Each year, the Northeastern University Center for Family Business recognizes family businesses across the state with the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards. The awards program was created to promote and highlight some of the great achievements of Massachusetts-based, family-held businesses and entrepreneurs.
Recipients of the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards are selected by a panel of independent judges based on their business success, positive business and family linkages, multi-generational family involvement, contributions to the community and industry, and innovative business practices or strategies.
As in previous years, this year we will recognize three family businesses as the 2019 Family Business of the Year (one in each of the small, medium, and large firms categories), and also a non-family family business employee as the Employee Appreciation Award winner and recipient of $1,000.
New this year, the Center for Family Business is introducing its Hall of Fame award, which recognizes a founder or leader of a family business from an earlier generation who has demonstrated the exceptional qualities necessary to set an example for future generations. Selected individuals will be inducted to the Northeastern University Center for Family Business Hall of Fame during the Awards event on June 12, 2019.
The Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards, now in its 13th year, is the Center's favorite event each program season. Ted Clark, Director, offers a bit of insight into why this is the case year after year:
Why did the Center decide to put on an annual Awards program 13 years ago?
We were approached by one of founding members, Marshall Paisner from ScrubaDub, with idea that we should put on awards program to celebrate accomplishments of family businesses. After we spoke with him, it seemed like a great idea to spotlight the achievements and successes of family businesses because they are so often under recognized.
What is your favorite part of the event each year?
My favorite part is the networking, when it starts. Everyone is networking, talking, and having a good time. I love the party atmosphere, with everyone feeling good about what they've done with their family and their business.
After 13 years, how has the event changed over time?
It's become less formal and now resembles a more informal, celebratory event, with a higher level of networking and opportunities for family businesses to meet and get to know one another. The idea has become to highlight and showcase their successes through a fun night organized in their honor.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm really looking forward to the keynote speaker, Grant Welker, author of We Are Market Basket, speaking about Market Basket overcoming unique family business challenges. There's a great lesson to be learned in there, both from the family and business aspects.
Join us this Wednesday, June 12th on the 17th Floor of East Village (291 St. Botolph Street) at 5:30 pm as we celebrate Massachusetts Family Businesses!
There will be ample opportunity to network over hors d'oeuvres, we'll trace the origins and causes of the famed Market Basket feud with keynote speaker Grant Welker, author of We Are Market Basket, and (of course) we'll unveil this year's Award winners.
Feel free to register online!