On Nov. 7, the Family Business Alliance of Wilkes University and Penn State Scranton is slated to host a half-day program titled “Texas Hold’em.”

According to the News@Wilkes, the Family Business Alliance is hosting the event to highlight the issues behind selling a business.

“Knowing when to sell or retain a business can be a challenge, especially when it is a family business. The topic will be explored from the perspectives of experts and business owners,” says the Family Business Alliance press release.

The program examines strategies that will help business owners understand when it is appropriate to hold, sell, or execute other winning opportunities for a family business.

The event will be held from 8 am. through noon in the Wilkes University Henry Student Center Ballroom at 84 W South St., Wilkes-Barre.

The event is free with subsequent registration requiring membership. Those in attendance will see Bob Graham, president of Riggs Asset Management, reside over panels as the program moderator. 

Riggs Asset Management is an SEC-registered Investment Advisory firm that provides personalized financial management services to a select group of private investors, trusts and institutions.

Riggs Asset Management describes its interaction with its clients, “You invest time, energy and passion in your business, career and family life. We return insight, intelligence, and laser-sharp, family-focused asset management.

“Our commitment is rooted in our shared history with you, the history that knows what it means to grow a business from the ground up, with family, for family.”

“Texas Hold’em” will consist of panels which include a variety of topics focusing on how to evaluate businesses and how to make do with the tools available to family businesses.

One panel is “The Wild Cards in Evaluating a Business” which features experts including Steven Roth, managing partner of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald Law; Carmen Magistro, commercial banking team leader and vice president of M&T Bank and Matt McNelis, partner at Baker Tilly.

Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald Law is the largest law firm in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Their mission statement describes that “our lawyers each focus on specific practice areas, but work together in teams to achieve results for our clients. While our clients may develop a close relationship with one attorney, other attorneys with different areas of knowledge and skills are available to assist with legal work as necessary.”

M&T Bank has been working with people and businesses for more than 160 years in communities throughout Pennsylvania and other east coast states.

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm which dedicates itself on building long-lasting relationships, and “helping you win now and anticipate tomorrow.”

Another panel is “Playing the Hand You are Dealt” which features family business panelists such as; Hilary Lyle, culture champion at Kane is Able; Paul Lantz, chief operating officer at A. Rifkin and Todd Stephens chief operating officer of Stephens Pharmacy.

Kane is Able is specializes in making retail supply chains more efficient through its 3PL warehousing and transportation services.

A. Rifkin Co. is a fifth-generation family-owned manufacturer and international distributor that specializes in multi-use reusable fabric lock bag systems.

Finally, Stephens Pharmacy is a full-service long-term care and retail pharmacy which was started by Wayne W. and Judy Stephens, a local pharmacist a registered nurse respectfully.

Stephens Pharmacy “blends traditional caring with the most up-to-date technology, equipment and pharmacy practices. The personal attention of the Stephens Pharmacy team is always evident.”

For those looking for more information about the program and seeking to register, they should visit FBAlliance.org or contact Sue Reilly, executive director of the Family Business Alliance, at (570) 408-2120 or by email at [email protected].