ACG Western Michigan upcoming events

October Signature Program (10/21/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join ACG Western Michigan for our October Signature Program, Inside the ESOP Journey: From Succession Strategy to Employee Ownership, for a candid conversation exploring ESOPs from both the advisor and company perspectives.

Our panel brings together experienced ESOP advisors alongside business leaders at different stages of employee ownership:

Charles Kroll, CPA | Pilot Hill Advisors
Justin Stemple | Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Scott Bishop | Buist Electric
Bob Brzozowski | Wolverine Crane

The discussion will explore what makes a company a strong candidate for an ESOP, key considerations throughout the transaction and transition process, and what owners and leadership teams should understand when evaluating employee ownership as a succession strategy.

Whether you’re considering an ESOP, advising business owners on succession, or simply want to better understand employee ownership, this program will offer practical insight into what it takes to get there, and what comes next.

ACG University: Fall 2026 (10/22/2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join us for ACG University's Fall 2026 series, designed for early to mid-career M&A professionals seeking a practical understanding of middle-market M&A. Attendees will receive a practical, end-to-end view of middle-market M&A transactions through four interactive sessions.

We'll cover this and more over two consecutive sessions:

Understand the state of West Michigan's middle market -- valuations, trends, and deal activity drivers
Gain due diligence perspectives from all sides of a deal
Learn about current M&A market dynamics and transaction structures
Get an inside scoop on life after the deal with an operators' roundtable on integration and value creation
Build valuable connections with industry peers and leaders

ACG University: Fall 2026 (10/29/2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Understand the state of West Michigan's middle market -- valuations, trends, and deal activity drivers
Gain due diligence perspectives from all sides of a deal
Learn about current M&A market dynamics and transaction structures
Get an inside scoop on life after the deal with an operators' roundtable on integration and value creation
Build valuable connections with industry peers and leaders

ACGWM New Member Coffee (11/03/2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Have you joined ACG Western Michigan in the last year? Join us for a casual morning coffee designed to connect new and veteran members in a welcoming, small-group setting.

This networking event is a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships, meet chapter leaders and engaged members, and learn how to make the most of your ACG membership. Gain insight into our programs and events, discover ways to get involved, and learn more about the value and opportunities available through the ACG Western Michigan community.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore member opportunities, or simply learn more about the chapter, this interactive gathering is the perfect place to start.

While the event is geared toward members who have joined within the past year, all ACG Western Michigan members are welcome and encouraged to attend to share their experiences, make new connections, and help welcome our newest members.

We look forward to getting to know you and helping you maximize your ACGWM experience.

November Signature Program (11/04/2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 20:30:00 GMT

What’s really happening in the middle market, and what does it mean for the people investing in, advising, financing and leading middle-market companies?

Join ACG Western Michigan and Dr. Paul Isley for a timely look at the State of the Middle Market, with a focus on the trends shaping business and dealmaking across Michigan and the Midwest.

Rather than a traditional economic outlook, this conversation will dig into how middle-market companies are responding to today’s environment.

Designed specifically for ACGWM’s community of business owners, investors, lenders, advisors and dealmakers, the program will connect the economic data to the decisions being made across the middle market today.

Join us for an insightful conversation, followed by an opportunity to connect with fellow members of West Michigan’s deal community.

Fall Speed Networking (11/05/2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Join ACG Western Michigan for Speed Networking, presented by the NextGen Committee and open to all members of the M&A and deal community.

This fast-paced, structured networking event is designed to help professionals build meaningful connections in a short amount of time. Whether you’re a seasoned dealmaker or newer to the industry, you’ll rotate through a series of timed, focused conversations with professionals from across West Michigan’s middle-market ecosystem.

Agenda

3:30 PM – Registration Check-In; Free Networking
4:00 PM – Welcome + Speed Networking Overview
4:10 - 4:45 PM – Facilitated Speed Networking Rounds
5:00 PM – Wrap-Up