RISE Launches Succession & Exit Planning Support, Hosts Panel Discussion
Succession Planning in 2025 is more critical than ever due to several evolving trends and challenges in the business landscape including an aging workforce and leadership turnover, economic and market volatility, maximizing business value, business resilience and risk mitigation, tax and estate planning benefits, evolving consumer expectations and more. On Friday, January 10th, RISE, an entrepreneur support program of Greater Sandusky Partnership and Huron County Growth Partnership, hosted a panel of subject matter experts to discuss Succession & Exit Planning.
The discussion included the following guest panelists:
- Marcia Ciryak, Director of Business Transition at Manufacturing Works. She facilitates the Ownership Transition Program where she focuses on helping manufacturer owners prepare for effective exits and transitions.
- Greg Daugherty, Partner at the Porter Wright Law Firm. He focuses on advising business owners on exit strategy and management succession planning options and specializing in employee ownership.
- Judy Mosher, CPA & Partner at Payne Nickles & Company. She brings more than 35 years of expertise in business advising, tax and estate planning, and navigating complex transitions, like planning for ownership changes, retirement or strategic growth.
- David Long, President of DF Long & Associates, associate with WaterStreet Financial Advisors, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and a current RISE Advisor to businesses in Huron and Erie Counties. He focuses his efforts on business valuation, succession planning and fractional CFO services.
The discussion, moderated by Abbey Bemis, COO of Payne Nickles & Company, explored the aspects of business succession planning and common questions business owners have when they are thinking about the future of their business.
“Whether selling, retiring, or transitioning it is important for business owners to start planning as early as possible; at least 5 years ahead of your exit is recommended. By focusing on succession planning now, business owners can secure their legacy, protect their employees, and ensure long-term success in an increasingly complex business environment,” says RISE Advisor Dave Long.
You can learn more about our RISE program and watch the entire panel discussion here. We invite you to schedule a free RISE advising session with Dave Long on Succession Planning by emailing Cydney at csalmons@greatersandusky.com or RISE@huroncountyohio.com.
Huron County Growth Partnership also launched the Huron County Succession, Opportunities & Programs (HCSOP) initiative at this event. The HCSOP serves as a confidential, one-stop shop for investors and entrepreneurs who are either looking to sell their business or buy and invest in one. For potential sellers, the HCSOP will complete intake on your business, list it on the Huron County Growth Partnership website with a confidential code name and a high-level overview of the sale and then serve as the clearinghouse and vetting process for potential buyers to ensure they are serious. For potential buyers, please keep an eye on the Huron County Growth Partnership website and social media for new opportunities and then email kcross@huroncountyohio.com for a simple application to show your interest. Download the forms below if you are interested in buying or selling a business in Huron County, OH.
HCSOP Prospective Buyer Intake Form | HCSOP Seller Intake Form
About the Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship (RISE):
Since 2011, the RISE program has been serving area entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance through one-on-one advising and resource connection. The objective RISE is to grow jobs and spearhead economic development by linking entrepreneurs and small business owners with experts in business startup, development and acceleration. RISE is a partnership between Huron County Growth Partnership, Greater Sandusky Partnership and BGSU Firelands.