BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260923T193000Z DTEND:20260923T220000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:Signature Event: Stitch by Stitch - Weaving Innovation into Your Family Business DESCRIPTION:Longevity in family business doesn't happen by standing still\, it's earned through continual reinvention and a culture that welcomes new ideas.\n\n\n\nAt the heart of enduring enterprises is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit\, creative problem-solving\, and the confidence to evolve while honoring the past.\n\n\n\nSeaman Corporation exemplifies this mindset. From its origins sewing lace on baby diapers to becoming a global provider of high-performance industrial fabrics\, the company's history is defined by reinvention and innovation.\n\n\n\nJoin us for an inside look at how this multigenerational business has built a culture that embraces change\, navigates transitions\, and positions the organization for long-term growth.\n\n\n\nOur featured speaker\, Richard Seaman\, will share reflections from his decades of leadership and reveal how the company embeds innovation into its operating rhythm through:\n\n Strategic planning that anticipates shifts in markets and technology\n Digital and operational tools that unlock new opportunities\n Leadership practices that encourage creativity and collaboration\n Purposeful next-gen pathways that bring fresh thinking into the business\n\nYou'll gain practical guidance for cultivating a culture where innovation thrives\, helping your family business stay relevant\, agile\, and future-ready.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRichard Seaman is the Chairman of Seaman Corporation\, where he served as CEO from 1976 to 2015. He assumed the leadership role of his family business in 1978 after his father passed away at the young age of 55. Under his leadership\, Seaman Corporation\, a manufacturer of industrial-coated fabrics\, grew from $10 million in annual sales to over $350 million in sales today.\n\n \n\nRichard serves as Chairman of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation\, whose mission is to support entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system. In 2012\, he was asked by the Governor of the State of Ohio to serve as a Commissioner of the Ohio Third Frontier\, a billion-dollar initiative focused on creating an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. In addition\, he is a member of the Young President's Organization and an Emeritus Trustee on the board of the College of Wooster.\n\n\n\nRichard was recognized as an Honored Life Member of his industry trade organization\, the Industrial Fabrics Association International\, and was selected as a Wall of Fame Honoree by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015\, Richard was chosen by Ernst & Young as Entrepreneur of the Year in the Family Business category. \n\n\n\nRichard is an avid skier\, sailor\, photographer\, and tennis player. Richard and his wife\, Judy\, live in Wooster\, Ohio. They and the families of their three children are committed to being active owners and stewards of their family business enterprise. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:
\n
\nLongevity in family business doesn&rsquo\;t happen by standing still\, it&rsquo\;s earned through continual reinvention and a culture that welcomes new ideas.
\n
\nAt the heart of enduring enterprises is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit\, creative problem-solving\, and the confidence to evolve while honoring the past.
\n
\nSeaman Corporation exemplifies this mindset. From its origins sewing lace on baby diapers to becoming a global provider of high-performance industrial fabrics\, the company&rsquo\;s history is defined by reinvention and innovation.
\n
\nJoin us for an inside look at how this multigenerational business has built a culture that embraces change\, navigates transitions\, and positions the organization for long-term growth.
\n
\nOur featured speaker\, Richard Seaman\, will share reflections from his decades of leadership and reveal how the company embeds innovation into its operating rhythm through:\n\nYou&rsquo\;ll gain practical guidance for cultivating a culture where innovation thrives\, helping your family business stay relevant\, agile\, and future-ready.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nRichard Seaman is the Chairman of Seaman Corporation\, where he served as CEO from 1976 to 2015. He assumed the leadership role of his family business in 1978 after his father passed away at the young age of 55. Under his leadership\, Seaman Corporation\, a manufacturer of industrial-coated fabrics\, grew from $10 million in annual sales to over $350 million in sales today.
\n \;
\nRichard serves as Chairman of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation\, whose mission is to support entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system. In 2012\, he was asked by the Governor of the State of Ohio to serve as a Commissioner of the Ohio Third Frontier\, a billion-dollar initiative focused on creating an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. In addition\, he is a member of the Young President'\;s Organization and an Emeritus Trustee on the board of the College of Wooster.
\n
\nRichard was recognized as an Honored Life Member of his industry trade organization\, the Industrial Fabrics Association International\, and was selected as a Wall of Fame Honoree by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015\, Richard was chosen by Ernst &\; Young as Entrepreneur of the Year in the Family Business category.
\n
\nRichard is an avid skier\, sailor\, photographer\, and tennis player. Richard and his wife\, Judy\, live in Wooster\, Ohio. They and the families of their three children are committed to being active owners and stewards of their family business enterprise.
\n \; LOCATION:Watermark Country Club 1600 Galbraith Ave SE Grand Rapids\, MI 49546 Lakeshore Ballroom UID:e.9635.827 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260502T045023Z URL:https://members.fbagr.org/events/details/signature-event-stitch-by-stitch-weaving-innovation-into-your-family-business-827 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR