To maintain morale during storm, marine group orders crew at ease
For the last year and a half, the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association, a group representing 1,400 pleasure boat product companies, has sailed rough waters.
Read MoreTop Places to Work 2009: from the editor
From the editor This year the American workplace has been in upheaval. Job security has evaporated as economic forces triggered an unpleasant cascade of cutbacks, furloughs, freezes and layoffs. The association community has not been spared, but this has also been a year for association staff to repurpose talent and ramp up ingenuity, to continue to work to advance their industries and professions.We set out, once again, to see how they are rewarded financially and otherwise.
Read MoreU.S. Chamber launches extended free market offensive
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has formally unveiled its Campaign for Free Enterprise, a mammoth, multi-year effort aimed at educating the public about the importance of free enterprise and encouraging lawmakers to consider how their votes will impact the free market and the nations economic health. Free enterprise is facing its greatest challenge. Protectionism is on the rise and markets are threatened, said Chamber President Tom
Read MoreWell-funded retirement plans continue to flourish
In this years Top Places to Work survey, some associations and nonprofits persist in offering generous retirement plansa simple, surprising finding from a sector battered on all fronts, from increased costs to serious revenue challenges. If there was ever a time to cut back on retirement benefits, 2009 would be the year to do it. And staff would probably understand.
Read MoreAdmitting your weaknesses can showcase your strengths
Ask the recruiter Question: How do the best job candidates respond to the perennial request to describe your weaknesses? Elizabeth HumphreyManaging principalThe McCormick Group Inc.I always tell people there are questions you can be assured you will be asked. One of them would be, Tell me your weaknesses.
Read MoreBargaining edge goes to planners
Association executives, many of whom may feel burned by the steep attrition and cancellation penalties they now face from hotels, might get the last laugh. Thats because the travel industry slump has given event planners leverage to write flexible terms into future event contracts. For the first time, you see hotels advertise no cancellation penalties, said Lisa Hix, an associate in the nonprofit practice at law firm Venable LLP. Everyone is responding to the times.
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