MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Katelyn Husereau Northeastern University Center for Family Business 617.373.3718 k.husereau@neu.edu

It’s a Family Affair.

Winners and Honorees of the 2011 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Award program announced.

June 10, 2011: WESTON, MA.

Winners and honorees of the 2011 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Award program were recently announced by the Northeastern University Center for Family Business at a celebration event at the Henderson House, Weston, MA. The winners were Hub Folding Box Company, Lady Grace and Pinnacle Financial Group.

Hub Folding Box Company, a folding carton manufacturer, started in 1918 and located in Mansfield, MA, won the 100 plus employees category. Hub Folding Box Company is a 3rd generation business with nine family members involved in the business.

Lady Grace, a women’s intimate apparel retailer, started in 1937 and based in Woburn, MA, was chosen as the winner in the 25 to 100 employee group. Lady Grace is a 3rd generation business with four family members involved in business.

Pinnacle Financial Group, a benefits and insurance consulting and brokerage firm established in 1973 and based in Southborough, MA, was chosen as the winner in the fewer than 25 employees category. Pinnacle is a 2nd generation business with four family members involved in the business.

The judges evaluated and selected the winners based on business success, positive business and family linkages, multi-generational family involvement, contributions to the community and industry, and innovative business practices or strategies. Judges included Northeastern University faculty member, Dr. Kim Eddleston and Doug Baumoel, President of the New England chapter of the Family Firm Institute.

Sage business reporter Peter Howe of New England Cable News (NECN) presided over the event as master of ceremonies.

Receiving honorable mention for more than 100 employees were Mastria Auto Group and Sullivan & Cogliano. Honorable mention in the 25 to 100 employee category included ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers, Charles River Apparel and Sapers & Wallack.

Receiving recognition for honorable mention in the fewer than 25 employee category were C.A. Courtesy Demos and Fair & Yeager Insurance.

Ted Clark, director of the Northeastern University Center for Family Business, noted "Family businesses are the unsung heroes in the business community and we are thrilled to be able to recognize then for their successes. Year in and year out they provide significant employment and economic opportunity and they deserve to be commended for their hard work and contributions.”

The Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program was created in a partnership between Northeastern University's Center for Family Business and The Family Firm Institute New England Chapter to promote and highlight some of the great achievements of Massachusetts-based, family-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

About Northeastern University's College of Business Center for Family
Business
Northeastern University's Center for Family Business is a membership organization that provides education, networking opportunities, and support to business families. The Center helps its members identify and avoid potential pitfalls, solve complex interpersonal and family business issues, and plan for future family business success in an increasingly more competitive environment.

About Northeastern University College of Business Administration
The College's BS in International Business is ranked 13th in the nation for international business programs by U.S. News & World Report. Bloomberg Businessweek ranks the undergraduate business program # 1 for internships and 32nd in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.cba.neu.edu/cfb. Or contact Katelyn Husereau, Northeastern University, Center for Family Business, k.husereau@neu.edu, 617.373.3718.