Family business members hold dual and complex roles because of their membership in both the family and the business, unlike employees in nonfamily firms, and this role conflict remains quite underestimated.

Family businesses are an often overlooked form of ownership. Yet they are all around us—from neighborhood mom-and-pop stores and the millions of small and midsize companies that underpin many economies to household names such as BMW, Samsung, and Wal-Mart Stores.

One of the most severe problems that entrepreneurial firms and especially family owned businesses face is the problem of succession. Many times the younger generation cannot hold out until the older generation quits.

Only a few years ago, the idea of one-half of a married couple taking control of the other’s business through a divorce decree, was virtually unheard of. Today’s legal system believes that both parties to a marriage make contributions, financial and otherwise, to form “marital assets,” which can include a company.

This event kicks off the 2010 call for nominations for the California Family Business of the Year. Are you thinking of nominating a family business, maybe even your own? What does it take to win? Our guest speakers are here to answer your questions and to share with you what made their businesses stand out. Learn the benefits of being the Family Business of the Year and why you want to win!