|
Annual Meeting, Concurrent Roundtables and Reception Marriott’s Hunt Valley
Inn Annual Meeting Summary Chairman Rick Webb called the meeting to order. Secretary Joe Biglin certified that a quorum was present. Chairman Webb gave a welcoming address and introduced distinguished visitors. Treasurer Charles Feihe reported that the Forum was in good financial condition and detailed income and reserves. Chairman Webb introduced the Board of Directors and identified those who had been nominated for reelection. A motion was made seconded and passed to elect the slate. Chairman Webb introduced Robert J. Lawless; Chairman, President and CEO of McCormick & Company. A brief summary of his address follows. Bob began with a discussion of the elements that make a successful CEO Primary among these is effective communications. The CEO today must interact in a wide variety of circumstances. Understanding and communicating needs is required to achieve success. This is followed in importance with strategy and execution. There are many issues that keep a CEO awake at night. The CEO today is faced with challenges in every area. Requirements of government regulations have become financially burdensome for responsible corporations in an effort to protect citizens from a smaller number of unscrupulous corporate executives. This cost has resulted in loss of shareholder value. Bob emphasized the importance of succession planning. The tenure of a CEO is from ten to twelve years. After that, room should be made for those who have been chosen to move forward. McCormick is unique in promoting to senior management solely from within. This mirrors the McCormick philosophy of employee relations. McCormick is a great place to work. This is evidenced by employee loyalty. At every level employees are encouraged to achieve and are assisted by company mentors. McCormick employees are encouraged to invest in the company and have been handsomely rewarded. There are many “McCormick Millionaires” that represent those who have invested in the company. Bob is energized by the challenges each day that affect a global corporation. The stress level on a CEO is high and the tough decisions should be made quickly. Bob concluded with comments on how technology has improved efficiency resulting in significant savings. This was followed by questions from the floor. The address was warmly received with a solid round of applause. Chairman Webb thanked Heinz Woschitz, General Manager of Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn, for his hospitality and for providing the food at the reception to follow. Chairman Webb adjourned the meeting and invited all to the reception. Chairman Webb requested that the Board of Directors remain for a brief meeting to elect the officers for 2005. Human Resources Roundtable Summary Summary submitted by Christine M Eichler; Chairwoman, Human Recourses Roundtable and Human Resources Manager at PDP Technologies, Inc. Ed Paterline from Spherion Corporation led a discussion on the Emerging Workforce. Spherion provides a broad range of services including staffing, recruiting and workforce solutions. Ed presented the results of surveys conducted by Spherion over the last several years, which showed employees' attitudes towards the workplace and the attitudes of workers towards work. He discussed the differences between the emergent worker and the traditional worker. While the emergent worker expects their value to be determined by contribution, not tenure or rank, the traditional worker views job change as damaging to one's career and feels that advancement should be based on length of service. In order to deal with the emergent workforce, one that is confident and more demanding than the traditional workforce, employers must be prepared to offer flexible options such as flex-time, telecommuting, job sharing and on-site daycare so that these workers can achieve work fulfillment and work/life balance which are cited as their top career priorities. Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable Summary Summary Submitted by Clare Berrang, Program Chairwoman of the Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable and Leasing and Sales Associate, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate. Mark Bomse and Mark Renbaum from Greenberg Commercial spoke about the Hunt Valley Towne Centre and their tenants there. Members can check out the complete list at: http://www.greenbergcommercial.com/projects/hunt_valley/hunt_valley.html Some stores are open now and Wegmans is to open in August. Greenberg's intent is to showcase local merchants in addition to large retail groups. Greenberg is thinking about other opportunities on the property such as 300 residences with their own parking. Security is provided by a private police force which is supplemented by off-duty police officers. Marty Lurz spoke and introduced Bob McGraw as the new Assistant Commander of Cockeysville. He reported that it has been quieter lately although there was an ATM robbery. A member spoke about some laptops that had been recently stolen from her office and Marty gave us some tips about being safe. |