I am looking forward to serving as the membership committee chair this coming year and would like to thank Jim Rubright for all of the work he has done leading the committee the past several years.
We are continuing to look for ways to broaden our awareness to the finance community in our region. A very simple ask I have for everyone involved with our chapter is to “follow” our LinkedIn Webpage. If you’re already following our page, consider liking, commenting, or sharing posts that you see come through to help us continue to share our posts with your network.
It is also shaping up to be another year where we have an excellent slate of speakers. I’d encourage everyone to think about prospective members that would be worth inviting this year, and then also to look specifically at the professional development and keynote speakers for the upcoming year when that information is released. As part of that, ask yourself if there is anyone that would benefit or appreciate a specific topic or speaker we have coming this year (and don’t be afraid to invite them well in advance so it is saved on their calendar).
Lastly, if anyone has any ideas about growing our membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out as I’d be happy to have a discussion or entertain ideas. Otherwise, I am looking forward to the year and serving as your membership committee chair.
Thank you,
Bob Faulds
FEI Membership Committee Chair
Bob.Faulds@truitypartners.com
-1.jpg?width=350&height=280&name=Faulds%2c%20Bob%20(Truity%20Partners)-1.jpg)
The CFO Roadmap: Better Decisions for Multidimensional Growth
In today’s dynamic business environment, relying solely on traditional growth metrics is no longer enough. Forward-looking CFOs are broadening their scope beyond conventional financial indicators to incorporate a comprehensive set of performance drivers.
Also, take part in Aon’s survey to share an informed perspective on multidimensional growth, and your progress towards it. Benchmark your business by region and industry, gaining valuable insights with personalized results that help you make better decisions for growth strategies and thrive.
A Three-Step Approach to Incorporating AI in Your Business
Artificial intelligence (AI) can lead to opportunities for many businesses. But simply adopting the technology isn’t a magic solution to achieve growth and efficient operations—it takes significant planning, investment and strategic focus. BMO recently hosted an event with three panelists who are experts in the field:
- Gene Moo Lee
- Marc Low
- Jordan Atkins
They offered insights and experiences about how companies can effectively incorporate AI applications and tools through a three-step approach.
The importance of savings for your financial wellbeing
This financial literacy podcast series centers around financial literacy for every generation to support overall financial and new business wellness. where our hosts will discuss:
- The vital role of savings in achieving financial goals
- Strategic savings plans
- Priorities for different life stages
- Low to no-fee savings solutions
- The benefits of credit cards as cashback tools
.jpg?width=300&height=100&name=Godfrey%20and%20Kahn%20Black%20and%20White%20Logo%20(NO%20S.C.).jpg)
One Big Beautiful Bill Increases Estate & Gift Tax Exemptions & Expands QSBS Exclusion
On July 3, 2025, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), officially designated as H.R. 1. This comprehensive federal legislation was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and makes permanent several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), while expanding certain tax incentives. From an estate and gift tax perspective, the most significant changes are:
- A “permanent” increase to the estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption amounts.
- A substantial expansion of the capital gains exclusion for Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) under Internal Revenue Code § 1202.
Both developments present meaningful planning opportunities for wealth transfers, trust structuring, and liquidity events.
Tariff Mitigation Strategies: 20 Options for Manufacturers
Armed with these strategies for reducing tariff exposure, manufacturers have new opportunities to help keep dollars and margins whole.
Tariffs are truly “A Tale of Two Cities.” Some manufacturers are celebrating, thanks to higher domestic demand and an opportunity to sell unused capacity. For others, tariffs have significantly hurt business — resulting in painful price increases, inventory valuation challenges, stalled M&A, and reduced demand.
Attention CFOs & CAOs! Share your insights in our 4th annual CFO survey
As a finance and accounting leader, your perspective is essential to understanding the priorities, risks, and opportunities that lie ahead. Jefferson Wells invites you to participate in our Annual CFO Survey, exploring key trends for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
Why participate?
- Benchmark your priorities against those of your peers
- Influence thought leadership on AI, talent, and economic trends
- Highlight the real-world challenges CFOs are facing in today’s evolving business environment
Survey responses will be compiled into a comprehensive report available in October.
The Shifting Nature of the PFAS Regulatory Landscape
Smarter decisions start with better conversations
Hosted by Weidert Group, the show explores how AI disruption, digital transformation, and proven fundamentals shape growth in complex industries.
- AI-fueled efficiency – How AI agents, email personalization, and smarter analytics are driving ROI (Ep 18 & 21)
- Strategic investment – Reframing marketing from overhead to high-impact growth engine (Ep 16)
- Future-proof content – The SEO–AI balance and what leading manufacturers are doing now (Ep 20, 14, 13)