Family Business Program seminars to be held in 11 Montana cities this summer
Jim Oakley, an associate professor of marketing at Montana State University’s College of Business, will present “Understanding the Future Customer” in 11 cities across the state this summer as part of the college’s State Farm Family Business Program On the Road.
The seminars, which are free and open to the public, will be held at the following dates and locations:
Monday, May 20:
Lewistown, 3-5 p.m., Central Montana Education Center
Tuesday, May 21:
Glasgow, 3-5 p.m., Cottonwood Inn
Wednesday, May 22:
Havre, 3-5 p.m., MSU-Northern
Thursday, May 23:
Great Falls, 3-5 p.m., MSU-Great Falls
Tuesday, May 28:
Bozeman, 3-5 p.m., Montana State University
Wednesday, May 29:
Miles City, 3-5 p.m., Miles Community College
Thursday, May 30:
Billings, 3-5 p.m., MSU-Billings
Monday, June 3:
Helena, 3-5 p.m., Helena College
Tuesday, June 4:
Kalispell, 9 a.m.-noon, Flathead Valley Community College
Wednesday, June 5:
Missoula, 3-5 p.m., University of Montana, Gallagher Business Building, Room 119
Thursday, June 6:
Butte, 3-5 p.m., Montana Tech, Big Butte/Highlands room - Student Union Building
The seminars will focus on the changing landscape of customer interactions in the marketplace. According to Oakley, recent advances in mobile technology have spurred numerous changes in sales and shopping habits. With technology influencing customer behavior, Oakley says business owners need to consider embracing the technology.
The Family Business Program was established in 1994 by MSU’s College of Business as an outreach program. It offers education and information to Montana businesses that are owned and managed by families.
The program also provides recognition to pioneering and successful family businesses through the Montana Family Business of the Year awards program. The annual seminar and awards luncheon has reached more than 80 businesses and provided education and information to thousands of participants.
The Family Business On the Road Program was introduced in 2006, after State Farm Insurance Company made a gift to the MSU College of Business in honor of Bozeman resident Robert Jaedicke, who has served on the company’s board of directors. Stockman Bank and the Montana Chamber of Commerce also support the program.
