UNCA's Family Business Forum Hosts Talk by Leading Family Business Expert

UNC Asheville's Family Business Forum will host a program with leading family business expert John L. Ward from 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Grove Park Inn Resort. Ward will discuss "Perpetuating the Family Business: The Ultimate Challenge." An optional buffet lunch will immediately follow the program.

During the program, Ward will examine the challenges a family business faces to achieve continued business success. Attendees will learn how family factors can help or hinder the strategic choices of family business members. During this interactive program, Ward will lead the group in exploring the key requirements for long-term strategic strength.

Ward is the co-founder of The Family Business Consulting Group Inc. He is a clinical professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Wild Group professor of family business at IMD, one of the world’s leading business schools. He is the author of three leading texts on family business and the co-author of a collection of books, "The Family Business Leadership Series," each focusing on specific issues family businesses face. He is co-director of the Center for Family Enterprises at the Kellogg School and conducts regular seminars in Europe, Asia and the United State. Ward holds a master’s degree and a doctorate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

UNCA's Family Business Forum, the first program of its kind in the region, was developed to enhance the continued viability of family-owned businesses in the Asheville area. Membership in the forum is open to firms that have a family member with controlling interest in the business and at least one family member currently employed in the business. In addition to seminars and workshops, members receive current research and articles on family business issues, a quarterly newsletter and the opportunity to network with other family-owned business members who face similar challenges of perpetuating a family business.

Registration for the workshop is required. The program is open to forum members and their guests; a limited number of seats are available for family business owners interested in membership.

For more information or to register, call Richard Lasher, at 828/251-6797, voice mail box 8003.

Media Contacts:

• Richard Lasher, UNCA Family Business Forum Director, 828/251-6797, voice mail box 8003
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526