CBA, Goering Center Celebrates Success of Tristate Family Businesses Date: Aug. 16, 2000 By: Carey Hoffman Phone: (513) 556-1825 Archive: General News A dozen Tristate family businesses will be honored on Tuesday, Aug. 29, when the Goering Center for Family and Private Business and the University of Cincinnati College of Business Administration host the first Tri-State Family Business of the Year event. Ceremonies take place at Music Hall from 6-9 p.m. Fifth Third Bank is sponsoring the inaugural event. "Family firms represent the backbone of worldwide business, both in terms of employment base and economic impact, and these awards help to recognize the extensive impact family businesses have on our society," said Kent Lutz, director of the Goering Center. The 12 Tristate family businesses and the categories they will be honored in include: Over 100 Employees Al Neyer, Inc. (first place) Gardner Publications, Inc. (finalist) Portman Equipment (finalist) Under 100 Employees SpringDot (first place) The Flottman Company, Inc. (finalist) Multi Craft Litho, Inc. (finalist) Innovation Viox Services, Inc. (first place) Aurora Casket Company, Inc. (finalist) Griffin Industries, Inc. (finalist) Community Service LaRosa's Inc. (first place) McSwain Carpets, Inc. (finalist) Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control (finalist) Criteria included: exceptional achievement in the areas of succession planning, innovation, community service, strategic planning, communication, estate planning, wealth transfer and financial planning. Proceeds will go to establish a scholarship fund in UC's College of Business Administration for students majoring in Family Business/Entrepreneurship. The college is one of only a few nationally that offers such a program. For information on attending the Tri-State Family Business of the Year event, contact the Goering Center at (513) 556-7185 or e-mail at lutzwk@email.uc.edu. Background: The Goering Center is one on the nation's leading educational and informational resource centers designed to assist family firms in successfully managing their private firms. In addition, programs help in the transition from one generation of family leaders to the next. The center was founded over ten years ago through a gift from former UC business professor John B. Goering and his family.