| December 10, 2008 | News for association and chamber leaders |
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| Business Leadership |  |  |
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- 5 tips for rewarding outstanding performance
Ongoing reward programs that recognize a job well done, not an annual gift to everyone, are more successful in motivating a work force to meet goals and be productive, experts say. Globoforce has developed these five tips for building an employee-engagement program: Kick off a year-round initiative, make rewards meaningful, include everyone in recognizing above-average performance, link rewards to meeting organizational goals and foster continuous communication. Manage Smarter
(12/4) 
- Advice: Don't let staff get petty over cultural differences
Wondering how to handle an employee whose religious beliefs mean he or she doesn't participate in Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day or birthday activities at work? The problem isn't the worker, says workplace coach Marie G. McIntyre, who advises a complaining manager to focus on how well the employee does his or her job, not these superficial differences. Feeling uneasy about a change in the office culture might be understandable, she acknowledges, but the staff needs leadership and guidance to become more accepting and mature. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
(12/8)
- Leading through uncertainty
The range of possible futures confronting business is great. Companies that nurture flexibility, awareness and resiliency are more likely to survive the crisis, and even to prosper. The McKinsey Quarterly (free registration for SmartBrief readers)
(12/2008)
| Quick Poll | | |
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Poll: How successful are your organization's holiday efforts?
Look for the results of today's poll in next week's Editor's Note section.
 | Very! I look forward to the holiday festivities every year. |
| I'd say they're par for the course. |
| Not very -- although I do appreciate their efforts. |
| 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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Up-to-date data
Rent/mortgage: Nationally, occupancy expenses for associations and nonprofits are usually 3.8% of their total expenses. In the association hub of Washington, D.C., occupancy climbs to 5% of total expenses. In New York City, it is 4.7%, and in Chicago it is 3.9%. Find out more at AssociationIntelligence.
| Chamber Spotlight | | |
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- U.S. chamber seeks quick response to auto industry
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is asking Congress to act quickly on coming to the rescue of the three major automakers and make loans available so consumers will buy cars. "The auto industry is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy, representing 4% of GDP and accounting for one in 10 American jobs," said chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue in a statement. The Financial (Georgia/Ukraine)
(12/9)
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| Association Watch | | |
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- Roundtable supports rescue plan for auto industry
Lawmakers are working to draft a bill that would provide General Motors and Chrysler with $15 billion in emergency loans, as many appear to have been persuaded by the possible damage that could be done to the economy if the automakers fail. The legislation would make the government the first creditor in case of default. Scott Talbott, senior vice president of government affairs at The Financial Services Roundtable, said the banking industry backs the deal. "We are supportive of the deal, even though it weakens our position in the short term. In the long run, making the automakers stronger will help the economy, and we're all in this economy together," he said. USA TODAY
(12/10)
- AHIP proposal calls for reducing costs by $500 billion
America's Health Insurance Plans has released its universal health care plan, which seeks to reduce by 30% the growth in U.S. health care expenses, cutting costs by more than $500 billion between 2010 and 2014. The plan recommends Congress set a five-year cost goal and establish a public-private advisory group to find ways to lower spending, including changes to the reimbursement system. The plan also would ensure coverage for all Americans, with a refundable tax credit to allow low-income people to buy private insurance. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(12/4)
| U.S. Chamber News | | |
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Calling on sustainable communities for 2009 awards program
Communities that have committed to setting and achieving long-term economic, environmental and social goals in partnership with their local private sector are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Siemens Sustainable Community Awards. Criteria for the awards are threefold: Overarching sustainability (strategic thinking about goals and outcomes, quality of life improvements for residents); green sustainability (reduction in the community's environmental footprint); and economic sustainability (enhancement of the competitive business environment, stakeholder involvement with the local business sector). Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 30. One award will be presented in each of three categories: Small community, midsize community and large community. The committee will represent environmental, business, academic, governmental and developmental interests. For more information, visit here.
| U.S. Chamber Member Benefits | | |
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| Editor's Note | | |
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Poll results: Does your temper ever become an issue at work?
 From last week's poll:- 13% said yes -- my temper has been an issue in the past.
- 12% said sure! Show me someone without a temper and I'll show you someone not invested in what they're doing.
- 28% said somehow I've managed to keep it in check.
- 47% said no -- my temper is never an issue in the workplace.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation."
--Elizabeth Drew,
journalist and author
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| | Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, December 03, 2008
- Wednesday, November 26, 2008
- Wednesday, November 19, 2008
- Wednesday, November 12, 2008
- Wednesday, November 05, 2008
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