The Institute for Family Business at California State University, Fresno will host a conference titled “What I Learned From My Parents” from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the Smittcamp Alumni House on campus.

In addition to the institute, which is housed in Fresno State’s Craig School of Business, the event is sponsored by California Small Business Development Center.

The speakers include:

Kimberly Ruiz Beck, vice chairman and corporate secretary of Dinuba-based Ruiz Foods, a multimillion-dollar company that is the nation’s leading Mexican food manufacturer.

Steven Orlando, president of Sunnyland Mills of Fresno, the leading producer of quality bulgur wheat and specialty grains. The company distributes throughout the U.S., North America and South America.

Noel Briscoe, president, and Nick Briscoe, vice president, of Valley Iron Inc., which was founded in 1958 and distributes stainless, aluminum and carbon steel products in the Valley and Central Coast.

Roy Oken, president, CEO and chief financial officer, and Nancy Oken Nighbert, vice president and director of Camp Operations, for Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center, California’s first guest ranch. (Wonder Valley Ranch Resort was named the 2008 California Family Business Award Winner)
Jason M. Geil, general sales manager of Geil Enterprises Inc., and Ryan Geil, general manager of one of its five companies, Janitorial Inc. Fresno-based Geil Enterprises has 450 employees from Lodi to Bakersfield.

There is a registration fee of $25 for all non-institute members. RSVPs are requested with the Institute for Family Business at 559.278.5662.

Complimentary permits for Lot C are available with all RSVPs at the parking kiosk at Shaw and Maple avenues.