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May 28, 2008

News for association and chamber leaders

Business Leadership

Action, not passivity, needed to navigate through tough times
The experience of an entrepreneurial grandmother during the Depression has helped one organization -- and many others -- develop a strategy that helps them succeed in hard economic times. A series of seven actionable steps is outlined. The New York Times (5/21)

Collaborate to create value
The changing technological, economic, cultural and regulatory landscapes mean that collaboration is imperative -- especially as companies find that the talent they need may be far away. Tools such as instant messaging and video conferencing create richer interactions and encourage the practice. But, to ensure collaborative success, check to see if 10 cultural elements exist in your organization. Knowledge@W.P. Carey (5/21)

Consider environmental risks when you plan next strategies
When you introduce a new product or service or acquire another organization, do you consider environmental risks? Many leaders don't but should, according to this article that looks at the methods some companies are using to identify, evaluate and manage such risks. Towers Perrin (5/2008)

How to find and keep younger workers
To attract talent, offer candidates greater freedom over their schedules and control of where and how they work, according to research from Deloitte Consulting. The study found those entering the work force value work-life balance over big compensation packages. To keep talent, boost communication and mentoring and offer professional development. The results of several surveys will help you better prepare you for the talent wars. EDN (5/19)

Books let entrepreneurs learn from experience of others
Three books on the entrepreneurial experience are worth the read, says New York Times columnist Paul B. Brown. "A Whack on the Side of the Head" (Business Plus, $16.99) by Roger von Oech helps people think differently by learning how to break certain "mental blocks" that promote the status quo. "The One Minute Entrepreneur" (Doubleday Business, $19.95) by Ken Blanchard, Don Hutson and Ethan Willis has an upbeat message that if you work right, on the right things, you will succeed. "How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets" (Portfolio Hardcover, $25.95) by Felix Dennis offers several warnings to entrepreneurs based on the author's failings. The New York Times (free registration)/Amazon.com (5/27)

Quick Poll

Poll: How well does your organization attract and keep younger workers?
Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.

	We do a great job -- our workplace has the perfect balance of youth and experience.
	We could be better.
	Not so well -- I've been looking at the same faces for years now.

CEO Update

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

Executive careers

New CEOs: American Farmland Trust, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Greater Washington Initiative.
Searches under way: Council for America's First Freedom, Minnesota Nurses Association, National Housing Law Project. Visit CEO Update to learn about the new heads and new opportunities.

Up-to-date data

Nonprofit fact: Centrally located: AssociationIntel tracks organizations' lobbying spending through their IRS Form 990 filings. Of the organizations that lobby the government, 64% are located in the Washington, D.C., region, 11% are in the Chicago region and 6% are in the New York metro area. Find out more at AssociationIntel.

Chamber Spotlight

Murphysboro, Ill., director honored for volunteer work
Kaye Carr, executive director of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce in Illinois, has been named her town's Citizen of the Year because of the variety of causes she supports as a volunteer. Carr says she learned early in life that hard work pays off. Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, Herrin, Murphysboro) (5/24)

Local Maryland chamber holds back on slots
Maryland's Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is withholding an opinion on slots in the state, although the state chamber has endorsed it. Chamber officials said they recognize their community members have strong feelings on both sides of the issue and encourage voters to participate in the November referendum. The Frederick News-Post (Md.) (5/26)

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Association Watch

Australia plans crackdown on chemical in children's toys
Australia is planning a crackdown on phthalates, a chemical found in toys that has been linked to reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in newborn boys. In the U.S., Wal-Mart and Toys "R" Us recently announced they would not market children's products containing phthalates, although the American Chemistry Council says there is no reliable evidence that phthalates are harmful. The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (5/25)

Mandated ignition interlocks gain attention
Six states in recent years have passed laws requiring drivers convicted of driving under the influence be required to have breathalyzers hardwired into the ignition switch for their cars. Several other states are considering making ignition interlocks mandatory. While the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association say they support the devices, the American Beverage Institute says they are not effective. Los Angeles Times (5/24)

U.S. Chamber News

U.S. Chamber coordinates disaster assistance in Asia: Donate today
The U.S. Chamber Business Civic Leadership Center is coordinating and tracking U.S. corporate aid to the area hit by the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in China, as well as those affected by the cyclone and continued humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. U.S. business charitable pledges for relief and recovery in China already have exceeded $38 million. Another $5.3 million has been mobilized for the situation in Myanmar. If your chamber or your membership has contributed to the disaster response efforts and would like to be recognized on BCLC's Web site, please e-mail BCLC. Situation reports, a list of business donors, and links to support humanitarian organizations are available on BCLC's Web site.

Enroll by June 5 for Institute and Get In at a reduced rate!
Where can you get the knowledge you need to help your organization sizzle this summer? Institute for Organization Management is the leading professional development program for the chamber and association industry, held at five sites across the country. Enroll online before June 5 for West Institute in Los Angeles and for Northeast Institute in Villanova, Pa., and save $200. Institute's cutting-edge course topics and unparalleled networking opportunities will get you fired up with new ideas to help your career and your organization. Now is the time to enroll without making your budget sweat. Get In now before temperatures and tuition go up! Visit the Institute Web site for more information on sites and dates.

U.S. Chamber Member Benefits

Find great employees on Monster
You can find good employees anywhere -- through referrals, with window signs or online. But you'll find GREAT employees on Monster. Monster provides job seekers with the tools they need to find jobs they love -- for instance, a job with you! Find the best and the brightest on Monster. Click here or call 877-870-2158.

Editor's Note

Poll results: Is a hands-on managerial style beneficial to business?
Last week's poll asked readers whether a hands-on managerial style is beneficial to business.
- 43% said yes -- it keeps employees and their managers on a more even playing field.
- 40% said it depends on the manager. Sometimes a little separation is a good thing.
- 17% said no -- in my experience hands-on really means meddlesome.

SmartQuote

You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy."

--Arthur Ashe,
American tennis player

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Editorial Team

Contributing Editor: Ashley McMaster


	Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Wednesday, May 07, 2008 Wednesday, April 30, 2008 Wednesday, April 23, 2008			Distributed by: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005