CORVALLIS, Ore. – Northwest college
and university students whose families own businesses are invited to attend the
Oregon State University’s 2009 Family Business Student Conference on Friday,
May 8, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600
S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, Wash.
The conference is sponsored by OSU’s
Austin Family Business Program and the OSU chapter of Students in Free
Enterprise.
“Students from family businesses
have unique challenges and opportunities,” said Robin Klemm, director of the
Austin Family Business Program, which is in OSU’s College of Business. “These
students need to network with others of similar backgrounds. They need to share
and validate their unique experiences – yet some will find their experiences
are more alike than different.”
Dave Christensen of Christensen
Shipyards Ltd. will give a keynote address and also lead a tour of his
executive yacht-building facility located near the waterfront conference
center. Other speakers include Michael Powell of Portland’s Powell Books
addressing the issues of multi-generational leadership in family businesses.
The conference program features a
plenary panel with multi-generational perspectives on preparing for leadership
in a family business. The panel will include next-generation business leaders
Jodi Grimmett of Glass Academy Ltd. and Dustin Caldwell of Old Dominion Auto
Repair. Current generation leadership speakers include Patricia McConnell, Old
Dominion Auto Repair; Sue Halton, Halton Co.; and Michael Powell, Powell Books.
Transportation will be available
from OSU and Portland State University campuses. Students attending any Northwest
college or university are welcome. There is a $14 registration fee to help
defray expenses, including a luncheon. Also on the agenda is an opportunity to
engage in speed networking.
About the OSU College of Business:
The college prepares profession-ready graduates with expertise in
entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices. It is home to the Austin
Family Business Program – a national leader in working with family businesses –
as well as the nation’s largest residential entrepreneurship initiative, the
Austin Entrepreneurship Program.
25 Years of Service
In 2010 the Austin Family Business Program will be celebrating 25 years of service to family businesses by hosting special programming and commemorative events. Volunteers are needed. Please contact us if you are interested.
Austin Family Business Program Support
The Austin Family Business Program exists because of the support of the family business community. We're grateful for the generous support of the family business community. More information located here.
