SDSU's Entrepreneurial Management Center (EMC) held its Fifth Annual Closely-Held and Family Business Retreat from February 19 - 20 at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

The theme of this year's event was "Challenges of the Next Generation" and over 170 attendees from 39 family- and closely-held businesses participated in workshops and sessions designed to provide guidance and instruction on topics such as succession planning, employee benefits, technology issues, and workforce motivation.

A.G. and John Spanos, executives in the San Diego Chargers organization were the keynote speakers during the dinner on February 19. They engaged the participants in a lively question and answer sessions that covered everything from the off-the-field behavior of the Chargers players to the challenges of seeing and working with family members on a daily basis.

Kurt Listug, Co-Founder and CEO of Taylor Guitars, presented at our Business Forum retreat this past weekend the history of the local guitar manufacturer. From their humble beginnings as a small guitar shop in Lemon Grove to their present status as the leading acoustic guitar brand in the US and abroad. Listug discussed how he and Bob Taylor bootstrapped the company and self-funded their growth while retaining 100% ownership.

"What a great job you did with the event! I really enjoyed the dinner and seeing everyone and how far you have brought the EMC Business Forum along. Congratulations!"

"Well done to your team and you! We enjoyed event and gained lots of good information and thoughts in the process. Thank you,

Hi, Carmen: You, Sandy and the team produced an outstanding event and we are very proud to have been part of it. All the best..

Congratulations on another fantastic family business retreat. The energy at this retreat was great and people truly seemed to enjoy themselves.

This year's retreat was great. Even better than last year's. Thanks for all of you and your teams hard work.