A moment of silence.
Over the years, there have been several dates/events that I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when the news was received. JFK's assassination. Man walking on the moon. The last helicopter leaving the embassy in Saigon. Desert Storm. 9-11.
Today marks the first anniversary of a tragic crash. Many folks in this community and region will remember February 19th for many many years to come. Rightly so.
Peace for the children and their families and friends.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Blue Collar Free Choice Chili
A few years ago, the head of a chili contest stood before our group of judges and asked us to vote for our favorite chili sample. I'm certain that his intentions were honorable, however, the fact that he was a contestant AND he was able to see how we marked our score sheets created a strong and somewhat intimidating influence for how some of the judges voted.
In Congress, the "Employee Free Choice Act" has been reintroduced. This is an essentially pro labor union piece of legislation that would allow union organizers the right to secure signed union "authorization" cards from employees...."here you go pal, sign here to let your boss know you want to be part of a union..." Gone would be the secret ballot that exists today.
If this legislation were to pass, the right for a secret ballot election for the unionization process would be eliminated and the ability to impose stiffer penalties on employers, but not on unions, for violations would be created. Government imposed binding arbitration when contract negotiations fail with the newly created unions kicks in at 120 days. And more.
The details and complexity of this legislation are immense and your chamber and others will be trying to provide more information and clarity on this topic to our members and the community over the next few months.
And what about the chili contest coordinator? He won.
In Congress, the "Employee Free Choice Act" has been reintroduced. This is an essentially pro labor union piece of legislation that would allow union organizers the right to secure signed union "authorization" cards from employees...."here you go pal, sign here to let your boss know you want to be part of a union..." Gone would be the secret ballot that exists today.
If this legislation were to pass, the right for a secret ballot election for the unionization process would be eliminated and the ability to impose stiffer penalties on employers, but not on unions, for violations would be created. Government imposed binding arbitration when contract negotiations fail with the newly created unions kicks in at 120 days. And more.
The details and complexity of this legislation are immense and your chamber and others will be trying to provide more information and clarity on this topic to our members and the community over the next few months.
And what about the chili contest coordinator? He won.
Monday, February 9, 2009
X Y and Me
Sarah Sladek will be in town tomorrow. Can't wait! She is a noted author and expert on the matter of Generational Issues in the work place. In my book: this is the #1 issue for workforce development in our community and quite frankly everywhere.
Sladek will point out (hopefully) that never before in the past 200+ years has there been such a gap between succeeding generations. As a Baby Boomer (born 1946 - 64), we pretty much learned to do things with established priorities very similar to our parents and grand parents. Not so with Generation X (born 1964 - 81) nor Generation Y (born 1981 - 95). Their value system, priorities, goals, and thinking has little if any resemblance to that of the Baby Boomer, or Greatest Generation. Quite honestly, wider gaps exist philosophically between Boomers and Y's than existed between those born in the late 1800's and Boomers.
While Baby Boomers have been the largest market segment going for a number of years, the Y Generation will soon have more in the workforce than Boomers and Gen X'ers combined.
Last summer, Ms. Sladek addressed a room full of chamber staffers from around the State of Minnesota. Like many in the room, her comments struck home in both a positive and frustrating manner. Positive in that she accurately described the generational differences, and frustrating in that the Generation X and Y priorities are so far removed from mine as a Baby Boomer.
For those attending tomorrow (or did attend) come prepared to strongly agree with her observations and be prepared to challenge those observations too.
If we as a community are to grow and prosper, it must occur with the participation and support of the members of Generation X and Generation Y. If we aren't paying attention, it's too easy for them to leave and go somewhere else that can meet their priorities. In my opinion, it's that critical.
That's my opinion, how about yours?
Sladek will point out (hopefully) that never before in the past 200+ years has there been such a gap between succeeding generations. As a Baby Boomer (born 1946 - 64), we pretty much learned to do things with established priorities very similar to our parents and grand parents. Not so with Generation X (born 1964 - 81) nor Generation Y (born 1981 - 95). Their value system, priorities, goals, and thinking has little if any resemblance to that of the Baby Boomer, or Greatest Generation. Quite honestly, wider gaps exist philosophically between Boomers and Y's than existed between those born in the late 1800's and Boomers.
While Baby Boomers have been the largest market segment going for a number of years, the Y Generation will soon have more in the workforce than Boomers and Gen X'ers combined.
Last summer, Ms. Sladek addressed a room full of chamber staffers from around the State of Minnesota. Like many in the room, her comments struck home in both a positive and frustrating manner. Positive in that she accurately described the generational differences, and frustrating in that the Generation X and Y priorities are so far removed from mine as a Baby Boomer.
For those attending tomorrow (or did attend) come prepared to strongly agree with her observations and be prepared to challenge those observations too.
If we as a community are to grow and prosper, it must occur with the participation and support of the members of Generation X and Generation Y. If we aren't paying attention, it's too easy for them to leave and go somewhere else that can meet their priorities. In my opinion, it's that critical.
That's my opinion, how about yours?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Recharging Batteries
Here we are in Rochester for a 3-day chamber conference. Chamber Execs from around the state of Minnesota are gathered to address issues of state-wide importance, share best practices, and reconnect with old and new friends.
Some interesting stuff coming down the pike. Your chamber board will soon hear about several key issues. Card check is a major labor issue that is gaining more and more attention around the state. Huge national push is underway from US Chamber to educate and inform our members. Grass roots policy making at its best. The Executive Committee will also hear about some innovative best practices from around the state too. Some talented folks doing some fantastic stuff for their chambers of commerce.
Another matter to tackle will be our chamber's initiative to create a community wide retail committee. Stay tuned for more on this over the next few weeks.
The great part about these conferences is the way they tend to recharge everyone's batteries. That's a good thing.
Some interesting stuff coming down the pike. Your chamber board will soon hear about several key issues. Card check is a major labor issue that is gaining more and more attention around the state. Huge national push is underway from US Chamber to educate and inform our members. Grass roots policy making at its best. The Executive Committee will also hear about some innovative best practices from around the state too. Some talented folks doing some fantastic stuff for their chambers of commerce.
Another matter to tackle will be our chamber's initiative to create a community wide retail committee. Stay tuned for more on this over the next few weeks.
The great part about these conferences is the way they tend to recharge everyone's batteries. That's a good thing.
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