AdVISE
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
AdVISE: Northern Beltline/ I422 and Growth for the North J...
AdVISE: Northern Beltline/ I422 and Growth for the North J...: The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has scheduled two public hearings to allow the public to be heard on the issue of the North...
Northern Beltline/ I422 and Growth for the North Jefferson Area
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has scheduled two public hearings to allow the public to be heard on the issue of the Northern Beltline.
This important public meeting is for just that, The Public. This is your time to speak publically on your opinions and to become fully informed on the information to date surrounding this important regional project. In advance of the meeting please seek out information by visiting the dedicated website of www.finish422.org for more insight.
As we have discussed here before, the idea of a beltline dates back to the 1960s. Through the unified voice of ALDOT and the Coalition for Regional Transportation progress on the Northern Beltline project is being made.
Paul Vercher is the Chairman of the Board for the Directors of the Coalition for Regional Transportation. Board members include Applied Research Center of Alabama, Birmingham Business Alliance, Brasfield & Gorrie,
Drummond Company, Energen/Alagasco, Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, Saiia Construction, Thompson Tractor, US Steel, and Vulcan Materials. Vercher works for US Steel and joined the company to fill the newly created role of manager-state governmental affairs and will manage the company's governmental affairs activities at the state and local levels in Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
There are dozens of official resolutions of support from our area to include Gardendale, Fultondale, Graysville, Adamsville, Brookside, Kimberly, Warrior, Tarrant, Morris and more. “These tangible signs of support are evidence of the broad and diverse coalition the Northern Beltline has garnered throughout our region,” said Vercher.
Like the economic and jobs growth spurred by I-459 in the southern and eastern parts of the Birmingham metropolitan area, I-422 (Northern Beltline) will do the same for the western and northern areas of Birmingham and Jefferson County according to their website.
And don’t forget I22, which we can all clearly see coming right along. This multi-level stack interchange is planned for the location between the current U.S. 31 Fultondale trumpet interchange at Exit 266 and 41st Street interchange at Exit 264. Upon completion of I22, Fultondale will be the only city other than Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile to be served by more than one two-digit interstate highway (I-65 and I-22).
Ask your questions. Get your facts. Understand what this means not just to our area, but to you.
This important public meeting is for just that, The Public. This is your time to speak publically on your opinions and to become fully informed on the information to date surrounding this important regional project. In advance of the meeting please seek out information by visiting the dedicated website of www.finish422.org for more insight.
As we have discussed here before, the idea of a beltline dates back to the 1960s. Through the unified voice of ALDOT and the Coalition for Regional Transportation progress on the Northern Beltline project is being made.
Paul Vercher is the Chairman of the Board for the Directors of the Coalition for Regional Transportation. Board members include Applied Research Center of Alabama, Birmingham Business Alliance, Brasfield & Gorrie,
Drummond Company, Energen/Alagasco, Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, Saiia Construction, Thompson Tractor, US Steel, and Vulcan Materials. Vercher works for US Steel and joined the company to fill the newly created role of manager-state governmental affairs and will manage the company's governmental affairs activities at the state and local levels in Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
There are dozens of official resolutions of support from our area to include Gardendale, Fultondale, Graysville, Adamsville, Brookside, Kimberly, Warrior, Tarrant, Morris and more. “These tangible signs of support are evidence of the broad and diverse coalition the Northern Beltline has garnered throughout our region,” said Vercher.
Like the economic and jobs growth spurred by I-459 in the southern and eastern parts of the Birmingham metropolitan area, I-422 (Northern Beltline) will do the same for the western and northern areas of Birmingham and Jefferson County according to their website.
And don’t forget I22, which we can all clearly see coming right along. This multi-level stack interchange is planned for the location between the current U.S. 31 Fultondale trumpet interchange at Exit 266 and 41st Street interchange at Exit 264. Upon completion of I22, Fultondale will be the only city other than Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile to be served by more than one two-digit interstate highway (I-65 and I-22).
Ask your questions. Get your facts. Understand what this means not just to our area, but to you.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pro-Business: Real or Rhetoric?
Question: What does it mean to be Pro-Business? After all, business no longer simply means factory. Do you mean pro educated work force or do you mean pro-labor? Do you mean short term profit or long term growth? Newly appointed Alabama Development Office Director, Greg Canfield, put the question to his BCA audience. BCA members, Chamber of Commerce leadership, and Legislators met at the recent BCA Committee Days held in Prattville this week. In his words, Canfield expressed Pro-Business as job creation, pro-education, and pro-community development. In his words, Pro-Business is fostered in the self-reliant environment that drives to the full limit of ability.
Appointed by Governor Bentley, Canfield states his new role to be a “welcomed opportunity.” Canfield expressed his passion for his new role, but also his willingness to “give some thought to what I am doing.” Alabama is viewed as a national leader in more than just athletics according to Canfield. The Alabama reputation for economic recruitment is recognized, but the challenge continues to be advancement in this significant arena and to continue to become better and better making the “wheel turn better” in his words. Canfield expressed the need to create successful processes for economic recruitment and job creation which in turn will lead to successful partnerships.
Improvement of the process will come only with a strong team, and Canfield stated his commitment to thoughtful leadership. His is the only state office charged with job creation and leading of industry to the state. Important work certainly, and done well, will place Alabama as a leader not just regionally but in the nation. Governor Bentley shares the passion of Mr. Canfield, and job creation is priority number one. Pro-education and pro-community development are critical success factors for job creation as benchmarks are set to push through the standards of building a valued and educated work force.
Beginning with the end in mind, Canfield charged that “Alabama should determine her own future.” Work toward making this a reality has begun with Alabama Development Office project activity up 12.8%. Mr. Canfield views the work at hand as that of a sales organization, built on relationships and managed by a seasoned team of project managers.
Stating with clear confidence to the BCA attendees, Mr. Canfield challenged his office to “surround our self with excellence.” And, refreshing to hear, “The Buck stops here.”
Moving in to 2012 and beyond we will watch expectantly for the work outcomes of Mr. Canfield and his team. In his words, “it is all about the preparation. This is Alabama. We are use to being champions. But, we get there because we work hard and smart.”
Casting a vision for the future is critical to any foundational leadership. Patience and a willingness to thoughtfully lead will insure that the right things are done at the right time. I asked, “How will we get there?” With his ever confident smile, his answer was, “One Day at a Time.”
Appointed by Governor Bentley, Canfield states his new role to be a “welcomed opportunity.” Canfield expressed his passion for his new role, but also his willingness to “give some thought to what I am doing.” Alabama is viewed as a national leader in more than just athletics according to Canfield. The Alabama reputation for economic recruitment is recognized, but the challenge continues to be advancement in this significant arena and to continue to become better and better making the “wheel turn better” in his words. Canfield expressed the need to create successful processes for economic recruitment and job creation which in turn will lead to successful partnerships.
Improvement of the process will come only with a strong team, and Canfield stated his commitment to thoughtful leadership. His is the only state office charged with job creation and leading of industry to the state. Important work certainly, and done well, will place Alabama as a leader not just regionally but in the nation. Governor Bentley shares the passion of Mr. Canfield, and job creation is priority number one. Pro-education and pro-community development are critical success factors for job creation as benchmarks are set to push through the standards of building a valued and educated work force.
Beginning with the end in mind, Canfield charged that “Alabama should determine her own future.” Work toward making this a reality has begun with Alabama Development Office project activity up 12.8%. Mr. Canfield views the work at hand as that of a sales organization, built on relationships and managed by a seasoned team of project managers.
Stating with clear confidence to the BCA attendees, Mr. Canfield challenged his office to “surround our self with excellence.” And, refreshing to hear, “The Buck stops here.”
Moving in to 2012 and beyond we will watch expectantly for the work outcomes of Mr. Canfield and his team. In his words, “it is all about the preparation. This is Alabama. We are use to being champions. But, we get there because we work hard and smart.”
Casting a vision for the future is critical to any foundational leadership. Patience and a willingness to thoughtfully lead will insure that the right things are done at the right time. I asked, “How will we get there?” With his ever confident smile, his answer was, “One Day at a Time.”
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Business Council of Alabama, Governmental Affairs and General Stan McChrystal on Leadership
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This proverb which is credited to Thomas Reid in the 18th century is echoed again in the lecture on Leadership given by General Stan McChrystal at the recent Governmental Affairs conference weekend sponsored by the Business Council of Alabama. General McChrystal calls it Plywood Leadership. Referencing his team in combat, he discusses that like plywood, each man or woman is not that unique, but together as a team they are like the plywood used to build just about anything. Plywood, like his combat team, is quick to build with, agile to change, easy to fit to a need and focused on a purpose.
One thing is certainly true about our BCA leaders, they always create a strong venue for introspection for our government leadership at this conference and this year was no exception. With leadership from both sides of the political aisle present, as well as multiple Chambers of Commerce, the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Business Council of Alabama leadership in attendance, this meeting has for me been both insightful and motivating as I seek to learn more about what “good really looks like” in terms of civic, political and community leadership.
As the former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan
General McChrystal has received wide praise for creating a revolution in warfare that fused intelligence and operations. A four-star general, he is the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) which oversees the military’s most sensitive forces.
As the key note speaker for this event, McChrystal began by quickly connecting with our Alabama pulse. He commented on the importance of a Right To Work state, which Alabama is, taking ownership and responsibility for appropriately training the work force and the leadership that is needed to get you there. But taking the thought further, he emphasized not just the value of Leadership, but the real role of leaders at the heart of that leadership. “We all look to leaders, we all believe in our leaders, but what type of leader do I want to be?” he challenged. Whether at a personal level at home, in your business or if running a country, the organization will be what the leader makes of it. He reminded the group that winning is not an accident, and you will not win just because you have “right” on your side. Taking risk as a leader does not guarantee success, and with his military experience near at hand, I trust he knows this to be true and real.
He reminds us to “listen to our team.” Why? Because that is where your success will rise from of course. You will succeed or fail based on the people with which you surround yourself. It isn’t just how the leader responds, but how the goal and directives are communicated to the team that will execute the plan that matters the most. How does the team feel about the challenge? Do they have enough information to execute the plan? What do you LOSE by not sharing information and communicating at all levels? You may in fact lose more than you expect. In my world growing up as an Army Brat, we called it “winning the battle” but losing the war. The message here is don’t give up the long term goal for some insignificant short term win that satisfies a personal need for ego, status, prestige, money or glory. You may walk away with that, but nothing else, and in business where is the win in that?
According to McChrystal leaders are relentless in their focus. They are fearless and welcome the new experience. A leader does not fear change. A leader builds trust. A leader communicates goal and intent, not individual decisions. Ask yourself this: Am I surrounded by a leadership team that will carry on without me because they know what their job is and what the goal is? Or am I surrounded by minions waiting for their next directive because they can’t think or act alone? Ask yourself: Who would I turn my back on?
As you move into your week this week, spend some time thinking on your own leadership. Who do you follow? Who follows you? In fact, according to McChrystal, the purpose of the leader is to solve problems, and to do so with humility. A leader will recognize that change is difficult, but change anyway. A leader knows at his or her core that leadership is a human problem, not one of tasks.
Uncommon times need uncommon leadership, and I learned a great deal listening to the General. How often do you hear a leader speak of morale and purpose? He asked: Where is your soul? A team needs a leader that will create not just a relationship but a creed, not just a belief, but a purpose.
One thing is certainly true about our BCA leaders, they always create a strong venue for introspection for our government leadership at this conference and this year was no exception. With leadership from both sides of the political aisle present, as well as multiple Chambers of Commerce, the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Business Council of Alabama leadership in attendance, this meeting has for me been both insightful and motivating as I seek to learn more about what “good really looks like” in terms of civic, political and community leadership.
As the former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan
General McChrystal has received wide praise for creating a revolution in warfare that fused intelligence and operations. A four-star general, he is the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) which oversees the military’s most sensitive forces.
As the key note speaker for this event, McChrystal began by quickly connecting with our Alabama pulse. He commented on the importance of a Right To Work state, which Alabama is, taking ownership and responsibility for appropriately training the work force and the leadership that is needed to get you there. But taking the thought further, he emphasized not just the value of Leadership, but the real role of leaders at the heart of that leadership. “We all look to leaders, we all believe in our leaders, but what type of leader do I want to be?” he challenged. Whether at a personal level at home, in your business or if running a country, the organization will be what the leader makes of it. He reminded the group that winning is not an accident, and you will not win just because you have “right” on your side. Taking risk as a leader does not guarantee success, and with his military experience near at hand, I trust he knows this to be true and real.
He reminds us to “listen to our team.” Why? Because that is where your success will rise from of course. You will succeed or fail based on the people with which you surround yourself. It isn’t just how the leader responds, but how the goal and directives are communicated to the team that will execute the plan that matters the most. How does the team feel about the challenge? Do they have enough information to execute the plan? What do you LOSE by not sharing information and communicating at all levels? You may in fact lose more than you expect. In my world growing up as an Army Brat, we called it “winning the battle” but losing the war. The message here is don’t give up the long term goal for some insignificant short term win that satisfies a personal need for ego, status, prestige, money or glory. You may walk away with that, but nothing else, and in business where is the win in that?
According to McChrystal leaders are relentless in their focus. They are fearless and welcome the new experience. A leader does not fear change. A leader builds trust. A leader communicates goal and intent, not individual decisions. Ask yourself this: Am I surrounded by a leadership team that will carry on without me because they know what their job is and what the goal is? Or am I surrounded by minions waiting for their next directive because they can’t think or act alone? Ask yourself: Who would I turn my back on?
As you move into your week this week, spend some time thinking on your own leadership. Who do you follow? Who follows you? In fact, according to McChrystal, the purpose of the leader is to solve problems, and to do so with humility. A leader will recognize that change is difficult, but change anyway. A leader knows at his or her core that leadership is a human problem, not one of tasks.
Uncommon times need uncommon leadership, and I learned a great deal listening to the General. How often do you hear a leader speak of morale and purpose? He asked: Where is your soul? A team needs a leader that will create not just a relationship but a creed, not just a belief, but a purpose.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Alabama and Trade with China
With a population of more than 1.3 billion people, a rapidly growing urban middle class, and an economy poised to dominate the world, China is an attractive consumer marketplace for American companies. The Chinese market is a world of potential and Alabama is joining the many that are looking East.
According to Business Alabama (7/11) China jumped last year to second place among Alabama’s world export markets, with 142 percent year-to-year growth in 2010. China also tops of the list of countries importing Alabama chemicals bringing in $554 million. This is topped further by the transportation equipment import category that includes Alabama cars. China imported $579 million worth last year. China is an important destination for export goods shipped through the Port of Mobile such as grain, coal and forest products.
Selling to China is not always easy. Many Chinese workers make no more than $3,500 in wages in an entire year. It may take a third of a year salary to purchase a sofa. However, China does have a rising middle and elite class. There are cultural issues as well as monetary issues affecting how the Chinese buy. There is a concern about products that are real, and there is a desire to want to go to the store to touch a product and see what they’re purchasing.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that many Chinese consumers don’t have credit cards and are distrustful of online-payment systems. As people buy more online, they’ll begin to understand that they have consumer protections. But, it will take time.
George Haley, University of New Haven professor and author of The Chinese Tao of Business: The Logic of Successful Business Strategy, writes concerning a culture clash when it comes to customer service. “The Chinese have become extremely demanding consumers, and service is something that they absolutely demand to a much greater standard than American consumers,” he says. He believes it will be essential for companies to maintain inventory so that it can guarantee delivery times, or risk customer backlash. He also says, “the Chinese consumer is extremely brand-conscious.” Well named brands and luxury items are important here. The promotion of low cost is not always a selling point.
The Chinese market is transforming trade in one of Alabama’s most traditional agricultural markets. As written in Business Alabama, and according to state pecan expert Bill Goff, China trade is “the biggest thing to ever to happen to the pecan industry.” China’s pecan imports went from 2 million to 83 million almost overnight. For years the Chinese have eaten walnuts for their health, and they have now discovered that pecans can promote longevity and are even better for you. In a country where age is revered, that is key. Add in the rising affluence of the Chinese middle class, a favorable exchange rate, and things just snowballed.
Foreign direct investment is important to Alabama’s economy. Consider the jobs created by Germany, Japan and Korea for our state. Looking at trade with China? Don’t tread in without good support. Director of International Trade for the Alabama Development Office, Hilda Lockhart, recommends the Confucius Institute at Troy University. It is a great place for Alabamians to learn about Chinese life, customs and industry. There are resources with ADO as well as Chamber of Commerce based initiatives and the US Department of Commerce.
According to Business Alabama (7/11) China jumped last year to second place among Alabama’s world export markets, with 142 percent year-to-year growth in 2010. China also tops of the list of countries importing Alabama chemicals bringing in $554 million. This is topped further by the transportation equipment import category that includes Alabama cars. China imported $579 million worth last year. China is an important destination for export goods shipped through the Port of Mobile such as grain, coal and forest products.
Selling to China is not always easy. Many Chinese workers make no more than $3,500 in wages in an entire year. It may take a third of a year salary to purchase a sofa. However, China does have a rising middle and elite class. There are cultural issues as well as monetary issues affecting how the Chinese buy. There is a concern about products that are real, and there is a desire to want to go to the store to touch a product and see what they’re purchasing.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that many Chinese consumers don’t have credit cards and are distrustful of online-payment systems. As people buy more online, they’ll begin to understand that they have consumer protections. But, it will take time.
George Haley, University of New Haven professor and author of The Chinese Tao of Business: The Logic of Successful Business Strategy, writes concerning a culture clash when it comes to customer service. “The Chinese have become extremely demanding consumers, and service is something that they absolutely demand to a much greater standard than American consumers,” he says. He believes it will be essential for companies to maintain inventory so that it can guarantee delivery times, or risk customer backlash. He also says, “the Chinese consumer is extremely brand-conscious.” Well named brands and luxury items are important here. The promotion of low cost is not always a selling point.
The Chinese market is transforming trade in one of Alabama’s most traditional agricultural markets. As written in Business Alabama, and according to state pecan expert Bill Goff, China trade is “the biggest thing to ever to happen to the pecan industry.” China’s pecan imports went from 2 million to 83 million almost overnight. For years the Chinese have eaten walnuts for their health, and they have now discovered that pecans can promote longevity and are even better for you. In a country where age is revered, that is key. Add in the rising affluence of the Chinese middle class, a favorable exchange rate, and things just snowballed.
Foreign direct investment is important to Alabama’s economy. Consider the jobs created by Germany, Japan and Korea for our state. Looking at trade with China? Don’t tread in without good support. Director of International Trade for the Alabama Development Office, Hilda Lockhart, recommends the Confucius Institute at Troy University. It is a great place for Alabamians to learn about Chinese life, customs and industry. There are resources with ADO as well as Chamber of Commerce based initiatives and the US Department of Commerce.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Employment Trends and The First Half of 2011 Invested
The first half of 2011 is in the bag. I must have blinked because it has just flown by and let’s take a look at where we are. There is worry about how Greece and several other European nations will handle their debt problems, and signs of weakness for our own economy. There are continued concerns that China's economy, the world's second-largest and crucial to the commodity markets, is slowing. Even risky and speculative gold investments have hit a slide declining 5 weeks running for the first time in years. I suppose at the end of the day there is a difference between an economy not sprinting forward and one that's going backward. I suppose the good news is that we are at least walking forward.
Unemployment is still hovering a bit over 9%, and there are a few interesting trends to be found in the work place. The rash of downsizing as companies worked to protect their margins and reduce operational costs has left a mixed bag of workers. Some retained workers are certainly glad to have a job, while others are struggling to find balance and meaning in their new roles. Many retained workers still are rolling from the “fruit basket toss up” and let’s work with what falls out mentality. According to a recent survey by Mercer LLC (WSJ 7/1), one in three U.S. workers say they are seriously considering leaving their employers. It seems that most are young workers with 80% of them 34 and younger. This is particularly troubling for small business which is normally limited in size, and the weak economy has forced many in recent years to downsize to even lower levels.
In a move to retain talent, many companies are looking at reinstating perks that may have been dropped along with employees during the downsizing moves. Reinstatement of 401K and a match as well as merit based bonuses are seen as key retention tools. Other perks deemed highly effective for retention include vacation and personal time, wellness-related benefits, flexible schedules, tuition reimbursement and telecommuting.
But not everyone is looking at leaving, or asking for more perks. Some are trudging off in an entirely different direction. Faced with bruised nest eggs and high unemployment rates, older Americans are becoming entrepreneurs.
According to the nonprofit Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (WSJ 7/1/11), individuals between the ages of 54 and 64 represented 1 in 5 launched businesses in 2010, suggesting the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom not in spite of an aging population but because of it. Apparently you do not need to be a 20 something young tech genius, just a calculating risk taker.
Of course starting a new business is not for the faint of heart with a failure rate as high as 90%, and most new businesses taking 5 years to break even or turn a profit.
Whether you stay, go or start off on your own, it is important to enjoy your work life. For most of us, it does consume 40 to 80 hours of our week, so we should work to make it count. It has been suggested to separate the demands of work from your own expectations of yourself. No matter where you are in your career path take the time to be aware of your goals, be they career advancement, work life balance or otherwise. Carving out for yourself a less formal and more goal-oriented workplace with the help of your boss or manager may be just the ticket to keeping you right where you are. People are more productive and happy when they have creative freedom and autonomy to get things done.
As you move into your work week next week, remember, take care of your customers (and I will add your employees) or someone else will.
Unemployment is still hovering a bit over 9%, and there are a few interesting trends to be found in the work place. The rash of downsizing as companies worked to protect their margins and reduce operational costs has left a mixed bag of workers. Some retained workers are certainly glad to have a job, while others are struggling to find balance and meaning in their new roles. Many retained workers still are rolling from the “fruit basket toss up” and let’s work with what falls out mentality. According to a recent survey by Mercer LLC (WSJ 7/1), one in three U.S. workers say they are seriously considering leaving their employers. It seems that most are young workers with 80% of them 34 and younger. This is particularly troubling for small business which is normally limited in size, and the weak economy has forced many in recent years to downsize to even lower levels.
In a move to retain talent, many companies are looking at reinstating perks that may have been dropped along with employees during the downsizing moves. Reinstatement of 401K and a match as well as merit based bonuses are seen as key retention tools. Other perks deemed highly effective for retention include vacation and personal time, wellness-related benefits, flexible schedules, tuition reimbursement and telecommuting.
But not everyone is looking at leaving, or asking for more perks. Some are trudging off in an entirely different direction. Faced with bruised nest eggs and high unemployment rates, older Americans are becoming entrepreneurs.
According to the nonprofit Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (WSJ 7/1/11), individuals between the ages of 54 and 64 represented 1 in 5 launched businesses in 2010, suggesting the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom not in spite of an aging population but because of it. Apparently you do not need to be a 20 something young tech genius, just a calculating risk taker.
Of course starting a new business is not for the faint of heart with a failure rate as high as 90%, and most new businesses taking 5 years to break even or turn a profit.
Whether you stay, go or start off on your own, it is important to enjoy your work life. For most of us, it does consume 40 to 80 hours of our week, so we should work to make it count. It has been suggested to separate the demands of work from your own expectations of yourself. No matter where you are in your career path take the time to be aware of your goals, be they career advancement, work life balance or otherwise. Carving out for yourself a less formal and more goal-oriented workplace with the help of your boss or manager may be just the ticket to keeping you right where you are. People are more productive and happy when they have creative freedom and autonomy to get things done.
As you move into your work week next week, remember, take care of your customers (and I will add your employees) or someone else will.
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