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April 16, 2008

News for association and chamber leaders

Business Leadership

Rewarding talent is long-term thinking
Mercer partner Steve Gross says tough economic times call for better talent management, not downsizing and pay freezes. He says companies should concentrate bonuses on top performers. A pay freeze, he notes, discourages good employees along with the mediocre. Talent Management (4/2008)

Eight tips can help in getting past "hello"
A list of eight tips for overcoming social anxiety and feeling comfortable in making the first move in a business situation include making the conversation all about the other person's thoughts and listening intently to their responses. Another tip is to rehearse icebreakers with a friend before going to a meeting or gathering. Forbes (4/10)

Does Gen Y think it's OK to cheat?
Millennials -- workers younger than 31 -- grew up with "helicopter parents" and trophies for every game. They're bright and tech savvy, but also demand more validation and prefer rules that fit their own style. Barbara Keats, an associate professor of management at the W.P. Carey School of Business, wonders if their anything-to-get-ahead attitude also makes them more prone to cheat. Knowledge@W.P. Carey (4/9)

Preserving the planet -- and goodwill
Virgin Atlantic is experimenting with biofuels to reduce its carbon footprint. By 2020, airlines will pay dearly for jets that dump carbon emissions into the atmosphere. But they'll need low-carbon solutions earlier than that, lest their public reputation drop to tobacco-industry status. WorldChanging (4/7)

10 tips for curbing rising fuel costs
Raising mileage reimbursement and allowing telecommuting are two ways businesses are coping with the rising costs they and their employees face as gasoline prices escalate. Here are 10 ways small companies can cope with higher priced gasoline. Daily Breeze (Torrance, Calif.) (4/13)

Quick Poll

Poll: Does your company proactively reward its quality workers?
Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.

	Yes -- my organization is great at rewarding its workers.
	It's hit or miss -- there really isn't a consistent reward system.
	No -- my company rarely rewards its outstanding workers.

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: Association of Black Foundation Executives, Basic Education Coalition, Furniture Society. More information at CEO Update

Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: What type of nonprofit is least likely to hire an executive with previous nonprofit experience as CEO? Find out here.

New at the Top: California Grocers Association, National Sleep Foundation and Public Counsel. Find out about the new heads and where they came from at CEO Update.

Chamber Spotlight

New Jersey town's businesses pin hopes on motorsports park
The New Jersey Motorsports Park is expected to give some struggling Millville businesses a boost they need to cope with the current economic downturn. "There are businesses that are struggling, but are holding on," said Earl Sherrick, executive director of the Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders expect the new park to create jobs and bring in tourists who will spend money. The Daily Journal (Vineland, N.J.) (4/14)

Branding effort identifies Colo. city's values
The city of Greeley, Colo., its chamber of commerce and 25 community partners have identified a brand for marketing the city: "Greeley. Great. From the Ground Up." "The brand describes the values, beliefs and character of our city," two chamber executives write in this opinion piece. "It reflects our perception of who we are and communicates it to everyone who lives or visits here." The Tribune (Greeley, Colo.) (4/15)

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Association Watch

Delays prompt lawmakers to press for passengers' rights bill
Lawmakers on Thursday said extensive flight delays may generate more support for a passengers bill of rights. The Air Transport Association opposes the proposal because it could eliminate the airlines' ability to be flexible during irregular operations. "We believe that a strict law set forth by Washington would actually inconvenience passengers even more in the end," said an ATA spokeswoman. Los Angeles Times (4/11) , The Politico (Washington) (4/10) , Google/Associated Press (4/11)

Organic burger company starts franchising
Elevation Burger, which opened in Falls Church, Va., and serves organic hamburgers, is now franchising its concept. All kinds of franchises headed to Washington, D.C., last weekend for the International Franchise Association's International Franchise Expo, where attendees participated in seminars. "The thing we stress is that a franchise has a lot of advantages, but at the end of the day it's still a small business," an IFA spokesman said. The Washington Times (4/7)

U.S. Chamber News

Next week: The Online Forum on Global Leadership
Register now for the Online Forum on Global Leadership, held April 23 to 29, to network, collaborate and share your ideas with some of the country's top experts from government, academia and business. Help define what it will take for the U.S. to compete successfully in a globally integrated economy, at your convenience, any time of the day. All you need is access to the Internet. RSVP by April 18 to usforum@us.ibm.com and include your first and last name, e-mail address and organization. Visit here for more info.

Next week: World Health Care Congress
Health insurance costs are rising faster than wages or inflation, and medical bills are overwhelmingly the most common reason for personal bankruptcy in the United States. Learn more about emerging health care issues and industry trends at the 5th Annual World Health Care Congress to be held April 21 to 23, 2008, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. Don't miss out on this limited registration event.

U.S. Chamber Member Benefits

Monster -- Meeting the Needs of Small Business
For smaller businesses, every hire is critical to the company's success. Monster understands this and has, over the past 10 years, perfected the hiring tools and solutions that make hiring quicker and easier for SMBs. Through our Chamber alliance, members gain access to Monster's tools along with exclusive savings. Learn more!

Editor's Note

Poll results: Does your organization have a formal customer-complaint strategy?
Last week's poll asked readers whether their company has a formal customer-complaint policy.
- 8% said yes -- we have a proven and effective system.
- 4% said we do, but it needs some fine-tuning to be more effective.
- 88% said no -- we handle complaints on a case-by-case basis.

SmartQuote

Better know nothing than half-know many things."

--Friedrich Nietzsche,
German philosopher

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Editorial Team

Contributing Editor: Ashley McMaster


	Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Wednesday, March 12, 2008			Distributed by: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005