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In This Issue:
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR 2008 CRP REVIEW ......The CRPTM program ensures learning and professional development through the process of studying for the exam, taking the test, and continuing education to maintain certification. The benefits of this wide base of knowledge become apparent when this knowledge is applied to the work environment. It is reflected in the performance of the CRPTM holder, their company, and the relocation industry as a whole. The Corporate Relocation Council of Chicago is proud to hold the annual CRP® Review Course in April approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the CRP Exam®. This year it will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Paragon Relocation Resources 27501 Bella Vista Parkway, Warrenville, IL. The fee for CRC members is $100.00 and non-members $150.00. This fee covers the cost of the study manual, breakfast (muffins, bagels and Danish) and lunch. Limited seats are available on a first-come first serve basis, so please register before April 12, 2008! You can view the agenda and register on-line at www.crcchicago.org. Examination Scope 30% Corporate Relocation Policies and Procedures This review course is a full day overview to prepare the test taker for the CRP® Exam. It is given by speakers who are experts in their industry. This year we are proud to have the following speakers for the 2008 session:
President's letterDear CRC Friends, Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to preside over CRC in 2008. Our first meeting was held on February 20, 2008 and it was a great success. I can't thank you enough for your positive energy and support. We've discovered a formula that works and we're happy. In keeping with a winning formula in mind, CRC has made changes to our By-Laws. Click here to go to our website for more information on these changes. Our own industry is facing some challenges and changes that have required us to pause and re-think the way we do business now and in the future. Do we continue to rely on "luck" or are we being leaders in this industry? Are we learning from challenges or are we beginning to loose as a result of them? Allow me to share some insight about the difference: Making Leadership Work with Organization Results When we are lucky... we get good results with no understanding of the reasons and the replication of success is not probable. When we are leading... we get good results with a clear understanding of the reasons and the replication of success is quite probable. When we are loosing... we get poor results with no understanding of the reasons and the replication of mistakes is a certainty. When we are learning... we get poor results with clear understanding of reasons and the replication of mistakes is not probable. Source: www.makingstandardswork.com If you find yourself in a quadrant other than the "leading" one, make 2008 the year of change. I look forward to working with you in keeping CRC a leading organization. All my best, Sylkia Negron, CRP, GMS* * * * * * * * * * * * * AND SHE SAID .... INTERVIEW WITH Christa Landgraf, Program planning chairperson
How did you become involved in relocation? In my role as Director of Relocation Services for Brook Furniture Rental in 1991, I became actively involved with ERC and CRC and became a CRP. I actively attended the ERC Conferences and CRC meetings. Why did you agree to be on the CRC board? I think that CRC provides wonderful educational and social opportunities for the membership. I was influenced by Deb Nilles, owner of Key 2 Chicago who had recently served the board as Treasurer. She has fond memories of her time on the board and encouraged me to get involved. I enjoyed participating as a committee member on the Program planning committee, led by Ellie Monty and thought I would enjoy working with CRC in my capacity as Program Planning Chairman. I have thoroughly enjoyed planning and executing the meetings and I have the privilege of working with a wonderful group of creative and hard working executives on our committee. I am looking forward to another year of successful meetings. What are you hoping to achieve working with the Board and committee members? My goals are to create memorable meetings that benefit the membership. Our committee is working hard to explore new venues and meeting formats. I am hoping to involve all of the committee members, and assign chairpersons to each meeting, in an effort to develop future Board Members. I hope to do this profitably while keeping meeting costs manageable for members. What are the biggest changes you have seen since becoming involved with CRC? I think that the biggest change that I have witnessed is the changing face of the industry as companies are acquired and merged. The roll up of both relocation companies and corporate housing companies has changed dramatically since 1991. Transferees are much more savvy and educated as to what is available to them with the advance of technology and the internet; however the personal touch and service remain integral to the success of our industry. I am so proud to work in an industry of people who truly care about the transferee's experience. Is there something that you feel members should know about CRC? I hope that members realize the wealth of information available to them on the CRC website. It is a wonderful tool that many have worked to improve. If they have not done so, visit the website! Of course, I encourage everyone to attend the meetings!!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * AND SHE SAID ..... Interview with Sylkia Negron, 2008 CRC President
How did you become involved in relocation? Serendipity! I was born in Puerto Rico. By the time I was in 11thgrade, I had attended 11 schools in different states and Puerto Rico... talk about relocation! When I started working at FMC, my position was being eliminated after 1 year. My co-worker told me about a position available in Relocation... which at FMC doesn't happen often considering everyone's been there over 25 years. During my interview, both Jack Clarke and Carleen Hilaszek told me: In relocation the time really goes by fast... I blinked and 14 years have passed. Please share your past work experience. Are you kidding? Relocation ...enough said! What are the biggest changes you have seen since becoming involved with Relocation? Ever been on a roller coaster ride? That's how many twists I've seen in relocation. The biggest and most recent change has been the current state of our industry. Transferees no longer feel they are being taken care of by their companies during relocation. Why did you agree to be on the CRC Board? I agreed to join the board because I believe in CRC. I like CRC's member involvement. CRC offers its members an opportunity to serve and further develop skills when these opportunities may not be as available at a national level. What are you hoping to achieve during your term? I hope CRC continues to grow their membership, particularly on the corporate side. I am hoping to continue improving the quality of the programs, events and speakers. I want to encourage further member involvement and continue working strong on the Charitable Causes. Is there something you feel the members should know about CRC? YES! If you want changes, get involved! Are there any interesting tidbits about you that you'd like to share with the members? "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Ralph W. Emerson Is there anything you feel I may have left out of our discussion or you would like to share with the membership? I want to thank everyone for their support. CRC is you! Have fun, life is too short not to.
CHARITY AUCTION, A HUGE SUCCESS ......
Included in the amount raised was a cash donation by Walgreens in the amount of $1000 and NRI's donation of $2,222. NRI held various fundraisers during the year that included a silent and live auction as well as a chili cook off.
With the amount raised during this year's event, Rebuilding Together has enough to rehab four homes. The date for this year's Rebuilding Together work day is May 17, 2008. Details of the work day will be forthcoming shortly. Thank you to all who made this years auction a complete success! Photos: Top left: Charitable Causes Committee;
MEMBER HAPPENINGS ......Betsy Utterback, a veteran in the relocation industry has joined NRI Relocation as Vice President of Business Development. Betsy brings with her a wealth of relocation experience ranging from support services to sales and account management as well as the warmth, wisdom, and service attitude that reflects the culture of NRI. RELO Direct, Inc. recently appointed Roger H. Atchinson, CRP to position of Vice President of Sales for the Midwest Region. He is a respected relocation professional who has worked in the industry for more than 25 years, with a record of success and leadership in sales and account management. Corey and Gina Anderson (Armstrong Relocation) are very proud parents of their first child, a healthy baby girl, Ava Kathryn, born Oct 16, 5 lbs 10 oz and 18.5 inches long. Bill and Helena Rounds (Home Buyers) are proud parents of their first child, a healthy baby boy, William Joseph, born Oct 29, 8 lbs, 21.5 inches long. Manilow Suites was named the 2008 provider of the year by the Corporate Housing Providers Association. Francine Manilow was named the 2008 individual member of the year by the Corporate Housing Providers Association. Francine was named among the 2008 Top Women Entrepreneurs in North America. Steven Kahn was recently named the President of Jackson Moving and Storage. Jackson Moving and Storage of Naperville, IL is celebrating their 120th anniversary. Rubloff Residential Properties named John D'Ambrogio as Senior Vice President of Operations & Relocation Services. Jo Lay, Vice President Relocation for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is a new member of the 2008 Board of Directors for Worldwide ERC. Jo is well respected and valued as a workforce mobility professional and frequently sought out for her leadership skills and perspectives. "Center for Companies That Care" has named NRI Relocation to its 2008 Honor Roll. Being named to the Honor Roll requires a steadfast commitment to employees and communities and detailed proof that a company adheres to all 10 Characteristics of Companies That Care. Congratulations NRI!
What's Happening Around the Midwest?Mark your Calendars and Click on the below regional website links for more information on some informative upcoming events here in the Midwest. APRIL 10TH The Customer is king again in today's relocation market. Join us at The Depot in Downtown Minneapolis on April 10, 2008, when members of the Minnesota Employee Relocation Council embark on a quest for quality customer service. The conference offers session choices including Global Mobility, Working in a Dangerous World, Valuation Straight Talk and Current Real Estate and Policy Trends to name a few. Visit www.mnerc.org for more information APRIL 22ND To be held at Paragon Relocation Resources in Warrenville, IL from 8:00-5:00 pm. The fee for company members is $100 and non-members $150. This fee covers the cost of the manual, breakfast (muffins, bagels, danish) and lunch. Limited seats are available on a first-come basis, so register before April 12th. Visit http://www.crcchicago.org for more information APRIL 22ND Join an afternoon webinar as John Weitzer from Wells Fargo and Mike Keegan from Countrywide share their viewpoints on the current market conditions and mortgage options. Visit http://www.wisconsinerc.org/ for more information APRIL/MAY A webinar is being finalized with additional details to be posted on their regional website. MAY 7TH - 9TH Worldwide ERC's 2008 National Relocation Conference is being held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. All meeting functions will be held at the Convention Center. The host hotel for the Conference is the brand new Grand Hyatt San Antonio. This hotel is located adjacent to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. JUNE 2ND - 4TH Meeting Highlights Include: * 1 1/2 additional days of incredible sessions that will provide valuable tools and resources for corporate clients and relocation professionals * Corporate Only Roundtable luncheon on Tuesday afternoon to allow corporate clients to discuss their current corporate policy and program. * We'll end with a Golf Outing on Wednesday afternoon for those who want to end the conference with a networking experience. * CRP credits being applied for - Conference cost and Sponsorship opportunities being finalized - Web links for both registration for conference and hotel accommodations will be available via the CRC website. More details to follow in the coming weeks at http://www.crcchicago.org/ - if you have any questions, please contact Pam Jacknick at pjacknick@neirelo.com. FROM THE DESK OF OUR HISTORIAN ......Happy Anniversary! Recently I was involved in a discussion about the age of CRC and it was suggested that this is the 25th anniversary of the group. While our archives were formalized in 1984, the group actually started it's formation in the mid-seventies. By 1978 the Corporate Relocation Council was officially formed. That means that we are 30 years old this year! In 1984 Hugh Dermody, who is generally regarded as the founder of CRC, submitted an interesting article to Mobility Magazine. In this article Hugh identified what was known as "Dermody's founding father group". At that time there was not a board of directors, but for all intents and purposes these people served in that capacity. John Groch - Nalco Chemicals, Oak Brook, IL John Lewis - Eastman-Kodak, Oak Brook, IL Carl Warner - Amoco of Indiana, Naperville, IL Sandra Van Wagenen - Interlake, Oak Brook, IL Lucille Blumquist - Equitable Relocation Management, Chicago, IL Pearl Tabbert - Pearl Tabbert Assoc., Naperville, IL Kay Neelen and Jan Rogers - Acting as Hugh Dermody's Deputies When the group was formed its' purpose was stated as follows: "Our group acts as a regional supplemental group of ERC and our activities are developed to deal effectively with relocation activities characteristic of the Chicago area as experienced by corporations from within this geographic area." Considering that 30 years has past since that statement was made, it is comforting to see the consistency of our purpose.
WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE NEW LOOK OF 'THE ChRoniCle." Kindly forward your comments to Susan Toenies at stoenies@leadingre.com.
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Please share your past work experience? My work experience has always centered on Sales and Sales management. I began my professional sales career as an Account Executive with Proctor and Gamble in the patient care products division. I was then recruited to work for Brook Furniture Rental, an entrepreneurial, privately held Chicago based firm. I began my Brook career as an account executive, and held a variety of positions as a District Manager, Director of Relocation Services, Regional Manager, Director of Midwest Sales and Vice President of Midwest Sales over my 18 year tenure. I managed 5 area showrooms, the Chicago sales organization as well as major accounts. I enjoyed my Brook experience very much, especially the entrepreneurial aspect of the company. One of the areas that I was responsible for was selling rental furniture to corporate housing providers. In that capacity, I met Debra Nilles, owner of Key 2 Chicago. She and I have enjoyed a 20 plus year relationship and have watched the relocation industry change and evolve. I have always had great admiration for Deb and her customer centric approach to clients. I was delighted and supportive of her decision to open Key 2 Chicago 7 years ago. Key 2 Chicago is a boutique provider of custom corporate housing and Relocation Real Estate brokerage services. I knew she would be a huge success, and was delighted when an opportunity arose to join the Key 2 Chicago family in my current capacity as Director of Sales.
Sharing some of her thoughts with members of CRC . There's so much on my mind right now! I'm delighted to have the opportunity to serve as the 2008 CRC President! To be really honest, serving at ANY capacity is quite an honor for me. Someone asked: Sylkia, how do you do it? Referring to the many tasks I'm currently involved with. I paused to find the right answer, only to come up with the truth: The one thing I know is that I blessed to have good faith and good health and a strong circle of people around me which include family, friends, mentors, co-workers, classmates, and business associates. 
Once again the Charitable Causes Committee had a fantastic event during the February 20th CRC meeting at Northern Trust. The event raised $13,415 for Rebuilding Together, a non-profit charity that rehabilitates homes for low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. 
There were more than 60 items donated by the membership for the silent auction. The two items that received the highest bids were four Box Seats to a White Sox game and a one-night stay at the new Trump Hotel.