DATELINE: BOSTON, MA...
The nomination process for the second annual Massachusetts Family Business Awards 2008 is now officially open at www.uffi.org. The Massachusetts Family Business Awards program is designed to promote and highlight some of the great achievements of Massachusetts-based, family owned businesses and entrepreneurs. All application forms and all accompanying materials must be received by March 31, 2008 to be considered for the 2008 Family Business of the Year Award.
The Northeastern University Center for Family Business and the New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute partnered to create this awards program, honoring the most successfully run and managed family businesses in Massachusetts. More than 80 % of all business enterprises in North America are family owned and operated. These businesses account for 60% of total U.S. employment, 78% of all new jobs, and 65% of wages paid.
2007 award winners included Crescent Ridge Dairy, Inc., founded in 1932 and managed by the 4th generation of the Parrish family; Avedis Zildjian Company, founded in 1623 and managed by the 15th generation of the Zildjian family; and the New England Coffee Company, founded in 1916 and managed by the 4th generation of the Kaloyanides family.
Any Massachusetts-based family-owned business that now includes, or has included, more than one generation, and whose policies and business practices have had a positive impact on the business and community may be nominated. Nominations can be submitted by anyone. Business owners may nominate their own company.
Awards will be presented in 3 categories: fewer than 50 full-time employees; 50-250 full-time employees; and more than 250 full-time employees.
A panel of independent judges will evaluate and select the winners based on the following criteria:
• Business success
• Positive business and family linkages
• Multi-generational family involvement
• Contributions to the community and industry
• Innovative business practices or strategies
To nominate a company or download an entry form, please visit www.uffi.org, or call 1- 617-373-3718 for further information.
Award finalists receive:
• Public recognition of the dedication, support to the community, and success their business has achieved through the hard work of their family and employees.
• Official notification of their finalist status and recognition by award sponsors.
• Acknowledgement in press releases and at the Awards Ceremony on May 8, 2008 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA
The Northeastern Center for Family Business
The Northeastern University Center for Family Business is a membership organization that provides education, networking opportunities, and support to business families. By providing high quality educational support, networking opportunities, and individual business counseling in a supportive and confidential environment, the Center helps members navigate the complex landscape of the family business to create greater harmony within the family and ensure continued success for the business.
Family Firm Institute, New England Chapter
The New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute (FFI) is the largest local membership chapter of the FFI. The FFI is an international professional membership organization dedicated to providing interdisciplinary education and networking opportunities for family business advisors, consultants, educators and researchers and to increasing public awareness about trends and developments in the family business field.