The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) announced seventeen manufacturing specialists recently completed the comprehensive Galliard Group Family Business Advisor Level One training program in Bloomington, Illinois. Completion of the certification equips the IMEC team members with comprehensive tools to assist family-owned and closely-held businesses.

“Illinois manufacturers must prepare for the profound implications related to the transition of ownership caused by the aging baby boomer generation. Over seventy percent of manufacturers may have a change in leadership in the next five years”, said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “The success of these transitions will greatly impact employees, communities, and the entrepreneurs who built the businesses.”

The philosophy behind the Galliard Group Family Business Advisor program is to allow transition of the business with dignity intact. The advisors work to help the business create an exit strategy, succession plan and build an advisory board not only as a means to transition the business in the future, but also to help create a clear roadmap of how the business will operate to reach its goals.

“Family Business Advisor training enables professionals in the network to take clients through a solid process to assess the business and best determine the steps to move forward to meet needs for growth and the future,” said Lise Stewart, founder of Galliard Group.

Having completed Family Business Advisor training and becoming members of the Galliard Family Business Advisor Network, the IMEC team members, will be further engaging in assisting family owned and closely-held businesses in developing transition plans and creating the strategy unique to each company to achieve the desired outcome.

Are you interested in learning more about the Family Business Advisor Certification?  Visit their website to learn even more about the program! Be sure to contact IMEC directly for information on receiving help from IMEC specialists who completed the certification.