Amazing Data Point

In 1990 Worldwide ERC created the Certified Relocation Professional designation to demonstrate the acquisition of the body of knowledge of the industry. Today in the mail I received an announcement that at the National Relocation Conference they will unveil a new pin to show those who have reached the point of having held their designation for 20 years. Of all the people who took the exam in May and October of 1990, there are only 300 remaining professionals who still are certified. Congratulations to those who have reached this distinguished level.

HR Strategist@Net-Speed: What are we here for

While recently looking at some of the available human resource positions, across the country, we came across an ad which was seeking a hands on HR professional. This is fine but it was the punch line that really caught my eye. In the job requirements, this organization specifically stated that it did not want an HR strategist. So my question is if we are not supposed to look at the HR function as being part of the overall organization, then what are we here for?

Human resources can no longer effectively contribute to the organization if we are expected to be a silo within the organization.  The human resource management arena is not the same as it was five years ago, or even ten minutes ago. Laws have changed. Focus has changed. There are new challenges being faced everyday. Here is my take on the content of the job positing.

I see the role of the HR manager in today's organization being one of not only coordinating the daily needs of the employee base, but looking at how the HR management arena is part of how the organization utilizes its brand. If we are being told by management that our role is to sit in our little cubical or the office and just pass the time away handling the mundane aspects of our job, then it is no wonder that many of our peers are finding themselves being one of the first out the door when economic times get uncomfortable. If on the other hand we expect a seat at the management table, then we can not sit idly by and not demonstrate the truly strategic role that we play within the modern organization.

What are your thoughts? Do we belong in the corner or are we a vital part of the modern organizational management structure?

Merger Announcement

Realogy Corporation, a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that its relocation services subsidiary, Cartus Corporation, has acquired Primacy Relocation, a prominent relocation and global assignment management services company based in Memphis, Tenn. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This is a strategic acquisition for Cartus -- one that will enhance its domestic operations, substantially broaden its global capabilities, and firmly position it as the leading relocation services provider to the government sector," said Richard A. Smith, president and CEO of Realogy. "This acquisition positions Realogy for strategic growth across our international and domestic businesses."
---From AJaxMag.com

HR Strategist@Net-Speed: Talent War

Several years ago Dr. John Sullivan, the guru of recruiting, posed the question as to who won the war for talent. With the current unemployment numbers, the answer may not be as obvious as one thinks. In times of economic trials, many companies think that the path to monetary strength is to cut the employee overhead. We would suggest that this may only be a temporary fix.

We have moved from a marketplace based on what we produce to what we know. As a result, the knowledge of our employee base can determine whether an organization survives into the future. I had recently attended a meeting in which the presenter discussed a corporation which thought the road to prosperity was to offer early retirement to any employee with more than 20 years seniority. Every one of the employees in question accepted the buy out. The company went out of business in 6 months.

There is another way. In his book "Reaching the Goal", John Ricketts suggests that instead of conducting layoffs, create project skill benches. Employees are put on projects to completion. Then they come back to the skill bench and if business is slow, then send them for additional training. Upon completion of the training they come back to the skill bench for the next project.

All to often we forget that the employees are what keeps our customers satisfied and therefore adding to the bottom line. If you find that your revenue is slipping the answer is to check with the voice of the customer, not cutting staff. Make sure that you are meeting the needs of the customer which will relate to the level of employee involvement required.

CRP 2010 Update

As of this writing, we have the list of articles and have ordered the primer. The expected release date for the primer is February 28. We are accepting reservations for spaces in the review currently. Finished Manuals should be mailed the middle of March. For further information visit our website at http://www.dbaiconsulting.com and look under the Seminar Tab for the CRP information.

Promotion Announcements from our clients

 Joyce Dillenburg has accepted a partnership with Gables & Gates in Knoxville, TN . She will be the VP of Relocation and Business Development. Gables & Gates in Knoxville, TN( From Facebook)

 Helen Maracle has joined Alliance Relocation as a member of our sales team.  Helen, who has more than 15 years experience in the corporate relocation industry, will be responsible for directing and coordinating new business development activities for Alliance. She will also manage a number of Alliance's strategic accounts. ( From Alliance E-mail)

Is the reason for the movement

In an effort to supplement my income, I took a position with a retailer in their corporate sales area. During the five years that I worked there I received excellent Medical Insurance from Aetna. In June of 2008, I was caught in a reduction in force and accepted COBRA coverage for the following 18 months. That period came to an end at the end of 2009. In order to continue medical coverage, I tried to convert the policy to an individual plan. Aetna declined the coverage for the very medical conditions that they have covered for the past five years. And you wonder why we need healthcare reform?

Relocation announcement

Defense contracting giant Northrup Grumman Corp will move its corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to the Washington area by 2011, the region's latest economic development coup and another symbol of its economic prowess.

2010 New Year New Opportunities

Simple Truths sent me a message this morning regarding the greatest gift we can give. It has such meaning in these difficult times I wanted to share it with all of you. The message can be found at http://www.eaglesneedapush.com/