The Family and Closely-Held Business Forum is sponsored by Chase Bank of Texas, the John D. Williams Company, Scott, Hulse, Marshall, Feuille, and Thurmond P.C. and Tropical Sportswear, with additional support from the Colman Concepts, Rockett Advertising, and ShoeSpring. The Forum holds meetings and workshops for member firms throughout the year addressing such issues as management and ownership succession, estate planning, conflict resolution, strategic and financial management, interpersonal relationships, professional development of both family and nonfamily employees, and other topics as requested by the membership. Each year, the Forum schedules a "Family Business University" to further enhance the functional skills of the executives in the member firms. The Forum also organizes a weekend retreat for family and closely-held businesses on an annual basis.

Membership is limited to thirty firms in order to ensure ample interaction among members, sponsors, workshop leaders, and UTEP faculty and staff.

Benefits of Membership

• Access to nationally and internationally renowned speakers
• Expertise of UTEP faculty and staff
• Exchanges of experience and ideas among members and with sponsors
• Quarterly newsletter
• Education and training on subjects specific to the challenges and opportunities facing family-owned and closely-held enterprises
• Ability to send up to four company representatives to each seminar