Advertisement CORPORATE GROWTH & M&A JANUARY 19-25, 2015 S-3 PRESIDENT’S LETTER City’s revitalization shapes ACG Cleveland’s growth, focus BY MURAD A. BEG As we ring in the New Year, I’d like to reflect upon ACG’s successes from 2014 and outline our exciting plans for 2015 and beyond. The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), a global organization with 57 chapters and more than 14,500 members, provides a “community” for middle-market mergers and acquisitions and corporate growth professionals. The local chapter, ACG Cleveland, is nationally recognized for providing on-point, educational programming and networking BEG events that help its members build value in their organizations. In addition, our chapter is well regarded for its best-in-class programs and events, which provide unique opportunities to develop connections with diverse and influential business leaders throughout the region. Among these programs and events are the: Innovation, record residential downtown occupancy rates, and LeBron’s return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This revitalized enthusiasm and optimism has impacted the development of our programming agenda, and we are assembling a calendar of events to promote a theme of “growth mindset.” Embedded in this overall theme are subthemes focused on business innovation, economic development and stewardship, to name a few. In November 2014, we kicked off this effort with a panel workshop featuring regional leaders in innovation, which was attended by nearly 200 people. We intend to capitalize on this momentum and offer differentiated thematic programming. To see the calendar of events, please visit www.acgcleveland.org. In closing, I want to thank our current members for their continued support and encourage prospective members to join the ACG Cleveland community, where the development and advancement of NEO businesses are facilitated by a network of like-minded individuals committed to the growth and vibrancy of our region. Best of luck in 2015 and beyond. r Specialized programs offered by our Women in Transactions, Young ACG and ACG Akron groups. Furthermore, this annual special section in Crain’s Cleveland Business offers ACG Cleveland members a unique opportunity to showcase their area of specialization while providing valuable content focused on M&A issues. ACG Cleveland is committed to meeting the needs of its members. Recognizing the importance of continuous growth and improvement, chapter leadership conducted a survey and market study in 2014 that aimed to better understand the needs of our current and r Annual Deal Makers Awards, which draws nearly 1,000 financial and corporate professionals from across the country; r Monthly educational breakfast series featuring corporate and community leaders; r Spring and fall panel workshops, which facilitate the discussion of topical issues; and future members. Survey results revealed that ACG Cleveland is most sought after for its topnotch programming and events geared toward peer-to-peer networking. As a result, ACG Cleveland will further enhance programming and events that appeal to a broad range of constituents, such as corporate C-level executives, small business owners, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, private equity professionals and capital providers. As we look ahead to 2015, we reflect on all of the great things happening in our region – Cleveland’s opportunity to host the 2016 Republican National Convention, the establishment of the Global Center for Health Murad A. Beg is president of ACG Cleveland and a partner with Linsalata Capital Partners. For more information on ACG Cleveland membership or upcoming events and programs, visit www.acgcleveland.org or contact Beg at 440-684-1400. HOW CAN SOMEONE HAVE ALL YOUR ANSWERS BEFORE THEY ASK ANY QUESTIONS? Clairvoyance isn’t one of our skills. But curiosity is. It’s what leads us to listen to you. To think about what you’re telling us. And then ask thoughtful questions. It’s the only way to crack the puzzle. Because the answers don’t just jump out. You have to dig. Subordinated debentures, equity infusions and other solutions are all well and good, but when is the right time to use them? And why? Shouldn’t your bank want to find out? We do. Learn more at 53.com/BusinessIdeas We’re Fifth Third Bank. The curious bank.® Deposit and credit products provided through Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC. Lending is subject to credit review and approval. Equal Housing Lender. Crain’s Cleveland Business Custom Publishing