By Amy-Lynn Albertson
N.C. Cooperative Extension

I moved to Salisbury almost five years ago to start my life over. After divorcing my husband of 15 years and losing my father to lung cancer after a four-year battle, I found myself needing a fresh start as a single mom during the COVID pandemic. My mom generously decided to move in with me, selling her house in South Carolina in less than a week — which surprised us both — and I purchased a home in town here in Salisbury, transitioning from years of living on a farm in the country. Now, we have three generations of women living under one roof.

Fast forward to this past fall: I got married, and we have now merged two families into our multigenerational household. This brings me to a significant question: What legacy will we leave for our daughters? Today, there is extensive discussion about generational wealth, which can be challenging to define and achieve. In my line of work, I often see many farms that have been in families for decades even centuries, demonstrating the power of legacy.

We recently witnessed this power in China Grove when farmers stood together to oppose a proposed road that would cut through their land, and China Grove listened to their concerns and acted on them. On March 20, the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Rowan Farm Bureau, N.C. Farm Link and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce will host a conference titled “Cultivating a Legacy,” featuring Jolene Brown, a passionate advocate for agriculture. Brown will share her expertise, humor, and real-life stories with audiences worldwide. This two-day conference will take place at the Rowan County Community Event Center on March 20-21. The cost is $149 per person, or $149 for two people.

During the conference, there will be a session featuring a Family Business Planning Key Advisors Panel, which will include a CPA, a lawyer and a financial planner. They will answer questions related to retirement planning, health crises, long-term care and estate planning.

As you outline your succession plan, consider what is most important to you. If your home holds significant meaning for your family, strive to keep it within the family. Additionally, think about any specific charities you would like to support with your assets or any stipulations regarding how you want your land to be used. Ultimately, it’s essential to reflect on what you envision for your legacy. What does that legacy look like for your family? Is it the land you cherish and hope to see your family continue to grow upon? Is it the family business that carries on your name? Or is it the house you bought during difficult times, a place filled with love, memories and lots of trees and flowers? Day 2 of the conference will focus on estate planning and how to piece everything together. We will assist you in identifying questions to ask when hiring a lawyer, CPA, or financial planner and discuss important topics with your family. Register now at http://go.ncsu.edu/rowanlegacy2025 or call the Rowan County Extension office at 704-216-8970.

Amy-Lynn Albertson is director of the Rowan County Extension.