The Grossman School of Business (GSB) at the University of Vermont (UVM) welcomed business students from around the world to the 11th edition of the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC) from January 10 – 13, 2024. Twenty-five student teams from 12 countries across five continents focused on family business education at the undergraduate and graduate levels at this intensive four-day event. Competitors traveled to Burlington, Vermont from as far as Australia, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, and Taiwan, among other countries.
SG-FECC competitors receive a different case on each of the four days of the competition. Each case highlights a different dilemma faced by family business leaders. It challenges both competitors and judges to determine pragmatic solutions to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the focal enterprises. Along with the case analysis, participants enjoyed social and networking events including a visit to ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the “Wear Your University” dinner, and a free evening to explore downtown Burlington, Vermont. Coaches visited two local high-tech companies – Beta Technologies and OnLogic.
2024 Winners
The award ceremony on January 13, 2024 announced winning teams and best presenters, among other awards. The undergraduate winners were from the Seidman College of the Grand Valley State University – first time that an American university has claimed this honor. The winning graduate team came from the Sasin School of Management from Thailand.
Undergraduate League
- 1st place: Grand Valley State University (USA)
- 2nd place: Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara (Mexico)
- 3rd place: Toronto Metropolitan University (Canada)
Graduate League
- 1st place: Sasin School of Management (Thailand)
- 2nd place: Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala)
- 3rd place: Indian School of Business (India)
“The 11th edition of SG-FECC was nothing short of spectacular. This year’s ‘World Cup of Family Business Education’ was the largest event yet, convening more than 250 competitors, coaches, judges, business leaders, advisors, and educators to the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business,” said Pramodita “Dita” Sharma, co-chair and Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business. “The UVM students who organize this event every year, with support of GSB faculty and staff, were exceptional, and made this event exciting and seamless for our participants who, along with the competition, enjoy the learning experience and camaraderie.”
Student Contributions
Central to the execution of this world-class event is the dedicated Organizing Committee—a diverse group comprising GSB students, faculty, and professionals. Twelve student committee members are the backbone of the competition; their efforts make it all happen. From communications to coordination, this team handles it all to ensure the smooth success of the 4-day event. As well, Student Ambassadors act as hosts for visiting teams and go-to sources for all things SG-FECC. Beyond ensuring teams are prepared for the event, they act as Burlington tour guides, fostering international friendships and connections.
Several UVM students received the Student Ambassador Award and Outstanding Contributor Award for their commitment and positive contributions. “Caring professionalism is a large focus at the Grossman School of Business. Our student ambassadors and organizing committee members demonstrated these tenets to our visiting competitors, coaches, and judges,” said Thomas I. Chittenden, co-chair of SG-FECC and a Senator of the state of Vermont.
Esteemed Judges
There was considerable interest in judging this year’s SG-FECC, with 197 judge applicants and only 115 judging spots – and there’s already a wait list for judging for the 2025 event. Altogether 61 judges serving on 23 judging panels shared their time and expertise during this competition. “SG-FECC wouldn’t be the same event without our esteemed judges like Steve Schlesinger, Jim Keller, UVM Provost Patty Prelock, Rino Caruccio, Wendy Sage Hayward, Mira Bloemen-Bekx, and Adam Ifshin,” added Sharma. The roster of judges who served in SG-FECC 2024 is here. View who received the Judge Coordinator Award and Case Author Award.
Event Sponsors
Major sponsors of this event were Steven Grossman, Steve Schlesinger, Jim Keller, Robin and Chuck Tauck, Adam Ifshin, and the Foley family. Event sponsors include the Butler Brothers, Creative Planning, Danforth Pewter, Sukey & Davis Farmer, Lisa & Dan Lehan, Olivia’s Organics, the Grossman School of Business Family Business Club, and Westaff.
About the Grossman School of Business
The Grossman School of Business, an AACSB Accredited institution at the University of Vermont, boasts the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. With nearly 1,000 undergraduates and two distinguished graduate programs—the Sustainable Innovation MBA and the Master of Accountancy—the GSB is committed to excellence in business education. Learn more about the Grossman School of Business.