Northeastern University Announces Date for the 2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards

BOSTON, January 26 -- Northeastern University is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program will be held on April 29, 2009.

    The awards program created two years ago in a partnership between Northeastern University's Center for Family Business and The Family Firm Institute New England Chapter, promotes and highlights some of the great achievements of Massachusetts-based, family-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

    Northeastern University Dean Thomas Moore notes, "Given that family businesses create 78% of all new jobs, it seems more appropriate than ever in these tough economic times to acknowledge and support family businesses.  Family businesses are an important economic engine of the Commonwealth.  They account for 60% of total U.S. employment and with all the long-term contributions that family firms deliver to their employees, the economy, and the Commonwealth, it seems fitting to highlight and recognize their achievements and success. 

    Doug Baumoel, president of The Family Firm Institute, New England Chapter said, “Family business are key to an economic recovery.  Through the ups and downs of economic cycles, family businesses endeavor to support their families, employees and their communities.  It’s exciting that Northeastern University is continuing their Awards program as we believe that it is important to recognize family businesses for what they do.” 

    “With prior Award winners including Bernie & Phyl's Furniture, Avedis Zildjian Co., and New England Coffee, this is an opportunity for family businesses, large and small, to be in good company”, adds Dean Moore. 

    Nominations and applications are currently being accepted for entry into this year's competition and are available on-line at www.mafba.com.

    Any Massachusetts-based, family-owned business that includes or included more than one generation is eligible for the award.  There are three award categories: companies with less than 50 employees, 50-250 employees, and for businesses with more than 250 full-time employees.  The awards will be presented at Northeastern University’s Henderson House in Weston, MA on April 29, 2009.  The deadline for applications is March 27, 2009.  Award winners will be chosen by a panel of independent judges comprised of industry experts, academicians, and peers, and will be evaluated based on:

    -- Overall business success

    -- Positive family and business linkage

    -- Multi-generational family involvement

    -- Dynamic contributions to community and industry, and

    -- Innovative business practices or strategies

    About Northeastern University's Center for Family Business

Northeastern University's Center for Family Business is a membership organization that provides education, networking opportunities, and support to business families.  The Center helps its members identify and avoid potential pitfalls, solve complex interpersonal and family business issues, and plan for future family business success in an increasingly more competitive environment.

    About Northeastern University College of Business Administration

The College of Business Administration is ranked 16th in the nation for International Business programs by U.S. News & World Report and 26th in the U.S. for Business Administration by BusinessWeek.

Katelyn Husereau

Northeastern University

Center for Family Business

617.373.3718

k.husereau@neu.edu

SOURCE  Northeastern University Center for Family Business

Katelyn Husereau, 617-373-3718, k.husereau@neu.edu