EFBC President’s Message: Building Positive Momentum in the New Year

EFBC Welcomes a New Program Coordinator

We are thrilled to welcome Caroline to EFBC as our new Program Coordinator! A proud graduate of the University of Missouri, Caroline studied Marketing and Business Administration, equipping her with a strong foundation in strategy, relationship building, and business development. With experience in sales and retail marketing, Caroline brings a creative mindset and a talent for fostering connections—both of which will help her develop engaging programs and enhance the member experience at EFBC.

Get to know Caroline:

1. What drew you to EFBC, and what excites you most about joining the team?

The community and company values that EFBC holds is what drew me the most. I’m excited to get to know my team and the members the most!

2. Please tell us a little about your professional background and what you hope to bring to EFBC.

Most of my experience is in sales and retail marketing, I hope to be able to use my relationship building skills and sales mindset to bring new and fun ideas to EFBC.

3. In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun? 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and trying new restaurants!

4. What is your go-to karaoke song? 

“Don’t Stop Believing” – Journey

How to Get the Most Out of Your EFBC Membership

So you’ve already joined EFBC—nice job! You’ve taken an important step toward fostering growth and support for your business and professional development. Now, it’s time to make the most of your membership by actively engaging with the resources, connections, and opportunities EFBC provides. Here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the full value out of your membership:

1. Engage with Your Forum

At the heart of EFBC are our Forums, where members connect monthly in a small, confidential setting to dive deeper into the challenges and victories of business leadership.

How Forums Work

• Each Forum has nine members who meet monthly.

• One member presents a current issue they are facing, while others offer support through shared experiences, not advice.

• Discussions are guided by Forum Protocols, including clarifying questions, shared experiences, and appreciation.

Forum Options

• Full Forum: Dedicated peer group with deep engagement.

• Flex Forum: Flexible option tailored to individual needs.

Forum Protocols

• Clarifying Questions: Non-judgmental questions from genuine curiosity, often leading to deeper insights.

• Shared Experiences: Members share relevant successes or mistakes instead of giving advice.

• Appreciation: A dedicated time to express gratitude and boost each other’s self-esteem.

Forums foster trust, mutual respect, and equality, creating a supportive space where members share personal and professional experiences.

2. Attend Events and Workshops

EFBC hosts a variety of events throughout the year, designed to provide practical education, foster community, and offer networking opportunities.

Event Categories

• Workshops: Practical training sessions.

• Roundtables: Open discussions for sharing and learning from peers.

• Fireside Chats: Insights and Q&A with industry experts.

• Breakfast Club/Seminars: Casual learning and networking opportunities.

• Community Events: Partnered initiatives to serve the broader community.

3. Leverage Educational Resources

EFBC equips members with essential knowledge and skills through programs that empower them to work on their businesses rather than in them.

• Resources: Articles, guides, recorded webinars, the Transition Preparation Assessment (TPA), and a rich array of insights from our strategic partners’ resources, blogs, and newsletters—all accessible on their company websites.

• Action Step: Subscribe to EFBC’s newsletter or community hub updates and explore our strategic partners’ resources to ensure you don’t miss new resources.

4. Build Relationship with Fellow Members

Networking is a cornerstone of EFBC’s mission. Take the time to build genuine relationships with other members, both inside and outside of your Forum. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorships, and lifelong friendships.

Networking Tips

• Attend informal meetups or social events.

• Connect with members on LinkedIn and follow up to strengthen connections.

5. Utilize the Community Hub on Hivebrite

Make the most of the EFBC Community Hub by:

• Using the discussion board or live feed to ask for advice, share business questions, or simply say hello.

• Exploring your Forum group and interest groups to foster deeper connections.

Membership isn’t just about what you receive; it’s also about what you give. Share your expertise, offer support to peers, and volunteer for initiatives within EFBC. Your contributions will enrich the community and deepen your engagement.

6. Tap Into Strategic Partners

EFBC’s eight Strategic Partners are your lifeline—just a phone call away. Their expertise spans law, finance, marketing, accounting, insurance, human resources, banking, and IT, making them invaluable resources for members. Fluent in the EFBC way, these devoted firms offer consulting, answer questions, and provide tailored guidance. Through one-on-one support and educational workshops, they empower members with the knowledge and tools to navigate challenges effectively.

7. Set Personal and Professional Goals

Define clear goals for what you want to achieve. Whether it’s developing leadership skills, expanding your network, or resolving a specific business challenge, having a focus will help you utilize EFBC resources effectively.

8. Stay Involved Year-Round

Consistency is key. Engage with EFBC regularly to maintain momentum and stay connected to the community’s benefits. This ongoing involvement ensures you’ll continue to reap the rewards of membership.

EFBC Stats

• $2,983,840,000: Member Companies’ Total Revenue

• 6,349: Membership Total Years in Business

• 10,159: Jobs Created by Member Companies

Membership Levels

EFBC offers multiple membership levels tailored to meet the needs of diverse members.

Enterprise Membership ($4,900/year)

• Full Forum placement for one.

• Access to over 25 programs and events for you, your family, and your company every year.

Pro Membership ($2,450/year)

• Membership for one individual.

• Yearly access to Flex Forum.

• Access to over 25 programs and events.

Add-On Membership ($1,225/year)

• Option for Enterprise Members to add key employees or family members.

• One Full Forum placement.

• Access to Flex Forum.

By actively participating and leveraging the full range of EFBC offerings, you’ll unlock opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. Your membership is an investment in yourself, your business, and your future—so make the most of it!

The Power of Appreciation: Building a Positive Workplace Culture 

In today’s fast-paced work environment, where deadlines loom and productivity is king, one simple yet powerful tool often goes overlooked: appreciation. Recognizing employees’ efforts and contributions can transform workplace dynamics, improve mental well-being, and boost business success. In this blog, we’ll explore why appreciation matters, the benefits of a positive workplace culture, and how to foster an environment where gratitude thrives. 

What is Workplace Appreciation? 

Workplace appreciation goes beyond monetary rewards like bonuses and pay raises. It encompasses recognition, acknowledgment, and valuing employees’ efforts in tangible and intangible ways. From a simple “thank you” in a team meeting to celebrating milestone achievements, appreciation creates a sense of belonging and worth. 

The Ripple Effect of Appreciation 

Appreciation has a profound effect on both individual employees and the broader organization. When employees feel seen and valued, they are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction, loyalty, and overall well-being. This concept ties into key psychological frameworks like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, where esteem and belonging are essential human motivators.  

Appreciation is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a fundamental driver of workplace happiness, and its impact ripples through every level of the business. 

The Benefits of a Positive Workplace Culture 

1. Increased Employee Retention

Employee engagement skyrockets when appreciation is a consistent part of company culture. Studies reveal that companies with effective employee recognition programs experience a 31% reduction in voluntary turnover.  

2. Boosted Productivity

Want to see productivity soar? Create a culture where employees feel seen and celebrated. Recognition motivates employees to do their best work, and companies with robust recognition programs report higher performance outcomes.  

3. Better Mental Health

Appreciation is a powerful tool for mental well-being. When employees feel acknowledged, their stress levels decrease, and they experience improved emotional health. Research has shown that gratitude can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone), promoting better mood and relationships. In a world where workplace burnout is on the rise, appreciation can be a simple yet effective antidote. 

Strategies to Cultivate Appreciation

1. Start at the Leadership Level

A culture of appreciation starts at the top. Leaders set the tone for what is valued and recognized in a workplace. When managers openly praise team members, it normalizes gratitude throughout the organization. Leadership behaviors that promote positivity include: 

Publicly recognizing individual and team accomplishments.

Encouraging open discussions about employee wins during team meetings.

Sharing “thank you” messages in team-wide newsletters.

2. Create Systems for Recognition

Instead of relying on ad-hoc appreciation, implement formal systems that make recognition a consistent habit. Consider these options: 

Peer-to-peer shoutouts via Slack, Microsoft Teams, or intranet platforms. 

Milestone celebrations for work anniversaries or goal completions. 

Not everyone responds to recognition in the same way. Some employees may prefer public acknowledgment, while others may appreciate a private thank-you email. Encourage managers to ask employees how they like to be recognized and tailor appreciation accordingly. A personal touch can make all the difference in showing employees that their unique contributions matter.

3. Integrate Appreciation into Daily Culture

Appreciation should not be a “one-and-done” event. Infuse it into daily routines through: 

“Thank You” moments in meetings, where each team member calls out a colleague who helped them that week. 

Gratitude newsletters that spotlight employee wins and milestones. 

Celebration calendars that track and celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, and major project completions. 

 When appreciation becomes an everyday occurrence, employees come to expect—and reflect—it in their own actions. 

 Appreciation through connection at EFBC 

At the Entrepreneur and Family Business Council (EFBC), we understand that feeling valued is essential for personal and professional growth. Through our peer forums, workshops, and mentorship programs, EFBC creates a space where business leaders and entrepreneurs can feel seen, heard, and supported. Members have the opportunity to share challenges, celebrate wins, and receive meaningful feedback from a community that genuinely cares. By fostering a culture of open communication and shared learning, EFBC ensures that every member feels appreciated not just for their successes, but for their efforts, ideas, and unique perspectives. 

EFBC Welcomes a New Team Member

Olivia joined EFBC last month as a Marketing Coordinator.

1. What drew you to EFBC, and what excites you most about joining the team?

EFBC stood out to me because of its close-knit team and extensive, strong community. I’m looking forward to working alongside dedicated colleagues and contributing to their impactful work and mission.  

2. Please tell us a little about your professional background and what you hope to bring to EFBC.

I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Advertising and a BFA in Graphic Design. Loving design and strategy, I found my place in marketing, working on marketing and design projects for all different types of companies.  

Starting my own business has always been a dream and last year it finally came to fruition. Inspired by my love of design and Chicago’s many vintage stores and markets, I started a business selling vintage clothing and jewelry and joined three vintage collective brick-and-motor stores in the city.  

I’ve long admired entrepreneurs and their ability to forge their own paths, and launching my own business has only deepened that appreciation. At EFBC, I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts and to help grow and strengthen our community of business leaders and entrepreneurs. 

3. In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun? 

I enjoy exploring the city and discovering new shops and neighborhoods. Living in Wicker Park, I especially love rollerblading and running on the 606 during the summer. 

4. What is your go-to karaoke song? 

“Since You Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson.