Rodale, Inc. 2009 Family Business of the Year

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On April 21, 2009, the Niagara University Family Business Center honored Rodale, Inc. as the 2009 Family Business of the Year at Niagara’s annual College of Business Administration Awards Dinner. Vincent Agnello, the Director of the Center said, "Today, we honor a company that has become an integral part of American life. Rodale Inc. is committed to promoting good health and protecting the environment, as well as preventative medicine and proper nutrition. J.I. Rodale, who founded the company in Emmaus, Pa., in 1930, understood the relationship between America’s soil and the health of its people, a revolutionary concept that led to his recognition as the father of the organic farming movement in the United States. We are pleased to honor Rodale, Inc. and the entire Rodale family for its commitment to ethics, morals and social responsibility in making a difference in the world.”

Rodale today is a global media company that continues its heritage and mission of fostering the health and wellness of individuals, communities and the planet. The company reaches more than 70 million people worldwide, publishing such well-known lifestyle magazines as Prevention, Men's Health, Women's Health and Runner's World, and many bestsellers including An Inconvenient Truth by former Vice President Al Gore and The South Beach Heart Program by Arthur Agatston, M.D. Rodale was one of the first large U.S. companies to establish a no-smoking policy, and neither hard liquor nor tobacco advertising is accepted in the pages of its magazines.

In 1982, Robert Rodale, son of the founder said, “We’re interested in helping people to see their ability to achieve self reliance. We keep the bottom line in perspective. It is important, but so are many other things. American business could make money and still look out for the interest of all people, including future generations. Someone has to. We have to.” "Rodale lives by a great philosophy” said Agnello, "imagine what could be achieved if every corporation in America and the world adopted that strategy.”

Rodale created the Rodale Institute to find better ways to feed the world, protect the environment from harmful chemicals and develop better farming techniques that would help stem global warming. It has successfully developed natural farming methods that significantly increase output without the use of pesticides. Tragically, Bob Rodale was killed Sept. 20, 1990, in a traffic accident in Russia, where he was developing plans to import the Rodale Institute’s knowledge and research to maximize food production in a healthy and nutritious manner.

Accepting for the company is the founder’s granddaughter, Heidi Rodale, along with her son Andrew. Heidi is a member of the board of Rodale Inc. and recently produced a book on the history of the company titled "Our Roots Grow Deep: The Story of Rodale." Andrew will be graduating in May 2009 from the Witman School of Business at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

The Niagara University Family Business Center provides educational programs and resources to support the growth and success of family-owned businesses. Programs include the annual Family Business Awards, seminars, and presentations. Over fifty family owned businesses have become members of the Center.

Speaker Gerry Murak helps raise $700.00 for Food Bank of WNY

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:34:12 -0400

On March 3, 2009 Gerry Murak of Murak & Associates, LLC gave his presention entitled "Keeping Your Business Afloat in a Tough Economy... a candid perspective from a Turnaround Specialist." After his presentation he offered attendees autographed copies of his book “Our Fathers Who Art in Heaven...and What They Continue to Teach Us”. His only request was that members consider a contribution to the Food Bank of Western New York. He told the group that they were in need of funds to continue their mission during these tough economic times. Not only did he donate copies of his book, but he arranged for Murak & Associates, LLC to match the donation. As a result, our members and Gerry Murak were able to raise $700.00 to the Food Bank. A special thank you to Gerry and our members who made this all possible.

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Rodale, Inc. 2009 Family Business of the Year

Speaker Gerry Murak helps raise $700.00 for Food Bank of WNY