– CIE | Ole Miss

4th annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium

September 16-17, 2025 | Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center

Our Mission

Family businesses are the foundation of Mississippi’s economy, yet they face unique challenges in leadership, succession, and sustainability. As a part of the UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program, the It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium is dedicated to empowering family-owned businesses by providing a platform for leaders, family members, and employees to connect, learn, and grow. Through expert-led discussions, best practice sharing, and collaborative networking, we aim to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of family business ownership and ensure the success and sustainability of their legacies for generations to come.

Symposium Highlights

This 2-day event provides thought-provoking keynotes, expert-led discussions, and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of family enterprises. Whether you are navigating leadership transitions, implementing growth strategies or fostering innovation, this symposium delivers the knowledge and resources to help your business thrive across generations.

Keynote Presentations

Hear from distinguished industry leaders and experienced family business owners who will share their unique journeys and strategies for long-term success. Our keynote speakers inspire attendees with compelling stories of overcoming obstacles, fostering innovation, and navigating generational transitions. These talks set the tone for the symposium, offering invaluable insights from those who’ve been at the forefront of family business leadership.

Women in Business Panel

Engage in a powerful conversation featuring accomplished women leaders in family businesses. As a new segment of the symposium, this panel highlights the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the family business world, including balancing leadership with family dynamics and breaking through industry barriers. This panel provides an empowering platform for women to share their stories and offer advice on fostering inclusive, sustainable businesses.

Expert-Led Case Studies

Gain strategic insights from panels of seasoned professionals who have navigated complex family business dynamics. Topics range from succession planning and governance to scaling operations and handling internal conflicts. These sessions provide practical knowledge, actionable advice, and industry-specific perspectives to help your family business thrive.

Networking & Collaborations

Take advantage of the networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful conversation and idea exchange with fellow family business leaders, advisors, and stakeholders. All attendees are invited to join us at the day one reception.

Actionable Takeaways

Leave the symposium with concrete, actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities facing your family business. Whether you’re tackling succession planning, improving governance, or growing your business, the symposium equips you with the tools to implement immediate change. Past attendees have reported a clear, actionable plan for moving forward, having gained practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Evening Reception

After a day of insightful discussions and valuable connections, unwind and continue the conversation at our evening reception. The gathering offers attendees the perfect opportunity to network with symposium guests, speakers and sponsors. Enjoy curated appetizers, refreshing beverages, and engaging conversations as we toast to the resilience and innovation of family businesses. Whether you’re strengthening existing relationships or forging new ones, this reception sets the stage for deeper collaboration and shared success.

Who Should Attend?

Family business owners and executives
Next-generation leaders preparing for succession
Family business employees and stakeholders
Entrepreneurs and business advisors supporting family enterprises

Symposium Agenda

Day One | Tuesday, September 16

9:45 AM        Check-In


10:30 AM      Opening Remarks  |  Dr. Clay Dibrell, Co-Director of the Ole Miss CIE


10:45 AM      The Soft Side of Transition  |  Mark C. Hartnett, CFP, AEP, Managing Director of the Argent Family Wealth Services


11:30 AM      Networking Lunch


1:00 pm        Keynote Address  |  James and Thomas Duff, Co-Founders and Co-Owners of Duff Capital Investors


2:00 pm        Coffee Break with Sponsors


2:15 pm        Case Study I  |  Chris Newcomb, Founder of Newk’s Eatery     


3:15 pm        "Where Are They Now?" Q&A  |  Facilitated by Dr. Clay Dibrell with Steve Grantham, Jr., President at J&R Restaurant Group, and Doug Hederman, President and CEO at Hederman Brothers Printing


4:30 pm       NextGen in Family Business Panel  |  Moderated by Amy Walker, Area Sales Manager at Ergon, Inc.

      PANELISTS:
      Wesley Goings, President at Telapex, Inc.

      Monica Harrigill, Managing Member at The Sunray Companies

      Dr. Chelsea Sherlock, Assistant Professor of Management at Mississippi State University

      Lex Taylor, Chairman and CEO at The Taylor Group of Companies


5:30 PM - 7:00 PM      Reception

Day Two | Wednesday, September 17

7:30 AM        Check-In and Breakfast


8:15 AM        The State of Family Business Research  |  Dr. Clay Dibrell & Dr. Chelsea Sherlock Wagner


8:45 AM        Revisit Day One Learnings  |  Liza Cirlot Looser, Founder, CEO and Chairman of The Cirlot Agency, and Dr. Allyn Cascio


9:00 AM        Case Study II  |  Jeffrey O’Keefe, Fifth Generation CEO of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes


9:45 AM        Coffee Break with Sponsors


10:00 AM       Employee Stock Ownership Plan |  William O’Brien, ESOP Specialist at Morgan Stanley


10:45 AM       Live Data Feedback  |  Facilitated by Dr. Clay Dibrell


11:00 AM       Keynote Q&A  |  Jonathan Jones, CEO of Jones Capital - Facilitated by Abb Payne, Founder and CEO of The Payne Companies    


12:00 PM       Departure (Lunch To-Go)