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January 2, 2008News for association and chamber leaders
 
  Business Leadership 
  • Five resolutions that can help business grow
    If you haven't made resolutions for your business yet, Milwaukee business consultant David Bohl offers ideas for five that can help a business grow stronger in the year ahead. He recommends backing up data, investing in customer relationship software, getting a good accounting package, learning more about marketing and outsourcing routine tasks. Small Business Times (12/31)
  • Software, hardware move from businesses' PCs to Web
    An increasing number of businesses are using technology that resides on the Web, not in their computers, says USA TODAY small-business columnist Steve Strauss. Virtual business is one of 10 trends Strauss discusses as a growing force in the coming year. USA TODAY (12/31)
  • Pros spurn retirement, corporations to start businesses
    The recent growth of home-based businesses is largely being fueled by professionals who find they do not need the corporate setting to be successful. Many people who have become successful in business, accounting, human resources and other professions have been able to turn their skills and knowledge into a consulting business they can operate from their homes, says Jeff Zbar, creator of ChiefHomeOfficer.com. Inc.com (12/28)
  Quick Poll 
  • What New Year's resolutions did you make concerning your organization?
    Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.
I want to expand my organization in 2008.
I am looking to ramp up marketing and advertising in the new year.
I want to bring my organization's technology up to date this year.
None of the above apply to my organization.

  CEO Update 
CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
  • CEO search

    CEO searches under way at these organizations: American Medical Student Association, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, Irvine Public Schools Foundation. More information at CEO Update.

    Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: What kinds of nonprofits offer the most opportunities to nonprofit execs? Find the answer here.

    New at the Top: FilmAid International, Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association and National Association of Black Accountants. Find out who they are and where they came from at CEO Update.
  Chamber Spotlight 
  • Alaskans fear fallout from cabotage law
    The Juneau Chamber of Commerce in Alaska is concerned that the recent reinterpretation of the Passenger Vessel Services Act will hurt its economy. The new proposal would impose minimum times spent in foreign ports. Juneau would lose 368,370 potential shoppers and customers if the new proposal is approved, according to the Chamber. Travel Trade (12/28)
  • Canadian business panel sizes up 2008 challenges
    In a Q-and-A, the Financial Post asks a panel of experts in Canadian small business what challenges await in 2008 and how business can cope with change. Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO; Diane Ablonczy, Small Business and Tourism Secretary of State; and Garth Whyte, executive vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business gave their perspectives on the fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar, cost of fuel and effect of the U.S. economy. Financial Post (Canada) (12/31)

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  Association Watch 
  • Subprime issues stoke demand for Treasuries
     
    A Merrill Lynch & Co. index puts U.S. Treasury returns at 8.7%, their best year since 2002, fueled by investors fleeing from subprime issues to the relative safety of government debt. "U.S. bonds have been boosted by a flight to quality since the subprime crisis erupted," said Stephen Lewis of Insinger de Beaufort in London. "Two-year yields are telling you the market's reluctant to stray from what's perceived as being the safest assets." Bloomberg/ClipSyndicate (12/28) , Bloomberg (12/31)
  • Three hours for a table? OK, we'll wait
    Waiting for up to three hours at the new Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Hartford, Conn., has become one of the city's latest trendy activities. The average consumer will wait 23 minutes for a weekday table and 31 minutes on weekends, while diners under 35 will wait even longer, according to the National Restaurant Association. "Chain restaurants are popular nationwide, and certain communities that previously have not had that brand locally may be very excited about its arrival," said Annika Stensson of the NRA. The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (12/28)
  U.S. Chamber News 
  • Outlook 2008: The State of American Business
    Join business leaders, senior government officials and Washington thought-leaders on Tuesday at Outlook 2008: The State of American Business to discuss the business issues that will play a key role in the upcoming legislative agenda. Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, will also deliver his annual State of American Business address, laying out the Chamber's agenda for the year ahead. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. The program will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Andrew Bird at (202) 463-5500 or e-mail ncfevents@uschamber.com.
  • U.S. Chamber addresses the transportation challenge: Moving the U.S. Economy
    The U.S. economy is fighting to stay atop the global marketplace, but businesses require a key component to stay competitive: a modern and well-maintained transportation system that moves people and goods quickly, reliably and cost effectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition, will rise to meet this "Transportation Challenge" on Jan. 30 with key industry leaders to discuss the most critical areas in the U.S. transportation system and the improvements that must be made to support the U.S. economy. Register here.
  U.S. Chamber Member Benefits 
  • Staff up for 2008 at Monster!
    The new year often means it's time to hire. Attract the best job candidates on Monster. Monster connects top-quality job seekers with the employers that need them in any location and industry. Chamber members also receive a free trial job posting plus additional discounts on employer products. Learn more here or call (877) 870-2158.
  Editor's Note 
  • Poll results: Will 2008 bring changes to your organization?

    Last week's poll asked readers if they expected to change their organization in 2008.

    • 52% said yes, I plan to revamp several operations.
    • 37% said it's hard to predict changes, but I plan to keep my operations fluid and up to date.
    • 11% said no, I don't anticipate making any major changes to my organization in 2008.
  SmartQuote 
Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge; fitter to bruise than polish."
--Anne Bradstreet,
American poet

  


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