The Legacy Centre Speaker Series
Beyond Survival: Picking up the Pieces and Setting a Course for Recovery
Join us for the kick-off to a month-long celebration of family business in greater Knoxville! On Friday, October 7, 2011, at The Legacy Centre Speaker Series Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett will proclaim October 2011 as Family Business Month. Following the Mayor's proclamation, we are honored that Wes Stowers, Chairman of Stowers Machinery Corporation, will speak.
As East Tennessee's Caterpillar dealer since 1960, Stowers Machinery Corporation has been part of the progress, growth, and prosperity of East Tennessee for over 50 years. Among other milestones, the company has grown from 70 employees in 1960 to almost 330 employees to date. An impressive track record like this gives Wes Stowers, who represents the second generation of leadership within the business, a unique perspective on family business issues.
Stowers will share his family's story and professional commitment to this region. He will discuss how he and his company have managed through the worst economic downturn in their history with total revenues falling over 40 percent from their 2007 peak and no near-term recovery in sight. Stowers will describe what they did to return to profitability, lessons learned, and what they see ahead.
Coffee, Light Breakfast, & TLC Served.
Meet Our Speaker: Wes Stowers
Since 2007, Wes Stowers has served as Chairman of Stowers Machinery Corporation with its corporate headquarters in Knoxville, TN, and full-service branches in Chattanooga, Crossville, and Tri-Cities. Stowers joined his family's business in 1988, climbed the corporate sales ladder, and eventually became President in 1992. Before joining Stowers Machinery, however, Lt. Colonel Stowers served in the U.S. Air Force as both a Fighter Pilot and Instructor Pilot with assignments in the United States, Western Europe, and the Middle East. During this time he also earned a Bachelors of Science in Management from the United States Air Force Academy and a Masters of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute. He is actively involved in the community on several Boards of Directors, including Home Federal Bank, Tennessee Road Builders Association, Holston Gases, East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, and Boy Scouts Great Smoky Mountain Council. Stowers is a longstanding member of the Rotary Club of Knoxville, and he enjoys flying, backpacking, and scuba diving during his free time. Wes is married with two daughters.
When
Fri Oct 7, 2011
7:15-9:00 a.m.
Where
The Falls Banquet & Conference Center
325 N. Cedar Bluff
Knoxville, TN 37923