More than 90 percent of all businesses in this country are family businesses, which make them an integral part of the American economy.

Strengthening these family firms will be the focus of the 1997 Chautauqua Family Business Conference: Growth and Transitioning, Monday, July 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chautauqua Institution, just north of Jamestown, N.Y.

Sponsored by Alfred University, Canisius College and Cornell University, the conference will provide information to enrich and enhance family businesses, according to Ramona Heck, director of the Family Business Research Institute at Cornell.

"The premise of this conference is that an understanding of both the business side and the family side of such enterprises will foster their continued strength as a vitally important segment of the nation's economy and society," said Heck, tri-chair of the conference.

The program will feature presentations and panel discussions on a variety of family business issues. Highlights include:

-- "Making It Work Inside the Family," a presentation (based on case studies) by Purdue University's Alma J. Owen and Richard L. Narva of Genus Resources Inc.

• A keynote address by Rushworth M. Kidder, founder and president of the Institute for Global Ethics, on "Business and Ethics."
• A luncheon speech by Baylor University's Nancy Upton on "Growth and Beyond."
• A panel discussion on "The Succession Enterprise -- Getting Started, Growth and Transitioning," featuring owners of three family businesses.
• A panel discussion on various issues with experts Steve Goodman of Executive Compensation Group Inc. discussing "Managing Between Generations"; KeyBank's Mark Moshier discussing "Managing Growth and Ownership Choices"; former New York State Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine, an attorney with Sotir and Goldman, addressing "Family Business Succession Issues"; and Alan Weinstein of Canisius College, who will discuss "Seeking Professional Advice."

Located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua Institution is an internationally renowned center for the arts, education, religion and recreation.

The conference registration fee, due July 1, is $100 ($50 for each additional person from the same firm). To register or for more information, contact Thomas Mailey, tri-director of the conference, at (607) 871-2295, fax (607) 871-2114, or write him at Center for Family and Entrepreneurial Business, Alfred University, College of Business, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802-1205.