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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Human Resources
Roundtable Host: Loyola College in Maryland Attending: Harry Andrews, Long & Foster Chairwoman Eileen Edwards introduced Terry Neimeyer, CEO of KSI Technologies for our discussion on sharing gains and losses with employees. Terry began with an introduction to KCI, its reach, mission and significant engineering accomplishments. Spread over nine states with nineteen offices, 50 % of KCI’s work base is generated from the Department of Transportation. A major current project is the Maglev rail project between Baltimore and Washington. The management of KCI acted on an opportunity to purchase the company from a private owner who wanted to sell. This was done through an ESOP turning employees into stakeholders and involving them in the destiny of the company. Terry describes KCI’s management style as open book. Terry commented on the advantages and challenges in operating in such a manner. Although the gains of the company are shared, so are the losses. Many innovations involving employees were initiated. The Board of Directors includes an employee representative. A Company Wide Employee Committees was organized to facilitate the flow of information and communications. Terry emphasized communication to the point of over-communication. This was done by a company Intra-net, a newsletter, website, emails and the use of employee attitude surveys. Rewards are through promotion, bonuses and award ceremonies. Community service is recognized. Quarterly financial statements report the good and the bad. The need to educate directors, trustees and all levels of management is critical. |