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

Strengthening these family firms will be the focus of a conference sponsored by Alfred University, Ohio State University and Cornell University on Monday, July 27, at the Chautauqua Institution, just north of Jamestown, N.Y.

The 1998 Chautauqua Family Business Conference: Women and Men in the Family Firm will provide information to enrich and enhance family businesses, according to Ramona Heck, director of the Family Business Research Institute at Cornell University.

"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, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature presentations and panel discussions on a variety of small business issues. Highlights include:

• "Men's and Women's Views about Business," a presentation (based on case studies) by Janice L. Shields of Shields & Co. Inc.; Maria E. Quinn of Hohn Loeser & Parks; and Ronald L. Hart of Equitable/EQ Financial Consultants Inc.
• Keynote address by Julianne Malveaux of "The Julianne Malveaux Show" on "The Economy: Facts, Fables and Forecasts."
• Talk by Nova Southeastern University's Patricia M. Cole on "Gender Issues in the Family Firm."
• Panel discussion on "Getting It Together for the Good of the Family Firm," featuring owners of three family businesses.
• anel discussion with experts on gender and finances, estate planning and gender issues, and risk protection and investment planning).

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 is $100 ($50 for each additional person from the same firm). To register or for more information contact Thomas Mailey, tri-chair for conference, at telephone (607) 871-2124 or fax (607) 871-2114 or write him at Center for Family Business, Alfred University, College of Business, 26 North Main St., Alfred, NY 14802-1205.