The Northeastern University Center for Family Business Announces Larry Rubin, of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, to speak at the 2009 MAFBA

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The Northeastern University Center for Family Business Announces Larry Rubin, of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, to speak at the 2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards

The Northeastern University Center for Family Business (Boston, March 23, 2009) 

The Northeastern University Center for Family Business is pleased to announce that Larry Rubin, of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, will speak at the 3rd annual Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards.  The Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program was created two years ago 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.

Ted Clark, Director of the Center for Family Business notes, “We are excited to have Larry Rubin as a speaker at the 2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards program on April 29, 2009.  Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture represents what the best of family businesses can be all about, solid management, business growth, generational success and community service.”

“We were very excited to be recognized by the Northeastern University Awards program for our contributions as a family business,” said Larry Rubin of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture.  “Being in business with your family is rewarding, but it does, like every business, have its challenges.  The key is to learn as you move forward, and the Awards program is a great opportunity for family business members to identify challenges, learn and create great businesses.  We are looking forward to being at the program again this year to support family businesses.” 

“Given the importance of family businesses to the economy it’s fitting to recognize the contribution of these great companies,” commented Thomas E. Moore, Dean of Northeastern College of Business Administration.  “In addition to Bernie & Phyl’s, other past winners of the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards include Sal’s Pizza, Camp Thoreau, Crescent Ridge Dairy, Avedis Zildjian and New England Coffee,”  Moore continued.

Any Massachusetts-based, family-owned business that includes or included more than one generation is eligible for the award.  There are three award categories: companies with less than 50 employees, 50-250 employees, and for businesses with more than 250 full-time employees.  The awards will be presented at Northeastern University’s Henderson House in Weston, MA on April 29, 2009. 

About Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture

Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture is the largest privately owned furniture retailer in Massachusetts and one of the largest furniture retailers in New England.  Started by the Rubin family in 1983, the company has grown into one of the fastest growing furniture retailers with six stores and over 500 employees. In 2002, Bernie & Phyl’s was named national “Retailer of the Year” by the National Home Furnishings Association – the highest honor in the retail home furnishings industry.  Bernie & Phyl’s has been listed as one of the “Top 100 U.S. Furniture Stores” by Furniture/Today for each year since 2000.  With a focus on high quality furniture at great prices, the family-run business has created a successful niche in a competitive marketplace.  Bernie & Phyl’s was named the 2008 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year, winner in the large company category and was a finalist in the 2007 program.

About Northeastern University’s 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.  BusinessWeek ranks the undergraduate business program 26th in the country and number1 for internships.

Katelyn Husereau

Northeastern University

Center for Family Business

617.373.3718

k.husereau@neu.edu

SOURCE  Northeastern University Center for Family Business

Katelyn Husereau, 617-373-3718, k.husereau@neu.edu

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I'm from Spain and I lived in america for a year. Honestly I feel sorry for americans. They're family bonds are so weak! Most kids only see their grandparents or uncles and aunts on holidays, maybe once every other year. If someone besides the nuclear family is living in the home the family counts down the days when they will move out rather than welcoming them and making them feel like a part of the family. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, don't have that constant involvement in their kids lives. Women always want their their husbands to make them #1 and are not willing to compromise for the good of the extended family.

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When you get married your spouses family is now a part YOUR family too you know just as your family is.
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I lived in NYC.