Event Overview
- Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Four Points by Sheraton, Point Edward, ON
Businesses are more than just operations; they are a reflection of the people and communities that built them. This half-day summit will focus on strategies to strengthen your business for today, while preparing for the opportunities, challenges, and transitions of tomorrow.
Through keynote presentations, expert panels, and peer conversations, this event offers actionable insights on how to protect your business’s value, foster growth, and create a lasting impact that aligns with your values. Whether you are exploring ways to ensure long-term stability, building resilience, or positioning for future opportunities, this session will help you chart a confident path forward.
Key Learnings:
- How to prepare your business for future transition opportunities
- Building your trusted team of advisors for success
- Accessing programs, funding, and resources to support business growth
- Exploring options like employee ownership to preserve your business’s legacy
- Practical strategies for reducing risk and strengthening operations
Agenda:
- 8:00 – 8:30 am - Registration, breakfast, and networking
- 8:30 – 8:45 am - Welcome and introductions by Kerby Stivene, Kerby Stivene Leadership
- 8:45 – 9:30 am - When Your Business Is Your Life, Keynote by Emily Branton, Boss & Buddha
- 9:30 – 9:45 am - Innovation and Funding Opportunities for Business Growth, Juan Sarmiento, Ontario Centre for Innovation
- 9:45 – 10:30 am - Strategic Growth Panel, Moderated by Emily Branton, Boss & Buddha, and Chantelle Core, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
Panelists: Chelsey Cooper (Great Lakes Law), Andrew Vincelli (Acquisition Entrepreneur), Michael Buranyi (Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade), BDC, Community Futures Lambton, and Juan Sarmiento (Ontario Centre of Innovation)
- 10:30 – 10:45 am - Networking break
- 10:45 – 11:15 am - Planning Your Legacy: What It Means and Why It Matters, Firefly Insights
- 11:45–11:50 am - Legacy in Motion: A Special Project Announcement by Community Futures Lambton
- 11:50 am–12:05 pm - Money and Advice: Support at Every Stage, Business Development Bank of Canada
- 12:00–12:30 pm - Closing Remarks by Kerby Stivene
The Legacy & Leadership Summit is presented by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, with sponsorship support from Coldwell Banker Southwest Realty.
For questions about the event, or if you require specific arrangements (e.g., dietary restrictions, accessibility needs), please contact Chantelle Core at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca or call 519-332-1820.
