ceothinktank07
The Un-Newsletter
A Think Tank For Executives Summer 2007

In this issue

Lessons Learned From A Life - Long Learner

News From CEO Think TankŪ

Introducing Sonia Stamm

An Ounce of Prevention Part II

From the Harvard Business Review...

Member Honored
 

Lessons Learned From A Life - Long Learner
 conni henshaw

The same power that once compelled Conni Henshaw to concentrate her career exclusively in Connecticut now propels her to leave - at least on a monthly basis. She drives four hours each way to meet with trusted peers in a Philadelphia-based CEO Think TankŪ.

"It's all about relationships," she explains, revealing a consistent priority in her life as well as a tool that she has used very successfully in her business career.

As a VicePresident at Elmer's Products, Inc., Conni runs the only business-to-business division of the well-known consumer products company. And, in a division that sells products into the picture framing and sign and display markets, foamboard currently accounts for two-thirds of her revenue.

Never Take Anything for Granted

Conni recognized a growth opportunity in reclaiming the commercial sign and display industry after a five-year absence. Due to a non-compete agreement with a spin-off company, Elmer's had abstained and recently, in the three years since Conni accepted her position, has now returned to the market.

"[The leadership of Elmer's] calls it a turn- around," says Conni hesitantly, as if to dispute the claim and acclaim. "But I never take anything for granted." She goes on to explain that people are what's most important. "I don't have a product everyone needs and I have many competitors. I never take for granted that it's working. It's about relationships - knowing the right people in the industry and having the right people in place within the division ensures consistent product quality, customer and technical service and the ability to identify new product opportunities."

Read the full article here

Conni Henshaw - Elmer's Products Inc.


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  • News From CEO Think TankŪ
    		•

    Announcing CEO Think TankŪ's Senior Leadership Group - coming this Fall...

    For companies that are looking for innovative ways to develop their senior leaders, we like to announce CEO Think TankŪ's Senior Leadership Group coming this Fall...Our informational session will be Tuesday, September 25th from 8 until 10:30 at the Union League in Philadelphia.

    For more information read on, email Cheryl Beth Kuchler or call toll free 877-CEO-3264.

    More Information?
  • Introducing Sonia Stamm
    		•

    We'd like to introduce Sonia Stamm, our newest facilitator, who will be running our first Senior Leader's group.

    Read about Sonia Stamm here
  • An Ounce of Prevention Part II
    		•

    In the Fall, CEO Think TankŪ's Un-newsletter explained why you might consider having a Shareholder's Agreement and the provisions that you may need. This quarter we consider some of the mechanics of each of these provisions and some common variations on how to make them work, as well as some of the common pitfalls that can occur if a Shareholders' Agreement is not well thought through.

    If you missed Part I, check it out here.

    And, if you have questions for the author, Andy Romberger of Fox Rothschild, please email him here.

    Part II

    For closely-held businesses, having an unfriendly shareholder in the corporation can be disastrous. That unfriendly shareholder could be a new shareholder with whom the existing shareholders do not wish to do business; it could be a former employee of the corporation who holds shares; it could be the transfer of shares by operation of law or court decree (e.g., the transfer of shares to an ex- spouse of a shareholder who is granted shares as part of the division of marital assets).

    Get the rest of the story here.

  • From the Harvard Business Review...
    		•

    And for those of you who are trying to get the most out of your senior leaders - or for those senior leaders looking to get the best out of themselves - check out the Harvard Business Review article (reprint R0605C), ' Second In Command: The Misunderstood Role of the Chief Operating Officer". Some great information about the various roles a good second can play in a business and how to leverage the their skills and abilities to move your business ahead.

    Get the article here
  • Member Honored
    		•

    We'd like to congratulate Steve Grandizio of Friendly Mortgage for being awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Philadelphia Chamber. It's a wonderful honor.

    Friendly Mortgage
    :: 877 CEO 3264