Quote of the Week: “The beginning is always today” –Mary Wollstonecraft

 Although in the 21^st century, stereotypes continue to impact the development of women in the present generation, women are often portrayed as not strong enough to take on the same responsibilities as men and are often urged to keep their thoughts and beliefs to themselves because of the negative effect that it might have on them as being too controlling and less likable. Though women have advanced since the 1800s, some continue to allow stereotypes to define them as a gender. For future generations women must continue on a track to prove that they are as capable as men and have the potential to do whatever is necessary to escape these unfair portrayals. Women must also be willing to take the initiative to take on leadership roles and decrease the gender gap within the work place. The following statements demonstrate negative perceptions of women and how they can overcome the negative effects.

Powerful women hesitate to express their views because they are concerned about the potential backlash.
According to a study that examines gender, power, and volubility by Yale faculty member Victoria L. Brescoll, more women are hesitant to take a stance and express their views so that they are not “seen as less likable, ‘out of line,’ domineering, and too controlling.” Sutton’s  “Powerful Men Talk More, Powerful Women Don’t Because It Damages Their Likeability, Power, and Effectiveness” reinforces this perspective on women.   As a result, women have countered with other strategies such as becoming  recognized by their leadership on governing boards, initiatives in the community such as the United Way and Boys and Girls Clubs and government commissions  where males in the business world are present.

Women and men have a different way of thinking and addressing situations.
At a “Remarkable Women’s Luncheon” held at the Bull and Bear Club in Richmond, Kim Ross, Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Human Resource Services at Car Max  presented on the differences in conversations between men and women and the impact on professional relationships.   For example, while in a single day, the average office person can waste up to 38% of their day dealing with communication mis-fires and interpersonal tensions, up to 70% of what one says to the opposite sex is either misunderstood or not heard.   So, many women determined to demonstrate their abilities, are preparing to a greater extent in advance of meetings in order that they can minimize communication problems and have greater impact according to Kim Ross.  They are also undertaking more research in advance of meetings to learn more about the audience they would encounter and the topics to be presented.  This helps with communication styles and taking positions on issues that may be the subject of the meeting.  Research shows that men think compartmentally and would rather listen to the data, specifics, and bottom line, whereas women think globally and are more interested in hearing the background and details before getting to the bottom line. An estimated 12,500 words are used by men, as opposed to an estimated 25,000 words used by women daily.

Women often don’t take the initiative to move up in the business world even when there are opportunities.
Since 2007, McKinsey & Company has been researching the advancement of women in the workplace and the progress that women have made in reaching the executive ladder. In a report conducted by McKinsey partners Joanna Barsh and Lareina Yee, research shows that “leaders make gender a priority because they see the prize: a talent advantage that’s hard to replicate” (McKinsey & Company, Unlocking the full potential of women at work). With this progress, women however need to take charge in reaching their fullest potential.  A McKinsey survey indicates that 69% of women desire to advance to the next level in their organizations as opposed to 74% of men who wish to do the same.  In contradiction 18% of women would choose to advance to C-level management versus 36% of males who would choose to do the same if it were possible. These results show that women need to become more motivated and build more confidence in taking their next step to becoming senior leaders.

So what is the “bottom Line” for women?  Women have significant opportunities to continue demonstrating their capability.  In WEST’s work with women, the firm’s Chairman and CEO, who is an African-American female,continues to emphasize the following as a pathway for women’s success:

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses and leverage your strengths to move ahead.

2. Include in your support network successful men and women who are willing to assist in “brainstorming” your challenges and opportunities.

3. Continue to learn new ways of packaging your talent and other qualities to augment appeal and impact.

4. Become involved in initiatives and other causes where you can make a contribution and demonstrate leadership.

5. Keep current on happenings on a local, national and world-wide basis to facilitate conversations with diverse audiences.

6. Learn how to effectively communicate with diverse groups and audiences by participating in events and activities where you are outside of your comfort zone.

7. Keep a journal and record of what is working well and not so well with your professional and personal life and use results to revamp goals.

8. Develop a style or persona that distinguishes you from others.

9. Keep it all simple; pull together an elevator speech that can “wow” those with whom you may interact.

10. Lead from values and embrace these with every step you take. 

Many folks don’t think about the roads that they drive along, the rails they ride along, or the runways they land on.  But these rails, roads, and runways carry groceries and medical supplies, books and clothing–not to mention passengers–to every corner of our nation. So during this 50th anniversary of National Transportation Week, we’re celebrating the critical arteries that keep America moving safely and efficiently.

National Transportation Week evolved through the hard work of Charlotte Jones Woods, who saw the need to educate students about the importance of transportation. As the educational chair of the Women’s Transportation Club of Houston (WTCOH) in 1952, she was tasked with giving out a transportation-related scholarship of $500, a scholarship for which no one applied.

But Mrs. Woods was not discouraged by this lack of interest.  She simply made it her mission to educate Texans about the many opportunities in transportation by dedicating one week a year to it.

In 1962, Congress and President John F. Kennedy recognized the potential value of the Women’s Transportation Club’s annual event and instituted a National Transportation Week to be held every year in May.

How is DOT marking this special week? By talking about our number one priority. During the next few days, we’ll highlight our commitment to ensuring the safety of America’s transportation systems, a commitment we pursue all 52 weeks of the year.

We’ll also be talking about the tremendous value of our investments in America’s transportation infrastructure. Because highway lanes, transit networks, air traffic control systems, and port facilities don’t build themselves.

The safety and reliability of our nation’s infrastructure are critical for our economy and for many aspects of our daily lives. Through competitive grants, formula programs, and educational efforts, DOT never stops working to keep America moving forward.

But we can’t do it alone, and we can’t do it half way. This country needs a long-term transportation plan, and Congress needs to act now. That means means putting people before party and coming together to work through the real challenges that face our transportation system.

National Transportation Week is an opportunity to pause and take notice.  If you’re reading this at work, you counted on transportation to get you there. If you bought a coffee on your way, those coffee beans got from farm to roaster to corner diner using the many different modes of our vast transportation network. If you’re a small business owner, and you shipped a package to a valued customer, or if you’re a parent and you gave your child some medicine this morning–well, you get the point.

Transportation moves America safely. At DOT, we think about this every day, so you don’t have to.

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When you’re a child she walks before you,
To set an example.
When you’re a teenager she walks behind you
To be there should you need her.
When you’re an adult she walks beside you
So that as two friends you can enjoy life together..
Author Unknown

“Your Personal Image Determines Your Professional Arrival”

Based on Susie Galvez’s Presentation on May 2, 2012 at Willow Oak’s Country Club*

“There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.” –Marianne Williamson

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Erica Cage and I attended an event hosted by the River City Express Network on “Your Personal Image Determines Your Professional Arrival”. Below are some of the easy-to-implement tips and techniques that image and beauty expert Susie Galvez shared that will take your professional image out of the “mail room” to the “board room”.

About Susie:


     • Internationally known Image Coach


     • Beauty expert and leading consultant in the spa industry


     • Author of 4 advice books


     • Susie is a frequent speaker at international spa conventions and has been featured on         radio and TV programs around the nation, as well as in publications such as Allure, Elle,         Good Housekeeping, Fitness, Self, Oxygen, Woman’s World, Health, Boomer Life, as well         as several international publications such as The London Times



Susie’s Presentation Highlights:


     • “Confidence carries clout without a doubt”


     • Image is crucial part of the professional world – first         impressions make a difference


     • According to an American Economic journal women who         know how to do their makeup and hair well…and have         well put together dress earn 30% more money than         women who do not in the same position


     • Can’t put a price on style –know the difference between         what you can splurge on versus what you can save on


          • It is essential to splurge on your foundation because it              makes or breaks your face


               • Wash your cosmetic brushes every 2 weeks


          • Make sure you own a full length mirror –this should be              the last thing you see before you leave the house


          • Nail polish makes your nails look younger


     • When you look at someone for 7 seconds, you make 11         assumptions about them (this is why your appearance         and the first things you say about your company are so         important)


     • Example of Image: Pilots in uniforms versus a pilot in         shorts and a t-shirt.


     • Statement pieces are great conversation starters: A big         necklace, scarf, etc.


     • Individualize your look


     • Handbags: Expensive or expensive looking always sets         the assumption that the rest of your belongings are         expensive


     • Men’s statement pieces: Tie, Watch, Handkerchief


     • Eye glasses are another thing people first notice, so         keep them current


     • “Beauty is Evolutionary”




Next Meeting: June 6: “7 Myths that Women Believe About Their Finances”

*Sponsored by River City Express Network

May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities.

As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults—many of whom remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots.

While M. H. West & Co., Inc.  provides services, support, and resources to older Americans year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens. We have many reasons to celebrate them!

M. H. West & Co., Inc. is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities and events to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun! To find out how you can support Older
Americans Month 2012 and take part in intergenerational play, contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find ongoing opportunities to celebrate and support older Americans.

In the coming weeks the Mayor Dwight Jones administration will unveil the Richmond Riverfront Plan for adoption by the city as an element of the city’s Master Plan. Over the last nine months, a planning team headed by Hargreaves and Associates, working through our Department of Planning and Development Review, prepared the plan with extensive input from Richmond’s citizens and our many and diverse riverfront stakeholders.

This plan is a transformative document, that (in the words of the plan itself) “redefines the City-River relationship, dramatically expanding both visual and direct physical access to the James River. The Plan maps out a transformation comprised of incremental interventions, some bold and sweeping, and some subtle and strategic; together they describe an enhanced urban landscape. The long-term vision for the Richmond Riverfront is a sustainable public landscape corridor seamlessly connected with the River’s significant resources upriver and downriver, and a reaffirmed focus on the James River as the heart of the Richmond region.”

Connections

The plan has a strong emphasis on improving the ability of people to get to, around and across the river on foot and bicycle, by car or public transportation. Enhancing visual connections to the riverfront are important parts of the plan as well. Over the past 150 years, we have erected many barriers to riverfront access. It’s time to begin removing the barriers and creating solid connections to the James River, and among the many projects developed along the river.

Pivotal places

The plan proposes the transformation of unique and underutilized parcels as distinct destinations for our residents and visitors from around the world. When completed, each one of these places will provide a unique riverfront experience.

Programming

The riverfront already offers an outstanding array of activities from kayaking to fishing and from triathlons to folk music. The plan builds upon this success by creating many additional programming opportunities along the riverfront, most importantly additional riverfront access.

Ecology

The plan proposes using the existing protected natural areas as the foundation for enhancing the ecology of the riverfront through land acquisition, easement donations and habitat restoration.

Future development

In the past, development has cut off the city from the river. Development as envisioned in the plan will increase access to and the vitality of the riverfront. By creating a strong sense of place, the plan provides an opportunity to create a sense of community along the river.

• The Brown’s Island Dam Walk : This project will transform an unused dam structure into a dramatic pedestrian and bicycle connection between Manchester and Brown’s Island.

• Missing Link Trail : The completion of this pedestrian and bicycle trail on the south bank of the river would create a vital link between the Manchester floodwall and Belle Isle.

• Brown’s Island Terraces : The construction of riverside terraces will enhance one of the riverfront’s existing pivotal places by getting people down to the water’s edge and providing access to the spectacular pipeline walk.

• Mayo Island : Acquisition of this underutilized 16-acre island in the 100-year flood plain in the short-term can serve as support space for the 2015 World cycling championships. In the long-term, the island can realize its highest and best use by redevelopment as a great public park space.

• Chapel Island : The construction of a pedestrian and bicycle walkway along the shore of Chapel Island will provide over half a mile of newly accessible riverfront for fishing, walking, and cycling and provide an important connection between Mayo Bridge and the Great Shiplock Park.

But we have to begin, and to that end, I have included $5 million in the 2013 and 2014 Capital Budget to begin its implementation. My administration looks forward to working with City Council and our partners to move the project forward and fulfill its goal of seizing opportunity and making this great vision a reality.

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More than a billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year. In the United States, tens of thousands of people will descend on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from noon to 7:00 p.m. for the Earth Day Network’s Mobilize the Earth rally. In addition to featuring appearances from Cheap Trick, Dave Mason, Kicking Daisies and The Explorers Club, the event will round up additional pledges for the Billion Acts of Green campaign.

A Billion Acts of Green encourages individuals and companies to pledge to take the greener route in their daily lives. Acts can range from using less electricity, buying more local food, taking shorter showers, planting trees or caring for plants, using energy-efficient light bulbs, biking to work, organizing Earth Day events and much more.

“At the event on the Mall, those in attendance and our partners all over the world are going to pitch in for the final push to reach A Billion Acts of Green, and I’m confident that with their help we’re going to blow that goal out of the water,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “Once we reach a billion, we’re going to take them all to the UN Earth Summit in Rio this year and make sure that world leaders hear our voices. It’s hard to ignore a billion actions.”

As of this writing, the Earth Day Network has racked up 987,884,599 environmental pledges from individuals, businesses, governments and civic organizations. Help them reach their goal of a billion by adding your own pledge at http://act.earthday.org.

Mobilize the Earth

At the National Mall Earth Day event, speakers will include EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, Indy Car driver Leilani Münter, members of Congress, representatives from U.S. government agencies and the heads of major national and international NGOs. Denis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day in 1970, also will speak.

“From pivotal elections being held around the world, to the UN Earth Summit in June, to the need to kick start the global economy, 2012 is an extremely important year that will set the global agenda for a long time – but environmental issues are on squarely the backburner for world leaders,” said Rogers. “That’s why we’re coming together on the Mall and standing in solidarity with millions of people at thousands of Earth Day events around the world. We’ll Mobilize the Earth to call for environmental issues to become a top priority for world leaders in this pivotal year.”

The entire rally will be streamed live at http://www.earthday.org.

View the original article.

Senior Connections will hold their Annual Open House on Tuesday, May 22nd to celebrate Older Americans Month. At the event you will be able to take a tour, meet Senior Connections staff and enjoy light refreshments. RSVP is not required. We look forward to seeing you there!

Information:
Tuesday, May 22nd
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
24 E. Cary Street • Richmond, VA 23219
Contact Mary Creasy at (804) 343-3023

Each year, the Greater Richmond Chamber sponsors an exciting trip to a comparable region in the nation to exchange ideas and best practices. The InterCity visit (ICV) has become one of our most sought after programs because it helps participants look at the Richmond region through new eyes.  The Chamber’s ICV seeks to accomplish three things:

1. Provides an exclusive experience to deepen bonds between the dynamic regional leaders who play a significant role in shaping our Capital Area Region.

2. Enhances our region’s future performance by benchmarking best practices of a peer region and measuring, contrasting and comparing our key projects and initiatives against those in the site community.

3. Embrace actions we can import. We’ll use these lessons to advance the Chamber’s key priorities.

This year the Greater Richmond Chamber will be visiting Boston. M. H. West & Co., Inc. is sponsoring “The State of Boston Public Schools” at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Chair and CEO, Marilyn H. West will be introducing the Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, Dr. Carol R. Johnson at the event.

Below is a complete list of Richmond-area civic leaders participating in the Greater Richmond Chamber’s 2012 InterCity Visit to Boston:

Heidi Abbott: counsel, Hunton & Williams LLP

Charlie Agee: director, corporate contributions and community relations, Altria Client Services Inc.

Ken Ampy: CEO, Astyra Corp.

Gary Armstrong: senior vice president, First Capital Bank

Bill Axselle: shareholder, Williams Mullen

Nancy Bagranoff: dean, Robins School of Business, University of Richmond

Steve Baril: counsel, Sands Anderson PC

Kathleen Barrett: CEO, St. Joseph’s Villa

Billy Beale, CEO, Union First Market Bankshares Corp.

Maggi Beckstoffer: president, MBM Marketing

Troy Bell: director of marketing and air service development, Capital Region Airport Commission

Leigh Bernard: chief of staff, Bon Secours Richmond Health System

Jack Berry: executive director, Venture Richmond

Mike Berry: general manager, Richmond Metropolitan Authority

Jack Berry: president and CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ed Blair: owner, Blair & Associates CPA’s PLC

Karen Booth Adams: investor

Yvonne Brandon: superintendent, Richmond Public Schools

Lesley Bruno: director marketing, Greater Richmond Chamber

John Bryan: president, CultureWorks

Wendy Burtner-Owens: project manager, Capital Region Collaborative

Carrie Cantrell: Virginia deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade

Shekar Challa: chief operating officer, Challa Law Offices

Ted Chandler: principal, New Richmond Ventures LLC

Renee Chapline: executive director, Virginia’s Gateway Region

Peter Chapman: deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development, city of Richmond

Mark Cipolletti: vice president of communications, Allianz Global Assistance

Matt Clarke: senior vice president, Wells Fargo

Bev Cocke: school board member, Henrico County Public Schools

Nicky Colomb: enterprise and economic development director, Virginia Commonwealth University

Rob Comet: president, BCWH Architects

Rich Conti: executive director, Science Museum of Virginia

Barbara Couto Sipe: vice president community impact, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg

Mark Creery: president, Data Directions

Greg Creswell: senior associate, Grubb & Ellis|Harrison & Bates

Bob Crum: executive director, Richmond Regional Planning District Commission

Kevin Currie: realtor, Hometown Realty

Donna Dalton: chief academic officer, Chesterfield County Public Schools

Jason Dandridge, vice president risk operations, Capital One

Tim Davey: principal, Timmons Group

Susan Davis: vice president, The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia

Bob DeLille: CEO, Creative

Steve DeLuca: director government relations, Capital One

John Easter: senior vice president government and community affairs, Greater Richmond Chamber

Katie Fessler, senior manager corporate contributions, Altria

David Fisk: executive director, Richmond Symphony

Craig Forbes: president, The Venture Forum

Moses Foster: president /CEO, West Cary Group

Jerry Fox: Richmond managing partner, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP

Tom Gallagher: president, Better Business Bureau

David Gallagher: president, DPS Dominion Payroll Services

Debi Girvin: president, Lochlyn Co.

Gary Gore: market president Richmond market, Bank of America

Pat Gottschalk: partner, Williams Mullen

Sally Green: first vice president and chief operating officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Marjorie Grier: director corporate philanthropy, Dominion Resources

Lew Hall: managing partner, Keiter

Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris: county administrator, Hanover County

Virgil Hazelett county manager, Henrico County

Adam Hofheimer: director, CapTech Ventures Inc.

Mary Jane Hogue_, executive director, Historic Richmond Foundation

Jim Holland: chairman, Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ken Johnson: president/CEO, Johnson Inc.

Jershon Jones: vice president, Harris Williams & Co.

Rob Jones: president/CEO, Alliance Group

Dwight C. Jones: mayor, city of Richmond

Barbara Joynes: partner, The Martin Agency

J.B. Jung: senior managing director, BB&T Capital Markets

David A. Kaechele: vice chairman, Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Bruce Kay: vice president, Markel Corp.

Tracy Kemp Stallings: chief operating officer, HCA Johnston-Willis Hospital

Neil Kessler: partner, Troutman Sanders LLP

Van Knick: senior vice president, Capital One

Bryan Krause: president and CEO, Nursefinders

Paul Kreckman: vice president, Highwoods Properties Inc.

Laura Lafayette: CEO, Richmond Association of Realtors

Gail Letts: central Virginia regional president and CEO, SunTrust Banks

Mike Ligon: vice president, Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc.

Robert Lindgren: president, Randolph-Macon College

Andrew Lohmann: partner, Hirschler Fleischer

Jon Lugbill: executive director, Sports Backers

Charles Macfarlane: managing member, Macfarlane Partners LLC

Frank Macrina: vice president for research, Virginia Commonwealth University

Jamison Manion: workforce development programs administrator, city of Richmond Department of Economic and Community Development

Byron C. Marshall: chief operating officer, city of Richmond

George Martin: Richmond office managing partner, McGuireWoods LLP

Bill Martin: director, Valentine Richmond History Center

John Martin: president and CEO, Southeastern Institute of Research Inc.

Ned Massee: vice president corporate affairs, MeadWestvaco

Jon Mathiasen: president and CEO, Capital Region Airport Commission

Owen Matthews: director of finance, Kings Dominion

Mac McElroy: managing director, Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes Inc.

Tucker McNeil: director leadership communications, MeadWestvaco

Laura Meloy: chief operating officer, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg

Michael Meyers: general manager, Greater Richmond Convention Center

Norma Murdock-Kitt: Richmond City School Board

Chrystal Neal: director creativity and innovation, Greater Richmond Chamber

Tayloe Negus: principal and Virginia office leader, Mercer

Pat O’Bannon: Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Parney Parnell: vice president, Richmond Flying Squirrels

Monica Rao: director of business development, Stefanini

Michael Rao: president, Virginia Commonwealth University

Gary Rhodes: president, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Doug Roth Sr.: vice president and area executive, BB&T

Patrick Russo: superintendent, Henrico County Public Schools

Dave Ruth: superintendent, Richmond National Battlefield Park Service

Scott Ruth, president, Richmond Association of Realtors

Kim Scheeler: president and CEO, Greater Richmond Chamber

Leon Shadowen: vice president, Brandywine Realty Trust

Haider Sharifi: financial adviser, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Thomas A. Silvestri: president and publisher, Richmond Times-Dispatch

Lisa Sims: events director, Venture Richmond

Oliver Singleton: president, The Metropolitan Business League

Bob Skunda: president and CEO, Virginia BioTechnology Research Park

Myra Smith: president and CEO, Leadership Metro Richmond

Brooks Smith: partner, Hunton & Williams LLP

Jim Snyder: president, Odell

T.K. Somanath: president and CEO, Better Housing Coalition

Andy Stefanovich: partner, New Richmond Ventures LLC

James J.L. “Jay” Stegmaier: county administrator, Chesterfield County

Candice Streett: executive director, Virginia LISC

Scott Sutton: business development director, Froehling & Robertson Inc.

Daphne Swanson: president, Junior Achievement of Central Virginia

Jim Theobald: chairman, Hirschler Fleischer

Nancy Thomas: president and CEO, Retail Merchants Association

Harry Turton: vice president commercial banking, Union First Market Bank

James Ukrop: board member, Union First Market Bankshares

Ed Via: chairman, Hanover County Board of Supervisors

Beverly Warren: provost and vice president for academic affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University

Scott Warren: director, Warren Whitney

Jim Watkins: deputy director, Venture Richmond

Oliver Way: central Virginia president, Fulton Bank

Ken Wayland: chairman of the board, Retail Merchants Association

Marilyn West, chairwoman and CEO, M. H. West & Co. Inc.

Brian White: president, Main Street Realty Inc.

Andrew White: shareholder, LeClair Ryan

Doug White: principal, Whitestone Partners Inc.

Polly White: principal, Whitestone Partners Inc.

Phil Whiteway: managing director, Barksdale / Theatre IV

John Whitlock: board chairman, Whitlock

Sandy Williamson: CEO, CapTech Ventures Inc.

Jim Wilson: president, Wilson Law Group PLC

Greg Wingfield: president and CEO, Greater Richmond Partnership

Diana Winston: Henrico County School Board

Richard Wintsch: director leadership and community engagement, Greater Richmond Chamber

Sam Young: president, Astyra Corp.

A joint poll released April 9 by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and AARP shows that U.S. employers are ramping up skills training and employee benefits in an effort to close the gap left by retiring Baby Boomers. And, as people remain working longer, companies are making more of an effort to retain and recruit older workers.

SHRM and AARP took note of data from the Pew Research Center indicating that 10,000 Baby Boomers will reach age 65 every day during the next two decades. In 2011, the oldest of the 77 million Baby Boomers began turning age 65-the traditional retirement age.

The loss of talented older workers is described as “a problem” or “a potential problem” for their organizations according to 72 percent of the human resources professionals polled. HR managers said that their companies have taken the following steps to prepare for the loss of talented older workers who retire:

• • Increased training and cross-training (45 percent)
• • Developed succession planning (38 percent)
• • Hired retired employees as consultants or temporary workers (30 percent)
• • Offered flexible work arrangements (27 percent)
• • Designed part-time positions to attract older workers (24 percent).

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