Kruggel Lawton CPAs is expanding its signature CFO Summit with the introduction of a new program in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Building on nearly two decades of success, the firm is launching the Business Leadership Summit, designed to deliver timely insights and foster meaningful connections among business leaders across Southwest Michigan.

The Business Leadership Summit will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. This half-day event is expected to offer four hours of CPE and focus on the unique challenges and opportunities influencing today’s economy and shaping key business decisions.

“As our annual CFO Summit in South Bend, Indiana continues to grow, we saw a unique opportunity to create a second event geared towards finance professionals and business leaders living and working in Michigan,” said Terry Bush, SPHR, Director of Talent Acquisition. “When Sara Sweers joined the firm, we immediately began planning behind the scenes. We knew this was something our clients in the region would benefit from, and the timing was right to introduce it.”

Kruggel Lawton’s first CFO Summit event was held in the fall of 2008 at the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center. In 2024, the event was moved to the Four Winds Casino Event Center in South Bend, Indiana to accommodate a growing number of attendees. Over the years, topics have included AI, health benefits and HR issues, estate planning, local economic development, business banking, ethics, and an annual comprehensive tax update led by Kruggel Lawton team members. This year’s CFO Summit is scheduled for Thursday, November 12.

“When I joined Kruggel Lawton two years ago, I was quickly introduced to the CFO Summit and was excited to get involved,” said Sara Sweers, CPA, Partner. “Mike Varner, Terry Bush, and the rest of the team built an incredibly successful and well-executed event, and I was honored to step in as host following Mike’s retirement. Bringing the Business Leadership Summit to Southwest Michigan is a big undertaking, but one our clients and local professionals will benefit from greatly. Sharing knowledge only makes us a stronger community.”

Registration for the CFO Summit and the Business Leadership Summit will open in August.