The Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) completed the first full year of membership and we thought it would be helpful to briefly review this past year’s programming as you evaluate renewing your membership in XPX in 2010. We certainly hope you do.

Programming in 2009 showcased industry expertise that often came right from XPX members and sponsors, and focused on owner-managed business and the exit process. The following is a summary of XPX events this year.

 XPX Summit 09

In March of 2009, XPX held its first annual XPXSummit at Babson College’s Knight Hall. The purpose of the XPXSummit was to provide a unique professional development experience combining cutting edge strategies and advice from top industry experts with thought-provoking workshops and active networking opportunities. From all indications, this event was a huge success. Those who attended learned from an impressive array of keynote speakers including: Kevin Mulvaney, adjunct lecturer at Babson’s Entrepreneurial Program and Executive-in-Residence in the Entrepreneurial Studies Program; Barry Libert, business executive, author, speaker and Chairman of Mzinga, a provider of technology and services to enterprise level customers; and Suzanne Bates, executive coach, award-winning television news anchor, and President and CEO of Bates Communications, Inc. In addition to these keynote speakers, 9 different breakout sessions were also provided, all of which were taught by members of the XPX community.

Breakfast Events

December 2009: 2010 Financial Outlook – Personal and Business Bryan Piskorowski, Director of Business Strategy of Wells Fargo Advisors and Ken Serwinski of Prairie Capital Advisors discussed the investing and M & A outlook for 2010.

October 2009: Marshall Paisner, Founder and Former Owner of ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers, Discusses his Strategy for Passing the Business to his Sons. Marshall authored the book, Sustaining the Family Business: An Insider’s Guide To Managing Across Generations.

September 2009: Panel: Mezzanine Lenders and Private Equity Investors: This panel, comprised of mezzanine lenders and private equity investors in privately-held businesses, spoke on their experiences investing in lower middle market transactions and the long-term outlook for the segment.

July 2009: Herb Daroff of Bay State Financial – Who is going to Own Your Business After You? Herb addressed many difficult situations facing business owners and presented creative solutions.

June 2009: Panel Discussion: Completing the Sale of a Company during an Economic Meltdown. Participants included the owner/seller, private equity investor, investment banker, and attorney who put it all together despite the tumultuous environment.

May 2009: The Buyer’s Side: A Unique Perspective from a Strategic Buyer’s Point of View. Amy Wendell of Covidien described what she has learned from her vast experience in M&A, and what the medical giant looks for when considering acquisitions.

January 2009: Philanthropy’s Place in Exit Planning. Jay Steenhuysen gave a captivating presentation about philanthropy as a means to increase owner-families’ motivation to plan, help them discover a bigger ‘why’ for getting their transaction right and assist them in unlocking a fulfilling and tax effective way to create a legacy through their business wealth.

Events Sponsored by XPX Platinum Sponsor Caturano and Company

November 2009: Tax and Financial Issues Affecting Business Owners: Caturano partners will speak on tax and financial issues affecting businesses, owners and exits in the middle market. Networking will precede and follow the presentation.

February 2009: The Economy and The Impact On Small Business: Two partners from Caturano spoke on topics relevant to the deteriorating economy and its impact on owner-managed businesses in 2009, valuation and the investment outlook and its impact on small business.

Forum for Entrepreneur-Advisor Collaboration Sponsored by Gesmer Updegrove

August 2009 – Entrepreneur Needs Your Assistance…Time-Critical!
An interactive exercise used a videotape of an owner asking for the help of the advisors in the audience in today’s troubled economy.

April 2009 – Adversity’s Opportunity: Thriving as Today’s Indispensable Advisor
A panel discussion and interactive session featured business and marketing advisors presenting ideas on how to become indispensable to their clients.

January 2009 – Growth Capital in the Midst of Systemic Crisis: Who Is Still Lending and Investing and How to Access this Capital
A panel discussion featuring a commercial banker, investment banker, and mezzanine lender discussed strategies for accessing capital in a challenging economy.

 XPX Content and Curriculum Committee Presentations

November 2009: Exit Planning…..The Long Term View – A first in a series session, especially designed for both advisors and business owners to learn how to maximize and sustain the value of their business over the longer term in order to reap optimal financial rewards at time of exit.

October 2009: An Exit Planning Case Study – A live and interactive exit planning training class will encourage learning and collaboration with other XPX members

August 2009: The Basics of Online Social Networking - A discussion about how best to leverage various social media strategies for growth

Networking Events

August 2009: Networking Along the Charles: A great evening of networking along the Charles River at the Newton Marriott.  Sales and marketing guru Jim Ayraud provided great tips and inspiration to make networking a priority for the professionals attending.