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May 7, 2008News for association and chamber leaders
 
  Business Leadership 
  • Technology requires useful data as analysis tool
    All organizations have fact-based "business intelligence" available to them, even if it is just reports and spreadsheets. Consistency in the data -- such as correctly entering a customer's name so it does not appear as duplicates with variant spellings -- is a key to making the data useable. E-Commerce Times (5/5)
  • Leadership during times of uncertainty
    Communication skills and the ability to treat people with respect are needed by all leaders. So, too, is the ability to lead effectively during uncertain times. This can be accomplished by focusing on the "must-dos," communicating them to your team, removing roadblocks, maintaining rewards and mitigating fears, according to the CEO of the Prosen Center for Business Advancement. The CEO Refresher (5/2008)
  • Business plan should include operational strategies
    A business plan should be easy to carry out and include a companion operational plan, writes Business Week columnist Karen E. Klein. One method of writing a plan quickly is to find an existing plan online and adapt it to your business, she says. BusinessWeek (5/5)
  • Get the most out of corporate training programs
    Rana Sinha, a cross-cultural consultant and author, says that in order for a corporate training program to be successful, it must have a balance of human capital, social capital and cultural capital. Sinha explains these elements as well as seven reasons training programs are successful in the modern workplace. Manage Smarter (4/29)
  • Randal Pinkett: "Apprentice" taught him "art of the deal"
    Randal Pinkett already had his own million-dollar company by time the fourth season of "The Apprentice" ended and Donald Trump hired him. Still, in this interview, the Rhodes Scholar and author discusses what he learned from the experience, how to make the most of time and the importance of balance and philanthropy. Entrepreneur (5/2008)
  Quick Poll 
  • Poll: Do you feel technology has helped your organization?
    Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.
Absolutely -- it has done wonders to expand the scope of our operations.
Yes and no. I often wonder if hurts as much as it helps.
No -- technology has only helped give me more headaches.

  CEO Update 
CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
  • Up-to-date data
     
    Nonprofit fact: The best paid CEOs are with trade associations representing communications, finance, food, general merchandise, manufacturing and natural resources. Find out more at AssociationIntel.
  Chamber Spotlight 
  • Development plan spurs growth in Kansas city
    A five-year, $4 million economic development plan is beginning to show results for Salina, Kan., says Dennis Lauver, president of the local chamber of commerce. With the plan less than a year old, 12 firms have expanded, added 79 jobs and invested $8.4 million in capital projects, he said. The Salina Journal (Kan.) (5/5)
  • Massachusetts food event is talk of two towns
    The Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce held its 14th annual Taste of the Towns on Thursday, showcasing restaurants from both of the Massachusetts towns. "It gives everyone a chance to come and test the food from the local restaurants and surrounding towns," said the chamber's executive director, Brenda Fanara. Wicked Local Blog/Belmont, Mass. (5/5)

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  Association Watch 
  • Three groups merge to form SIFMA Foundation
    The Foundation for Investor Education, the Bond Market Foundation and the New York District Economic Education Foundation plan to merge to form the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Foundation for Investor Education. The newly formed organization will continue to offer the programs currently backed by the groups while working on plans to name a new leadership team and to establish a long-term strategic plan. "The SIFMA Foundation's programs and services will help investors understand the increasingly complex financial world in which we live," said Tim Ryan, president and chief executive officer of SIFMA. Read the SIFMA press release. InvestmentNews (5/5)
  U.S. Chamber News 
  • Common sense solutions for daunting energy issues
    Between now and 2030, U.S. energy demand will grow 30%. But the nation does not have the energy supply and distribution systems required to meet that demand reliably while improving the environment. The Institute for 21st Century Energy is laying the groundwork for the U.S. to adopt a comprehensive, common-sense energy policy to secure affordable and diverse supplies of fuel and power. Marshalling support from businesses and others for what will be a major milestone in its campaign, the Institute will release a report recommending the broad new national energy policy this summer. To learn more about the Institute, visit here.
  • May is World Trade Month
    International trade is an essential part of our national and local economies, generating more than a quarter of our GDP. 97% of exporters are small businesses, and exports directly support 12 million jobs, and indirectly support millions of other jobs. Imports keep inflation low and expand consumer choice and quality. Foreign companies in the United States directly employ 5.1 million Americans and support millions more indirectly. Yet, trade is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Click here to learn the real story.
  U.S. Chamber Member Benefits 
  • The talent you need is on Monster
    Part-time. Full-time. Blue collar. White collar. Monster puts your job ad in front of the right candidates. You'll find the qualified people, fast -- plus, USCC Members are eligible for a free trial job posting. Learn more here.
  Editor's Note 
  • Poll results: How would you rate your organization's meetings

    Last week's poll asked readers to rate their organization's meetings.

    • 37% said they're actually enjoyable -- the right balance of time and information.
    • 40% said they're your normal, run-of-the-mill business meetings.
    • 23% said they define boring. Off the record, I've fallen asleep in some of them.
  SmartQuote 
Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place."
--Zora Neale Hurston,
American novelist

  


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Contributing Editor:  Ashley McMaster
     
 
 
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