As the business landscape evolves, with important discussions on estate planning, succession strategies, and changing tax policies, making informed decisions has never been more crucial.

Join us for our in-person event, Effective Strategies for Personal and Business Planning. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to apply to their businesses, so they are well-prepared for future transitions, tax implications, and challenges in estate planning.

Attendees will also learn how to navigate the succession planning process and develop a toolkit of takeaways to bring back to their business, including:

• Insights on increasing estate tax exemptions before December 2025
• A discussion on the options available to owners to exit the business with a focus on an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) as a viable strategy for succession and tax efficiency
• Strategies to mitigate risks and benefit from opportunities during organizational transitions

This event is cohosted by JPMorgan Chase.

Brad Smith, CPA, Partner in Charge, Eugene, Moss Adams

Brad has practiced public accounting since 2000 and is the partner in charge of the Eugene and Medford offices. He serves clients in the manufacturing and consumer products industries and works with middle market companies that are internationally owned, closely held, and private equity managed.

Brad’s experience includes accounting, auditing, and consulting services on a variety of matters such as business combinations, leasing transactions, cash flow, intangible assets, systems controls, and foreign currency matters.

Jason Bolt, Executive Director in the ESOP Advisory Group, JPMorgan Chase

In his role, Jason's responsibilities include guiding companies through the intricacies of establishing and managing ESOPs, ensuring that meet strategic objectives of both the selling shareholders and the newly formed ESOP. Jason provides initial ESOP education, helps companies understand common ESOP funding structures, and partners with bankers and credit to assess the financial health of organizations, evaluate risk, and develop an appropriate structure for funding ESOP transactions.

Pam Elling, CPA, Partner, Moss Adams

Pam has practiced public accounting since 1990. She provides tax services to closely held businesses and their owners, particularly in the forest products and manufacturing and distribution industries. Pam’s extensive experience includes state and local tax planning for general business, Internal Revenue Code Sections 631(a) and 631 (b) planning for timber capital gains, planning and consulting for 1033 involuntary conversions, business entity organization and restructuring, and timber investment.

John Zemek, President, Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Applied Scientific Instrumentation

John leads the development of innovative solutions for the scientific community. With a strong background in engineering and management, John is committed to advancing technology that enhances research capabilities. His leadership and vision have positioned the company as a trusted partner in the field of scientific instrumentation.