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MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT
“Coming together is the beginning.
Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford
Greetings to all PNW HRSF and guests –
Given the realities of globalization,
economic trends, labor market forces and critical sustainability issues
-- this quote from Henry Ford has not only application but is critical
for all organizations (for profit, non-profit, municipality and
educational) including our own PNW HR Strategic Forum. We came together
in 2004 for the purpose of creating an avenue by which senior business
professionals focused on human performance could access leading edge
thinking and best practices – including those within our own Pacific
Northwest region. Since then, through strong programs, conferences and
networking opportunities, we have made tremendous progress toward
realizing our original purpose.
Our success at working together comes
not only from the tremendous talent of our board of directors,
committees, members and guests, but also from our good fortune of having
strong leadership from two very special individuals – Gail McKee, Watson
Wyatt and Jon Anastasio, Nordstrom. Gail has provided tremendous
leadership serving as our first president (2004 – 2006) and then as our
2007 Past-President. As our 2007 President, Jon led the affiliate
through an extraordinary growth year culminating with the development of
a strategic plan – complete with a revised and strengthened affiliate
mission statement. Many, many thanks to both Gail and Jon for their past
and continued contributions to the PNW HRSF!
We push forward into 2008 with an
updated PNW HRSF mission…
To provide strategic level continuous
development for HR professionals and other business/non-profit general
managers in the areas of optimizing organizational and human
performance; and, to provide networking opportunities to meet with and
share knowledge in a safe, collaborative environment.
Two particular themes are at the
forefront this year – effective, productive, strategic talent
management; and, sustainability. These themes apply not only to our HR
Strategic Forum as an organization; but, also within the organizations
our members serve. Both themes are inextricably linked as we see the
shifting work force demographics consisting of individuals who –
regardless of generation – make decisions on where and how to work based
on many new factors, including an organization’s commitment to social
responsibility and sustainability. This expands beyond the U.S.
boarders, as illuminated by Thomas Friedman in The World is Flat
and Mary O’Hara-Devereaux’s 8 global trends outlined in Navigating
The Badlands. Whether we’re looking at the emergence of India and
China as a wealth of previously untapped talent or a world without
boundaries brought about, in part, a global economy as well as the
realities of technology; open sourcing; virtual global teaming; and,
free agents – the traditional employer/employee model is shifting. As
senior HR and business leaders, it is through our professional community
in the HR Strategic Forum that we can gain greater insights on critical
strategic issues, innovate and support each other and our respective
organizations during this time of great transition.
We hope you are finding or, if you’re
visiting us for the first time, will find just such a community with the
PNW HRSF. We look forward to seeing you soon at an upcoming program. In
the mean time, we welcome all thoughts, suggestions and ideas on how we
can provide you with valuable services and programs.
Cheers ~
Jane Brenneman, 2008 President
“Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead |
