U.S. Chamber SmartBrief

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November 28, 2007

News for association and chamber leaders

Business Leadership

Changing economic dynamics likely to increase telecommuting
High costs of office rent, increasing gasoline prices and changes in workplace culture will greatly increase the number of telecommuting workers in the years ahead, says Richard Laermer, author of the forthcoming book "2011." The book contends that face time between employers and workers is becoming less important. The Christian Science Monitor (11/26)

Don't overlook the importance of record-keeping
Sales guru Dave Kahle urges sales professionals to keep good records on every account-holder, including both account and personal information. Even with modern-day devices and CRM systems, many sales forces still don't use automation tools to their full potential to manage information on their accounts. DaveKahle.com (11/13)

Frequent assessments help make review process more positive
Giving employee reviews more often can stop problems from growing and avoid tension, experts say. Annual performance reviews can be negative and unfair, according to some industry analysts. The Sun (Baltimore)/Associated Press (11/26)

Key employee attributes essential for success
Gauge your employees' effectiveness and suitability for their jobs by examining their strengths in such areas as goal-setting, leadership skills and cooperation with others. CEO Strategist (11/13)

Improve board performance with meaningful discussion
There are several key strategies that can help boost the effectiveness of boards of directors. At meetings, for instance, directors shouldn't be deluged by PowerPoint presentations, and enough time should be set aside following presentations to allow for a meaningful discussion of the agenda items. Bloomberg Businessweek (11/26)

Quick Poll

Do you telecommute?
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 a full-time telecommuter.
	Yes, I telecommute whenever possible or necessary.
	No, my organization does not allow telecommuting.
	No, telecommuting does not work in my line of business.

CEO Update

CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.

CEO search
CEO searches under way at these organizations: National Psoriasis Foundation, Public Counsel, and U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. More information at CEO Update.
Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: Through the Ranks: What departments do new CEOs come from? Answer.
New at the Top: Consortium for Ocean Leadership, The Heinz Endowments, and Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. Find out who they are and where they came from at CEO Update.

Chamber Spotlight

Juneau chamber exec seeks tax relief
The Juneau Chamber of Commerce is seeking tax relief from rising fuel costs, and the Juneau Assembly appears poised to grant a 90-day sales tax exemption for fuel oil, and perhaps propane and wood, too. Chamber CEO Cathie Roemmich requested it be made retroactive to Jan. 1 if it is to late in the year to have it approved and implemented by the beginning of the year. Juneau Empire (Alaska) (11/27)

Amesbury Chamber of Commerce picks native director
Stefanie McCowan has been named executive director of the chamber of commerce in her hometown, Amesbury, Mass. McCowan previously worked for 13 years in the hospitality industry, including work for a Starwood hotel in North Carolina, Hilton Hospitality and Walt Disney World. The Daily News (Newburyport, Mass.) (11/27)

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Association Watch

Merger could bring hot and cold together
The boards of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association have unanimously approved a merger that would create the Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Institute; the proposal now will be voted on by each group's membership, with the tally being calculated Dec. 15. If approved by the respective memberships, the newly merged entity could be made official Jan. 1, 2008. Proponents of the merger say the combination will offer more benefits to member companies of both groups. The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News (11/26)

Group publishes standards for safety symbols
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has outlined standards for the design, use and evaluation of safety symbols. The standards take into consideration the multi-ethnic, mobile population of the U.S. FacilitiesNet (11/21)

U.S. Chamber News

Innovative Advocacy Series: Tactics to get Capitol Hill's attention
The advocacy world is constantly expanding. To stay ahead, you need training in the latest advocacy strategies and tactics from industry leaders with a proven track record of winning. Join us for the launch of the Innovative Advocacy Series from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 30. Hill staffers will talk frankly about the advocacy campaigns that grab their attention and the efforts they often disregard. Hear directly from the people you are trying to reach about where they go to get news, opinion and expert policy advice. Find out what really influences a congressional office from the people who actually work there. Get more information here.

Know a small business doing big things?
America's Small Business of the Year Award will be given at America's Small Business Summit, April 16 to 18, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Chamber recognizes that small business is the backbone of America's economy. They create three-fourths of all new jobs and account for more than one-half of the nation's gross domestic product. Every year the Chamber honors the accomplishments of the small business community with the Small Business of the Year Award. Apply or nominate a business today.

U.S. Chamber Member Benefits

Get a 56% discount on Yellow LTL shipments
For more than 75 years, Yellow Transportation has been providing customers LTL solutions with regional, national and international support. A superb track record of quality, reliability and safety places Yellow Transportation's services above the rest. Take advantage of this membership benefit today! Contact your dedicated sales representative at (800) 293-0414, or visit www.myyellow.com/uschamber/.

Editor's Note

Poll results: Do you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday?
Last week's poll question asked readers if they plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday.
- 22% said yes, I am flying or driving to an out-of-town destination.
- 47% said no, people are coming to my home.
- 29% said I just plan to relax.
- 2% said I have to work!

SmartQuote

Laughter is by definition healthy."

--Doris Lessing,
Nobel Prize in Literature recipient

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Editorial Team

Contributing Editor: Ashley McMaster


	Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Wednesday, November 07, 2007 Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Wednesday, October 24, 2007			Distributed by: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005