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Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Lehigh Country Club
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Join us for a continental breakfast seminar on The Next Chapter: Planning Succession and Ownership in Family Business on Wednesday, February 18 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Lehigh Country Club. Join us for an insightful panel discussion designed for the family business navigating the complexities of succession and ownership transition. This session will explore the strategic, legal, financial and emotional dimensions of passing leadership and ownership across generations. From governance structures and family dynamics to financial planning and tax considerations, our expert panelists—both seasoned family business leaders and trusted advisors—will share real-world experiences and actionable strategies. Whether you’re preparing for a transition or actively navigating one, this conversation will offer clarity, inspiration, and practical guidance.
Date/Time:
02/18/2026
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
Registration
Register for The Next Chapter: Planning Succession and Ownership in Family Business - Register Now
Mike Mitchell
Executive Director of the High Center
Mike Mitchell is the Executive Director of The High Center at Elizabethtown College. Prior to this role, he was President and CEO of Amelia’s Grocery Outlets, where he led the growth of a 15-store chain before its sale to Berkshire Partners and Grocery Outlet Inc. Mike holds an MBA from the Wharton School and has held marketing roles at Heinz, General Mills, and Unilever. He’s actively involved in nonprofit and community boards and was named Lancaster Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2010 and a Central Penn Most Admired CEO in 2019.
Karen Norheim
President & CEO of American Crane & Equipment Corporation
Karen Norheim is President & CEO of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, where she leads the company’s growth and digital transformation. As a second-generation leader, she’s built on her father’s legacy while shaping a strong, values-driven culture around the mantra: “Always Lift. Never Quit.” Karen is a passionate advocate for manufacturing, mentoring, and innovation—launching initiatives like the Innovation Lab and Smart Crane IoT to bring advanced technology to small and mid-sized businesses. A frequent speaker and role model, she inspires future leaders—especially women—to pursue careers in manufacturing and leadership.
Andrew Lawler
President of Barry Isett & Associates
Andrew Lawler is President of Barry Isett & Associates, a multi-discipline engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Allentown, PA. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine Corps officer and KC-130 pilot, Andrew transitioned into the business world with leadership roles at Lutron Electronics, VEC, and West Side Hammer Electric. He joined Barry Isett as COO in 2024 and was promoted to President in 2025, where he now oversees company strategy, operations, and financial performance.
Moderator: Tom Garrity
Compass Point Faily Business
Tom Garrity is Managing Partner of Compass Point Consulting, LLC, where he specializes in growth strategy and ownership transition for family businesses. With a background in building and leading family-owned companies, Tom founded Compass Point in 2003 to help owners and executive teams strengthen both their businesses and family dynamics. He is a certified Gravitas Impact™ and Value Builder™ Business Coach and invests heavily in ongoing professional development. Tom is also deeply involved in the Lehigh Valley community, serving on multiple boards and contributing to local organizations and publications.
EVENT TIMELINE:
- 7:30- 8:00 am – Check-in and Networking
- 8:00– 8:05 am – Welcome and High Center Introduction
- 8:05 – 9:00 am – Panel #1
- 9:00 – 9:30 am –Break and Networking
- 9:30 – 10:30 am – Panel #2
- 11:00 am – Event ends