Forum to focus on communication in family business

“Family Meetings: Improving Communication — Separating Emotions of Family From Business Discussion” will be the focus of the next University of New Hampshire Center for Family Business event.

Scheduled for held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at The Yard Restaurant in Manchester, the program will include a panel discussion emphasizing the perceived risk of engaging family members in open dialogue about business issues against the risk and potential consequences of not having family meetings. Speakers will offer practical suggestions for family meetings, such as what topics should to be covered, who should facilitate meetings, who should attend meetings, and how to frame the wisdom of family meetings for other family members.

Registration and coffee begin at 8 a.m. and the program starts at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will follow.

Tom Davidow, family business expert and founder of Genus Resources, and Chuck Thorndike, president and owner of Annalee Dolls of Meredith, will facilitate the program. Representatives from two second-generation businesses – Stephen Singer, president of Merchants Auto and Singer Family Enterprises, and Bob Bolduc Sr., owner of Piche’s Ski and Sports in the Lakes Region – will discuss their extensive experience with family meetings.

Nonmember price is $99 per person. Registration deadline is Jan. 16.

To register, or for more information, call Barbara Draper at (603) 862-1107, or visit familybusiness.unh.edu. – NHBR STAFF