About the Center for
Closely Held Business The Center for Closely Held Business at
William Paterson University was developed
by and for successful closely held and
family business leaders. It draws on the
strengths of the University’s Christos M.
Cotsakos College of Business (accredited
by the prestigious Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business) that include
faculty expertise and research, the William
Paterson University Small Business
Development Center, the College’s worldclass
facilities and the Russ Berrie Institute
for Professional Sales—as well as local
closely held and family businesses.
Among the resources to be offered are
practical hands-on workshops, real-world
case studies, presentations by industry
experts, peer-to-peer problem solving and peer monitoring.
“I have found that benchmarking ‘best practices’ is a great way to learn. The Center provides our participants opportunities to learn in a non-intimidating and relaxed environment, from people who have demonstrated excellence in their particular business process. The Center will also be a good place for closely held or family owned businesses to develop and benefit from peer-to-peer mentoring.”
— Basem Hishmeh, owner of closely held and family owned businesses • Chairman, AERCO International Corp. • Chairman, Sigma-Netics, Inc. • Chair of Executive Committee, Center for Closely Held Business at William Paterson University
