Family Business Institute Launches Resources for University Family Business Centers

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 09, 2007 – April 9, 2007 -- Raleigh, NC -- The Family Business Institute (http://www.familybusinessinstitute.com), a leading U.S. business consulting company, announces the launch of its new online resource portal that includes tools, presentations, and information for family and closely held businesses.  The online information center was created specifically for use by University Family Business Centers to offer as a value-added resource for members.  

“This is fast becoming the most popular page on our website.  When we launched the resource center two weeks ago we sent notifications to many of the universities and business that we have worked with and have had an incredible amount of positive feedback.  Apparently we’ve filled an important need with the release of this collection of information,” says Family Business Institute President Wayne Rivers.

Rivers is an expert family business consultant and regular speaker at universities and corporations including Wake Forest University, Virginia Tech, UNC Ashville, Harley Davidson, the Young Presidents Organization, Associated General Contractors of America, and the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.  

The family business resource portal, located on the company’s website at http://www.familybusinessinstitute.com/resources.html, includes more than 45 high-level articles written by top family business consultants, a series of webinars focused on succession planning, and a collection of white papers on topics from conflict resolution to business transition.  

In addition to informational resources, the portal offers a downloadable 80 question assessment tool for business owners.  The assessment packet is designed to quickly identify problem areas within the business as well as areas of opportunity.  

Rivers says that Family Business Centers are a growing trend among universities.  The organizations are specifically devoted to family and closely held businesses in the region.  With as many as 90% of American businesses being closely held or family owned, he says there is a great demand for knowledge and tools that address the specific nuances of such a personal and often delicate business structure.

“Universities are constantly looking for information and tools that will add value for their members.  Our goal was to create a collection of high-value resources that universities could feel confident about linking to from their websites,” says Rivers.  

University Family Business Centers that wish to link to the Family Business resource portal can do so by following the ‘resources’ link from the company’s homepage.  From the main resources directory, visitors have access to all articles, webinars, white papers and assessment tools.

About the Family Business Institute:  The Family Business Institute is a team of leading family business consultants and speakers.  Co-founded by President Wayne Rivers, executive family business coach and author of two books on family business management, the company has over 100 years of collective family business experience.