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Welcome to The Ewart Group
Greetings!
The Ewart Group is dedicated to helping organizations meet the needs of their customers. We want you to "Seize the Future" and become the meaningful, relevant organization that your members deserve. It's a bold initiative... are you ready to move from success to significance? Contact us today. |
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Eight Wonderful Years!
The Ewart Group recently celebrated our eighth anniversary. We have now worked with organizations and businesses in 39 states and several foreign countries. Chuck Ewart has served as the keynote presenter for hundreds of conferences, conventions, and meetings. Chuck is most proud of the fact that many organizations have brought him back numerous times... as many as 15 repeat visits. He has been the facilitator for the opening retreat of Leadership Roanoke Valley in North Carolina since 1996.
Chuck has facilitated leadership, team building, board governance, and planning retreats for over 150 businesses, banks, churches, foundations, associations, and chambers of commerce. The 1800 member Greensboro, NC Chamber of Commerce received an "Award of Merit" from ACCE for the strategic plan written in collaboration with The Ewart Group.
Chuck has been invited to travel to Bangladesh this Fall to consult to the newly formed Women's Chamber of Commerce. He has taught and mentored over 2000 chamber and association executives as a member of the faculty of the Institute for Organization Management since 1991.
We are so very grateful for your support and the confidence you have placed in us. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you in the near future.
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| Things You Should Consider Doing Now...
Even with the market concerns over the Euro Zone, there are some positive signs that the economy is turning. However, many of your members are still suffering in this current downturn. They are looking hard at every expense within the company. Are you providing the "value added" that your members are looking for? Do they consider you an expense or an investment?
Allow me to suggest several things that you should consider doing now in these turbulent times.
1. Touch base with your customers.
Find new ways of "high touch" to reach out to your customers to sincerely thank them for their support of your organization. Do not rely only on electronic means to communicate with your members. Make a pledge to write three handwritten "thank you" notes per day to your customers. Use your Ambassadors in a more effective way. Develop a "Customer Visitation" program and utilize the staff and board to make personal visits to the member's place of business. Contact us if you would would like a complimentary "Customer Call" worksheet that we have developed.
2. Begin your strategic planning process.
Big surprise, huh? We've written for years about the power of strategic planning. Remember, one of the key responsibilities of any board of directors is to plan for the future of the organization. Please read the article on the power of planning found on the right side of this newsletter.
3. Establish a Workforce Development / Workplace Issues program.
Many American businesses are in deep trouble... and not just for the reasons that you may think. Studies point out that at least 45% of employees don't feel engaged in the workplace. Up to 60% of the current workforce plan to change employers once the economy has turned. These workforce challenges are in addition to the other numerous problems facing your members. You can become a relevant, meaningful, "must belong to" organization by establishing a solid workforce development / workplace issues program. Let us know if we can help you locate good benchmark programs. |
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The Power of Planning!
I'm passionate about strategic planning and what it can mean for your organization. However, I'm constantly amazed at how few organizations actually make the effort to go through this important process. Some organizations tell me they have a strategic plan when actually all they have is a worn out operational plan that hasn't been changed in several years.
I'm writing this article in Lubbock, TX where I'm working with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce on their three-year comprehensive strategic plan. The Lubbock Chamber was recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association (ACCE) as the "Chamber of the Year" in 2008. Last year they received 5 Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fewer than 70 chambers of commerce have been recognized with this highest
rated accreditation! They have also recently received the Workforce Solutions 2010 "Service to Business" award.
Even though they are one of the top chambers in the country, Eddie McBride, President & CEO, understands the necessity to continually review where you are now, what the key issues are, what the members actually need, and the critical issues that need to addressed in the future. He and the board & staff understand the importance that strategic planning plays in ensuring that the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce remains a relevant organization for the membership and the community.
They also understand that the process is as important as the plan document. We are involving 100 business and community leaders in the discovery process. It has become clear during our focus groups that these men and women appreciate the fact that the organization is willing to listen to their input. They are becoming new champions and volunteers for the organization.
Follow the Lubbock lead and make 2010 the year that you begin the planning process. Let us know how we can help. |
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Chuck Ewart, IOM, CCE
The Ewart Group
864-582-0541
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| Save 20% |
Chuck Ewart has written the manual on "how to" develop and deliver a productive, enjoyable planning retreat. Successful Planning Retreats is used by organizations throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The manual sells for $25, but you can purchase it through this special offer for $20 (including shipping & handling). | | Offer Expires: July 31, 2010. |
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