Forum Information

WELCOME

Welcome to the University of San Diego Family Business Forum website. We are very honored that you have taken the time to visit us! The USD Family Business Forum was founded in 1991 and opened its doors for our first program, to the San Diego Family Business Community, in November of 1992. In our inaugural year, there were only five other family business programs around the country offering family business education. We have always considered ourselves to be on the cutting edge of family business information. For more than a decade, we have welcomed hundreds of family business owners and their families to our Family of Families.

Our USD Family Business Forum is a family, and with family there comes celebrations and milestones, as well as personal and business challenges. Through our family here at the Forum, we provide support and guidance during both good and bad times. This support is offered in a couple of different ways. First, the Forum offers ten outstanding programs per year. These programs can be "Tales from the Trenches" testimonials from other family business owners or experts who conduct research in the area of family business. Members and Partners of the USD Family Business Forum also participate in Peer Advisory Groups each month. We currently have two groups, Founders and Next Generation Peer Advisory Groups. These small group meetings allow confidential and intimate dialogue among peers who share similar positions within their family businesses. Answers to some of the major business and personal obstacles often lies around the table and is solved through discussion with people who are just like you!

In addition, the USD Family Business Forum has added a Next Generation Family Business Leaders Forum. The "Next Gens" meet quarterly to talk about issues facing them in their family enterprises such as succession planning, sibling rivalry and identifying roles and responsibilities for the next generation of family business leaders. No Founders are allowed to attend so that the "Next Gens" can openly discuss issues they are facing with peers in a confidential and small group setting.

Social and business events throughout the year are also hosted and give family business owners an opportunity to expand their professional and personal networks. Please check the website for dates of upcoming events.

The USD Family Business Forum has headed North. . . to North County that is! The USD Family Business Forum hosts Executive Programs in North County the last Wednesday of each month. Check the website for dates about upcoming North County events.

The USD Family Business Forum is also the proud Co-Sponsor of the Annual Family Business of the Year Awards Program each year. Held in December, the Awards program is a perfect culmination event for the year as we have the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful contributions that family enterprises make to the San Diego community.

There is so much information to share with you. I encourage you to navigate around this website and see for yourself the wonderful programs, events and resources we offer to the San Diego Family Business Community. We have proven ourselves as the family business leader here in San Diego, for more than a decade, and look forward to a decade more!

I look forward to meeting each of you and welcoming you to our FAMILY OF FAMILIES!

Sincerely,

Jodi Waterhouse
Director,
USD Family Business Forum