The force behind workplace flexibility

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

As the workplace and technology evolve, the traditional nine-to-five job is also becoming a thing of the past. You can swear you won’t check your email, but when your BlackBerry dings, you whip it out before you can stop yourself. It’s Pavlovian. Sometimes it can feel like the work day never really ends.

But that can be a good thing for employees and for businesses.

The U.S. Chamber recently discussed how flexibility is becoming a more prominent factor in the workforce, increasing business focus and productivity.

“By incorporating flexible workers or flexible policies into your workplace, it can have a meaningful impact on company culture where people are efficient, effective, and really focused on results,” says Stephanie Harbour, president of Mom Corps NYC, a staffing firm specializing in the placement of flexible workers.

The Alfred P. Sloan Award recognizes business excellence in workplace flexibility across the nation. The Workforce Development Committee (WDC), hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber’s Women’s Business Center, facilitates the presentation of this award to Utah businesses that implement flexible initiatives for the betterment of the company and its employees. The Sloan Award is part of When Work Works, which is a research-based initiative highlighting the positive business results of effective flexible workplaces that help employees succeed in the office and beyond. See what flexibility practices last years’ Sloan Award winners have in place.

“The WDC is all about initiatives that introduce any kind of flexibility in the workplace that allows employees to work and live life at the same time,”  says WBC business consultant Ann Marie Thompson. “Whether that means being able to work from home, offering fitness or medical facilities, encouraging vacations or applying hours that improve efficiency.”

When it comes to Utah businesses, Thompson says, “WDC will be able to advance the workforce through enhanced awareness of the awards, methods and implementation of flexibility programs. This can also be done through educating a targeted audience about new programs and flexibility trends, and supporting advancement in local businesses and employees through the implementation of flexibility initiatives. All of which lead to happier employees who are able to utilize options that help them maximize their potential and increase efficiency.”

While the workplace can be more flexible to ensure the efficiency of the employees already working, employers can also add flex employees to their teams to enhance productivity while keeping overhead costs low. Many industries have seasonal work or projects where flex workers would be beneficial. Flexible employees can give your company the skills and expertise it needs but without the cost of a full-time employee. Flex employees focus on their job during the hours arranged for them to work rather than personal things, so they are better able to better balance their work and home lives.

Harbour says it’s important to remember that flex workers are still a part of the team and to treat them as such by making the expectations and hours clear from the beginning, both with the flex employee their co-workers. Harbour warns that this may trigger many people to want more flexibility–but that may not be such a bad thing especially if it improves productivity f0r the business.

What are your thoughts on incorporating more flexible work options? We welcome you to discuss the flexible workplace and employees in our comments below.

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WBC director earns SBA “Champion” award

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

The Salt Lake Chamber Women’s Business Center program director, Pamela Okumura, is one of several Utahns being honored with the “Champion of Collaboration” award this spring.

“I’m honored to receive this award, but it is really meant to recognize groups rather than individuals that work together to help small businesses,” said Okumura. “The Women’s Business Center collaborates with SCORE and the Small Business Development Centers to benefit Utah businesses.”

The WBC provides entrepreneurs, young professionals and small business owners with critical skills, knowledge, tools and support by offering seminars and networking opportunities for Utah business women in an effort to increase their businesses’ success and also positively impact Utah’s economy.

The Champion of Collaboration is a new award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) this year. Stan Nakano, the director for the Utah District SBA, describes this award as recognizing “outstanding collaborative partnerships, resources that are working together in the best interests of small businesses” that lead to more opportunities for entrepreneurial development like training and counseling for small business owners.

“The Utah District is pleased to recognize these deserving individuals and organizations who represent the best of what small business in Utah is all about,” he said.

Other Utahns being honored as “Champions” for their efforts to expand entrepreneurial development, training and counseling, include Salt Lake SCORE chapter chairman Ron Tucker, Central Utah SCORE chapter chairman Arnold Brown, Kaysville’s Small Business Development Center director Brent Meikle, Salt Lake City’s Small Business Development Center director Carlos Linares, Logan’s Small Business Development Center director Jason Yerka, Ogden’s Small Business Development Center director Beverly King, and Orem’s Small Business Development Center director Ken Fakler.

The “Champions” will be honored in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week (May 20-22).

The Utah District of the U.S. SBA will be honoring these eight Utahns, including Okumura, for being “Champions” at the annual Utah Small Business Week luncheon on May 14. The best of Small Business leaders in Utah will also be recognized.

Woodbury Technologies president Karen S. Woodbury was named the 2012 Small Business Person of the Year for the Utah District. Ephraim Co-op’s Sandra Lanier was named Home-Based Business Champion for Utah as well as for the region. Also named best in the region is Rene Eddy Yurja, the Minority Small Business Champion.

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The Pygmalion effect

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Editor’s note: This entry is based on remarks given by Salt Lake Chamber Chief Economist Natalie Gochnour at the Utah Business 30 Women to Watch award luncheon.

Utah Business magazine asked me to speak about the advancement of women in the workplace. My answer to that is quite succinct.

Olene Walker, Pat Jones, Pat Richards (both of them.. we have two wonderful business leaders with the same name), Vivian Lee, Becky Lockhart, Lynne Ward, Jill Remington Love, Vicki Varela, Chris Redgrave, Gail Miller and others are fulfilling vital roles in our community. We’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go. Our community needs us, and it’s incumbent upon everyone in this room to support female leadership in our society.

The more important topic is how do we increase and magnify the contributions of women in our community.

I have a favorite movie – a musical really – that teaches us how to make meaningful change. In fact, it’s a message that if we really want to change the world, we have to change the way we interact one with another. We have to expect more of ourselves, and we have to let our feminine values shine.

The musical is My Fair Lady. You remember the story … it includes Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins. Professor Higgins accepts a challenge to take a common flower girl and turn her into a proper lady.

You’ll recall that Eliza is an unpolished stone. She dresses in near rags, her manners are crude and her language borders on slang. In contrast, Professor Higgins is high-browed, well-educated and a pompous connoisseur of the King’s English.

There is a poignant moment in the story when Eliza explains the central theme of the movie. She says, “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.”

It’s a masterstroke statement. It makes the case that if we expect more and treat people better, we can change the world.

Psychologists will tell you that My Fair Lady is a story about the Pygmalion effect. It’s a phenomenon in which the greater the expectation and treatment of people, the better they perform.

So we sit here today with thirty remarkable women and I’m thinking:

How do we bring all of this talent, all of this capacity, all of this goodness to life?

How do we redouble our efforts as women to improve our community?

How do we inspire other women?

How do we take our unique perspectives and build a better world?

I have a few ideas.

First, let’s build from Eliza Doolittle’s comment and treat people better.

I’m not just talking about kindness, although kindness is a noble virtue.

Because I’m standing in a room with the 2011 Women to Watch, I’m talking about something much bigger.

Here’s an idea: what if all of us in this room committed to take on division in our community. What if we took a stand and said enough … we are tired of putting labels on people. You know what I’m talking about. We frequently divide ourselves into camps as if there’s not more variety and commonality in us all:

Conservative – Liberal

Mormon – Non-Mormon

Downtown – suburbs

Urban – Rural

Rich – Poor

BYU-UTAH (okay that’s going too far. Did I mention that I’m a proud support of the PAC12 Utes?!!)

My point is that division is not worthy of this moment. We have too much at stake to divide into self-serving camps. Let’s unify and go about doing good in the world.

Second, let’s build from the Pygmalion effect and expect more of ourselves?

Again, you are the 30 Women to Watch. Let’s expect great things of ourselves and others like you.

I can’t predict the future, but I can throw out a few challenges:

Who in this room will be a CEO of a large corporation in Utah? Business needs you.

Who in this room will follow Olene Walker’s lead and lead our state as a future governor? Our state needs you.

Who in this room will mother and nurture Utah’s next Nobel prize winner? Our economy needs you.

Who in this room will be a phenomenal female athlete and represent our country in the Olympic Games? Young female athletes all around the state need you.

Who will make life-saving inventions? Cancer victims need you.

My point is that this room is filled with women of immense capability. If we expect more of ourselves, maybe, just maybe, we can do more good in the world.

Finally, some of you will know that I am a devotee of feminine values in civic life. Whether male or female, we need to let our feminine values shine.

We have so many masculine values at play in this world – competition, power, strength and efficiency. These values need to be counterbalanced with the feminine values of beauty, civility, cooperation, compassion, fairness and service. Masculine values come from a place of strength. Feminine values, on the other hand, come from a place of goodness.

We are at our best when we have strength and goodness, two positive forces, playing out in the civic realm. Without strength, goodness goes unrecognized, is unheard, unseen and unfulfilled. Without goodness, strength leads to harm, abuses of power, and petty infighting without purpose.

I share these observations with you today, because we need more of this kind of thinking.

I’ll close by sharing a brief observation about our former governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. Gov. Huntsman is making remarkable strides to become a viable presidential candidate. Every Utahn should be proud.

Just think of this – he married a sorority sister of mine, used to wash dishes with my husband at Marie Calendars, dropped out of East High School and now is the darling of the 2012 presidential campaign.

The philanthropic legacy of the Huntsman family in our community is second to none. They are incredible people. Gov. Huntsman and his extended family’s legacy of service to this community is stellar.

In his first state of the state address, Gov. Huntsman, a man with both strength and goodness, gave us great instruction when it comes to treating people better, expecting more of ourselves and letting our feminine values shine.

He said:

“When times get tough, we are reminded of the power of our community, of people reaching across boundaries to help others, reawakening the need to improve the human condition.

“Though it is warmer tonight in this chamber than it was three weeks ago on the front steps of the Capitol when I was sworn in, outside there are single moms without homes, children without dinner, and many without work.

“I reiterate my call to all who can hear me: find someone in need and help them – whether it be a neighbor, a friend or a perfect stranger. We all have something to give, even if it is just a hand to hold, and there are so many in need right now.”

What a fitting and wonderful message from our former governor and a candidate to be president of the United States of America.

May those of you who are the 30 Women to Watch, and the rest of us in this room, remember the message of Eliza Doolittle…

The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.

Let’s expect more of ourselves, let’s treat people well and let’s allow our feminine values to shine.

Thank you.

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Workplace Flexibility Conference explores challenges, solutions facing workforce

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Tomorrow is a busy day for the Salt Lake Chamber. In addition to hosting the Expo Forum luncheon and Expo MarketPlace, the Chamber’s Workplace Flexibility Initiative Committee is teaming up with the U.S. Dept. of Labor Women’s Bureau to host a free half-day conference entitled, “National Dialogue on Workplace Flexibility Challenges and Solutions.”

All three events take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center (100 South West Temple).

8:00 – 11:50 a.m. Workplace Flexibility Conference
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Expo Forum Luncheon
1:30 – 5:00 p.m.    Expo MarketPlace

The Workplace Flexibility Conference will highlight the efforts of organizations that have taken on the challenge of assuring high quality work-life environments for working families. Many employers realize the benefit to both their employees and business.

Those attending the conference will better understand the benefits of a flexible workplace and learn more about best practices for enhancing workplace flexibility.

The Workplace Flexibility Conference is part of a series of national dialogues occurring at 17 sites across the country. Participants include members of the business community, advocates, researchers, union leaders, government agencies and employees.

The U.S. Dept. of Labor Women’s Bureau has a strong record of outreach to local employers promoting policies and practices that benefit working women, including promotion of flexible work policies across the country.  Promoting work-life balance, including flexible workplace polices, is one of the many ways the Women’s Bureau will improve working conditions and promote economic security for all working women.

You can still register for the event at www.slchamber.com/flex.

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Gov. Herbert: Utah already benefitting from China trade mission

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

China Trade Mission – Governor Herbert from Salt Lake Chamber on Vimeo.

Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert says Utah businesses are already starting to see the benefits of his five-day trade mission to China, and he expects to see an economic impact of $50-60 million from the visit to one of the world’s economic powers.

The governor recently returned from a including stops in Beijing and Shanghai. During his visit, the governor met with a member of the Chinese cabinet and signed an agreement with the mayor of the Jinshan district.

We sat down with the governor shortly after his return to discuss the economic benefits he expects to see for the state, how this trip will boost tourism in our state and what he learned about the rising economic power.

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Honoring the Athena, Pathfinders and naming a new WBC boss

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

This was a big news day at the Chamber and for the Women’s Business Center in particular.

This afternoon we named Dr. Cynthia Bioteau as the 25 woman to receive the Athena Award. Dr. Bioteau is the president and CEO of Salt Lake Community College. Check out the video to see why she was the perfect honoree:

2010 Athena Dr. Cynthia Bioteau from Salt Lake Chamber on Vimeo.

Five women also received the prestigious Pathfinder award for their efforts to, as the name would indicate, blaze the trail for other women in business. Here’s the video rundown of the honorees:

2010 Pathfinders from Salt Lake Chamber on Vimeo.

We also said goodbye to Lavanya Mahate who has served as the program director of the Women’s Business Center for the past three year. She’s heading off to practice what she’s been preaching all these year and starting a business. You can track her next venture at www.eastindiapantry.com.

Chamber President Lane Beattie announced that Pam Okumura will take over as program director of the WBC. Okumura has been a business consultant with the WBC over the past year. Read more about her goals for the WBC going forward HERE.

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WBC Small Business Spotlight – Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

If you’re in the mood for the perfect tortilla chip dunked in organic salsa that causes a flavor explosion in your mouth, look no further. Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet is that perfect complement to a chilly margarita or a late night savory snack on the couch.

Owned and operated by the Seron family, Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet began as a Utah-based small business over a decade ago. Now this family treat has gone far from its roots and serves many retailers across the U.S., China, and Canada.

Getting into the chip business…

With its humble beginnings as a snack that the Serons made up for social gatherings the tortilla chips slowly transformed into a business idea.
“My husband suggested we start making and selling our chips so that a larger audience could enjoy this family favorite,” Laurie says.

The Seron family moved from California more than 16 years ago and settled down in Utah. Laurie Seron, after whom the chips are named, was passionate about philanthropy and began as a volunteer for causes like homelessness and women’s empowerment. A bridge in Africa and a few other key projects later, Laurie decided she would use her business prowess to fulfill her charitable objectives.

“My ultimate dream and ambition was to launch a business and build it to a point when we can provide microfinance for projects that change the lives of women,” Laurie says.

Making and delivering chips…

Owing to health department regulations, the Seron family started preparing their chips by renting fryers at a local hamburger joint. For close to two years, each night from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the family fried, seasoned, bagged and stocked tortilla chips. In the wee hours of the morning, the family loaded the chips into their vans and Laurie went around town delivering her freshly produced gourmet chips to specialty food stores around Salt Lake City.

The first store to start stocking Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet was ‘The Store’ which was one of the frontrunners in the specialty food segment. The idea to have the word ‘Buffalo’ in the name came from a chance family chat when one of Laurie’s children casually threw the idea out. The idea made everyone chuckle but it ultimately caught on as something symbolic of the Wild West.

A feature on the then popular Gabby Gourmet show coupled with the buzz created by the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, Laurie’s chips escalated in popularity. But the manual kneading, frying, seasoning, and packaging couldn’t keep up with the soaring demand for the gourmet chips.

Around that time, the Seron family took the hardest decision in the history of their small business. They decided to completely automate the processes and outsource the operations to a local restaurateur. In retrospect Laurie said it may have been the hardest business decision but was definitely a wise one considering the growing popularity of the product.

The Buffalo Gourmet difference…

Over only a few years, Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet has grown to great new heights. They now have a presence in some big name grocery stores like Harmon’s but have also been solicited constantly by giant retailers like Walmart. The Seron family has had to deal with difficult strategic decisions on how to expand. Being a specialty gourmet product the family is cautious about not diluting the brand image and spreading themselves too thin.

“Our efforts to provide the highest quality home-made product to the vast health needs of a growing natural marketplace will remain our top priority as long as there are those who demand distinguished flavor and only all natural ingredients in a healthy snack food,” says Laurie.

Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet consists of gourmet tortilla chips in a variety of flavors including – premium white corn, roasted sesame, sundried tomato and basil, chipotle, black bean and garlic. Their salsas are available in tantalizing flavors like fire roasted pueblo chile, tomatillo and fire roasted salsa, fire hot salsa with habanero peppers, and black bean and corn salsa.

The Buffalo gourmet difference is that all their chips and salsas are made with real, whole and natural ingredients. The company has developed an innovative process called Flavor Fusion. Fresh ingredients like herbs, spices, and corn are combined to create wholesome gourmet tortilla chips, making the product healthier and containing no artificial flavors and colors.

Looking ahead…

The company is staying with the times and expanding their product line into varieties like multigrain, quinoa etc. There are also ideas of introducing all natural snack mixes and beverages under the Buffalo Gourmet umbrella. The focus at the moment is to strengthen the brand name and grow strategically.

Laurie is the brand’s strongest ambassador and actively recruits retail opportunities and is present at food shows across the country.

“The best thing about owning your own business, despite the crazy hours, is the vision,” says Laurie.

Laurie is always cognizant about the motives that led her to start her own business. She dedicates every opportunity she gets to get involved in community activities and philanthropy.

Her advice for up and coming businesses is, “to make sure that you have a solid foundation built at the beginning. Don’t be in a rush. Utilize the resources in the community that are there for you to use.”

For more information, visit:
Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet
www.lauriesbuffalogourmet.com

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To the Nation’s Capital

Monday, August 9th, 2010

To the Nation’s Capital from Salt Lake Chamber on Vimeo.

As Utah’s business leader, the Salt Lake Chamber stands as the voice of business, and next month a group of business will visit the Nation’s Capital to make their voice heard on issues that affect the business community.

Utah’s federal delegation and other appointed officials want to understand the opinions of Utah business leaders and this trip is your opportunity to weigh in on the key issues.

Wesley Smith, director of public policy for the Salt Lake Chamber joins us to discuss the trip and what we hope to accomplish.

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Jump-start your small business at the WBC

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Starting a business is a test of fortitude, strategic planning, efficient management and careful organization. It takes a special kind of person with the vision and gumption to make a business come to life. But setting up an actual business is not just about having a dream, there are several key steps to ensure your business a successful start.

So what are all of the things you should consider when launching your new business?

If you are looking to answer that question and more, the Women’s Business Center’s Jump-start program is just for you!

Jump-start was designed as a primer to help entrepreneurs understand the nuances of starting up a business. This biweekly, 1.5 hour session is mandatory for all new clients of the WBC. Our in-house business consultant will walk you through the ABCs of setting up a new business or jump-starting an existing venture.

The session will briefly go over topics like the importance of writing a business plan, how to finance your new venture, marketing your offerings, and finding customers who may be interested in your new product or service. Jump-start also exposes new and existing clients of the WBC to the resources and tools available to small business owners.

One of the objectives of the session is to help participants objectively evaluate their own business ideas. Some of the questions that may sprout in your brain by the end of the session will include: Is there a real market for my product or service? Can I obtain the necessary financing? Do I have the tenacity and discipline to go through the process? Who are my competitors and how is my offering different, better or special?

Jump-start begins with a brief introduction of all participants, followed by an interactive presentation. Finally participants will get a chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs. Participants are given the option of signing up for a free one-on-one consulting sessions with our business consultant.

To sign up for an upcoming Jump-start session please click here.

The registration fee of $10.00 will be refunded upon attendance.

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WBC Small Business Spotlight – Aunt Fannies Bloomers

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Making the world a happier place – one flower arrangement at a time.

Claude Monet once remarked, “I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.”

Perhaps that’s also why Lulu Luna decided she wanted to be a florist. Luna is the owner of Aunt Fannies Bloomers (834 E 3300 S), a full-service floral boutique in Salt Lake City.

“Flowers are such an emotional thing,” said Luna. “When words are just not enough, flowers just represent that unique moment.”

Over a decade ago, when Luna moved to Salt Lake City from the Golden City, she was looking for a way to channel her artistic spirit. With a background in interior décor and faux finishing, Luna knew she wanted to pursue her love for painting.

“My passion has always been to create something,” said Luna. ” Whether it’s a painting or an interior design, my hope is that someone will enjoy and feel happy about.”

What first began as a small part-time job in a neighborhood florist shop soon became Luna’s source of happiness and solace. She began on the frontlines processing and delivering flowers, taking phone orders and washing flower buckets. Over the course of eight years as a part-time employee at Aunt Fannies, Luna also worked at Snowbird resort restaurant cooking and supervising staff.

About four years ago, when the original owners of Aunt Fannies announced it was time for them to retire, Luna decided to buy the business and make it her own. Aunt Fannies has ever since been known for delivering ‘quality products with personal touch’.

“There are precious moments in everyone’s lives; whether it’s a wedding, graduation, saying ‘I love you’ or respecting the departed at funerals; flowers are an indispensible part of those moments,” said Luna.

Being a hands-on person with a childlike curiosity made Luna experiment with colors, textures and fragrances. Her strength lies in designing exclusive flower arrangements for all occasions keeping the recipients in mind. Her pieces are never generic or commonplace. With her clients’ needs at the core of her projects, Luna pours her heart and soul into every arrangement and exceeds client expectations.

“The best part of being in this business is the good feeling that comes from a job well done,” said Luna. “When a bride sees the flowers for her wedding and is overcome with happiness or a flower arrangement for a mother grieving the death of her son – those moments are just priceless and that’s what fuels me.”

A divine scent of fresh flowers fills the air in Luna’s boutique. Her black and white pit-bull, Page, is the official greeter and bolts to the front door to give visitors a friendly lick. The simple layout of her store has shelves with eclectic gifts and souvenirs. Now amidst restructuring and rethinking her business’ vision, Luna is looking at expanding her product line to include antiques, home décor and furniture.

“With the economy the way it is right now, there is a push to reuse and recycle,” said Luna. “This new arm of my business will appeal to people who are looking to stretch their dollar but also invest in quality furniture and home décor.”

Adaptability and creativity have been Luna’s best friends through the years. With the state of the economy, new expansion plans and reorganization, Luna is banking on her resilience to get past hard times.

“I’ve done so much with so little that it doesn’t worry me anymore,” said Luna. “My goal is to continue making people happy with my creations while running a tight and efficient business.”

Contact Information: Lulu Luna, Owner
Aunt Fannies Bloomers
834 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Ph: 801-487-2200
Email: bloomgirl1@hotmail.com
Website: www.auntfannies.biz

These are a few of Lulu’s favorite things – orchids, scabiosa pod, bear grass and lilies

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