Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Post

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Excited to lend my experience to the National Small Business Association and advocate for small businesses to our federal delegation, particularly around the rising cost of healthcare 🏥 Stomping Ground Strategies is proud to fully cover the cost of healthcare for our employees, but most small (and large) businesses don't. We spend roughly one-third of our lives at work (and another third thinking about work 🙃 ), and that takes a toll on everyone's mental and physical wellbeing. The LEAST employers can do is pay for healthcare. But make no mistake, it's expensive and most small businesses can't afford it. Small businesses make up 43.5% of the U.S.'s GDP. We're economic drivers, and as such, we should be able to support our workforce and their health, so they in turn can keep our economy healthy & strong.

This month's Alumni Spotlight is Henry Decoo from Entech! HOMETOWN: Bronx, NY TITLE: Director of Sales COMPANY: Entech LEADERSHIP YEAR: 2020 How do you stay connected with area professionals? "I stay connected with area professionals by utilizing a mix of networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn, and my participation on the Leadership Sarasota Council and Leadership Alumni Committee. I also engage in industry-specific associations, attend professional development programs, and foster relationships through informal meetings and community involvement to build a strong network of connections." What was the most impactful part about the Leadership Sarasota program? "The most impactful part of the program was getting to go behind the scenes and learning about how all of the different segments of the business community come together to advance the Sarasota community. This helped me to get a better understanding of how I can help to contribute to our community’s growth and prosperity by getting more involved." What’s the best piece of professional advice you have been given? "Solve a problem or go away. We are either helping people achieve their goals or solve their problems. That’s the mentality we need to have when we are conducting business."

Every now and then, you meet a business led by wonderful people who are both brilliantly commercial and powerfully purposeful. At a time when our sense of society feels so strained, we need businesses like Newcastle Building Society to show that working with and in service of the community can make a profound difference. #purposedrivenbusiness #buildingsocieties #community #financialservices

Dr. Andrew Shorb is one of the many faces of leadership that have come through PAMED’s Year-Round Leadership Academy (YRA). Learn more about what the YRA can do for you and your future at www.pamedsoc.org/YRA.

Check out my conversation with author, Kiese Laymon!

We often hear the adage, "Make lemonade with life's lemons," but sometimes making lemonade is not enough. When I experienced harassment last year, I was shocked by the shame I felt. Despite knowing that I didn't invite it, violating my boundaries left a lasting impact, and it hindered my ability to be present at the event. I was lucky enough to have 30 years of corporate experience, knowledge about harassment, and an incredibly supportive husband (thank you, Eric Venditti), and he reflected to me that I could solve this problem. I realized the issue wasn't only sexual harassment; it wasn't only women experiencing misconduct. Bullying, discrimination, microaggressions, and harassment at B2B events and organizations are rampant, profoundly impacting those who experience it. In one year, SafeSpace Plus ™ has brought incidents close to zero in events with thousands of US and European participants. I am so proud of my mighty team (Andrea Purón, Leslie Suzeth Rodriguez, and my amazing co-founder Eric Venditti), who bravely dove into the deep water with me, creating a solution that didn't exist before. We have the evidence that when we prevent misconduct, leaders make a difference for hundreds, maybe thousands of people. If you have experienced misconduct in the workplace or at professional events, know that you are not alone, know that it is not ok, and demand change. Join me in my dream that everyone can fulfill their potential, free from harassment, bullying, or discrimination. Let's make some margaritas with these lemons.

Kat is a truly inspirational leader and mentor who applies all of her God given skills and abilities to the benefit of others. We can all learn from her accomplishments and insight into inspiring others to succeed. Two words to extinguish from your vocabulary are ‘I can’t” Three words to inscribe in your vocabulary is a “ I will succeed “

Get Involved and Help CILT Australia and New Zealand as International Vice President (IVP to ensure CILT Australasia’s voice at the CILT International level.  If you have been wondering how to get more involved with our Region, now is your chance. Taking advantage of one of our Region’s leadership opportunities is critical to the continued growth and success of the CILT Australasia. Volunteering your time and expertise to focus on specific initiatives, issues, and programs of importance to our industry, as well as meeting the needs of our membership, is crucial. Through your continued involvement and support, you can help us reach some of our future goals of regional program development, Certification, and scholarships for national events. Remember, our Region was formed to provide industry  professionals a means for professional interaction, professional development, and networking and to provide CILT benefits at the local level. Without your support and continued involvement, we cannot function as a Region.