CHICAGO — The Chicago Family Business Council at DePaul University will welcome Gov. Bruce Rauner and present the inaugural Centennial Company Awards at this year’s annual Family Business Day on May 5. As the final event of council’s 20th anniversary year-long celebration, Family Business Day will honor its member companies that are more than 100 years old. The event also will feature a morning program on next generation leadership.
“We are excited to have the governor join us to celebrate our 20th year as the Chicago Family Business Council,” said Judy Hogel, executive director.
Family Business Day also will honor five council member Centennial Companies. Leaders from Wisdom Adhesives Worldwide, Northwestern College, Larson Forgings, William V. MacGill and LaVezzi Precision will share their insights into what it takes to successfully lead a centenarian business in hopes of inspiring fellow business owners and leaders.
“We are looking forward to celebrating these five member companies and hearing what it takes to sustain a business for 100 years, from generation to generation. That’s a rare accomplishment,” Hogel said.
The Chicago Family Business Council exists to help family businesses and closely held companies achieve their business goals through a peer support system. Established in 1994, the council, now affiliated with DePaul University, offers educational programs that provide growth strategies for chief executives and their employees, families and businesses.
“On behalf of the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University, I would like to congratulate the inaugural Centennial Companies,” said Ray Whittington, dean of the college. “We salute the Chicago Family Business Council on its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in Chicago.”
The Family Business Day will begin at 9 a.m. at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, 1431 W. Taylor St. Special guest Amy Schuman of the Family Business Consulting Group will present “Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders.” The talk will address how to prepare future leaders to lead both the enterprise and the family while maintaining the vision and values that have brought the company success.
The event also will feature Tom Rolando, COO of Wisdom Adhesives, who will give the keynote address and discuss “The Wisdom Way” — the six guiding principles of this 140-year-old family business.
The event is open to the public. Additional details and registration are online at http://www.chicagofbc.com.
###
Media Contact:
Judy Hogel, Executive Director
Chicago Family Business Council
judy@chicagofbc.com
312-362-7518
Media Contact:
DePaul University
Media Relations
newsroom@depaul.edu
312-362-8591