We go way back...

Mervyn B. Walsh founded Walsh Institute (which would later change its name to Walsh College) in September of 1922, after moving his family from New York to Detroit. Mr. Walsh saw great possibilities in the industry, business climate, and energy of Detroit. From the start, the school was dedicated to business only — accounting at first, expanding into other areas of commerce in the 1960s.

In 2004, a group of business people approached Walsh College leadership with the idea of starting a Family Business Center modeled after programs at the University of Toledo and other business schools nationwide. With that spark, the Walsh Family Business Center was born. First speakers were Florine Mark, founder of Weight Watchers; Keith Crain of Crain Communications; Bill Roney whose family started Roney & Co. During that first year two affinity groups were formed that are still meeting today - Females in a Family Business and Next Generations - and with some of the original founding members.

As Michigan's economic climate shifted in 2006, the program expanded its reach to include all privately held businesses, especially those identified as "second stage," and changed its name to the Walsh Business Leadership Institute. New opportunities were recognized in 2009, and plans were drawn for the new Walsh Institute, offering a full-range of learning activites for business leaders. These Web pages reflect the creative thinking of many - with the vision of being one of the top five regional resources for small and family businesses.

But that's just the start! Today's Walsh Institute brings together the spirit of 1922 with the future world of business ... to 2012 ... to 2022 ... and beyond.

Pictured above: Founded in 1922 on Madison Avenue in what is now The Detroit Opera House.