The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina will be hosting its third annual conference, “Timeless Truths and Timely Topics: Lessons for Family Enterprise Success,” 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at The University Center in Greenville.

“We are excited to have Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s as our keynote speaker,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, executive director of The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. “Stephanie will share her journey to revive her family’s company, which was six figures in debt when she purchased it in 2019. She’ll talk about the family business’ history, lessons learned from her grandfather’s story and how she is applying them to reinvent the Stuckey’s brand as a pecan snack and candy company.”

Another highlight of the conference, Bechtold says, will be Dr. Jeffrey Moore, professor of leadership at 91������, leading a session on leadership and neuroscience, and how our brain sometimes sabotages our family. Other speakers include Tyler Gilliam and Chris Gantt-Sorensen, attorneys from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA giving a legal update; and Cassie Thompson of Infinity Marketing leading a session on artificial intelligence (AI). After lunch, John Barnes of Pendleton Street Business Advisors, Clint Park of Sovereign’s Capital, Jada Willis of Jada Willis Consulting and Dr. Richard Ray of 91������ will lead breakout sessions on various topics designed to equip family business leaders for success in their family enterprise.

A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be included. For details, contact Dr. Brad Bechtold at 864-346-0405 or email bbechtold@andersonuniversity.edu.

The conference has limited seating and is expected to sell out early, so registration is encouraged well in advance at the online registration link .

Information about The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina can be found online at .

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Wells Fargo presented a $25,000 grant to the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) at 91������ to develop programs aimed at helping family-owned businesses and enterprises succeed.

Family-owned businesses and enterprises are the backbone of the American economy. They account for 64 percent of U.S. gross domestic product and generate 62 percent of the nation’s employment. At the same time, disparities exist when it comes to businesses owned and operated by women and minorities.

Funds from the Wells Fargo Foundation grant will go towards launching a program to recruit and provide scholarships to businesses owned by women or minorities to become members of the FEISC. The funds will also support participation in a one-year affinity group designed exclusively for small businesses owned by women or minorities that are members of the FEISC.

Brad Bechtold, executive director of the FEISC, points out challenges that still face many women- and/or minority-owned, small family businesses. One big challenges are access to capital and support resources that are essential to long term success and sustainability of a business.

“The mission of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91������ is to assist family enterprises in South Carolina to be successful and plan for business continuity,” Bechtold said. “One of the strategic goals of the FEISC is to increase the percentage of women- and minority-owned small family businesses in South Carolina and to help them to be successful and have a plan for business continuity.”

Through its philanthropic efforts, provides a full array of services to private and family foundations across the country, including grant-making support.

If you are a women and/or minority small business owner in South Carolina, please contact Brad Bechtold at 864-346-0405, or by email at bbechtold@andersonuniversity.edu and/or submit an application for grant funding online. Details about the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina can be found here.

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Family-owned enterprises across South Carolina have new opportunities to strengthen their business through a first-of-its-kind initiative created by 91������.

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina on Monday held a kick-off event at the Westin Poinsett in Greenville, introducing its founding member organizations at a ceremony that welcomed South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Pitts and University officials.

“We have a lot of great companies here in South Carolina, and what 91������ is doing in this endeavor is key,” Pitts said. “We need to keep home-grown companies successful right here. South Carolina has a lot of great things going on, (and) our strength still is in those small, home-grown family businesses. A lot of times they just need access to resources and opportunities to succeed. That’s why (the FEISC) hits the mark.”

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolinais unique in the state. A membership organization, its mission is to provide education, networking, support resources and research to help family enterprises and those involved in or serving them maximize their overall health and sustainability. The FEISC fosters learning, sharing and creative solutions regarding the many critical issues and problems faced by family enterprises.

Steve Nail, dean of the 91������ College of Business, introduced Brad Bechtold, director of the FEISC, the organization’s advisory council and its member organizations. All told, 20 family enterprises have joined the FEISC. Mikee Johnson, CEO of Carolina Brick, provided valuable family business advice and an engaging final charge to the audience.

Legacy Leader for the FEISC is Eastern Industrial Supplies and its President and CEO Kip Miller. Founding Families include Jennings Dill; Spinx Company; Sargent Metal Fabricators; and T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc. Framing Families include Stone Property Management; Stringer Oil and Gas Company; and Ortec. General members include Ayers Leather Shop; Bank of Travelers Rest; Colonial Packaging; Cowart Awards; Davis & Floyd; Electric City Heating and Air; Greenville Office Supply; Harper General Contractors; Integrated Support Systems; International Plastics; Luck Companies; and Watkins, Garrett and Woods Mortuary, Inc.

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Ninety percent of American businesses, and 35 percent of Fortune 500 companies, are family-controlled, representing the full spectrum of American companies, from small business to major corporations. Family-owned enterprise accounts for 64 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, generate 62 percent of the country’s employment and account for 78 percent of all new job creation. 

It is estimated that 40 percent of family business owners expect to retire within the next five years, creating a significant transition of ownership in the United States. However, fewer than half of those have selected a successor. Furthermore, though nearly 70 percent of family businesses would like to pass their business on to the next generation, only 30 percent will actually be successful at transitioning to the next generation.

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