August 2009

"Evidence mounts that the recession may be ending". This recent msnbc.com headline caught my eye, so I read on. More than 90 percent of economists now hold the opinion that the deepest recession since the 1930s may be drawing to a close. Someday perhaps we'll explain to our grandchildren that we experienced first-hand the legendary "Cash for Clunkers" program that aided in the nation's recovery!

Small group discussions took on a new shape this year as many of you, in the first half of the year, tabled discussions about projects and initiatives to focus on cost-cutting actions and contingency planning as you weathered the recession. Many of you especially appreciated the support you received in small group as you were guiding your organizations, and sometimes your own teams, through reductions in force, salary freezes, and other benefit reductions. A few of you even experienced job loss yourselves, as your organizations made some of the toughest decisions in their history.

In recent months, however, I have noticed more optimism in your discussions and a renewed focus on your strategic initiatives. You are finding new and better ways to add value to your businesses, and you are helping to re-invent organizations that are even stronger than before and well-situated for the future. I can honestly say that I am excited for your futures and look forward to hearing more about them through your ongoing small group participation.

So what's new at hr connection®? First, we are beginning to gear up for another big event". Last year, you may recall, we brought you the Leadership Development Symposium, where you heard seasoned HR leaders from GE and General Mills talk about leadership development initiatives, together with Dave Ulrich, one of the best in our field, speak on leadership branding. Later this year, we will be featuring a symposium on "Trends and Best Practices in Human Resources". We are just finalizing the details, but, for now, make sure to hold the afternoon of November 3 because this is an event you won't want to miss.

Next, we are growing our small groups. In addition to adding members to a variety of small groups this year, so far we have launched three new groups: a new senior manager/director generalist small group (Group 20), a new labor/employee relations small group (Group 14), and a new diversity & inclusion small group (Group 21) ... and now we are toying with the notion of starting a small group in San Francisco. This could be the first of many small groups in a variety of locations throughout the U.S. Not only could this be a resource for your HR team members in other locations, but it could provide you with the added benefit of connecting with others throughout the U.S. At this point it's just an experiment, but then when Bob Bemel launched hr connection®'s first small group 18 years ago, it was also just an experiment!

In the past year, we began doing the work we envisioned through hrHorsepower. Michelle Weitzman, PhD, has been a tremendous addition to our team, as she brings expertise for driving business results through talent management initiatives that focus on engaged and productive talent. Michelle also provides the opportunity for us to offer the Lominger Suite of Tools®, where she can offer guidance in the areas of succession planning, competency modeling, coaching and feedback, and interviewing. We will soon be rolling out an updated overview of our consulting model and service offerings, so stay tuned!

Last but not least, we have recently completed our fourth session of Building High Performing HR Leaders^tm. This experience continues to strengthen HR leaders by enhancing their knowledge of business and HR as well as increase their knowledge of self.

Last month marked my fifth anniversary with hr connection. As I move into my sixth year, I remain committed to listen and learn from you and work to deliver value. Here's a summary of some of the benefits and services included in your small group membership:

• A confidential setting to meet monthly with a small group of experienced HR leaders and openly discuss issues, share best practices, and seek advice and counsel from peers
• Best Practice Exchanges with presenters and topics that are relevant to the issues you are facing. So far our 2009 Best Practice Exchanges have included:
  January: HR's Critical Role in Challenging Times (a panel presentation)
  March: Lean HR (a case study at American Medical Systems)
  June: Large Scale Strategic Planning in This Economy (Mitch Kusy)
• Real time input from other members through the hr connection network of over 250 experienced HR professionals
• Annual compensation survey and bi-annual benefits survey, as well as member-initiated spot surveys throughout the year
• Priority access for registration and significant discounts on all hrUniversity learning events (including Building High Performing HR Leaders.), which are offered in response to your development needs
• A fabulous July boat ride
• Personal career support
• Discounted fees on your hrSearch and hrHorsepower needs

While continuing to add value, we want to keep the fees as reasonable as possible. I know that many of you are in the budget planning process for next year, so I want to communicate the fee structure for 2010 as well as give you the opportunity to renew early in order to save money.

• 2010 fees paid annually: $2,075 (This represents a $225 savings over paying quarterly.) This is a 5% increase over 2009.
• 2010 fees paid quarterly: $575/quarter. This is less than a 5% increase over 2009.

If you are interested in saving some money and your budget permits, this year we want to give you the opportunity to pay now for next year. If you pay annually and renew by September 30, we will give you the opportunity to pay this year's rates for next year's membership ($1,975).

Regardless of which option you choose, each member also receives an additional 5% discount when there are 2-3 active members from your organization, and a 10% discount when there are 4 or more members. We will assume that you want the same billing option for next year as you are on this year (quarterly or annually) unless I hear differently from you.

Thank you for placing your confidence in us. We promise to continue to uphold the important traditions that many of you have valued over the years. We also remain committed to listen to you and respond with services and resources that make a critical difference for you and your organization. Your small groups are the reason we exist!

With warm regards,