Contributing To Family Business Success
Workshops address unique issues facing family-owned businesses
March 1, 2007
By Pam McLaren
Nearly a dozen years ago, a discussion on research about family-owned businesses prompted the creation of Cal State Fullerton’s Family Business Council.
“Our focus has been and I believe always will be to provide a forum for family businesses to voice their concerns, issues and needs and to get the support and answers they need to succeed,” said Mike Trueblood, the council’s director.
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The center offers monthly meetings where guest speakers address such issues as succession, communication, sibling rivalry and strategic and family missions. Programs with titles such as “What Does it Take for In-Laws in the Family Business Not to be Considered Out-Laws?” and “Sex, Death and Money … What Else is There in the Family Business?” regularly bring business leaders together for networking as well as lively discussions.
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In January, the council featured a discussion on “How to Hire the Right Employees.” At the end of the presentation, attendees divided into teams for an exercise in team building: putting together bicycles for charity. Fifty council members constructed 10 bikes that were given to the Stanton Boys and Girls Club.
In addition to the monthly workshops, the council holds an annual awards program, hosted by the Orange County Business Journal, to showcase the success of large and small, new and long-established family businesses. Three years ago, it instituted a Hispanic Family-Owned Business Conference as another outreach effort. There also are affinity groups for heads of businesses, the next generation and female business owners.
Six years ago, the College of Business stated offering an undergraduate management course to help educate future family-business owners. In the works is a plan for an executive education course and a graduate-level class designed for second-generation business leaders.
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Another academic project is a campaign for an endowed chair in family business, named in honor of Rick Muth of ORCO Block. Thus far, the College of Business and Economics has received nearly $750,000 toward the $1.5 million goal.
“Family business,” Trueblood said, “is a big part of the U.S. and world economy. Family firms comprise 80 to 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America. They provide jobs, materials and services that we all use. And, as part of an educational institution, what greater service can we provide than the information, skills and support that will help them continue to grow?”
For more information, call 657-278-4182 or visit http://business.fullerton.edu/centers/fambusiness.
Produced by the Office of Public Affairs at California State University, Fullerton.