The Drexler/Sibbet team performance model (A comprehensive tool for understanding the stages of team development developed by Allan Drexler and David Sibbet) identifies seven stages which teams move through to be highly productive. Two of these stages which I often reinforce in my corporate training deal with trust and renewal. We focus on trust in Stage 2. This is learning to trust yourself (your own inner wisdom) and trusting others. Trust in the workplace is critical to being engaged and feeling good about the work environment. Another important stage which is often overlooked in the workplace is Stage 7, focusing on renewal. We identify how we evaluate and renew after a project is completed. How well organizations plan for this aspect of each work strategy and outcome is a good indication of how well they nurture team member. Without renewal, we push employees to burnout or shut down and ultimately low production.

It’s bad enough to pay penalties by not meeting the requirements of the PPACA, but imagine if you had to also pay excise tax penalties for not following the rules. It could happen and impact a small or mid-size company’s bottom line significantly. I feel the following explanation with excerpted material from Danielle Capilla,Chief Compliance Officer at United Benefit Advisors (UBA) for which our firm is a Charter Member, would be useful to many Hampton Roads businesses.

In recent years, the movement toward shopping local has gained momentum as consumers work to improve the communities in which they live by patronizing small and medium-sized businesses. While this trend generates a lot of attention during the holiday season, I’m pleased that the majority of consumers are making these efforts an ongoing campaign.

The April showers did not rain on the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce’s parade.  Despite the weather the Chamber had a great month; a month rich in events and purposeful Chamber meetings.  Just to mention a few.

It’s great to be back in Hampton Roads!  As most of you know the Chamber recently led a successful, fact-finding mission to New Orleans.  After learning from subject matter experts from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, we now better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of offshore energy in the Commonwealth.  Members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Trustees, academic and workforce development experts and other regional business leaders were a part of the Chamber’s unique Inter-Regional Visit. Congressman Scott Rigell, an advocate for offshore energy, also attended as a guest.

While we have all been wrapped up in layers, trying to beat the cold, the Chamber has been hot at work, advancing on a number of initiatives.

One month into 2015 – how are those New Year’s resolutions coming?  Many of us make annual pledges to hit the gym, to eat better or to spend less time in front of the TV. Yet by the time the Super Bowl rolls around (congratulations to you New England Patriots fans), many of us have already gotten off track. Chamber membership is very similar – by being an active member, taking part in all that we have to offer, your business can thrive.  Sitting on the bench gives you far less of a return on your investment.

Jim Collins said in his book Good To Great that it is imperative to “face the brutal facts.”  During 2014, we as a region have repeatedly illuminated the economic challenges we face.  In my mind, it’s time to get to work, which is exactly what the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is planning to do in 2015 and beyond.  This Chamber (YOUR Chamber) is the region’s premier business organization; helping our members succeed, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of our community’s residents.  In short, we set the conditions which allow businesses to succeed.

Following a frenetic October, November was filled with events with pro-business legislation in mind.  We followed the elections closely then hosted a couple of events featuring the participation of regional elected leaders.  In fact the day after his re-election, Rep. Scott Rigell briefed members of the Virginia Beach board of directors about his plans for Congress and calls for reforms to Federal programs.  And State Del. Chris Jones met with the Suffolk board of directors at a special meeting to discuss his priorities and the Commonwealth’s finances. 

A membership in the Chamber is one of the best investments you will ever make for your business. The chamber staff working with our strategic partners serves the region with programs, services and initiatives that address every aspect of your business. We literally set the conditions which allow your business to succeed.