Business Leadership

Managing project lust
Many companies become fixated on IT projects that are seen as a means to transform the organization. Yet many become blinded by the lust, forgetting to take into account essential pieces or developing a risk-tolerance plan. This article outlines why that happens and how you can avoid it. Baseline (free registration) (5/6)

Innovation doesn't come from isolation
Creating new products and services is seldom a solitary process and collaboration can be essential. A relatively new Web site is hooking up ideas and users, and providing vital feedback and marketing insights. Knowledge@W.P. Carey (5/7)

The obstacles to innovation
Scarcity of financing, resources and consensus can hamper innovation, but being innovative can help get around those obstacles. A panel of senior executives shared how their companies used new thinking and new technologies to become innovators in fields as diverse as oil ventures, electronic manufacturing and consumer products. INSEAD (5/1)

Know-it-alls can learn to be better
No one can know everything, and learning to listen rather than bark orders can have big payoffs in an organization. Learning what your staff knows is a good beginning, and there's an easy way to start. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (N.Y.) (5/11)

Stand back and let creativity flow
Collaboration, taking tangents and knowing when to let go of an idea are some secrets to the creative process. Founders of a consumer-goods firm explain how their organization afforded their creative minds the time needed to think about ideas. Behance Magazine (5/8)

Quick Poll

Poll: How would you rank your organization's innovative practices?
 Outstanding -- I'm constantly impressed with our company's innovation.
 It's OK, although we could stand to revamp some of our practices.
 It's not so great. We aren't very innovative.

CEO Update

Executive careers

New CEOs: American Advertising Federation, Construction Financial Management Association, National Emergency Number Association.

Searches under way: American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, Florida Association of Community Colleges and Young Women's Leadership Foundation. Visit CEO Update to learn about the new heads and new opportunities.

Up-to-date data
Nonprofit fact: In a sampling of CEOs of major associations and prominent nonprofits, 17.4 percent of CEOs have been on the job for more than 10 years and 9.6 percent have been on the job less than one year. Find out more at AssociationIntel.

Chamber Spotlight

40 is the new 30 among young business professionals
Like a lot of business groups across the country, the Boston Young Professionals Association has seen an increase in the number of 40-somethings attending its meetings. Boston has upped its age limit to 45 to accommodate them while Berkshire Chamber of Commerce set a limit at 40 to keep them out. Harvard sociology professor Nicholas Christakis theorizes that the young professionals are experiencing "a progressive elongation" of adolescence, as people live longer and enjoy their youth longer. As they say, 40 is the new 30, he said. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (5/12)

Businesses protest Ill. town's proposed sign restrictions
Business owners in Naperville, Ill., protested proposed new sign regulations Monday at the Legislative Committee of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. Owners are miffed about proposals to ban hand-held signs and people in costumes and limiting how long nondelivery vehicles bearing signs can be parked next to a business. The Naperville Sun (Ill.) (5/13)

Association Watch

API: Oil, gas drilling set spending record in 2006
Spending on development of new oil and gas wells reached a record high of $109.8 billion in 2006, a 44% increase, according to the American Petroleum Institute. "This unprecedented level of spending clearly demonstrates the industry's commitment to actively invest in exploring for and finding new sources of crude oil and natural gas," said API statistics director Hazem Arafa. Houston Chronicle/Associated Press (5/7)

Rangel plans second attack on hedge fund tax law
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., is preparing a second attempt at passing a bill that would take away the ability of some hedge fund managers to defer taxes on compensation from offshore funds. "Without modifications, the provision will have unintended consequences on U.S. taxpayers," said Elizabeth Varley, managing director for government affairs for SIFMA. Pensions & Investments (5/12)

U.S. Chamber News

Give trade the vote it deserves
Join the U.S. Chamber on May 20 for a special briefing on the current trade agenda. Small and medium-sized businesses will hear from the country's top policy experts and then head to Capitol Hill to support the current pending trade agreements. The day concludes with a special briefing from President George W. Bush on the South Lawn of the White House, and a reception at the U.S. Chamber. For more information, contact Catherine Stewart. If you can't be in D.C., voice your support at VoteForBusiness.com.

The Role of the Federal Reserve in the U.S. Economy, Presented by the U.S. Chamber and National Chamber Foundation
A flexible regulatory system for businesses and investors is essential to America's global competitiveness. However, recent market uncertainties have raised questions about whether the role of the Federal Reserve should be augmented. The forum on May 22 will examine the role of the Federal Reserve in managing the systemic risks faced by domestic markets, and will discuss what tools are available to support these markets during periods of financial instability. Register here, or, for more information, contact Elizabeth Dixon at (202) 463-5500 or ncfevents@uschamber.com.

U.S. Chamber Member Benefits

New LTL freight shipping options
Chamber members can receive a 65% discount on qualifying less-than-truckload shipments with the YRC Worldwide carriers of Yellow Transportation, Roadway, New Penn, USF Holland, and USF Reddaway! A large portfolio of service options are available for your national and regional freight needs. To enroll or receive more information, call 800-293-0414 or visit here.

Editor's Note

Poll results: Do you feel technology has helped your organization?

Last week's poll asked readers whether they felt technology helped their organization.

• 83% said absolutely -- it has done wonders to expand the scope of our operations. 
• 17% said yes and no. I often wonder if hurts as much as it helps.

SmartQuote

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