HVBF Monthly Meeting - Human Resources Roundtable
Thursday, October 4, 2001, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Host:

Community College of Baltimore County

Attending:

Joe Biglin, BreakAway Games
Dennis Carter, Legg, Mason
Maritza Doak, H R H
Eileen Edwards, KCI Technologies, Inc
Jan Albert-Elliott, Community College of Baltimore County
Alan Grace, Insignia Miller
Megan Hearthway, Paychex
Mary Ellen Judy, KCI Technologies, Inc
Pat Kilroy, Systems Alliance
Shirley K. Tyler, Right Management
Rick Webb, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
Gail Williams, McCormick & Co
Steve Woods, Workforce the Metrics

Shirley began the meeting with around the room introductions and then turned the meeting over to our guest presenter, Bob Saunders of Jostens. Bob began our discussion on the topic “ Rewards and Recognition”.

Recognition is a key element in employee retention. Successful companies view their employees on the same level as their shareholders and stake holders. Recognition may be in the form of a prize or an award.

Bob’s company produced the Super Bowl Ring program for the Ravens. He related how Coach Bilig used the ring as an achievable award. It became such a powerful symbol that the players were completely focused on the ring as a goal. It would recognize them as the best and that’s what they wanted to be. Bob passed among us an actual Ravens Super Bowl Ring. He described the memorable features of the ring that made it so valuable as a recognition symbol to the players. All Raven employees, not just the players, received a ring. He also gave each of us a souvenir ring.

A recognition program requires a change in culture. Recognition programs must be employee driven with middle managers and supervisors leading the way. Such programs are expensive but bring a handsome return on the investment. Senior management must support any program to be successful. Support can be through regular contact with employees to recognize the quality of their work on a personal basis.

Gail commented that business schools should concentrate more on the importance of people.

Your goals should be to maintain and protect your most important people. Recognition is a more valuable incentive than compensation.

Rick Webb asked how a program can be sustained. Senior management must be visible and among the employees and must be committed to the program.

Our next meeting of the Roundtable will be on Thursday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.. Our host will be PDP Group, Inc.; Executive Plaza IV; 11350 McCormick Road. Our topic will be “Benefits”. Please advise me if you will attend by return email at director@hvbf.org or call 410-771-5560. Identify the date of the event.