SVSU Family Business Program
2006-07 Major Events
All events are held at Curtiss Hall on the SVSU campus.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Compensation and the Family Business
Bob Wilkening, Wilkening & Company
Executive and employee compensation can be a delicate matter in any company. In a family business setting, the issue can be magnified by the personal relationships at play. Bob Wilkening, founder of Wilkening & Company, will provide an overview of compensation principles and elements with a focus on how they apply to the unique issues facing family business. He will discuss how compensation solutions for family businesses are both like and unlike compensation for non-family corporations, and provide advice on how to structure reward systems for family members who work within the business. He’ll discuss the use and definition of salary, as well as the design and application of “phantom stock” or other pay vehicles unique to private companies. Drawing on his own extensive experience with family and privately-held businesses on matters of compensation, succession and governance, Bob will use case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of three discrete components of pay: for responsibility, pay for performance, and return on equity investment.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Family Business: Secrets to Success in the Global Economy
Otis W. Baskin, Ph.D.
The rapid globalization of all business in today’s economy is the reality in which family owned enterprises must operate. Even families that choose to keep their business focused on local needs in their hometown must face the reality that the price of their goods and services is being set around the world, not down the street. The demise of a true domestic economy may create new challenges for family business but it has also opened up new opportunities. Dr. Otis W. Baskin is Professor of Management at The George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management, Pepperdine University and consultant to family businesses in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. He maintains that family businesses have many advantages in the era of global enterprise. He will discuss how the traditional strengths of family business can be leveraged to prepare your business and your family for continued success in a globally competitive environment, relating best practices of successful business owning families around the world.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Women at the Helm
A Local Panel Presentation by Ronnie Neumann and Barbara Mahar Lincoln
Ronnie Neumann, President and CEO of Alloy Construction Service, Inc., and Barbara Mahar Lincoln, President and CEO of Mahar Tool Supply Company, have a lot in common as female heads of traditionally “male-oriented” businesses. One aspect they share is how they assumed the helm of their respective companies – in each case, as the result of the unexpected and untimely deaths of their spouses. While each had been actively involved with their companies during their husbands’ tenure, neither was prepared for the top leadership position. But each quickly stepped up to the challenge, successfully confronting the business and personal crises they faced. During their panel presentation, Ronnie and Barb will relate their experiences with a distinctive cautionary note, explaining in real-life terms why a succession plan is necessary during all phases of a family business’s lifespan. They will also provide personal insight into the unique issues they’ve encountered as women in traditionally male roles
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Succession Planning: Who Gets Papa’s Chair?
Laura Michaud, The Michaud Group
It’s a stark reality: Only 33% of family-owned businesses make it through the second generation, and the percentages go downhill from there. However, the odds can become much more favorable if current business owners would tackle one important issue – succession planning. Laura Michaud, a third generation family member of Beltone Electronics, will present a solid and enthusiastic case for why your family business needs to get a succession plan in place, and the far-reaching benefits that can accrue. In this motivating and practical presentation, Laura will discuss proactive succession planning, helping you secure the future of your family business for generations to come.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Succession Planning: Taking the Necessary Steps
An In-Depth Seminar for Family Groups
If your family business is at the point of wanting to devise a succession plan, but you need to know more about how to proceed, you’ll want to attend for this special, in-depth seminar with nationally recognized family business expert Laura Michaud. Participants will leave the program with an actual personalized succession plan draft written for their specific business. All family decision-makers are asked to attend as a group; you will sit and work together to accomplish eight defined steps. During this 2 ½ hour seminar, your combined efforts will: (1) Create a development plan for the chosen successor; (2) Set up family systems and councils that guarantee succession success; and (3) Compose a communications plan that will aid in announcing who the chosen successor is. Registration is limited; you’re encouraged to make plans early with your family colleagues to attend.