2024 Signature Event: Cultivating Growth through Governance and Ownership

Most would never guess the unexpected turns throughout Hylant’s 85-year history that got them to where they are today. One of the largest family-owned insurance firms in the country, Richard will share their family business story of growth, governance, and ownership. 
 
Hear how this 5th generation business has strategically expanded into new markets and aligned ownership to cultivate a sustainable organization that honors the legacy of their founder, Edward Hylant. 
 
Their story will share:
• Challenges and opportunities of implementing an M&A Strategy,
• Learning lessons of growing in non-traditional business segments
Evolution of ownership, governance, and family meetings
 
Keynote Speaker:



Richard Hylant, President, Sales & Innovation, Hylant 
 
Richard Hylant is third generation of the Hylant family and has held multiple different leadership roles across the organization. Outside of his many hats in his family business, he is also a state appointed trustee for the Great Lakes Protection Fund for Ohio, on the board of the Lake Erie Commission and recently co-chaired the committee that helped bring the Solheim Cup (women’s golf event) to Inverness in Toledo. Within Hylant he has acted as President of multiple offices over time, been active in many of our industry associations and highly involved and instrumental in our growth internationally.




Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, GR Chamber

“Michigan’s Votes and Verdicts: What Comes Next?”
 
Elections have consequences. What will the outcomes of the 2024 State and Local elections mean for policy and legislation impacting family businesses in Michigan? How can you and your business weigh in on the upcoming decisions to support a better business environment and tackle pressing issues like talent and housing? Andy Johnston, Sr. Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Engagement for the Grand Rapids Chamber will take us through the key issues, in what is sure to be an important and engaging discussion.