| December 5, 2007 | News for association and chamber leaders |
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| Business Leadership |  |  |
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- Sales of existing homes fall to record low in October
The National Association of Realtors reports that despite the biggest drop in home prices ever, sales of existing homes fell to a record low last month. "Price declines are part of the healing process, but we have a lot of healing to do," said Paul Kasriel of Northern Trust. "Obviously, when you have excess supply, one of the ways you come back into equilibrium is with price declines, and we're starting to see that that with a vengeance. Of course we're going to see more -- it's not over." CNNMoney.com
(11/28) 
- Managing time necessary for entrepreneurial success
Small-business owners can benefit from a business plan because it outlines essential goals, allowing them to spend their time implementing the goals instead of wasting time. Other time-management techniques include mapping the processes so employees can follow them without constant direction, writing down deadlines and key progress checkups, and spending the first 15 minutes organizing the day. Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio)
(12/3)
- Take complaints seriously, keep customer in loop
Most small businesses face unhappy customers from time to time, but now those with grievances can post rants on the Internet. In this BusinessWeek article, an attorney for a New York dry-cleaning company that sued a customer who bad-mouthed the business online discusses how to respond to complaints by clients. Bloomberg Businessweek
(12/3)
- Column: California gets proactive in helping entrepreneurs
California offers a particularly nurturing environment for entrepreneurs, and it's only trying to get better, Jim Casparie writes at Entrepreneur.com. State lawmakers have turned to leaders in the community for input on a variety of issues, including how to assist communities in investment issues and how to expand debt instruments in emerging markets. Entrepreneur magazine
(11/2007)
- Web conferences save time, money
Web conferencing services are offering small business operators a way to save time and still meet with clients. Not only does it save on travel expenses, conferencing on the Web increases productivity by converting transit time to time that can be used to serve clients. SmartBIZ
(11/27)
| Quick Poll | | |
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Poll: Are you trying to avoid business travel due to poor airline and airport service?
Look for the results from today's poll in the Editor's Note section of next week's U.S. Chamber SmartBrief.
 | Yes, I am traveling less because of poor airline service. |
| I am traveling the same amount but using rail or car more than a year ago. |
| No, I am traveling about the same amount. |
| CEO Update | | |
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CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
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CEO search
CEO searches under way at these organizations: American Cetacean Society, Indiana Association for Community Economic Development, NACHA-The Electronic Payments Association. More information at CEO Update. Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: Which type of nonprofit is most likely to hire from industry? Answer.
New at the Top: American Gem Trade Association, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, New Jersey Builders Association. Find out who they are and where they came from at CEO Update.
| Chamber Spotlight | | |
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- Savannah Area Chamber appoints new CFO
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce in Georgia has named Shawna Falber as its new chief financial officer. Falber previously worked as a health department controller in upstate New York for more than six years, in addition to her work with several nonprofit organizations. Savannah Morning News (Ga.) (free registration)
(12/3)
- Hawaii store to celebrate centennial
Family-owned Haleiwa Supermarket, located in Hawaii, will celebrate its 100th anniversary next month. The head of Hawaii's Chamber of Commerce lauded the store, saying any company that has lasted for such a long time deserves recognition. The Honolulu Advertiser
(11/26)
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| Association Watch | | |
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- Industry leaders consider freezing mortgage rates for some
Some of the largest financial institutions in the U.S. have created a group known as the Hope Now alliance to work with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to develop a plan to halt pre-determined increases in monthly subprime mortgage payments for some borrowers. The plan focuses on homeowners who can afford the payments during the lower, introductory interest rates, but would struggle when the rates increased. Paul Leonard of the Financial Services Roundtable, which is working to support Hope Now, said it is in everyone's interest to help the targeted borrowers. The Boston Globe (free registration)
(12/1)
- Legislators sift through complicated energy policy
House and Senate leaders continue to convene to discuss new energy legislation that will increase the nation's dependency on alternative fuels and make lasting changes to the oil industry. "This is getting really complicated," said Jim Ford, a vice president for the American Petroleum Institute. "We're very concerned that mechanistically they're going to make it unworkable. It's still the refiner who has the obligation to meet the requirement." The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(11/30)
| U.S. Chamber News | | |
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An Open Dialogue on State and Local Immigration Laws
Join key public and private sector stakeholders this Friday for State/Local Immigration Laws: An Open Dialogue, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Roofing Contractors Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This event will address current immigration legislative proposals at the state and local levels, the economic impact of these proposals and how to improve dialogue between businesses and public officials to avoid hindering economic growth unintentionally. Register today.
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Research Analysis Center releases Employee Benefits Trending Analysis
Learn about trends in benefit offerings and their impact on the U.S. marketplace over the past 10 years. Businesses of all sizes, industries and geographical regions are represented. Take advantage of this valuable tool. Order copies for your office today at www.uschamber.com/research.
| U.S. Chamber Member Benefits | | |
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Make your business a best-seller with DMA's 2007 Response Rate Trends Report!
With response-rate benchmarks across seven media, by four different campaign objectives, in 19 industries, for dozens of products and services, this latest edition gives you and your business the power to be No. 1! Order here.
| Editor's Note | | |
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Poll results: Do you telecommute?
 Last week's poll question asked readers how frequently, if at all, they telecommute at their jobs. - 13% said yes, I am a full-time telecommuter.
- 31% said yes, I telecommute whenever possible or necessary.
- 24% said no, my organization does not allow telecommuting.
- 32% said no, telecommuting does not work in my line of business.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | When you're angry, never put it in writing. It's like carving your anger in stone. That makes implacable enemies."
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| | Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, November 28, 2007
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007
- Wednesday, November 14, 2007
- Wednesday, November 07, 2007
- Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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