January 16, 2008

News for association and chamber leaders

§                                 CEOs need to master skills of public speaking
Public speaking is a skill that CEOs need to learn, as they are often called upon to represent their organization or brand, says one communications coach. However, even charismatic CEOs bomb at public appearances if they fail to prepare what they're going to say; don't tailor their comments to match their audience; keep making the same tired speech; or use their time to make a pitch. WomenEntrepreneur.com (1/14)

§                                 When banter affects productivity, manage carefully
Allowing employees the freedom to chitchat about their favorite sports teams or presidential candidate actually makes workers happier and more productive, so managers often find it difficult to crack down when excessive talking lowers productivity. Experts offer a few ideas on how to tackle this workplace issue, including raising the issue as a friendly reminder in staff meetings where employees can discuss it and, if necessary, targeting only abusers whose productivity is an issue. MSNBC/Associated Press (1/9)

§                                 Study offers six tips on managing office politics
Paying attention to office politics is critical to managing staff well. A recent study on workplace politics suggests that managers exercise restraint in picking the best time to present ideas; communicate with supervisors; establish good relationships with other people; observe social situations; network; and act with sincerity. MarketWatch (1/14)

§                                 Employees work best when businesses invest in them
One business consultant offers ideas for improving human resources procedures this year. HR & Talent Solutions' Jonna Isaak suggests that businesses fund training and competitive pay increases; put a greater emphasis on retention than recruiting; establish a worker appreciation program; and give employees clearly written descriptions of their jobs and how their performance will be measured. Fort Collins (Colo.) Coloradoan (1/13)

§                                 Outsourcing may save more than just money
Outsourcing may free capital, increase efficiency and turnaround time, reduce training and hiring costs, and allow increased focus on core business activities. However, weighing these benefits with increased project management, quality control, liability and tax demands remains important, according to this article. The New York Times/AllBusiness.com (1/1)

§                                 Poll: Would you select an employer that offered a four-day work week over one that did not?
Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.

§                                 CEO search

CEO searches under way at these organizations: Columbia Foundation, Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, National Organization for Rare Disorders. More information at CEO Update.

Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: How many nonprofit CEO searches does an executive recruiter handle? Find out here.

New at the Top: Building Owners and Managers Institute International, Junior Achievement (JA Worldwide) and National Employment Law Project. Find out who they are and where they came from at CEO Update.

§                                 U.S. Chamber calls for economic fixes
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is cautiously pushing for measures to help the ailing economy. Chamber officials are hoping the measures will be less invasive than proposals from the Democratic-controlled Congress. "I'm hopeful there's a stimulus package that's rational and limited," said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Donohue. The Hill (1/9)

§                                 President finds Chicago business audience supportive
President George W. Bush's recent audience at the Union League Club of Chicago seemed supportive of his tax cut proposals, although some indicated they could support Democratic approaches. Reacting to the speech, business executives, including Illinois Chamber of Commerce members expressed hopes for policies that lead to a stable economy, tax cuts, foreign trade and family health care deductions. Chicago Sun-Times (1/8)

§                                 Culinary program gives high school students a new option
A Virginia high school culinary program led by chef Dane Macan aims to give its graduates a chance at college and a better career than many could otherwise expect. Students spend 4.5 hours in Macan's kitchen three days a week and serve their creations at the school's International Cafe. The program is certified by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Daily Press (Newport News/Hampton, Va.) (1/14)

§                                 South Florida is gateway to new franchise markets
South Florida is a growing market for franchise businesses, according to Steve Greenbaum, incoming chairman of the International Franchise Association, which held its second annual Franchise Expo South in Miami last week. "This market is underserved," said Greenbaum. "And this market is the gateway to Central and South America and the Caribbean." Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (1/12)

§                                 Know a small business doing big things?
America's Small Business of the Year Award will be given at America's Small Business Summit, April 16 to 18, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Chamber recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of America's economy. They create three-fourths of all new jobs and account for more than one-half of the nation's gross domestic product. Every year the Chamber honors the accomplishments of the small business community with the Small Business of the Year Award. Apply or nominate a business today.

§                                 Teleconference examines prospects for U.S. environmental firms in Vietnam
Vietnam is Asia's second fastest-growing economy and is being called the next frontier for U.S. business in Asia. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Commerce Department's Foreign Commercial Service in Vietnam invite you to participate in a briefing on the "Top Prospects for U.S. Environmental Firms" from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 17. This live teleconference/Web seminar will focus on export opportunities in Vietnam in the environmental sector. Get more information here.

§                                 U.S. Chamber members save on NEW FedEx discounts
Members save up to 21% on select FedEx Express® services, up to 12% on select FedEx Ground® services and up to 20% on select FedEx Kinko's® services. Plus save an additional 5% when you process eligible FedEx Express shipments using FedEx Ship Managers at fedex.com and other FedEx automated shipping solutions. Call 800-345-6227 and mention code 14 or click here.

§                                 Poll results: How much does your organization invest in internal training?

Last week's poll asked readers how vested their organizations were in employee training.

§                                 31% said they have an extensive internal employee training program. 

§                                 46% said they provide some training to employees, but depend heavily on their existing knowledge.

§                                 23% said they provide little to no training to employees.

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