelists include Robert Denning, chief executive officer of Perry’s Ice Cream; Gary Dake, president of Stewart’s Shops; and Lisa Wiborg, vice president of human resources and talent development at Gorbel Inc. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion.

The forum is sponsored by Key Private Bank, the Family Business Program’s yearlong Cardinal Sponsor, and Paychex.

Registration for the forum, which includes the morning program and breakfast, is available online now through Friday, Sept. 27 (also the last day to request a refund). For more information, email cwittmeyer@sjf.edu or call (585) 385-8238.