Leaps & Lessons
Transitioning the Family Business
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
Panel discussion with the former owners of three prominent family businesses:
Cooper's Supermarkets
Saunders Subaru
Swiss Herbal
Learn about significant leaps & lessons in family business transitions:
Why did you decide to sell your business? What was going on in the family while you were in transition?
What does succession mean for you and what lessons did you take away and pass onto the next generation?
What would you do differently given the opportunity to do your transition planning all over again? What is the toughest decision that you had to make?
What was the most important thing you did to contribute toward a successful transition?
What is life like afterwards?
Your Workshop Team
Mel Cooper
The Cooper's Supermarket chain was founded by Mel’s father, Ron Cooper, and developed by his four sons and other family members during 50 years of serving the Okanagan. Mel was owner of two Victoria and two Kelowna radio stations. He retired from broadcasting in 2007 and currently is Chair of the TELUS Victoria Community Board.
Dave Saunders
After 36 years, the family business, Saunders Subaru, was sold and David could not be more proud of his parents and sisters for their hard work and determination to build something from nothing, into a franchise business that won numerous awards and was sought after by many in the industry.
Steve McKerrell
Your Team in the Community
Mel Cooper is a recipient of both the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. He has an Honorary Degree from the University of Victoria and 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards (from Leadership Victoria and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce).
Dave Saunders is a recipient of the Medal of Bravery from the Government of Canada. He is currently the president of the Saunders Family Foundation and President and founder of the Comfy Kids Program, both of of which help families in need and children effected by cancer.
Steve McKerrell is a recipient of The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, having served as a volunteer in the community on numerous boards and committees over the past 25+ years. He currently serves on the boards of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, the United Way Greater Victoria, and the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony.
Shelagh Rinald
Shelagh, a tax specialist and trained facilitator, started her tax practice, Rinald Tax Advisory (FBA Member), in 2008 following her role as a tax partner and founder of Grant Thornton’s National Succession and Estate planning practice. Through her tax practice, she assists family businesses in achieving their wealth-transition objectives in a tax efficient and practical manner.
Shelagh’s active community involvement currently includes serving as an Advisory Board Member and Volunteer with Our Place Society; on the board of the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony and on the nominating committee with Power to Be.
Thursday, October 19th
5:30-8:00PM, Hotel Grand Pacific
Vancouver Island Room
463 Belleville Street, Victoria BC
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
FBA members $60 (plus GST); non-members $80 (plus GST)
(your ticket includes a tasty buffet dinner)
See you there!
FBA - your business family.
Our Mission
To promote the sustainability and growth of Vancouver Island business families by providing education and support through
community and shared experience.
Our Vision
We are an engaged and supportive community of vibrant Vancouver Island business families and advisors who connect, share ideas and learn from each others’
unique experiences.
Our organization has been providing a community of support to family businesses on Vancouver Island since 1999. We help families in business succeed through shared experience, education and resources. FBAVI is where Canadian business families go to connect, grow and learn for sustainable success across generations.