Membership Benefits
At Family Business Center Programs, leading family business experts share insights and information on trends and techniques that can be applied to your business. They help you develop your skills to lead and participate in change and to understand the context of leadership issues in your family business. Relationship building among members enhances the learning and camaraderie that is a key benefit of FBC membership. The FBC provides a stimulating setting for family businesses to develop strategies for growth. Food and materials are provided for each program. Parking is complimentary.
As an added FBC membership benefit, Sponsors partner to present three to four educational breakfast programs per year. Members learn about relevant topics to help them, their family and family business succeed. This also provides an additional opportunity to meet with fellow FBC members and sponsors.
This special breakfast series is at no cost for FBC Members (family or board members and key non-family managers). All programs will be at the Fluno Center, 601 University Avenue, 8th floor Skyview room. Parking is complimentary.
Director Expertise
Our director, Dr. Deb Houden, has extensive knowledge of family business issues. Her research in conflict and fairness within family businesses, along with a Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute, allows her to help your family business in a variety of communication, conflict, and fairness issues. She leads a dedicated staff and works with you to offer unbiased advice, locate needed resources, and adapts to meet your needs. She may be reached by calling
(608) 441-7338, or emailing her at dhouden@bus.wisc.edu.
Our monthly e-newsletter, FBC Successor, helps members stay connected and updated on FBC events. Timely information on business, legal, insurance investment and tax planning are included, along with insights on strengthening family business relationships.
Members Only Website Section
Our Members Only section in the website offers our members the opportunity to view information that comes directly from our programs. Included are past audio/video presentations, accompanying power point slides, handouts, presentation follow-up materials, member company best practices, newsletter articles, and survey results. This section of the website is password protected.
Networking with other Family Businesses and Advisors
A unique benefit of belonging to the UW Family Business Center is the opportunity to network with other family businesses. Family business leaders and those that work with them (sponsors) are leaders in the community. Members have the opportunity to network not only at educational and peer functions, but special social gatherings such as our Fall and Spring Socials. Come join the fun!
The UW-Madison Family Business Center and the Wisconsin Family Business Forum at UW-Oshkosh have a reciprocity agreement that gives members the opportunity to network with other family owned firms and the advantage to attend any program offered by the other Wisconsin center at a nominal charge.
FBC Members received a 20% discount on over 100 different professional development seminars offered through the UW Madison Executive Education Department. When registering for an Executive Education program, identify your company as an FBC Member.
Study Pub
Members have access to use the 8th Floor Fluno Center Study Pub where they can enjoy billiards, light fare and a full service bar while on campus.