Why The Family in Family Business Matters

Family businesses have received an increasing amount of attention of late, and rightfully so. They dominate the global economy, from the corner store to the Fortune 300. As publicly owned corporations grow larger, as political systems grow more fragile, and as uncertainty permeates through many corners of society, family businesses will continue to play a key role in building trust and providing essential services. Exploring recent research and relevant case studies, we spend time understanding what makes family business unique, amply positioned and ultimately well suited to tackle the challenges of the coming century and how your own business compares.

Daniel G. Van Der Vliet is the John and Dyan Smith Executive Director Family Business at Cornell University. Founded in 2014 from a generous gift from John and Dyan Smith, the Smith Family Business Initiative is housed in the SC Johnson College of Business and provides education, networking and research for family business owners, successors and students from across the globe. Previously, as director of the Family Business Initiative @ UVM from 2003-2014, Dann worked with owners and their successors to find solutions that work for both family and business. He developed and taught the Leading and Managing the Family and Closely Held Business course at the University of Vermont from 2004 - 2013. Previously, as founding Director of the Vermont Business Center from 2004-2008, Dann oversaw the launch and growth of the executive education curriculum and management development seminars at UVM in addition to establishing custom trainings offered by the University of Vermont School of Business. Dann is co-founder of the Global Family Enterprise Case Competition, the only competition dedicated entirely to family business. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Green Mountain Club, steward of Vermont's Long Trail, America's first long-distance hiking trail and is past President of the Burlington Sunrise Rotary Club.

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