SOLD OUT -- CALL 312/915-6490 TO BE PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST.

Governing Your Business: Using Boards Effectively 
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010  --  8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Four Seasons Hotel
120 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, IL
(312) 280-8800

With rapidly changing credit markets, globalization and increased competition, the need for effective business governance has never been higher.  But what is the proper level of governance for your business? 

Regardless of your business size or longevity, strong governance and the right Board of Directors can help your family compete in these challenging times.  With targeted breakout sessions in three tracks 1) those considering creating a Board, 2) those working with a young Board, and 3) those working with an experienced Board of Directors, this day-long program will help you ensure your business governance success.  Through general sessions, family case studies and breakouts, you’ll learn:

• How to create a Board of Directors that best reflects your business styles and goals
• How to use your Board to better compete in tough economic times
• How to improve the effectiveness of your Board to achieve results
• What the most sophisticated Boards are doing and why

 

OPening Keynote
The Science of Success:  What research tells us about the most effective family business boards

Joseph H. Astrachan, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Cox Family Enterprise Center, Distinguished Research Fellow, Loyola Family Business Center, Wachovia Eminent Scholar Chair of Family Business

 

One of the most recognized speakers and researchers in the world on family business, Dr. Joe Astrachan will share what the research is telling us about the most successful family-owned companies, and their Boards.  His presentation will give us food for thought that will stimulate discussions during our breakout sessions. Takeaways include:

• How Boards can promote accountability

• The best ways to use outside Board Members effectively

• How to manage the relationship between the family and the Board

• The difference between a Board of Directors and a Board of Advisors

• Tips for successful family governance and business governance interactions

Breakout Sessions

These small breakout groups will use case studies to explore Boards at all levels of experience. Whether you don't have a Board and are considering one, currently have a young Board, or have a long-standing Board, one of these targeted sessions will fit your needs.

Breakout A: No Board/Creating a Board

Fred Sasser, President, Chicago Freight Car Leasing; Moderated by Andrew Keyt, Executive Director, Loyola Family Business Center

Breakout B: Young Board

David Nicholson, Vice President, PVS Chemicals; Moderated by Suzanne Lane, President, Avant Consulting Group, Mentor/Coach, Loyola Family Business Center

Breakout C: Experienced Board

Dave Juday, Chair, IDEAL Industries; Moderated by Joseph H. Astrachan, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Cox Family Enterprise Center, Distinguished Research Chair, Loyola Family Business Center, Wachovia Eminent Scholar Chair of Family Business

 

 

Lunch

 

 Roundtable Discussions

These interactive, moderated sessions will provide an in-depth look at Boards at every stage.  Intimate roundtables enable participants to hear others' experiences and ask questions to determine how to incorporate these ideas into their business practices.

Roundtable A:  No Board/Creating a Board

Moderated by Andrew Keyt, Executive Director, Loyola Family Business Center

 

Attend this session if you’re family does not have a formal Board, or are considering adding outsiders to the Board.

Roundtable B: Young Board

Moderated by Suzanne Lane, President, Avant Consulting Inc., Coach/Mentor, Loyola Family Business Center

 

This roundtable is perfect for those whose families have had a Board for a few years and are looking at ways to make it more effective.

Roundtable C: Experienced Board

Moderated by Joseph H. Astrachan, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Cox Family Enterprise Center, Distinguished Research Chair, Loyola Family Business Center, Wachovia Eminent Scholar Chair of Family Business

 

The Experienced Board Roundtable will provide new insights and ideas for those who have had a Board for 10+ years.

 

Panel Presentation

Providing Objectivity: The Benefit of Non-Family Board Members

Keith Alm, Board Member, Follett Corp.; Gary Neal, Board Member, Magid Glove & Safety; and John Walsh, Regis Technologies

 

There’s a notion that having outsiders on your Board can help a family business in its’ growth and development.  A distinguished panel of non-family directors will engage in a compelling discussion exploring:

• The role and perspective of non-family Board Members
• How to involve shareholders not working for the business
• The best way to balance family and business

• Keys to keeping management accountable

• How families can use non-family Board Members effectively

• The dilemmas that non-family Board Members face

For more information, and to register, call (312) 915-6490, email us or download a brochure.