When I sit down to work at my desk (in Chicago), so far away from the action, I always like to click through some of my vineyard photos to try and connect (remotely) and get the BHV juices flowing. Here are a few from a visit last Spring:
Owen Casteel Somers, walking home to his grandparents' house
At Bethel Heights, we’ve been talking a lot in recent years about succession planning and our identity as a family business. I’ve been reading as much as I can get my hands on about the roll of family business in the modern American economy. I’d be curious to hear from anyone who knows more about this study conducted by faculty from Kennesaw State University, Loyola University Chicago, and Babson College. It’s dated 2002. I’m curious whether these statistics have changed since its release:
“(F)amily-owned business accounts for 89 percent of total annual U.S. tax return filings. They generate 64 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. And, they employ 62 percent of the nation’s workforce.”
Big numbers. I’m curious to know where that number has gone in the last six years.
Right now, my nuclear family is gearing up for our end-of-summer visit to BHV. I’m getting stoked for Aunt Marilyn’s hummos, my dad’s spaghetti ala carbonara, an exhaustive taste through the cellar, a visit to the new property to see how things are coming along, and hopefully some really constructive planning at our big annual meeting.
**Hopefully my amateur photography will inspire Uncle Terry to post some of his really fantastic, off-the-hook vineyard and winery shots.
Jessica Dudley Casteel (Jessie)
Row tag over sleeping Pinot noir back on March 31st.
Great Aunt Marilyn holding Evelyn Casteel Somers
Mimi Casteel and a brand new Stella Casteel Gunn
Owen Casteel Somers and his Grandma, Pat 'Crunch-Crunch' Dudley, enjoying a bedtime story
Charlotte Stuart (youngest of Maria and Robert, of R. Stuart & Co.) and Owen Casteel Somers, setting the table for Easter dinner.
Bethel Heights Vineyard 