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| U.S. Chamber SmartBrief |
| May 21, 2008 |
Women leaders held to different standards
Whether or not it is Hillary Clinton, one day there will be a Madam President, according to The New York Times, and the composite picture of her abilities is a long list of admirable qualities. But, as one academic notes, "it's easier to embrace the concept than it is to talk about names" -- which perhaps explains why everyone asked had some problem with the potential female leaders discussed. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/18)
Take small steps to start going green
While small companies have small budgets when it comes to converting to ecologically friendly measures, some efforts cost very little. Experts recommend switching to green cleaning products, offsetting a portion of a building's energy use with renewable energy credits, switching to fluorescent light bulbs and replacing appliances with energy-efficient models. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (subscription required) (5/19)
Staying on top requires mastery of certain qualities
The mastery of certain characteristics -- including integrity, energy and the ability to manage change -- is essential for CEOs to succeed in today's complex business world, according to the chief strategy officer of N2growth. Commercial Property Executive (5/16)
Finding magnificence, again
Robert Plant, of Led Zeppelin fame, has discovered bluegrass -- and wailing good happiness. Why? "The trouble is now, with rock 'n' roll and stuff, it gets so big that it loses what once upon a time was a magnificent thing," he says. The Guardian (London) (5/16)
Keep your hands dirty to succeed
Three CEOs, each of whom has grown corporate revenue and operating profits by more than 10% a year for a decade, share their secrets to success. One thing they all have in common? Keeping one foot in the trenches. The Economic Times (India) (5/16)
Poll: Is a hands-on managerial style beneficial to business?
Yes -- it keeps employees and their managers on a more even playing field.
Depends on the manager. Sometimes a little separation is a good thing.
No -- in my experience hands-on really means meddlesome.
Executive careers
New CEOs: American Academy of Actuaries, Restaurant Association of Maryland and The Arc of the United States.
Searches under way: Katalysis Bootstrap Fund, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. and Save The Bay. Visit CEO Update to learn about the new heads and new opportunities
Up-to-date data
Nonprofit fact: Asset-to-Revenue Ratio: In a sampling of 742 501(c)(6) associations with revenues of more than $1 million, the total assets, on average, equal 86.7 percent of the organization's total revenue. Find out more at AssociationIntel
Austin Hispanic group focuses on growing members' wealth
News 8 Austin's Paul Brown recently interviewed Andy Martinez about the mission of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which has doubled in size in the past two years. Martinez, president of the group, said the chamber is focusing on helping its members grow their wealth, providing a forum for networking and expanding into the region. YNN Austin (Texas) (5/19)
Membership on rise in Connecticut chambers
Chambers of commerce in Connecticut's Fairfield County are experiencing a growth in membership despite -- or perhaps because of -- the economic slowdown. "In a down economy, it may be even more important for a small business to join a chamber," says Edward Musante, Norwalk chamber president. Mary Ann Morrison, president of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, says attendance is up at its events. "To be successful in business is about building relationships," she said. The Advocate (Stamford, Conn.) (5/20)
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NRF spokesman: Credit card companies add to pain at the pump
Credit card companies are driving up the price of gasoline, according to Mallory Duncan, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Retail Federation. Duncan explains that "about 8 cents out of every gallon goes into the pockets of the credit card companies." Listen to the interview here. TVEyes.com/Fox Business (5/15)
House passes farm bill with "veto-proof" majority
The House passed a $290 billion farm bill, the majority of which goes to nutrition programs such as food stamps and emergency food aid. President George W. Bush has promised to veto the bill, but the majority vote means Congress may be able to override it. The Grocery Manufacturers Association expressed its dissatisfaction with the House bill in a letter to Congress. 
ClipSyndicate/KXMC CBS Bismarck (N.D.) (5/14) The Boston Globe/Associated Press (tiered subscription model) (5/15) Progressive Grocer (5/14)
U.S. Chamber launches new member benefit
U.S. Chamber Deals powered by OneBigPlanet is an exclusive program through which all Chamber members are eligible to receive instant savings on products and services from more than 600 nationally recognized merchants including retail, restaurants, car rentals and airplane tickets. In addition, this interactive program will provide you with several search engines, such as the Dining Deal Locator, to find restaurant deals nationwide. Activate your FREE membership today! Each member will need their member number to access the program. If you need help finding your member number, please call 800-638-6582
Raising the Stakes: Regional Government Affairs Conferences
While the presidential race gets all the headlines, the 2008 elections -- for all offices at all levels -- will dramatically affect business's ability to do business. Join us for the 2008 Government Affairs Conferences in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., to discuss how the business community needs to respond to higher stakes than ever before. This year's conferences will focus a brighter light on how you can be more effective in the political arena without losing sight of the other central pillar of government affairs: advocacy. Register Now!
U.S. Chamber members save with 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 Manager® at fedex.com and other FedEx® automated shipping solutions. Call 800-345-6227 and mention code 14 or click here.
Poll results: How would you rank your organization's innovative practices?
Last week's poll asked readers to rank their organization's innovative practices.
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