tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47624018442311461882023-11-16T07:03:07.830-05:00Mouton's BlogA blog site dedicated to excellence in critical thinking.... ok - BLA BLA BLA! This site is a place for me to tell you what I am thinking about everthing from the Tradeshow and Conference Industry to College Football and current events. Interesting topics should abound... so grab your hat and hang on...Moutonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735590933832344140noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-29417648575401908722021-04-02T11:19:00.002-04:002021-04-02T11:19:17.195-04:00The Truth about GA SB 202... from a representative involved in drafting the bil<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPunFm2AOluHR13ySM4y-aWdr0K3B1GXWv5di1nspbrhxc9SzNL5ZVKg0JwlIHLPDZiNW1Lnnvgka6vVx1qIEJzR0sKTXT7UBypOmKL0mHMufCGX3bt_aEhRHPPQVzJQhslsRJpaBGXlE/s450/26165770_1561645317203954_2055939245378340172_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPunFm2AOluHR13ySM4y-aWdr0K3B1GXWv5di1nspbrhxc9SzNL5ZVKg0JwlIHLPDZiNW1Lnnvgka6vVx1qIEJzR0sKTXT7UBypOmKL0mHMufCGX3bt_aEhRHPPQVzJQhslsRJpaBGXlE/w143-h143/26165770_1561645317203954_2055939245378340172_n.jpg" width="143" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">So what is GA SB 202? Given the controversy we are witnessing in national media, social media, and at the water cooler, I thought it would be best to simply re-post a statement made by Tom Kirby. Who is Tom Kirby? H<span style="background-color: white;">e is a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 114th District, serving since 2013. Kirby represented the 107th district from 2012 to 2013. He has sponsored 150 bills. He was also a representative voting FOR this controversial bill. Here is the bill... in HIS words: </span></span><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl oo9gr5id gpro0wi8 lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/tomkirby114?__cft__[0]=AZVRefe4D74PHYVQGHpeqBQIPO4gCW2NM3oDfGxMPGmeaQF7w_0LBfUNmeOQObXPCEdZ_ce3moS231h5l8SmEY57p9JcmX3-_lLNpevB64BT8uoTOCMqu0gvg81ALOW9f8A&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">Tom Kirby</a></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="pybr56ya dati1w0a hv4rvrfc n851cfcs btwxx1t3 j83agx80 ll8tlv6m" style="align-items: flex-start; display: flex; flex-direction: row; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-top: 12px;"><div class="buofh1pr" style="flex-grow: 1; font-family: inherit;"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d9wwppkn fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb mdeji52x e9vueds3 j5wam9gi knj5qynh m9osqain hzawbc8m" dir="auto" style="color: var(--secondary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125rem; line-height: 1.2308; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span id="jsc_c_1gt" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; width: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gmql0nx0 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/tomkirby114/posts/3826341827400947?__cft__[0]=AZVRefe4D74PHYVQGHpeqBQIPO4gCW2NM3oDfGxMPGmeaQF7w_0LBfUNmeOQObXPCEdZ_ce3moS231h5l8SmEY57p9JcmX3-_lLNpevB64BT8uoTOCMqu0gvg81ALOW9f8A&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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vertical-align: inherit;">s</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: absolute; text-decoration: inherit; top: 3em; vertical-align: inherit;">l</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: absolute; text-decoration: inherit; top: 3em; vertical-align: inherit;">s</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: absolute; text-decoration: inherit; top: 3em; vertical-align: inherit;">m</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; 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display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: absolute; text-decoration: inherit; top: 3em; vertical-align: inherit;">i</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">7</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"> </span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">P</span><span class="b6zbclly myohyog2 l9j0dhe7 aenfhxwr l94mrbxd ihxqhq3m nc684nl6 t5a262vz sdhka5h4" style="cursor: inherit; 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align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; width: inherit;"><span class="ormqv51v l9j0dhe7" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; top: -2px;"><i aria-label="Shared with Public" class="hu5pjgll m6k467ps sp_YvsE8NZX94C sx_23c998" role="img" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v3/yq/r/3DGUAPCLmj6.png"); background-position: 0px -565px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; filter: var(--filter-secondary-icon); height: 12px; vertical-align: -0.25em; width: 12px;"></i></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div class="nqmvxvec j83agx80 jnigpg78 cxgpxx05 dflh9lhu sj5x9vvc scb9dxdr odw8uiq3" style="align-self: flex-start; display: flex; font-family: inherit; height: 20px; padding: 8px; width: 20px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-label="Actions for this post" class="oajrlxb2 gs1a9yip g5ia77u1 mtkw9kbi tlpljxtp qensuy8j ppp5ayq2 goun2846 ccm00jje s44p3ltw mk2mc5f4 rt8b4zig n8ej3o3l agehan2d sk4xxmp2 rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 pq6dq46d mg4g778l btwxx1t3 pfnyh3mw p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x tgvbjcpo hpfvmrgz jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso l9j0dhe7 i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of du4w35lb lzcic4wl abiwlrkh p8dawk7l dwo3fsh8 pzggbiyp pkj7ub1o bqnlxs5p kkg9azqs c24pa1uk ln9iyx3p fe6kdd0r ar1oviwq l10q8mi9 sq40qgkc s8quxz6p pdjglbur" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; appearance: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-flex; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: none; vertical-align: bottom; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><i class="hu5pjgll m6k467ps sp_kGah02zCggX sx_df4a53" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v3/y1/r/LjG2LtfRqYT.png"); background-position: 0px -569px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; filter: var(--filter-secondary-icon); height: 20px; vertical-align: -0.25em; width: 20px;"></i><div class="s45kfl79 emlxlaya bkmhp75w spb7xbtv i09qtzwb n7fi1qx3 b5wmifdl hzruof5a pmk7jnqg j9ispegn kr520xx4 c5ndavph art1omkt ot9fgl3s" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="border-radius: 50%; font-family: inherit; inset: -8px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: opacity; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc e5nlhep0 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_1gu" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px;"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I understand that some of you have some concerns about the election bill we passed in Georgia. I realize many of you are limited as to the news coverage you see about the bill. Let me walk you through the actual bill so you can make an informed decision.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">To start with, the Democrats in Georgia lie. They don’t even try to be honest. We started in June 2020, 5 months BEFORE the election working on restoring the people’s confidence in our elections. Why you ask? Democrat Stacey Abrams has spent 2 years running all over the country telling everyone who would listen that the election was stolen from her. Despite the facts, the data, showing otherwise, the media loved to give her air time to push her false narrative. This did however plant the seeds of distrust in our elections. We have seen for years now, Democrats use feeling and emotions, while Republicans use facts and data. This is also true with SB 202. You have heard “Jim Crow 2.0”, “voter suppression”, “Disenfranchise” and of course the democrats favorite, “Racist”. The bill is none of that, and it is easy to see. Let’s begin.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The first change in the bill (lines 171 – 178) requires the Attorney General to “establish and maintain” a telephone hotline so anyone can file a complaint of voter intimidation or illegal activities. It even recognizes these complaints if made anonymously. That appears to be contradictory to the “voter suppression” statements.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The next change the bill creates is changing the chairperson of the State Election Board. This is fairly long and is line 180 – 266. Prior to this, the Secretary of State was the chair of the State Board of Elections. We believe this role will better serve the citizens of Georgia if the Chairperson is not someone whose name is on the ballot. This position will be appointed and cannot be an elected official, a candidate or party operative. This change clearly address the accusations of the 2018 governor’s race being “stolen” as Brian kemp was Secretary of State. Don’t see this as oppressing any vote either.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Line 268 – 373 is where we say, “We’ve had enough of the same counties being on the news, every election with the same problems.” I know you have seen them yourself, as you have called and asked me, “What is going on there?” The County Board of Elections run the elections in Georgia. What this section says, if they consistently year after year have the same issues, then the State Board of Elections will be able to step in and fix them. Last October, the news showed and interviewed people standing in lines for hours to vote during early voting. The secretary of State kept sending messages, “We have more voting machines available, open up more precincts and or request more machines and we will get them to you. In fact 6 counties in Georgia did request and receive more machines, but none of them were the counties you saw on the news. It is attributed mostly to Einstein, “Doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results is insanity.” Here again, this is where problems voting have been identifies and gives an avenue to make it better and easier for all to vote. Any voter suppression there?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">How much nonsense have we needed to deal with? Lines 378 – 410 give you some insight. The 2020 election was conducted in a pandemic and Georgia was operating under the Governor’s emergency declaration. Believe it or not, some wanted to challenge changes put in place to keep people safe during the pandemic, using several false arguments including the Administrative Procedures Act. In brief, that is the law that requires public hearing and notices and related items before changes are made to regulations. This section of the bill makes it clear, if we are under an emergency in the future, the Board of Elections may implement emergency rules and regulations to keep the people safe. Not some people but all the people of Georgia need to be kept safe. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">A short section on lines 430-435 simply says, if you are the person running the election in your county, you cannot take money or gifts to do so from anyone. It is the government’s responsibility to supply the needed funding. There were some who said they needed “outside money, so we put in the law for the State Board of Elections to look at this and report back by October 2021. Not letting some outside group funnel a lot of money to run an election the way THEY want. Sounds more like getting rid of voter suppression.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Another short section on lines 440-454 deals with filling vacancies in the counties for the superintendent of elections. This gives that responsibility to either the probate judge or chief judge of the superior court for the county. In Georgia, our judges run non-partisan and also part of their oath is to remain non-partisan. One could argue, everyone has some partisan beliefs, but this is the best way to keep partisan politics out. And again has nothing to do with voter suppression or Jim Crow.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We continue in lines 473-479 to help elections run smoother. Here we allow “poll officers” to serve in their home county or in a neighboring county. Especially in some of our rural counties both parties have opportunities getting enough poll watchers for 3 weeks of early voting and Election Day and counting votes. Don’t think this will slow down voting for anyone either.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">There is a lot of new law being added on lines 484-541, perhaps this is where Democrats are seeing voter suppression? No, I don’t think so. This entire section allows for a performance review of a local election official to be requested. What a radical idea, if it appears the election official is not doing the job, the State Board of Elections can conduct a performance review. Now this is after the election occurs, so it has nothing to do with voter suppression or any of the other nonsense you have heard.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The short section on lines 546-553 deals with what happens if a candidate already on the ballot dies. What happens if they win or get in a runoff. Another section that has nothing to do with the dems narrative.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The next several sections contain a lot of current law, but have a few additions. These go from lines 555-694. Similar to the elections board, the board of Registrars cannot take money, grants or gifts from outside organizations. It allows for challenges and requires the any challenge to be heard in 10 days. No one will be able say someone should not be allowed to vote and let it languish for months until after an election. That too sounds like trying to make sure someone can vote who is legally registered to do so.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Lines 698 – 702 must surely be discriminatory. This states if the Secretary of State receives information that a person died or moved out of State, then they may be removed from the voter list. How can this be fair, is Georgia the only state that doesn’t allow dead people to vote? </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Lines 721-734 surely must contain language that would cause the uproar we have heard from the left. No, it too is making it easier for voters. It says that if voters had to wait 1 hour or more in the previous election, then the county has to reduce the size of the precinct and open an additional one. That may be the secret plan. We move the voting location or open a new one to confuse the voters. No, we then read lines 750-755 were for 7 days before the election this information must be in the legal organ. It goes even further by requiring on election day a 4’ x 4’ sign be placed at the old polling location directing the voters to the new location. Making sure people know where to vote and reducing the wait times. How does that discourage voting?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 20 on lines 759-778 does not have too many changes to the law. It simply requires the counties to use the same criteria in selection of early voting locations as it does for election day polling places. It does allow for mobile voting locations, but only under declared emergencies. If it wasn’t so sad, I can hear the quacks saying , “Start the bus, we have a group of people coming we don’t want to vote.” </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Huge change on line 786, this must be it. We are adding the name of the precinct on the ballot for the primary. Yes, in Georgia our precincts have both a name and a number. I vote in West Walton Precinct #422. I know most voters may not know their precinct name or number, they just know where they vote. But then we continue to line 862 adding the precinct name to other ballots. This is really radical stuff that could cause civilization to be overturned. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I am getting a little “snarky”, I would hope you are starting to wonder, “Where in the wide wide world of sports is this suppression and Jim Crow and Racism?”</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s look at section22, lines 864-876. Current law says 1 voting booth for each 250 electors in state-wide general elections. However, we added lines 870-876 clarifying the counties have the authority to add more if think they need them. They can use less, especially if early voting and mail in voting shows there are not that many voters remaining. Wow, here is the county allowed to run the election and state giving them what they need.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most entertaining moments during the floor debate was listening to the Democrats argue against section 23 on lines 878-887. Other than the electronic military and overseas ballots, all ballots in Georgia will be printed on security paper. The ballot paper will have watermarks and other embedded things, like our currency and checks do now. No one will be able to photocopy a ballot and make more. Why would anyone, other than someone who wants to cheat and make more ballots, be against this? Once again it in no way limits anyone’s ability to vote.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 23A is another section about printing ballots and adds the requirement to print the name of the precinct on the top.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Finally section 24, lines 895-921 talks about voting machines, they must be the problem. Well no, this section requires a notice to be posted telling when the machines are going to be test to ensure they record votes accurately. These test allow for political parties, news media and even members of the public to attend and witness these test. Does that suppress any vote, I think not.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s get serious for a minute. Lines 923-1151 deal with absentee voting. This is one area we constantly hear democrats complain about and throw around their key words of suppression and Jim Crow and the rest. Most of this addresses actual issues that occurred in the last several elections. This first is when you request an absentee ballot. Prior to this bill being passed, you could request an absentee ballot 6 months prior to an election and up to the Friday before the vote. This caused issues on both ends of the request dates. If you request an absentee ballot, then decide to vote in person, you must turn in the absentee ballot. 6 month before the election, we heard some lost them, some changed their mind and threw them away, some said they forgot they asked for one. The change we made puts in 78 days before the election. (11 weeks plus a Monday before the November general election) As with most of the legislative process, this was derived by the information we received and appears to be about right. If this needs to be changed either way in the future, that should not be an issue. Before this bill, one could request an absentee ballot on the Friday before the election. We heard from the United States Postal Service on this. They testified 15 days should be the minimum to ensure the completed ballot was delivered in time to be counted. We thought that was too long and went with 11 day, adding a week to the current 4 days. Since the mail is staying mostly in the same county, we believe that should be adequate, but we know 4 days was not working and causing late ballots not to be counted. Yes, you read that correct, this is to ensure ballots are counted not rejected.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The second issue we had with absentee ballots was the “ridiculous” signature match requirement. I seriously doubt my signature today matches the one on my voter registration card signed over 20 years ago. The question is how to verify a voter’s eligibility for an absentee ballot. We decided to keep it simple so everyone can easily comply. The same identification used for in person voting will be used for absentee voting. The 2 most common are a driver’s license or a FREE State issued photo ID card. There are other government issued photo IDs allowed including military IDs that are all listed in the current law. However, for a driver’s license or state ID card, you do not need a photocopy; you only write the number on the appropriate place on the ballot. A driver’s license or state ID card contains all of the needed information to ensure you get the proper ballot for the location you live. If you use a different government issued ID such as a military ID, you do need to include a photocopy. The US Army won’t give the State access to their data base to confirm the information, nor should they. I want you to think about this for a minute. This is a common sense approach that gets rid of the “signature match” and says no matter how you vote in Georgia, you use the same ID. No more opinions on a signature throwing out a vote.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Lines 1153 – 120 we address in law for the first time Ballot Drop boxes. Georgia law states how absentee ballots may be returned. Before this bill was signed into law, drop boxes were not in the code and not allowed. However, under the emergency declaration, to protect our citizens, drop boxes were introduced in the 2020 election. Guess what, they work and make it easy for someone to place their absentee ballot in a drop box so we added them to the law. There are some details about the boxes including how opening should be designed to keep out liquids or anything one could try and put in them to damage ballots. We added into the law when and how ballots are to be securely retrieved. Then were should they be placed need to be answered. We came up with a radical idea, “Let’s put them at the polling places.” Nothing hidden, not trying to keep them away from anyone, Vote where you go to vote even if voting by absentee using a drop box. No line, no wait, no check in, just drop it in the box. We included having the boxes open during the times the polling place is open to vote. The polling place already has poll watches and poll officials to keep the drop boxes secure. Again adding the drop boxes into law makes it easier for all Georgians to vote. Without this section, drop boxes would have gone away once the emergency declaration is over. Tell me again how we are suppressing the vote.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 27 contains a few changes and a lot of current law wording. It does change the time for requesting an absentee ballot for a primary similar to the change for the general election. But I would encourage you to look at lines 1270-1276 we make sure a voter in the hospital can request an absentee ballot for a primary or an election up to and including on Election Day and that application shall be immediately processed. Another part of the bill where we are making sure every voter gets a chance to vote. The remain part of the section simply ask the voter to sign the ballot saying this is their vote and not someone voting for them and clears up who may help them vote if needed.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Starting on line 1392 is the “We want our Christmas back” part of the bill. I could not even enjoy a good Christmas movie that was constantly interrupted by political campaigns nonstop. For many decades are runoff elections occurred 4 weeks following the original election. Then a judge ruled that may not be enough time for the Military and Overseas ballots. So here we took a page from other states. For contested races that could end up in a run off, there will be an “order of Preference” ballot. This way the voter votes for their candidate, then can also vote in order who they want should there be a runoff. No need to reinvent the wheel, use what other states are already doing that works. Since this is a significant change, the section is long and goes to line 1444.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Lines 1456 – 1468 again add the language of using the same ID for absentee voting as in-person voting. Like many laws there is often the need to update many different code sections. This section of the bill also contains an important change starting on line 1488- 1518. This adds a second Saturday required during early voting. Yes that is correct, in our effort to “suppress votes” we are making all 159 counties in Georgia add, not just another day, but a Saturday for early voting. We still have 3 weeks of early voting now with 2 Saturdays required and still allow counties the choice if they want to have early voting on Sundays. We did not mandate Sunday voting as only 16 of the 159 counties had Sunday voting in November 2020 and only 6 counties had Sunday voting in the January 2021 runoff. Let them decide if Sunday voting works for them. Adding an addition day to vote, can anyone explain how that is voter suppression?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The remaining lines of section 28 add requirements for notifying the public about voting. Straight from line 1525; “… shall publish the dates, times and locations of the availability of advanced voting …” Another obvious attempt to suppress the vote?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 29 beginning on line 1560 has another code section of Georgia law that address using the same ID to vote absentee or in-person. Once you get through a lot of current law, you arrive at line 1657. Here we change when absentee votes can start being scanned in to the voting machine on the “third Monday prior to the Election Day”. Absentee ballots are scanned into a voting machine the same as in person voting ballots are scanned into the voting machine. Before this law, this could not be done until Election Day. The tabulation from the machine will not be done until after the polls close on Election Day, the same as all other voting machines. This is a long section as in contains a great deal of current law in the code section being changed and making this significant change to get votes scanned sooner requires a significant amount of change. Again, this section of the bill in no way suppresses anyone’s vote, but should allow for results to be known sooner.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe we will find some suppression in section 30? No this says the Secretary of State is authorized to inspect the audit during the 24 month retention period that records have to be maintained.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 31 came from an interesting discussion. The polls in Georgia close on Election Day at 7:00 pm. During some elections, some polls remained open citing different issues that caused delays. Now it has never been in question, that anyone in line to vote by 7:00 will be allowed to vote. But there were arguments that the polls remaining open longer were not covered in code. So we made it simple and gave the superior court judge the authority to do so. We did put in that the judge would issue a written order if the polls were going to stay open past 9:00 pm. This takes away any argument that polls staying open late are illegal and gives more people the ability to vote even if there was a problem at their polling location.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The next section should help voting and avoid issues at the polls. Beginning on line 1858 it requires poll watchers to go through training before they are allowed to be at the polls. Poll watchers are from the political parties and there to observe and verify the voting was fair. Getting them trained so they know what is allowed and what is not is a good thing. I see this as another win for the voters.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I started out very bluntly telling you Democrats in Georgia will Lie. There are several ways to lie, including having a convenient memory and leaving out details. Section 33 is one of those moments of forgetfulness. In the November election the Democrats led by Stacey Abrams and her Fair Fight group set up food trucks and food pantries at polling places. One was describe to be reminiscent of Disney where you walk through the gift shop after the ride. Here, you went to the food bank and received can goods and non-perishables after voting. In Georgia, outside of 150’ from the polling place, they can do what they want. Inside of 150’ there is no campaigning. That is why I have a 200’ tape measure so no campaign signs are too close to the building. I am not even allowed to wear a name tag within 150” of a polling place when I vote. If you want to disagree with me, go ahead, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck… These food giveaways were buying votes. That should not happen. It was comical that the democrats tried to spin this to say, “Poor grandmother cannot be given a bottle of water while standing in line for hours to vote.” That is why we added line 1888 making it very clear that coolers of water may be place along the voting lines. Don’t forget, we are doing everything we can to prevent the ridiculously long lines we have seen in some counties, but just in case, here is some water.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 34 starting on line 1890 is the “Yea, we know its Atlanta by the traffic” section. If my memory serves me correctly, I have voted in 5 different states in my lifetime. At the time I voted in each of those states, you had to vote in your correct precinct. Not now in Georgia. Here is what this section does. If you show up to vote in a precinct other than your own, the polling officials are required to inform you where your precinct is. There is an exception if it is after 5:00 pm and before the polls close. Let’s say you didn’t vote absentee, you didn’t early vote in-person, you decided you would vote on Election Day and stop after work to do so. Unfortunately there was a wreck on 285. You cannot make it to your polling place before the polls close, but there is one, in your county, you can make it too. After 5:00 and before the polls close you will be allowed to vote “out of precinct”. Let me state that again. You WILL be ALLOWED to VOTE out of precinct. This does cause some issues on the down ballot. Your school board member, county commissioners, even your state Rep may not be on the ballot where you are voting. Our system is not set up for that, perhaps in the future, but not now. Suppressing the vote by allowing someone to vote out of precinct, how?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Sections 35 – 37 add to the law changes to posting and reporting requirements after the election. The greatest impact is found in section 37 beginning on line 2060. If removes all of the language allowing for the counting to be stopped and then restarted on another day. Now, once the count starts it shall continue until it is complete. I cannot see how that is suppressing the vote, can you?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 38 is another code section where adding the precinct name is required. We cover this every code section of the law the same.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 39 simply addresses how to count a ballot that is torn, bent or otherwise defective so the machine cannot count it. And guess what, they prepare a “duplicate” ballot that can be processed, so again every vote is counted.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 40 is just cleaning up the language in current law stating on line 2162 that the votes will be counted “following the close of the polls …” This may seem like it is extremely detailed, and it is.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 41 is another section of the code where we clarify, counting the vote starts after the polls close and goes until it is complete. Line 2188 makes it clear that includes absentee votes, advance votes and election day votes Line 2209 changes when the count has to be reported to the Monday following the vote..</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 42 is an additional part of the code section dealing with a runoff should no candidate receive a majority of the votes cast. With the changes made to include the order of preference for overseas and military ballots, we return to the 4 week runoff and this section cleans up the language to reflect that.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 43 does make some changes to special elections. Now this allows for the same equipment to be used if a special election is taking place as the same time as a general election or primary. Some might recall my own special election in 2012. The runoff was held on the same day as the Presidential Primary. However, they were 2 different election and 2 different sets of voting machines had to be used. You may recalled you went to the polling place, showed your ID and then voted in the first election, then went to a second table and repeated the same process to vote in the other election. This makes it easier to just vote once. Not a big deal but another small thing to make it easier to vote.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 44 is only when there is a special and general at the same time. In the last election, there was a special election to fill the unexpired term of the late John Lewis. At the same time the general election was being held for the new term for that congressional seat. This section just puts them both on the ballot in the correct place.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 45 ends the infamous “jungle primary”. In Georgia, the Governor appoints someone to temporarily fill a vacancy in the US Senate. Governor Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler. The appointment is only until the next schedule general election. In this case it was the November election. Special elections in Georgia have always been non-partisan elections and everyone ran in the race together. That is why we had 21 candidates on the ballot in November in this one race. This section changes to where we will have a special primary to choose the candidates from each party for the special general election.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 46 clarifies for all 159 counties that should a vacancy in the courts occur, the Governor will appoint the temporary successor and details how long the appointment will last.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 47 adds that one cannot “accept” a ballot to be cast in any means other than those listed in code. This removes any coercion to force someone to give up their ballot.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 48 is maintaining the privacy of the voting booth. No matter how you vote, your vote is your vote and it shall remain private.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 49 allows cities to re-draw their districts following the census before the next vote as long as there is a least 120 before the vote. We are not expecting final census numbers until this fall, so this could impact cities in November. People need to know which district they are in and who is running to represent them. If there is not enough time, then section 49 has it delayed until the next election cycle.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Section 50 adds language that if we are under a state of emergency again, and the State elections board needs to make some emergency rules, they need to notify the General Assembly at least 20 days prior to it taking effect and gives us the ability suspend it if there is an issue.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Finally Section 51 says a scanned ballot image is a public record and subject to disclosure.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I know this is long, but the bill is long. We want to make sure every legal vote is counted and no illegal votes are cast or counted. We want to restore the people’s faith in our election process by giving them secure and fair elections with accurate counts. I encourage anyone to actually read the bill and you too will see the summary I wrote matches the bill. If you are not familiar with the way a bill reads; anything new is underlined, anything being removed is lined out, plain text is existing law.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Democrat 101, If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. But the bill is easy to read gives you the truth.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">You can read the bill for yourself by going to the House of Representqatives Web site, looking under legislation search for SB 202.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">===</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">As for an overview of the most controversial claims made by media against this bill... </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDEHz8-p3fw1RrZuEVA-oD807ZECJOYxDy_IVaEMmUtbywgkI_RkawWV5Knj0C50AW2NbZ9cFJ9VxqvlVQDb__gXr5UXvxFyscoPjQiBpUPRZrqZWk7KjLf7gBEf7ABz_SGlQ10TW-0-d/s2048/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1079" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDEHz8-p3fw1RrZuEVA-oD807ZECJOYxDy_IVaEMmUtbywgkI_RkawWV5Knj0C50AW2NbZ9cFJ9VxqvlVQDb__gXr5UXvxFyscoPjQiBpUPRZrqZWk7KjLf7gBEf7ABz_SGlQ10TW-0-d/w318-h602/IMG_0038.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-64622500269529138402020-10-07T12:19:00.005-04:002020-11-03T17:29:46.946-05:00USING OUR TRADE SHOW EDUCATION IN A NON-TRADE SHOW WORLD<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j42gkSFYJeH7lUsQHyDmou5Q1AZTpsLmm6ByBfGBJgZWMKDsc_MFoMHNTTvV3Zug5jg0jxpAIRLUeEWguuSmJQoZSbKYe6caV60P5-SBsS0pgcxRVKS7LP3Zxx74Ff4UsZAEJ0bYAPka/s570/tradeshow.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j42gkSFYJeH7lUsQHyDmou5Q1AZTpsLmm6ByBfGBJgZWMKDsc_MFoMHNTTvV3Zug5jg0jxpAIRLUeEWguuSmJQoZSbKYe6caV60P5-SBsS0pgcxRVKS7LP3Zxx74Ff4UsZAEJ0bYAPka/s320/tradeshow.png" width="320" /></a></div>With the blows experienced by the
trade show, conference, meetings, and events industry from COVID-19, so many of
us have lost our shows and our jobs… either temporarily shut down or closed for
good.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I guess we have all been affected
by this crazy pandemic.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">We know somehow
the industry will manage to survive, but in the meantime, we are all in a state
of flux and uncertain about our future.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In my case, both of my association
clients closed their events for the foreseeable future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My international conference client has moved
completely virtual through at least 2022, canceling future conference dates in
Germany (Hamburg, 2021) as well as the U.S. (Portland, 2020).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My trade show client cancelled their 2020 expo
and convention, possibly not re-opening until 2022 (though October 2021 is
under consideration, albeit on a much smaller scale).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I was fortunate to get a call from an
old friend and former sponsor from one of my events (Proteus On-Demand
Facilities sponsored the International Disaster Conference & Expo I launched
in New Orleans in 2012… now owned by the New Orleans Convention Center and
known as RES-CON). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John reached out
because he had just purchased the assets and good will from Proteus and was
bringing the business back to market as FLEXTC (they provide tents, temporary
structures, modular structures, and extended-term facilities that can be
quickly deployed anywhere in the world, serving a number of industries). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Proteus sponsored IDCE due to their
presence in the disaster response and recovery sector, providing structures and
services for base camps, including sleeping tents, beds, showers and toilets,
kitchens, flooring, temporary roadways, water service, electricity / power
generators, HVAC systems, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the
activity with hurricanes and other emergencies this year, I would say it’s safe
to say there is an increasing demand for what they provide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">However, John noted that they also wanted
to expand their footprint in the events sector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was a bit stunned since the event market is currently dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His comments made me think, and made sense! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">As events begin to slowly return
(which they will), there will be an increased need for more space due to social
distancing and the requirement to create safe environments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Events will want more options to utilize
outdoor space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Convention Centers and
Event Organizers will want to find ways to convert current unusable space into
prime event space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facilities will need shelter
options for longer ingress lines due to physical distancing as well as to
provide shelter for processing and testing attendees (temperature scanning, for
example).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temporary structure systems
could be used to present sanitation stations and isolation booths for
guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outdoor events can use high-end
structure to create suites and VIP terraces for small groups, providing special
views of events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a trade show and
conference manager with additional experience on the facility management side,
I can see the applications of temporary structures meeting the needs for the
next generation of events in the post COVID-19 world. (Sidebar: To all of my
event industry friends and contacts, I would love your feedback and thoughts
regarding the need to consider space expansion, outdoor options, and ingress
practices as shows and facilities re-open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Should be a good discussion.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">John asked if I had interest in
jumping on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given my background in
both event production and emergency management (though IDCE), as well as
considering the application of the skills I have developed in the trade show
world to his company needs, I decided to join his team. I am now working with
FLEXTC managing business development which includes sales, marketing,
communications, and public relations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(As
such, you will probably be noticing information from me via social media regarding
industry news / events which are associated with temporary structures as well
as disaster response recovery, trade shows and conventions, convention center
facility expansions, sporting event hospitality suites, stadium embellishment
suites, long-term structure expansion, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now you know why.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">My point:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the pandemic continues to stifle the
events industry, we still need to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As shows and events slowly return, it will be quite some time before the
industry returns to the size and scope it presented pre-pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With minimal opportunities available in the
industry for the foreseeable future, ALL of us need to realize that we have transferrable
skills and experience that can be applied to other industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm not advocating jumping ship from the trade show and events industry. It will return! But it can't hurt to have employment in the meantime. And YOUR SKILLS ARE IN DEMAND!!! </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In my case, I was fortunate due to my
experience in the markets FLEXTC is serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it goes a bit deeper than this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Skills are learned behaviors and abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As show pros, we have unique experiences and
have developed a combination of many skills that can be applied to other
industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us need to do a
self-assessment, identify these unique transferrable skills, and determine how
to align them with the opportunities that are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are our core competencies that our event
experience has developed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Action-Oriented<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Approachability<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Ability
to Multi-Task<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Abstract
Thinking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Accountability<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Attention
to Detail<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Creativity
& Innovation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Customer
Service<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Conflict
Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Financial
Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Leveraging
Diversity<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Political
Savvy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Strategic
Thinking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Strategic
Agility<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Strong
Communication Skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Strong
Interpersonal Communication Skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Team
Building<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Vision<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">We are all fortunate to have the
skills we possess and have the trade show world to thank for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think outside of the box to see where your
skills can be applied until our industry returns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then present your
unique skill set as the solution to these opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not many other candidates will possess what
we possess, nor realize how to bundle and apply these learned and developed skill
sets for new environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As trade show
pros, we get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The needs we meet
change from show to show… from event to event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are the most nimble and possess the most agility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prove it time and time again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a unique resource.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such, we are a unique solution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Hang in there industry friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will get through this crazy time… and will
all be better for it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you have a
need for our tents, structures, or services, SHOUT MY WAY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find more information on what we do on
our website – </span><a href="https://flextc.com/"><span style="line-height: 107%;">https://flextc.com</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Yes… since I am
running marketing & communications, I did build this website).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Stay safe!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Jimmy<o:p style="font-size: 10pt;"></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-1602746931364631632020-06-29T12:42:00.000-04:002020-06-29T12:50:23.950-04:00COVID-19 Forces Online Moves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfbUCilHwRetN0R4Hcf2__Yp42xdq350cJdPFyJN1y4G8GAf2MqJTATA5AlmDqNBMg46IOu_Uit6Bep5kqPusr6uIXFj-_6JnSF5DcyzSjSmAT1ZtmPVHeS6Or6nkwx1iOYVZ_8aysuaF/s1600/covid19_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfbUCilHwRetN0R4Hcf2__Yp42xdq350cJdPFyJN1y4G8GAf2MqJTATA5AlmDqNBMg46IOu_Uit6Bep5kqPusr6uIXFj-_6JnSF5DcyzSjSmAT1ZtmPVHeS6Or6nkwx1iOYVZ_8aysuaF/s320/covid19_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the appearance of COVID-19, both of my association clients are moving their events online. Major modifications are in place for both events as we plan to address the need for social distancing, but keep an eye on the future for a return to in-person events. The goal today is to continue meeting the event needs of the Associations by implementing new procedures that are not temporary, but expandable for that time in the future when we return to in-person events.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The key question we are asking right now... As we look at virtual platforms to help us with today's meetings and events in the on-line world, how can the platform be utilized and continued at such a time we return to face-to-face events? The reason we must ask this question is simple. ALL of the guests attending online events will be introduced to a new environment, and this environment will last for quite a while. Once we are able to make the move to in-person events, our event guests will be familiar with the world we are implementing today. The more seamless an event transition appears to participants, the more likely they are to return.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For my association clients, the needs served by new technology and virtual platforms must go beyond providing online conference sessions, webinars, and videos. We must consider how the program itself can become an added feature of the in-person events in the future. Can we include value-add services for our exhibitor base? Can the platform provide features like "New Product Showcases" that can be continued in tandem with in-person events? Can we provide events like "Supplier / Buyer hosted events"? Can we present product catalogs with real-time sales support? How can we include Supplier spotlights?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And most importantly, many of the organizations supporting our live events are also looking for vehicles that will allow them to continue communicating with the prospective buyer audience the Association brings. These Association suppliers have access to many of the new technologies available for the Association. They can produce live, on-line, virtual events on their own. The Associations must keep this in mind as they build new platforms for their events. As show management, what can we create that remains so compelling and unique to the Association members that it remains the primary source of continued education, information, participation, and communication?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We need to make sure that we take advantage of the new opportunities presented in response to the events industry shut-down to build a better event future. For many associations, live events make up over 90% of non-dues revenue. Capitalize on the current opportunities that will make tomorrows events stronger... better... and a necessity for the industries served.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-75094172301361341612019-09-12T13:57:00.002-04:002019-09-12T14:20:07.498-04:00So LSU AD Forfeits the High Ground? Not so fast, my friends.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1AOCYBFKA7XREY1F-EcuPShu4rHr25ezxfBY8B92A3abSFlbZhi5QDJI5N4vg1LBChpaxHaSLP3OWkLSpZUYqgTGNUktqISywEXAM0XQXYyUkAzkkkC_QoUOo5vg9dspjY136juzHXOK/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1AOCYBFKA7XREY1F-EcuPShu4rHr25ezxfBY8B92A3abSFlbZhi5QDJI5N4vg1LBChpaxHaSLP3OWkLSpZUYqgTGNUktqISywEXAM0XQXYyUkAzkkkC_QoUOo5vg9dspjY136juzHXOK/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
So how do I start this?<br />
<br />
I just read an article written by Les East where he uses a headline and inaccurate information to insinuate the new LSU Athletic Director, Scott Woodward, has elected to stop sharing proceeds generated by athletics with Academics.<br />
<br />
THIS IS A CRAP ARTICLE! Ol' Les should have his pen jammed in his eye
socket for spreading such crappy information and suggestive headlines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woodward didn’t stop contributions (or “end donations”) to the University. He pulled
out of an agreement where athletics committed to provide $36 million over
five years by annually transferring $7.2 million, plus a portion of its net
surplus, to support LSU's academic, research, public service and other
missions. This commitment guaranteed funds to academics with no oversight or
input regarding where these athletic contributions were allocated and with no
regard to the actual earnings LSU athletics produced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woodward
killed this... and should have! He has also pledged to continue providing
support but based on <b><u>profits realized</u></b> and with a say in where the money is
spent. Common Sense! And requested by the boosters supporting LSU athletics to
begin with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
article grabs attention using inaccurate and misleading claims and doesn’t
include facts in the article. Sad! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The truth of the matter.... From
the Baton Rouge Advocate:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LSU
President F. King Alexander said there isn't as much a donation disparity
between athletics and academics as perceived. </span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alexander
pointed out the separation between athletic fundraising and academic
fundraising, citing an LSU Foundation report from June 1, 2018 to June 30,
2019, which said <b>70 percent of total donations went to academics, 28 percent
to athletics and 2 percent went to alumni operations.</b></span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alexander
said there has been a concerted effort on the academic end to raise money for
its needs, including the $1.5 billion campaign.</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Athletics
isn't declining," Alexander said. "It's staying about where it has
been in the past. The only difference is the aggressiveness that we're going
out there with the campaign to raise money on the academic side to make up for
the years that we perhaps should have been doing.</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since
the guarantee of athletic contributions, there has been a decline in a
concerted effort to address fundraising for academics. With Woodward pulling
away the guarantee, there should now be a focus to increase academic
contributions and how funds are allocated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
a smart move. Would be nice if the author of this story did his homework before
simply throwing out headlines to grab attention and stroke the flames of
controversy with misleading content and a story lacking facts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seems
to be par for the course in media these days. Les East... you're FAKE NEWS! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>===</o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Article from Saturday Down South: By Les East (twitter - <span style="background-color: white; color: #657786; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "ubuntu" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">@Les_East)</span>, Published August 2019: <a href="https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/lsu-football/lsu-ad-forfeits-the-high-ground-by-ending-donation-to-the-university/">https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/lsu-football/lsu-ad-forfeits-the-high-ground-by-ending-donation-to-the-university/</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-60911616403086016402019-05-09T11:05:00.002-04:002019-05-10T09:36:52.101-04:00THE ELECTORIAL COLLEGE - What Were the Fathers Thinking!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EISY9HNf6GeanTa7vaRj8o22yqJiX-IzsNDzgvcs5ifKLt5Q99kfL-HIpbcNZ_65uio0_sREaBq09eKhYgyyQl0h2D-zGveXi09LawI6Uh-kYewKKAZrUvlRQtkq8cwKPZZ6VL_lYCHx/s1600/Electoral%252BCollege.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="810" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EISY9HNf6GeanTa7vaRj8o22yqJiX-IzsNDzgvcs5ifKLt5Q99kfL-HIpbcNZ_65uio0_sREaBq09eKhYgyyQl0h2D-zGveXi09LawI6Uh-kYewKKAZrUvlRQtkq8cwKPZZ6VL_lYCHx/s320/Electoral%252BCollege.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So with the 2020 election on the horizon, it appears the HOT TOPIC of debate is back on the issue of the National Election and the Electoral College. There is a major push underway to abolish the Electoral College and move the national election to a popular vote system. This simply is a BAD idea. In the words of Ricky Ricardo… Let me’ splain!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The country isn’t nor was it ever intended to be a true democracy. The country is a democratic republic... or limited democracy. The constitution does not establish a true democracy, nor did the founders intend to do so. A true democracy results in “mob rule” and ignores 49% of the population based on nothing other than majority rule. This type of system fails the nation by disregarding interests of major areas of the country that contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation as a whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As David Harsanyi wrote in a November 2016 piece for Reason, the Electoral College helps "create moderation and compromise": <i>“To some extent, the Electoral College impels presidents and their political parties to consider all Americans in rhetoric and action. By allowing two senators for both Wyoming, with a population of less than 600,000, and California, with a population of more than 38 million, we create more national cohesion. We protect large swaths of the nation from being bullied. We incentivize Washington, D.C.—both the president and the Senate—to craft policy that meets the needs of Colorado as well as New York.”</i> Here is a good article about the current debate (from which the quote above was pulled)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2JqEgvy">http://bit.ly/2JqEgvy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The intent of the founders was to prevent mob rule. Here is a good read on the topic:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1c.asp">http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1c.asp</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To change our system from a limited democratic government to a full democracy would have catastrophic results. The voices of farmers in the Midwest, ranchers, miners and small business owners in the plains and rural America would be forever lost, drowned by the voices of the mega-cities whose needs and visions are different from other parts of the country. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only reason this is a topic of discussion at this time is the loss of power by the democrats and the hatred the left has for the conservative policies of the right (and the disdain for Trump and elected republican leadership). They had power... lost it... and now need someone or something to blame. Taken from a recent news article op-ed published by Howard Kurtz: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>These days, as The Federalist notes, the formulation doesn't always favor the GOP: "If you weren't born yesterday, you might recall that as recently as 2011, the Democrats controlled the White House, 59 percent of the House, and a filibuster-proof 60 percent of the Senate. Under the same laws, the same Constitution, and with an almost identical electorate, the Democrats controlled the political branches of government with huge majorities. How did they lose it all? Because the people did not like what they did with that power once they had it..."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And for another good read, here is an article from Walter Williams; a professor of economics at George Mason University. It is re-posted in Shapiro’s Daily Wire but is spot-on regarding the subject:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2HdvGgU">http://bit.ly/2HdvGgU</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now… There are a number of states deciding to enter into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The NPV compact is an agreement among a number of U.S. states and Washington DC to award ALL of their respective electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate wins the national popular vote. The compact is designed to ensure that the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide is elected president, and it would only come into effect when it would guarantee that outcome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though I think this compact disenfranchises the voters of each state, I like the idea that each state is making their own decision how to move forward AS A STATE! The US is not a true democracy. It is a republic of states. Each state should have its say as a state; as a group of people with common interests. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think this will eventually be challenged in court. There will once again be a candidate who loses the popular vote but wins the electoral college. When this happens, any state that decides to CHANGE their electoral votes will be challenged by the people of their state whose votes were overturned. But again… power to the states! That is what the Republic known as the United States of America was founded on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14 states and DC have joined. Here is more reading on the subject: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/">https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the truth of the matter…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The true issue we have in the U.S. isn’t the electoral college or the equal representation of states in the senate. The true issue destroying our nation is the rise and strength of political factions and the intense divisiveness they produce. I didn’t vote for Trump and am offended by what he represents, but the political factions ensured either he or Clinton would be selected. Candidates like Sanders were squeezed out by the Democratic Party faction through super delegates and processes designed to ensure Clinton’s nomination, while candidates like Kasich were squeezed out in the Republican Party faction. And candidates like Gary Johnson and Jill Stein never had a chance. The “factions” and loyalty of voters to party over purpose is the issue. The game is rigged. Here is a great article on this as well: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.hoover.org/research/america-not-pure-democracy">https://www.hoover.org/research/america-not-pure-democracy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We “pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and <b><u>TO THE REPUBLIC</u></b> for which it stands... One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice <b><u>FOR ALL</u></b>.” A republic isn’t a true democracy, and a true democracy isn’t for all.... just for the majority.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy voting in 2020 ya’ll! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-50475339930673554802019-04-25T17:27:00.000-04:002019-04-26T10:38:57.271-04:00Diversity - AT THE TOP!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just read an article in the WSJ which was an interview with PwC U.S. Chairman Tim Ryan. Great read! The article basically touches on the efforts of Mr. Ryan to force leadership and all employees into discussion about race relationships within the organization as well as a focus on diversity. These efforts were born out of tragedy after Botham Jean, a 26-year-old PricewaterhouseCoopers senior associate, was shot to death by an off-duty police officer while watching football in his Dallas apartment. The article / interview goes deeper into the efforts of PwC to focus on diversity at the cultural level as well as institute employee empowerment programs designed to sharpen the skillset of employees.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Th6axQxqhgI3RKFOg80Lo15KHtDyB8MeEZqeDbcWhJI5izWgnN7BsypMoPRSzixyWxdy81eotV8UxmpGyh-RxhOz982c3ZzKFva6YUYSemnTJb_1hvV-YF7NuPRr8B8GaFpFOVGifpHy/s1600/tryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Th6axQxqhgI3RKFOg80Lo15KHtDyB8MeEZqeDbcWhJI5izWgnN7BsypMoPRSzixyWxdy81eotV8UxmpGyh-RxhOz982c3ZzKFva6YUYSemnTJb_1hvV-YF7NuPRr8B8GaFpFOVGifpHy/s200/tryan.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tim Ryan: CEO - PwC</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a great read but left me feeling like something was missing… like Ryan and PwC were falling short. I’ll explain shortly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like the fact PwC leadership decided to support and promote discussions about race and diversity. They also did so on an internal level where the focus was truly about the employees and the company culture. It was established as an opportunity for the people from all levels of PwC to learn about each other and understand different perspectives. Simply having diversity focus is more than just hiring diversity; its sharing a diverse culture. PwC gets this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In an article written for the Harvard Business Review, David Thomas and Robin Ely noted, “<i>…diversity goes beyond increasing the number of different identity-group affiliations on the payroll to recognizing that such an effort is merely the first step in managing a diverse workforce for the organization’s utmost benefit. Diversity should be understood as the varied perspectives and approaches to work that members of different identity groups bring…. Women, Hispanics, Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans—these groups and others outside the mainstream of corporate America don’t bring with them just their “insider information.” They bring different, important, and competitively relevant knowledge and perspectives about how to actually do work—how to design processes, reach goals, frame tasks, create effective teams, communicate ideas, and lead. When allowed to, members of these groups can help companies grow and improve by challenging basic assumptions about an organization’s functions, strategies, operations, practices, and procedures. And in doing so, they are able to bring more of their whole selves to the workplace and identify more fully with the work they do, setting in motion a virtuous circle.</i>” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So Mr. Ryan got this one right. He not only works on bridging a gap of understanding between different races and cultures; he does so at the employee-to-senior management levels, establishing a true culture that focuses on the heart of diversity; diversity in thought and focus on true differences and how these can be celebrated, shared and embraced. Though it took a tragedy to spark this conversation at such a level, the result is a win for the people and culture of PwC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An article in Chief Executive Magazine published a story on his efforts to address diversity and inclusion and noted the following. “<i>Ryan didn’t just take stock of where PwC was in the area of diversity and inclusion, he looked at the business world at large. What he saw was a lot of room for improvement. A lot of companies went the safe route and didn’t scratch the surface. As such, Ryan helped launch CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion in 2017, an initiative aimed at getting CEOs to advance diversity and inclusion initiatives at their companies. More than 550 CEOs have signed the organization’s diversity pledge since last year and many led their companies in December’s “Day of Understanding,” where employees convened to discuss bias in the workplace. CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion has also published more than 450 best practices and already had three closed door/CEO only meetings on how they can expand and improve diversity and inclusion efforts across the business community.</i>”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also liked Mr. Ryan’s thinking and comments about wanting people to be with PwC in both mind and body, and as such not only promote the discussion of inclusion and diversity but also focus on "upskilling"; putting in place programs to develop skills and foster personal growth for the employees. Mr. Ryan’s move not only does the obvious “saw sharpening” to increase employee production; he presents programs to assist those who don’t have the skills necessary to advance where others climb freely… programs which can narrow the chasm of developed skill sets which exists between races (a point of merit in the discussion of “white privilege” and systematic minority suppression). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As noted by Mr. Ryan in his WSJ interview, “<i>To win the war for talent, part of the proposition has to be, ’Come for our culture, come for your career growth opportunities, come because you’re going to be constantly invested in to make sure you stay relevant.</i>” Successful organizations understand this and are acting accordingly. Employee Engagement at its finest. BRAVO PwC!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Understand… PwC is not alone regarding employee engagement. Employee engagement is definitely on the rise. A recent Gallup poll published in August 2018 noted three undeniable trends and facts:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">34% of U.S. workers are engaged, tying highest in Gallup's history</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Actively disengaged" percentage is down to 13%, a new low</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Engagement is highly related to positive business outcomes</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what was missing? <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>THE NEXT STEP! </u> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In many industries, there is a serious lack of diversity in senior leadership though there are many organizations within these industries promoting diversity in hiring practices, cultural awareness and assimilation, and employee training and skill development. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is a statistic for you: According to a recent publication produced by BCG, “<i>Among Fortune 500 CEOs at the time of publication, only 24 are women (less than 5% of the total), only three are black, and only three are openly gay, including just one lesbian…. Most company leaders—primarily white, heterosexual males—still underestimate the challenges diverse employees face. These leaders control budgets and decide which diversity programs to pursue. If they lack a clear understanding of the problem, they can’t design effective solutions.</i>”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diversity in leadership is a necessity! There is also true value in ensuring diversity in leadership roles. The Ladders recently published an article by Sharon E. Jones which focused on the value of diversity in leadership and link in senior leadership diversity to greater financial returns. Some of the major benefits noted were…</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diverse teams produce better solutions to complex problems; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diversity in leadership can help with retention of diverse staff</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diverse leaders can serve as mentors and sponsors to diverse professionals and others and build multi-cultural competencies within the organization</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her conclusion: "<i>One of the best investments that a company can make is to be intentional about increasing the diversity in leadership by recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse professionals</i>." And she is dead-on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what about the board room? PwC’s 2018 Annual Corporate Directors Survey shows that directors are listening more, learning more and engaging more. One of the top findings from the survey - "<i>Board diversity has been a hot topic for years, and directors seem to be getting the message. Most recognize the value that diversity adds. Nearly all agree that it brings unique perspectives to the boardroom, and the majority say it enhances board performance. Most also say diversity improves relationships with investors—those who have been strong supporters of it. While 91% of directors say their boards are taking steps to increase diversity, many directors seem cynical: more than half say board diversity efforts are driven by political correctness. And nearly half think shareholders are too preoccupied with the topic. Some also hint that it’s just a “check-the-box” exercise."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Herein lies the heart of the problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my question to Mr. Ryan – “Do you value diversity in leadership? Does your board? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PwC Board Of Directors: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20 Members. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15 White Men</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 White Women</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No minorities</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where is the diversity? It looks like PwC didn’t even check the box!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And don’t get me wrong… I am not attacking Mr. Ryan for the lack of diversity on the PwC Board. I applaud Mr. Ryan for championing the issue and forcing C-level executives and senior management to face the issue. He didn’t chose his board; they chose him. In a perfect world, the PwC board would reflect the goals of diversity Mr. Ryan preaches (and practices). If more leaders address diversity issues like Mr. Ryan has, this will happen in time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So if diversity in leadership should be a goal for all organizations to strive for, how do we ensure we not only establish programs that discuss diversity and foster employee development but also shape tomorrows leaders… tomorrows senior leadership? Tomorrow’s Boards? There must be a focus on 1- ensuring a diverse senior leadership team and board of directors, and 2- developing and implementing leadership development programs for the workforce in preparation for tomorrow’s senior leadership roles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though there is a definite difference in the skill sets and core competencies possessed by senior leadership, management and the employee work force, there are many employees joining organizations at the entry level who possess the core competencies needed to be an exceptional leader. They are the diamond in the rough of the company human capital pool. However, prior to joining the organization, they may not have experienced the opportunities to develop their skill sets or show what they can accomplish. They go un-noticed with their potential untapped. Organizations who truly want to reach diversity milestones must consider instituting leadership programs designed to identify and develop diverse senior leadership from within! IT is more than just developing talent into successful and productive team members . It is about effectively growing a diverse group of leaders from within... Leaders of tomorrow who get the company culture of diversity and the benefits it brings for the entire organization!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let’s see Mr. Ryan take this on as well. Maybe others will follow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WSJ Article: “This Boss Is Making Race Relations a Business Matter: PWC’s U.S. chief talks about discussing race, gun violence and justice with employees after a colleague was shot by a police officer” Published March 13, 2019. By Vanessa Fuhrmans. Website Source: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-chairman-who-has-made-race-relations-a-business-matter-11552483800">https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-chairman-who-has-made-race-relations-a-business-matter-11552483800</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For more information on PwC Chairman Tim Ryan: <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about/leadership/tim-ryan.html">https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about/leadership/tim-ryan.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Article – “Fixing the Flawed Approach to Diversity”, Published JANUARY 17, 2019. Authors Matt Krentz , Justin Dean , Jennifer Garcia-Alonso , Frances Brooks Taplett , Miki Tsusaka, and Elliot Vaughn. Website Source: <a href="https://www.bcg.com/en-us/publications/2019/fixing-the-flawed-approach-to-diversity.aspx">https://www.bcg.com/en-us/publications/2019/fixing-the-flawed-approach-to-diversity.aspx</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Website: Article “Development Employee Career Paths and Ladders”. Author Unknown. Date Published Unknown. Website Source: <a href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/developingemployeecareerpathsandladders.aspx">https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/developingemployeecareerpathsandladders.aspx</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gallup: “Employee Engagement on the Rise in the US”; By Jim Harter. Aug 26, 2018. Website Source: <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/241649/employee-engagement-rise.aspx">https://news.gallup.com/poll/241649/employee-engagement-rise.aspx</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Forbes: “How To Lead The Push For Diversity in the Workplace”, by Monica Thakrar; June 9, 2017. Website Source: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/06/09/how-to-lead-the-push-for-diversity-in-the-workplace/#509ca67a415b">https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/06/09/how-to-lead-the-push-for-diversity-in-the-workplace/#509ca67a415b</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Harvard Business Review. “Making Differences Matter: A New Paradigm for Managing Idversity”. By David A. Thomas and Robin J. Fly. Sept-Oct 1996 Issue. Website Source: <a href="https://hbr.org/1996/09/making-differences-matter-a-new-paradigm-for-managing-diversity">https://hbr.org/1996/09/making-differences-matter-a-new-paradigm-for-managing-diversity</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Ladders. “The Value of Diversity In Leadership Roles”, by Sharon E. Jones. November 12, 2018. Website Source: <a href="https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/the-value-of-diversity-in-leadership-roles">https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/the-value-of-diversity-in-leadership-roles</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>PwC United States. “The Evelving Boardroom: Signs of Change”. PwC’s 2018 Annual Corporate Directors Survey. Website Source: <a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/governance-insights-center/library/annual-corporate-directors-survey.html">https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/governance-insights-center/library/annual-corporate-directors-survey.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chief Executive. “Why PwC Chairman Tim Ryan’s Top Priority is Diversity And Race”. By Gabriel Perna. Jan 9, 2019. Website Source: <a href="https://chiefexecutive.net/pwc-chairman-tim-ryan-top-priority-diversity-race/">https://chiefexecutive.net/pwc-chairman-tim-ryan-top-priority-diversity-race/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>PwC Board of Directors Website Source: <a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/our-board.html">https://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/our-board.html</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-60016631465128625362017-01-10T16:04:00.001-05:002019-04-25T19:13:37.019-04:00Millennials <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDocYl9QhTUk4YxFC9Pgc8aqic6UjjN-GMqZPrR7a8Av5OcGQurLlk0B4A-nEPZlco2ydVRWG6QvmjX2t-VyjYSJ-_aauGyhg8pTBpk8DSYxzhQCfhArZRTkIz7Rj0FFCunYZyaHAh5H_/s1600/bigstock-Millennials-Using-Social-Media-150455822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDocYl9QhTUk4YxFC9Pgc8aqic6UjjN-GMqZPrR7a8Av5OcGQurLlk0B4A-nEPZlco2ydVRWG6QvmjX2t-VyjYSJ-_aauGyhg8pTBpk8DSYxzhQCfhArZRTkIz7Rj0FFCunYZyaHAh5H_/s320/bigstock-Millennials-Using-Social-Media-150455822.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via www.workflexibility.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Interesting survey in the NYT. I came across this article on FB. Interesting (and simple) "look-in" to the millennial mind. Good food for thought where management is concerned. Days of IBM environments are not only over but out of sight and mind with today's young work force... Tomorrows leadership. Strategic Agility is a common core competency for level 5 leadership. C- level needs to understand this includes adapting internal culture for tomorrow's success. We strive to achieve the "long term" sustainable strategic competitive advantage in our markets. We need to focus within our organizations to ensure we are fostering an environment that will produce the leaders tomorrow needs. "Long-term" can't be achieved without it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: nowrap;">http://nyti.ms/20WFZqD</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-92160509862011818862012-12-08T11:30:00.005-05:002019-04-26T10:48:09.573-04:00Leadership during Crises… For Whom the Bell Tolls…<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCPDy6MySaDhfnxSZHW_dWHAcSDBO6MMFkNeuYYM7kji39o4hY1kRiHIsNGXiozrUEZ5bmOEm6W8pfHVkz7Hi-dC-SWAJkkFQ6KxoamJyUXugo5M6OfZQoueJV_hClIJjdWu15A72uF-A/s1600/356367-Y-GPO41-576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="321" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCPDy6MySaDhfnxSZHW_dWHAcSDBO6MMFkNeuYYM7kji39o4hY1kRiHIsNGXiozrUEZ5bmOEm6W8pfHVkz7Hi-dC-SWAJkkFQ6KxoamJyUXugo5M6OfZQoueJV_hClIJjdWu15A72uF-A/s200/356367-Y-GPO41-576.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thinking about all of the serious issues facing the world today, we find ourselves in numerous precarious situations like never before. These situations we face are calling for serious leadership like never before, and in all areas of our lives; Government… Business… Community… even Church, Neighborhood, and home! We are facing issues today that are unprecedented. From weather events producing tornado outbreaks never witnessed in the previous 3 generations; hurricanes and super-storms threatening entire regions of civilizations; massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural catastrophic events. Natural disasters are occurring on an unprecedented scale, effecting communities, governments, businesses, and the entire world economic and security structure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Threats are not limited to natural disasters by any stretch of the imagination. The threat of terrorism and ethnic strife continues to rise as tensions mount in the middle east, east-Asia, and Africa. Ecological disasters from oil spills to climate change are no longer ideological, but real, existing and experienced threats. And political and economic troubles continue to loom; from Greece and the Euro Union to the fiscal cliff faced on our own home front. Simply reviewing the headlines of today’s media sources testify to the simple fact that we as a human race face more crises today than yesterday, and leaders of today have no choice but to be exceptional leaders in times of crises if they plan to truly lead. And today, all of us on this planet are in a position where we need true leadership to lead; to lead us out of the situations we find ourselves in economically, politically, socially, and globally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this in mind, we focus on what it takes to be a true leader in times of crises. We look at our president; we look at our governor and mayor; we look at our business leaders; pastors; community organizers, and ourselves. What does it take to truly lead in times of crises? What will it take to truly lead through the times we are facing?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently came across an article in the Harvard Business Review; an interview by Scott Berinato with Adm. Thad Allen (Retired), the Senior VP of Booz Allen Hamilton. This interview caught my attention at first because he is scheduled to give the Key Note Address at my upcoming conference in New Orleans (International Disaster Conference & Expo, or IDCE). But as I read this interview with Adm. Allen, I couldn’t help but to apply his thoughts to every other crises faced; from government (the fiscal cliff is a serious issue needing serious people prepared to make serious decisions… which I don’t think we have in our government on any side, at any level… sorry), to business (economic insecurity and uncertainty is definitely a major global crises), to how I lead my family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiral Allen, former Admiral of the U.S. Coast Guard, managed the response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf. Previously, Admiral Allen also managed the response to Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf, and also managed New York Harbor during the 9/11 attacks. He also managed the U.S. response and relief activities to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. The interview conducted by Berinato was on-point and direct regarding leadership, and his thoughts on what it took to be a leader through these times of crises. He summed it up into a few key points and phrases. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unity of Effort: what you're trying to do is aggregate everybody's capabilities, competencies, and capacities to achieve a single purpose, still taking into account the fact that they have individual authorities and responsibilities</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unify all on the team: create a set of shared values that everybody that's involved can subscribe to.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visibility: If you're not visible with your people, then you're not a credible leader. You don't understand what they're going through.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adapt, suffer or manage.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leaders are responsible for their own morale… keep a level playing field.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definition of leadership iss the ability to reconcile opportunity, and competency</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I read, I was brought back to my time in show management with a fairly large company where we opened an event on 9/11. It was the most traumatic experience I have ever had as a show manager, and the most challenging scenario of Crisis Management I have ever experienced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had opened a conference in Worcester, Ma on Monday September 10, 2001. All was quiet, and all was good. We had a very successful registration program, presenting an attendance representing an increase in overall attendees of over 30% from the previous year. Our exhibit sales for the year had been extremely successful, presenting an expo floor reflecting a 20% increase in exhibitors from the previous year. Speakers selected to present in this conference program were the best of the best. It was our first time in Worcester, and the city was happy to have us. The event was set up to be one of the best events to date for this brand; the brand I managed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, September 11, 2001; 8:46 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center… the first of many which were to attack our country that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the majority of the planes on 9/11 taking off from Logan Airport in Boston, MA, the civil authorities in Massachusetts order a complete shutdown of all highways, rail, air, and sea transportation. All public facilities in MA were shut down. Security in public facilities ensure a complete lockdown of all buildings; no one enters or leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our conference program kicked off day 2 of our event at 8:30AM EST. Our trade show floor was schedule to open at 10:00AM. We receive word through the event facility management that there had been “an incident”, and as a result, all public facilities were moved to complete lockdown. We had freight on docks waiting to move to show floor. About 40% of our exhibitors had not yet arrived to the facility. All doors were closed, and military and state police surrounded the building ensuring no person would leave or enter. We were not alone; the majority of public facilities throughout Massachusetts were called to lockdown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within 10 minutes of the lockdown, we began to receive reports of what was happening. Terrorists had hi-jacked planes and had crashed them into buildings in New York. Some planes were still unaccounted for. A number of the planes originated out of Boston. The entire 90-mile radius of Boston was at large. That was all we knew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the manager of the event, I was now faced with an unprecedented position. I was being called upon to lead my entire show team through these crises. I was also responsible for the 500+ conference attendees, 250+ exhibitors, and numerous additional staff, and would have to lead them through this ordeal. Due to the intense and sudden use of cell phones throughout the country, cell towers began to fail. We had to establish communications so those in the facility could begin reaching loved ones. A number of conference attendees were from the Boston area, 2 of which had loved ones on the flights which were hijacked. We were dealing with grief counseling; communications; security; and the need to ensure information was delivered to all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I faced was not an oil spill or hurricane. It wasn’t economic uncertainty (at least not immediately). It wasn’t government issues or community guidance. My hurdles were specific to the situation and location at hand; but I happened to be the person tasked with leading us through the ordeal. It was a true crises, and everyone involved needed leadership. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I read Adm. Allen’s comments, I realized this is exactly the leadership needed when I faced these crises in 2001. Some I had performed well; others I hadn’t. But as I reflected, I realized that Adm. Allen hit the nail on the head. In leadership, there are certain attributes you must have to truly lead in times of crises, and these times of crises will define your true ability to lead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unity of Effort: This is something we did instinctively. We made a conscious effort to ensure we were aware of all of the individual core competencies available to use and delegated responsibilities accordingly. We placed certain people on counseling detail, while others were put on logistics and transportation details. Others were tasked with working with facility management to establish communications for all in the facility. Some were tasked with setting up internal news feeds to keep others informed, or put in charge of ensuring food and beverages were available. I was tasked to work with facility management and government officials to ensure procedures were adhered to. We simply put a plan in place to ensure all resources were allocated efficiently and effectively.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unify all on the team: We were successful in this game plane because we united the team, discussed the challenges faced, and established a set of shared values and vision that everyone subscribed to. The result was motivation to ensure each job was done to the best of each person’s ability.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visibility: I stayed as visible as possible, helping in all areas from setting up phone banks to cleaning restrooms, working with military on the loading docks to inspect freight, and sitting with people who were grieving over their loss. I didn’t leave one task assigned where I was not around to help or assist if needed. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> worked to ensure the morale I portrayed was positive, no matter how saddened I was by my experiences or hopeless I felt over the enormousness of the tasks at hand. As I look back on this experience, I understand the effect this had on our team. Leaders are responsible for their own morale, which affects the morale of others. You have to keep a level playing field, and I did to the best of my ability. In the end, we were able to reconcile opportunity and competency, and the result was the successful navigation of serious crises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bill George wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal titled “Seven Lessons for Leading in Crises”. Bill George, author of "True North," is a professor of management practice at Harvard Business School. He is also the former CEO of Medtronic and serves on the boards of directors of ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs and Novartis. In this article, he stresses the following:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leaders must face reality. Everyone on the leadership team must be willing to tell the whole truth.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter how bad things are, they will get worse</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Build a mountain of cash, and get to the highest hill</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get the world off your shoulders</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before asking others to sacrifice, first volunteer yourself</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never waste a good crisis</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be aggressive in the marketplace</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of these “lessons” are in line with what Adm. Allen refers to in his fundamental outline of success in crises leadership, and are reflective of what I experienced in Worcester, Ma, but are applied in the business setting. From facing reality and telling the whole truth, no matter how grave, to allocating responsibilities to the right team members, putting yourself in the front line of fire, and leading others only where you are prepared to go yourself… all apply, and these fundamentals apply to all areas of leadership in any crises situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we face the “Fiscal Cliff” with our government, and economic uncertainty in the global work place, we now need leaders who will step up and lead. We need leaders who will role the sleeves up and make tough decisions. We need leaders who will tell the truth, no matter how rough. We need leaders who will understand that they, as leaders, are responsible and stop blaming everyone else for the problems we face as a nation and people. We need leaders who will recognize the opportunities we have to overcome these issues and show their competency. We need leaders who understand that no matter how bad things are, they can get worse, and WILL get worse if these crises are not addressed… if THEY do not truly LEAD through these troubled waters. We need leaders who will be willing to sacrifice themselves for what is right; who will volunteer themselves to get the job done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In short, we need true leaders. They are out there and it is time to step up. I just hope they hear the bell ringing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leading Through a Major Crisis. by HBR IdeaCast | 5:26 PM October 14, 2010. Featured Guest: Adm. Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.). Accessed via Web: 12/06/12. <a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast/2010/10/leading-through-a-major-crisis.html">http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast/2010/10/leading-through-a-major-crisis.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wall Street Journal GUEST COLUMN March 5, 2009. Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis. By BILL GEORGE. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123551729786163925.html#printMode">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123551729786163925.html#printMode</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-48863419651790717252012-11-18T12:43:00.000-05:002019-04-26T10:53:41.184-04:00Corporate Responsibility<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ldveQ65s6YKd1sOJaSQEp32aYUZh7eiXX8Du-ATSqLP954IkKDyddmZxSD7ogscSk7JTes6ITprI3488huiTxJaKFRdU8-NRE8aHdAmd-5CGxY0zA2Rj9xpl5NJIQpHshukkMxUJPVHN/s1600/CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1600" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ldveQ65s6YKd1sOJaSQEp32aYUZh7eiXX8Du-ATSqLP954IkKDyddmZxSD7ogscSk7JTes6ITprI3488huiTxJaKFRdU8-NRE8aHdAmd-5CGxY0zA2Rj9xpl5NJIQpHshukkMxUJPVHN/s320/CR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many companies who are recognized for what they “Give Back”. Forbes just published an article regarding the top companies who “give back” (Forbes- Oct 19). What was interesting is they based this list on the amount of money each company gave in “Charitable contributions” and what percentage these donations were to pre-tax profits. The top 10 on this list were Alcoa ($36.6m / 6.7% ), Merck ($72.6m / 4.4%), General Mills ($88.7m / 4%), Kroger ($69.7m / 4%), Xerox ($27m / 3.3%), Target ($126m / 3.3%), Goldman Sachs ($337m / 2.6%), Safeway ($21.6m / 2.5%), NW Mutual ($17m / 2.4%), and Starbucks ($30.5m / 2.12%). It is impressive to see companies giving so much back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, there is so much more to Corporate Responsibility than simply making charitable donations based on profits. Of more importance is what a company does to truly benefit the communities and people as a whole. This includes employees, the environment, citizens, and more. Corporate Responsibility is defined in BusinessDictionary.com as “<i>A company’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates. Companies express this citizenship (1) through their waste and pollution reduction processes, (2) by contributing educational and social programs, and (3) by earning adequate returns on the employed resources.</i>” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html).">(http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html).</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Wednesday November 14, Bloomberg Business Week reported Cisco Systems announced its 2012 Annual Corporate Responsibility Report. The Report outlines what Cisco believes to be the core components of its Responsibility to the company and community: governance and ethics, supply chain, employees, society, and environment. Cisco publishes this report “<i>to illustrate the company's broad reach and innovative solutions designed to help Cisco, its customers, and its partners address social issues and promote environmental sustainability.</i>” Though some may see these reports as simply a marketing and public relations tool (which it is to some degree), it is refreshing to see companies make such a statement in regards to their conscious decision to ensure their organization benefits more than just shareholders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Topics addressed in this report include human rights (global), efforts to lead in ethics and employee compliance to ethics policies, privacy policies, global transparency, labor practices, women’s issues (Cisco launched the Women in Technology Conference), commitment to diversity, corporate and foundation cash and in-kind contributions worldwide, employee volunteers to various non-profit organizations, education programs, efforts to reduce GHG emissions, and more. It shows a true commitment by an organization to give back to the community, environment, and employees, and work to use company resources to make a difference through a positive impact on the world in which we all live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What makes a company truly great is the ability of the company to better the world in which we live. Successful companies are in a position to have an amazing, positive impact on the world and all of the people who reside on this planet. From working to ensure fair global labor practices, protecting the rights of minorities and women, and championing human rights to protecting the environment; companies have the resources to truly make a difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even small companies have the ability to present a positive impact on their communities. This could be something as small as ensuring recycling programs are in place to adopting training programs to educate employees on sexual harassment, discrimination, and tolerance, creating training and development plans to assist employees in advancing careers, providing balanced and fair employment practices and work expectations, and ensuring community outreach. It is the job of company leadership to address these issues and ensure companies position resources, including human capital, to address these issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my current company, we have numerous programs designed to assist the employee, and by definition of what we are (convention center), our mandate is to support the community, boost the economy, have an economic impact on the community, and present programs that better the world in which we live. From recycling programs and blood drives to habitat for humanity volunteer days and food drives, our operation truly focuses on what we can do to better the world we all live in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information on Corporate Responsibility, visit Corporate Responsibility Magazine online at <a href="http://www.thecro.com/">http://www.thecro.com</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Cisco Issues 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/14/12. Accessed 11/16/12. Link: <a href="http://buswk.co/TJME6E">http://buswk.co/TJME6E</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BusinessDictionary.com: Accessed 11/17/2012: Link: <a href="http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html">http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-44102083608451628662012-10-05T13:49:00.002-04:002019-04-26T11:02:41.295-04:00RADIO RADIO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhH1284XAd_pY12lspmE4dIPYeM6w_gB9JyxmSZYq7bqaWoOeY0EPxgRbAFFjbLWsepcwE-V54ZwN2-tPKktNZxaaLkeYbv3ryXdnS6S56yhqV0oUJo7x_x9YxXR8cCgDhkuz69PhK5K/s1600/EC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhH1284XAd_pY12lspmE4dIPYeM6w_gB9JyxmSZYq7bqaWoOeY0EPxgRbAFFjbLWsepcwE-V54ZwN2-tPKktNZxaaLkeYbv3ryXdnS6S56yhqV0oUJo7x_x9YxXR8cCgDhkuz69PhK5K/s200/EC.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am noticing a number of friends and acquaintances in music posting comments on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media regarding Pandora’s efforts to push through the Internet Radio Fairness Act, and it is interesting to read. I get it. I get the argument and why artists are concerned. But I am also not bought in to the artist’ reasoning and believe the fear of “lower royalties” from one industry segment is blocking people from seeing the forest through the trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The situation: Pandora Radio (NYSE: P. www.pandora.com) is trying to mobilize its more than 150 million listeners behind the Internet Radio Fairness Act, a bill that would lower the royalty fees paid by online radio stations for playing a song. On the other side of the issue are record labels and artists, who believe that the existing rates are fair and accuse Pandora and others of wanting to deprive copyright holders of the income they deserve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem is royalties from satellite/cable and internet mediums vary to such a degree, they are unfair. The worlds of satellite/cable and internet radio continue to converge, resulting in an unbalanced competitive environment where one entity faces licensing and royalty expenses of less than 10% of revenues while another faces costs close to 50% for the same product.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, Pandora paid about half its revenue to labels and performers. Sirius’s current rate is 8 percent. (Both kinds of services also pay separate royalties to songwriters and publishers.) </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Revenue - 2011</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) Annual Revenues 2011: $3.01B</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Media Inc Annual Revenues 2011: $137.76M</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Percentages of Revenues Paid in Music Royalties: </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sirius XM Radio (SIRI): Approximately 8% (estimated $248m)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Media Inc.: Approximately 49% ($69.5m)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SiriusXM Net Profit/Loss: $426.9M</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Net Profit/Loss: $(1.76M)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Royalties Earned: $317.5M</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(source: MarketWatch / published 2011 corporate financial statements)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora is championing the Internet Radio Fairness Act (introduced in the House by Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah, and Jared Polis, Democrat of Colorado) which proposes to put online radio under the 801(b) standard of the Copyright Act, which is the same standard used by the Copyright Royalty Board when setting royalty rates for cable and satellite radio. Pandora argues that this would stop discrimination against Internet radio services. Much to the dismay of my fellow musicians, I agree… sort of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me explain:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The industry of music has moved from terrestrial radio to satellite radio and Internet streaming. The majority of music is now published, promoted, sold and traded online and in space. The organizations that compete in this field bring options to artists. Business Management 101: the more entities competing in a free market to distribute goods and services, the better the environment for the producer of these goods and services. Business can’t continue to compete in an environment that does not present a level playing field. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a former professional musician (ok… a drummer, but I used to hang out with musicians), I can look at this from the artist’s perspective and agree all artists should be paid their value for their creative work. I will NEVER disagree with this position, and will fight to support royalty payments to artists across the board. But as an executive in business, I also understand the perspective of Pandora and believe something has to be done to level the playing field as these markets (as well as future markets to arise through advances in technology) continue to converge. In addition, a competitive landscape of promotional and publishing vehicles benefits the artists through more choices and resulting leverage throughout the negotiating and contracting process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how do we ensure we manage a level playing field AND protect the artist’s pay for works created? Put internet radio under the 801(b) standard of the Copyright Act so the playing field is fair, and ensure this standard is based upon a flat standard % of revenues (company makes more with your music, they pay more for your music) as well as the contribution this music has to the overall revenues generated. This is, to the basic degree, what the IRFA is trying to do. But I would go a step further. RAISE THE OVERALL RATE established under the 801(b) standard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is SiriusXM doing paying artists only 8% of revenues while making a profit of almost $427 Million dollars? I would ensure the “fair rate” established is raised from the current status in addition to lowering the rates paid by companies such as Pandora. Looking at the financials from both SirusXM and Pandora for 2011, look at the impact such a move would have on the industry overall: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Revenue - 2011</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) Annual Revenues 2011: $3.01B</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Media Inc Annual Revenues 2011: $137.76M</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Percentages of Revenues Paid in Music Royalties: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sirius XM Radio (SIRI): 25% = $775m (increase of 348.1M)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Media Inc.: 25% = $34.44m (decrease of 35.1m)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Productivity of Businesses ADJUSTED:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SiriusXM Net Profit/Loss: $78.8M</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora Net Profit/Loss: $36.8M</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Royalties Earned: $809.4M… increase of almost $492M in royalties to artists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do the math! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though passing IRFA could include lowering rates paid by Pandora and the internet community, it could raise the rates paid by Satellite and Cable companies. By keeping the markets fair, they become more competitive. It also potentially reduces financial hurdles to the development of new markets based on expanding technology (such as internet radio), reduces barriers to entry for new businesses, and allows expansion of the industry as a whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The IRFA legislation expands 801(b), and includes the creation of a panel of judges whose primary function is to consider evidence both on the value of the music and on the effect the royalty rate would have on the industry over all. To ensure the artists receive fair market value for their work, have artists represented on the panel of federal judges that will establish royalty rates so the artists have a voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result, you have a fair and balanced competitive landscape fostering growth and expansion of the industry and an industry paying fair market value for products ensuring artists are justly compensated for their work. In negotiating terms, this is a win-win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now obviously the satellite and cable industry will argue their costs of infrastructure and operations are considerably higher than Pandora. But the facts are SiriusXM made over $400M in profits in 2011. They can afford an increase in royalties (and the artists deserve this). They can’t pass this directly to the consumer because the consumer has options through companies like Pandora. (Just yesterday, I streamed Pandora through my iPHone while in my truck, listening to Pandora on my truck radio in place of XM. I can promise you if XM raised my rate, I would simply cancel and utilize services available to me such as Pandora over my phone!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually, the profitability concerns of Sirius or Pandora is of no concern to me, other my desire to see a healthy, competitive environment so artists grow options and receive true value for goods and services produced. My support of this bill is for the betterment of the artists in the long-run; not the corporate health of the individual players in the industry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pandora did not make a profit because they are not effectively managing their business. It is an issue with their business model… not the royalties. If I were the CEO of Pandora, I would be working to push through the internet radio fairness act to level the playing field, but at the same time, would be reviewing my entire business model to ensure efficiency and productivity and possibly firing my VP of Sales and Marketing for a lack-luster performance in generating revenues needed to support the business in the field we compete in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Internet Radio Fairness Act will not bring Pandora a long-term, sustainable, competitive advantage in the market served. A productive, efficient and effective business model, creative products, efficient operations, effective marketing, and high sales performance are the key to success in a free market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But unfair business practices and an uneven playing field can ensure these keys are not achieved… not just for Pandora, but all other organizations striving to compete in this industry, which will hurt the artist and industry in the long-run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IRFA can actually be a good piece of legislation… not just for Pandora, but for all artists, listeners, and the industry as a whole. As long as it is fairly administered with the artist having a voice, it is a win-win.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my friends sit around every evening</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And they worry about the times ahead</span></i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the promise of an early bed</span></i></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You either shut up or get cut up, they don't wanna hear about it</span></i></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's only inches on the reel-to-reel</span></i></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the radio is in the hands of such a lot of fools</span></i></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tryin' to anaesthetise the way that you feel </span></i></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Elvis Costello – Radio Radio</u></span></i></div>
</span></i><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Your Times: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/business/media/proposed-bill-could-change-royalty-rates-for-internet-radio.html?_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/business/media/proposed-bill-could-change-royalty-rates-for-internet-radio.html?_r=0</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wall Street Journal: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20120921-906857.html?mod=crnews">http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20120921-906857.html?mod=crnews</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MarketWatch: <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/">http://www.marketwatch.com/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hill: <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/258881-pandora-aims-for-sopa-repeat-in-battle-over-online-music-royalties">http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/258881-pandora-aims-for-sopa-repeat-in-battle-over-online-music-royalties</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LA Times: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-house-bill-pandora-internet-radio-fees-20120921,0,3290862.story">http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-house-bill-pandora-internet-radio-fees-20120921,0,3290862.story</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Digital Trends: <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/music/is-internet-radio-about-to-get-rocked/">http://www.digitaltrends.com/music/is-internet-radio-about-to-get-rocked/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011 Corporate Annual Report – SiriusXM: <a href="http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/SIRI/2102812002x0x559248/2AED8B19-6E00-43EA-B61E-A42B2C473CC2/Sirius_XM_AR.pdf">http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/SIRI/2102812002x0x559248/2AED8B19-6E00-43EA-B61E-A42B2C473CC2/Sirius_XM_AR.pdf</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011 Corporate Annual Report – Pandora Radio: <a href="http://investor.pandora.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=227956&p=proxy">http://investor.pandora.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=227956&p=proxy</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-7927440306505912042012-08-03T15:39:00.002-04:002012-08-03T15:39:10.936-04:00Times are a changin’...<br />
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Times are a changin’...</div>
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Well, the news of the move of IDCE to the Morial Convention
Center in New Orleans is taking the Trade Show and Convention industry by
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This move marks the first time a
Tier-1 Convention Center in the United States has undertaken such a bold move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reaction from the industry has been
interesting (to say the least). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A BOLD
move!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others have referred to this deal
as “Risky”… “Crazy”…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Questionable”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, however, like to better characterize it as
“Exciting”… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Adventurous”… and my
favorite… “Self Determining”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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If you have not heard, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial
Convention Center has purchased the International Disaster Conference and Expo
(IDCE) from Atlanta-based Imago Productions, Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
two parties began working on IDCE in a first-of-its-kind joint venture in
2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To understand this move, you have
to understand the background of IDCE.</div>
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After Imago Productions attempted to launch the National
Disaster Reconstruction Expo in 2009, New Orleans witnessed the strengths of the
idea as well as the weaknesses of execution in this event. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The producers were simply not in a position to
bring much needed senior level government participation to this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the relationships of the facility to
State Government in Louisiana and additional resources available through the convention
center, the facility offered a partnership with the producers on the
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made sense:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facility would bring in resources the
producers didn’t have, such as government relationships and in-house services
(a/v , f&b, security, additional staff).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The producers would bring in the show management expertise and personnel
needed to launch and manage the event… sales, marketing, conference operations,
exposition operations, vendor procurement, housing and logistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The marriage of these two teams resulted in an amazing, successful
launch of what is quickly becoming the premier event uniting the disciplines of
Homeland Security, Emergency Management, first response, resiliency, business
continuity, loss mitigation, and all silos related to disaster preparation, response,
recovery, and mitigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial launch netted over 1700 attendees
representing public and private sector leadership from 27 different countries,
and over 170 exhibitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The follow-up
event, scheduled for January 2013, is expecting to draw close to 5,000
international attendees and 250 exhibiting companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The growth projections for this event are
staggering.</div>
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The relationship of the State of Louisiana to IDCE resulted
in the ability of the event to secure leadership that is second to none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IDCE is led by an Event Executive Committee
consisting of 16 individuals representing Federal, State, and Municipal
Government, industry associations, academia, and private sector service providers.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leadership includes the Honorable Tom
Ridge, the creator of the Department of Homeland Security and former Governor
of Pennsylvania and co-chair of IDCE2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also sitting on the Event Executive Committee is Director of Emergency
Services for Wal-Mart, Mark Cooper (who is also a member of the FEMA National
Advisory Council); Ky Luu, former director of USAid’s Office of Foreign
Disaster Assistance; Joey Booth, Executive Director of the LSU Stephenson
Disaster Management Institute; Kevin Davis and Pat Santos of the Governor’s Office
of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the State of Louisiana;
Tres Hurst from Cotton Global Disaster Solutions…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the list just continues to impress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These relationships and leadership contributions
have been a direct result of the involvement of the Convention Center in IDCE. Simply
put, the involvement of the Convention Center IS the reason IDCE is becoming so
successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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What was realized through the launch and growth of IDCE is
that the Convention Center had resources reaching far beyond the scope of
facility space rentals and minimal ancillary services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
was also recognized through this experiment of a marriage between a convention
center and show production team was the ability of a facility to become much
more self-reliant in regards to business opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Producing events “in-house” would give a facility
the ability to create business where none existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facility would be able to target slow
dates, create events, fill holes, and generate a new revenue stream in the process,
while staying true to the goals and objectives of the facility… to bring
visitors to the city of New Orleans and State of Louisiana, presenting a
positive economic impact on the city and State through increased tourism revenues,
not to mention expansion of industries served by IDCE (as an example, check out
this article: <a href="http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/14/disaster-recovery-firm-makes-new-orleans-its-new-home-base/">http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/14/disaster-recovery-firm-makes-new-orleans-its-new-home-base/</a>)
.</div>
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The two teams decided it would be in the best interests for
all involved to move IDCE “in house” with the convention center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, a new department would be
created, through which the facility would work with community resources to
identify new opportunities for events, conduct feasibility assessments, and
launch events presenting the best opportunities to meet goals and objectives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This department would also become an incubator
for new ideas and opportunities; great ideas that only need resources to become
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The production company would
move all human capital and event resources to the facility, with all staff
becoming employees of the convention center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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This department is now the MCCNO Trade Shows and Conventions
Department, and officially opened on August 1, 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to IDCE, three new events are now
under review for possible launch by 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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So why sell?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has
been the biggest question hitting the producers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The purpose of IDCE was to respond to the effects of Katrina on the city
of New Orleans and State of Louisiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through the assistance of State resources, this event is now meeting its
goals and objectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imago was a small
company with minimal resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition
to the monumental increase in event production resources available to IDCE, this
move allows the team to work on new events and opportunities as they grow the
MCCNO event portfolio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brings
additional satisfaction to all involved, and brings the most benefit to all who
have worked so hard to make IDCE not just a reality, but a success.</div>
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The purpose of Imago Productions, Inc. was not one of
financial goals, but to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The motto of Imago was always “Markets That Matter”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the move to the State of Louisiana and
the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this leadership team has a
much greater opportunity to do just that… create and implement markets that
matter; that make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The reaction of the industry has been mixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is expected when you try something
new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show Organizers seem to feel
threatened by the move of a facility owning and operating their own event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leadership from a major global event
production company publically stated such a move would threaten the
availability of facilities to their respective events, falsely prophesying
events would forgo independent events to ensure in-house events had
preferential treatment for scheduling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The primary purpose of an event facility is to present a
positive economic impact on the communities they represent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They create tourism opportunities… bringing
visitors to spend money on hotel rooms, in restaurants, and gift shops. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The business on facility books represents
multiple events, serving multiple industries, each having a unique impact on
the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These books are managed with the
specific purpose of maximizing the use of the facility space to the benefit of
the communities served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As such, decisions are made regarding which events get what space
over specific dates based on the size and scope of what they present as a
whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facilities constantly protect
specific date patterns and space in an effort to attract events that will
benefit their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a simple
concept… the best business gets the best dates and space. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would a facility owning an event in place
of an independent production group be any different? </div>
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The primary purpose of the MCCNO Trade Shows and Conferences
department is to fill holes on books, in turn allowing the facility to be less
dependent on third parties to assist when schedules are slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Events will continue to be evaluated on an
impact basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Available dates to
in-house events will meet the same guidelines and objectives as any third party
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only difference… there is
less risk of event halls, hotel rooms, restaurants and gift shops being vacant
during slow periods due to the lack of possible buyers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Today, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center can help meet
its own needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, my friend, is the
trend of tomorrow. With the announcement of the MCCNO, other facilities are
beginning to follow suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clarion North
America recently announced a deal to produce events with the Georgia World
Congress Center in Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Numerous
other facilities are actively engaging event producers to consider launching
local and regional consumer and B2B events focused in industries unique to
their region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trend will continue,
and the industry will be better off for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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It took a city that experienced catastrophic losses and
re-birth to bring this concept to fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now the industry we serve is experiencing change and re-birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Innovation, economic growth, and industry
stability will be the result. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New ideas…
new events… new jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t this what
the industry is all about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes… times are
changing…. But for the better, and we all benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THANK YOU New Orleans… Laisse le bon temps
rouler!</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-48681400290423144092012-05-04T12:06:00.000-04:002012-08-03T12:10:31.890-04:00Are you listening? Really… ARE YOU LISTENING?With all of the discussion over the past few months (years) regarding the economic struggles of the Tradeshow, Meetings, and Events industry, there has been solution after solution pitched to show management lineups worldwide on how to weather the storm, keep the attendance average up, and possibly hit the home run on the next event. Most of these prescriptions have been standard – streamline business units; reduce costs through budget cuts; re-evaluate products and services offered; re-identify with the markets served; downsize programs; collocate events or share resources; yada, yada, yada.<br />
<br />
My response; If you are effectively managing your business, you should basically be doing this already; constantly evaluating your business units and managing costs to ensure efficient operations; monitoring the performance of products and services in the market and shifts in market demands; consistently redefining all strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; managing sales efforts to ensure peak performance; ensuring strong performers are in the right seat on the bus throughout the organization, etc… <br />
<br />
Though “Business Management” includes reacting to unforeseen obstacles taking place within the markets served, "Management Excellence" is being prepared for challenges BEFORE they arrive. Preparation = effective response and quick recovery. The key to effective preparation: INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION! <br />
<br />
Information and Communication! Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it! <br />
<br />
We could go on and on regarding the tools available to businesses regarding information and communication; from business intelligence services to CRM and marketing platforms, the market is inundated with options. I just recently consulted with a supplier to Hewlett-Packard (Network Training Services) regarding the design and enterprise implementation of a new CRM system. Funny; so many options offer so few differentiators and approach the concepts of communication and information from the same perspective: how information and communication can assist in identifying new customers, communicating the company message to these customers and the markets served, and manage expectations in the process.<br />
<br />
This approach needs to be taken a step further. Why not look at communication, not for what we want to say, but to hear what your customers have to say, not just to you, but to their clients and the industry they serve? Why not look for information, not just about your customer, but the information your customers want to learn regarding THEIR customers? This information “service” is easier to provide than you think, and the advantage you can obtain for the business by providing and monitoring such service is invaluable.<br />
<br />
WhosOn by Parker Software (<a href="http://www.whoson.com/">http://www.whoson.com/</a>) is an all-in-one solution for Live Web Statistics, Live Visitor Chat, Proactive Visitor Engaging, Prospect Detection, Web Analytics, Click-to-Call Back, Click Fraud Detection & More. Though the program provides management with market intelligence regarding website marketing programs and assists with sales efforts and data mining, the primary advantage of the software program is the real-time communication portal through the web; customer “live chat”, and the real-time site analytics we are able to capture while leads and opportunities are crawling on our site. We are able to listen to our clients tell us what is of interest to them by monitoring their traffic habits on our website and listening to their real-time comments through our chat program. Though we can communicate to them, it is their communication to us through this tool that is of most value.<br />
<br />
One of the special features our registration vendor, EShow (<a href="http://www.goeshow.com/">http://www.goeshow.com/</a>), brings to our events is the addition of a networking service to the registration system which allows exhibitors and attendees to chat prior to the event; Exhibitor and Attendee, Attendee and Attendee, Exhibitor and Exhibitor. We are working to take this a step further, deploying WebEx conference services to our event, allowing all exhibitors and attendees to hold free, online conference calls and pre-event meetings through our website. These programs will allow us to witness the conversations of the market we serve and ensure we are continuing to offer products relevant to their respective needs and interests while eliminating those that are not beneficial to their business. In addition, and of more value to our clients, this program will serve as a tool for all attendees to discuss the event and plan their attendance; set up meetings; identify specific products on the show floor they wish to review; invite specific buyers to visit their booth on the show floor; identify key speakers / presenters and topics they wish to experience; comment on who they would like to see at the event, and more. This information will allow us to continue tweaking the event according to what our clients and their industry peers are saying through this service. We are able to capture this data, analyze the sales and communication habits of our clients, understand their true interests, and refine our products and services to better match their needs.<br />
<br />
In a day and age where business must think outside of the box to gain a strategic, competitive advantage, we must be creative and resourceful with the customer in mind; not just focused on how we can serve, but listening to how our customers want to be served. As the market rebounds and power shifts, the customer will tell you where your business needs to be. The question is… are you listening?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-23484203205365594762009-12-28T15:05:00.000-05:002009-12-28T15:05:59.639-05:00Sales & Marketing in 2010CLICHÉ – A cliché is a saying, expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). MY TURN: “It’s hard to believe the New Year is already here!” YOUR TURN… (Insert Response Cliché). Given the dismal economic performance of 2009, we can all think of many come-backs… but the one we most certainly agree would be… “Let’s hope 2010 is better than 2009”. Unfortunately, the word “better” remains subjective. <br />
<br />
Leading economists are forecasting 2010 to mark recovery from “The Great Recession”. We are currently witnessing trends of lowering unemployment and increasing GDP. However, amidst positive trends and recent economic data, we will continue to feel the bite of this recession for a while. We must also remember there is no guarantee 2010 will bring relief. 2010 presents a looming giant of economic catastrophe. Today’s stability, however welcome, is worryingly fragile (see “<a href="http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=15127608">The Great Stabilisation</a>”; The Economist, Print Edition, Dec 17, 2009). As such, we can expect the business sector to continue operating in the world of economic downturn, no matter what economic indicators and leading economists suggest… hope for the best; plan for the worst, right?<br />
<br />
It’s the “planning for the worst” that gets me. It is no secret that when the economy tightens, so do the belts of business. Faced with a slowing / receding economy, our clients (exhibitors and attendees) slice budgets in 3 areas that directly affect the tradeshow / B2B marketing industries: Business Marketing, Training, and Travel. We all agree that fiscal management is a necessity. Efficiency is mandatory to weather economic storms. The problem doesn’t lie in tighter fiscal policies; the problems lie in how fiscal restraint is applied. Simply put; management seems to forget the fundamentals of HOW to market and sell in a recession. What’s ironic is while we complain furiously about the erroneous financial decisions of our clients, we do the SAME THING!<br />
<br />
When we look at our slumping exhibit and sponsorship sales, or dropping attendance rates, we blame the economy and the market’s response. We continuously state our frustrations with our market for slicing marketing dollars, training budgets and travel allowances. We continue to bark about our customer’s buying trends and spending habits affecting our ability to sell floor space, sponsorships, conference sessions, and event attendance. We do this without consideration to adjustments we have (or have not) made as well. <br />
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There was an article published February 19, 2008 in BusinessWeek Magazine (originally published in The Financial Times of London on February 19, 2008), written by John Quelch, a professor at Harvard Business School since 1979. Mr. Quelch is one of ten marketing experts profiled in the 2007 book, “Conversations with Marketing Masters” by Laura Mazur and Louella Miles, and is known world-wide for his research on global marketing, global branding, and marketing communications. He is a non-executive director of WPP Group plc., the world’s second largest marketing services company, and of Pepsi Bottling Group. I don’t think many can question his credentials. <br />
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Mr. Quelch’s article, “<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/feb2008/ca20080219_060846.htm?chan=careers_managing+your+company+page_strategy+and+execution">How to Mark</a><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/feb2008/ca20080219_060846.htm?chan=careers_managing+your+company+page_strategy+and+execution">et in a Recession</a>” touches on EIGHT factors a company should consider when creating marketing plans during a recession. It is a reminder of how companies should focus marketing efforts when facing bad economic conditions ahead, and offers great insight as to why each factor must be considered. Many, if not all, apply to our industry as well.<br />
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Do WE increase customer research to ensure value positioning and differentiation? Do WE change our marketing message focus more towards “family values in place of images of extreme sports, adventure and rugged individualism”? Do WE maintain our marketing spending or cut according to falling revenues? Do WE adjust our product portfolios according to the changing needs of our customer? Do WE adjust our pricing tactics? Do WE emphasize core values? Is our marketing message on target with the changing environment, and are we continuing to allocate adequate resources? (Read full article <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/feb2008/ca20080219_060846.htm?chan=careers_managing+your+company+page_strategy+and+execution">HERE</a>)<br />
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Just as we look to our client market to respond to economic conditions appropriately, so must we. All in all, 2010 will present another year of battle within the markets we serve. We will battle for market share within the industries our events serve. We will also battle the forces our client’s are engaged with, working to help them overcome challenges and survive. Sales and Marketing tactics will be the primary catalyst to success or failure in 2010. We expect our customers to adjust; we must do the same.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-4883372759148032552009-12-22T14:04:00.003-05:002009-12-22T14:06:21.032-05:00MEASURE EVERYTHING OF SIGNIFICANCE… (People won’t do what you expect; they will do what you inspect)OK… the answer is NO – I am not simply posting information regarding someone else’s blog to keep our little corner of the blog universe current. Actually, quite the contrary. I want to share information from MarketingHeadHunter.com with you; specifically a post by Harry Joiner, an exceptional and amazing e-Commerce recruiter based out of Atlanta, GA. <br />
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Harry’s credentials are unsurpassed in his field. However, his success is not due to his BA from the University of Georgia (I do sympathize with him), his MBA from South Carolina, his experience working International Commodity Sales for AJC in Atlanta, his time at NYU, being recognized through “Fistful of Talent” Top 25 Talent Management Blogs for 2008, being a recipient of an “Authenticity” Award by Internet Inc. in 2009, being quoted/referenced numerous times in the Wall Street Journal, his ability to play drums, or the fact he is related to yours truly. <br />
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Harry’s success is due to his grasp of reality when engaged in the business world; his ability to call a spade a spade and bypass the crap spewed by irrational and unrealistic business muttonheads holding executive level positions in the world of Human Resources; the gate-keepers who have truly lost touch with reality regarding the keys to success. The man ensures his clients view the world through the appropriate set of glasses and that his job-seekers are best prepared for the market they seek to engage. He is the best at what he does because he approaches each situation from a position of reality.<br />
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Early in 2009, Harry posted a blog titled “16 Rules for Success in Business & Life”. Not that I would consider Bob Parsons a true motivational speaker or self-help Guru, the man does know a thing or two about internet marketing and e-commerce… something all of us who know GoDaddy cannot dismiss. Harry’s post pays homage to an article Mr. Parsons wrote titled “16 Rules for Success in Business & Life”. Harry puts it this way: <br />
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<em>“Growing a successful company is really hard work, and Bob strikes me as the quintessential internet marketing entrepreneur: fast talking, fast thinking, fast implementing, and fast failing. Jack Welch was like this too, seeking the highest-possible velocity for ideas and assets in his GE companies. If you have never read Welch's process for topgrading an organization, please do so. Very Darwinian.”.</em> <br />
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It is amazing a marketing guru can get this… but Harry does! Read this blog <a href="http://www.marketingheadhunter.com/2009/02/16-rules-for-success-in-business-life.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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jmUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-14628378190018749372009-12-18T10:03:00.002-05:002009-12-18T10:41:14.801-05:00Selling the Intangible; "tribal knowledge" for the jungle out thereOK, so the world of Tradeshow Marketing is taking yet another hit. We know, we know. After all, this is nothing new. We experienced a valley during the economic recession of the 1980’s (remember the original “sellers market”?). Though the industry rebounded strong, the events of September 11 yet again reduced the industry to a level less than 30% of its economic impact pre 9-11 (according to CEIR). However, like before, the ever perseverant industry of meeting planners and event organizers found a way to rebound, of course after experiencing yet another purging, eliminating numerous over-inflated markets and unnecessary events.<br /><br />Today, the uncertainty of the economy has not helped sales efforts from an industry already struggling to show value of the intangible sale. When faced with a slowing / receding economy, the business sector slices budgets in 4 primary areas: Business Marketing, Inventory and Supply Chain Management, Employee Training, and travel. My friends, these are what tradeshows are all about. Our customers exhibit in our shows to market their products and/or services in a face-to-face setting to their potential clients. Our attendees meet with exhibitors to purchase goods and services for their inventories. The majority of attendees register to receive training; to sharpen the saw, and achieve additional credentials. On average, over 70% of event attendees must travel to attend the events. In result, attendance of buyers at our events is down.<br /><br />All of these forces simply make it tougher to close the intangible sale. Buyers are uncertain of the ROI they have come to expect, and are now uncertain if an event can truly produce a solution to their pain of slowing sales and declining business opportunities. Sales managers throughout the industry are continuously challenged with how to create greater ROI for their customers; how to further demonstrate to their customers that the products and services they offer are truly the solution to their customer’s needs.<br /><br />I recently read a newsletter produced by Wat Tyler, VP of Sales for SAVO Sales Enablement Solutions. The article deals with what he terms “Tribal Knowledge”. In a nutshell, it simply enforces and embodies the concepts of solution selling, and the use of proper tools to ensure your sales efforts are on target with your customers and market and eliminating waste most commonly dumped on clients by the average sales executive. It is a great read, providing simple insight to how utilizing the right tools can produce the desired results; the solution-oriented sales process vs. a product / feature sales process. Here is a link to the article: <a href="http://www.savogroup.com/newsletter/tribalnewsletter/wattyler/default">http://www.savogroup.com/newsletter/tribalnewsletter/wattyler/default</a><br /><br />jmUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762401844231146188.post-44418369637359549412009-12-09T13:00:00.001-05:002009-12-18T09:57:23.069-05:00<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;" >WE'RE FINALLY LIVE!<br /></span></div><br />Welcome to Management Excellence - the true BLOG SPOT for Sales, Marketing, and Business Management professionals within the Trade Show Industry. This blog will be live shortly, but for now... just a simple introduction.<br /><br />The purpose of this blog- to educate and inform regarding the latest trends, forecasts and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">experiences</span> in Trade Show Management - from all points of view. This blog is not limited to any specific business genre and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">welcomes</span> discussion in Sales, Operations, Labor, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Executive, and any other management or non-management positions. Simply put, if you are in the industry or affected by the industry, you should contribute.<br /><br />Those visiting will find articles from such <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">renown</span> sources as The International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE), The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the Society of Indendent Show Organizers (SISO), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Meeting Planners International (MPI), the International Special Events Society (ISES), The American Management Association (AMA), HR.COM, The American Association of Training & Development (ASTD), <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Executive</span> Leadership and more.<br /><br />Feel free to discuss openly, but PLEASE remember to remain PROFESSIONAL! This site is for assisting all managers to achieve excellence in this craft.<br /><br />Enjoy -<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">JM</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1