Beth VanStory’s Post

"It was the biggest change in the workforce since World War II, and work will never be the same." On Wednesday, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce was honored to host its Business Executive Forum at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill. Our business leaders were blessed to have heard from Matt Schuyler, chairman of Penn State University board of trustees and strategy advisor for Hilton Worldwide. His enlightening remarks covered diverse topics including open-mindedness in fostering a work environment that is more than just a job; how careers are changing due to #artificialintelligence and #technology; and how big data is changing the game for marketing and communications strategies. #marketing #communications #weare #pennstate

Last week, the Artemis Ward team had the chance to meet with leadership at Baltimore's Lexington Market, one of the oldest public markets in America (opened in 1782), followed by an inspiring conversation about the market's role as a community hub and civic asset in the heart of the city. A few big takeaways: 1). Civic spaces like Lexington Market operate best when observation, listening, and dialogue are constant and ongoing between leadership, vendors, and visitors. 2). While the vendors are there to turn a profit, the market is there to serve the community and preserve the public's trust. 3). Lexington Market knows who its community is and every decision the market's leadership makes is guided by an understanding of how the market can be a welcoming place that enhances their day-to-day lives. There are lessons here for every kind of org, company, or brand: Discovery is an act of listening, observing, and exchanging. Core values should define all decision-making. And the answer you're looking for always lies in your audience. Thanks to Jamal McCord, Jessica Blackwell Parks, and Abigail Lammel for having us in and for showing us what makes Lexington Market such an invaluable part of the Baltimore community. (And for taking a snapshot with me.) 

Announcing Special Guest Erin Hunt Moore, Founder of Verdant PR & Marketing, The Launch Collective of Sonoma County and Co-Founder of the Soul Sister Network of the San Francisco Bay Area.  A passionate communicator, community builder and committed champion of social impact and the leaders at the forefront of change. Secure your spot at Boost Your Life — Boost Your Business 2024 before March 15th to get the discounted amount. DM me for more information. 📩 #businessconsulting #businessconsultant #businesscoaching #businessconsultants #businessgrowthstrategy #businesscoach

It's being awhile since I updated my LinkedIn. As I moved on to my next chapter I want to share my past accomplishments at Baylor. I was lucky to be on the consulting team with Jacob Clinkenbeard, Michael Ho, and Caroline Kemp in Fall 2023 to work with Hannah to resolve supply chain and sales objectives. (https://lnkd.in/gPAZSDvh) We were placed 4th among 12 teams. Hannah and the team constructed a road map and 3 MECE frameworks to understand different impacts from each decisions made. With the plan in hand, Hannah can make strategical decisions that builds toward her desired end-goal. We customized models to track past sales trends and identified client types to forecast seasonal demands so that Hannah can to eliminate least selling products to streamline the productivity on stock outs. Furthermore, the model also provides a margin calculator to set desired margin. I appreciate the Baylor Consulting class providing the opportunity to interact with Business owners directly. It was rewarding to help our clients to build tools that they can use to overcome challenges. #Baylor #consulting #casing #transformation #teamwork #inventoryplanning #forecastingsales #smallbiz

I recently returned from a refreshing and inspiring three days in Palm Springs for the PRSA’s Counselors Academy conference. The conference provides a forum for agency owners and operators to learn from keynote speakers and expert panels. However, it's way more than that. Owners share freely about challenges they face, glean knowledge from colleagues who have lived through it, and you come away with a network of new friends and fresh ideas on how to operate your agency more efficiently and effectively. Here are three critical and timely insights for agency owners I picked up:   1. Generative AI was the talk of the conference. Its impact on the public relations and marketing industry is only in its infancy.  My take: Transparency is 🔑. Make sure you have updated HR policies to provide clear guidance on how your employee base can and should use AI, and when to disclose its use. Review your client contracts and make sure they are updated to include AI use language to protect your firm and your clients.   2. Agency deal making was strong in 2023. Michael Lasky, who is the chair of the public relations practice at Davis+Gilbert LLP, shared that of the 94 deals completed in 2023, 78% of those deals sold were for firms with less than $10 million in revenue, and 59% were for firms under $6 million in revenue.  My take: This bodes well for owners who have been working hard everyday for years. They can now see a clearer (and maybe shorter) path to monetize their sweat equity and secure their future.   3. Many agency leaders still have imposter syndrome. They don’t feel like they are good enough or strong enough to push through agency plateaus and take their agency to the next level – whether in terms of revenue or bigger brands.  My take: Be bold and stay optimistic. You’ve taken your agency this far – you can do more. Look to your network of colleagues for support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from consultants – you don’t know what you don’t know, and there are plenty of experts out there who have been there. Most of all – follow your passions and have fun! If you want to dive into these topics in more detail, let’s throw the ball around. https://command31.com/ 

Pioneer Service has been an active member of the Valley Industrial Association of Illinois for many years. From advocacy and legislative representation to networking opportunities and training and development programs, our leadership team (and staff across many departments) have found ongoing benefits to the collaboration and partnership we have found with other members in the organization and the staff of the association. Under Kathy Gilmore’s leadership, an amazing board of directors, and an exceptional team of staff members, this is an important organization for any manufacturer to consider. The Valley Industrial Association (#VIA) turns 122 years this year. Amazingly, It was founded in 1902 – when Teddy Roosevelt was President of the US, the radio was first demonstrated publicly, the first movie theatre opened in LA, the first JC Penny store opened in Wyoming, Target Corp is founded, air conditioning was invented in NYC, Richard Daley was born (Chicago mayor 1965-1971) and Ray Kroc was born (ie McDonalds) – to name a few other notable 1902 facts. Its longevity is a testament to the value it provides to its member companies. The original founding members included sixteen manufacturers in the Aurora area. Members today can be found across Northern IL, including Kane, DuPage, Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, and DeKalb counties. Included in the over 200-member list are industrial companies, manufacturing companies, service providers, and suppliers to the industrial ecosystem across this part of IL. So, a shout out to Kathy and her team: Dawn Curran, CFRE (VP Workforce Development), Susan Secondi (Director Operations and Finance) Laura Swarts (Membership Director) and Molly Schiltz (Marketing Coordinator). Thanks for the work you are doing to support manufacturers across the region! #networking #manufacturingIL #Foxvalleybusiness #industrialcompaniesIL #partnership #success2024 #bestpractices #leadership #traininganddevelopment #growthstrategies

Erin Viale, SPHR and Vince Consoli, PHRA Board of Director Spotlight! Dylan Jenkins has brought together the dynamic duo, Erin and Vince! Erin's journey through healthcare operations at UPMC and Vince's 42-year legacy in HR & operations as COO of Promark sets the stage for an insightful conversation. Erin unveils the challenges in the ever-evolving labor market, skills shortages, and the gap between education and opportunities. Vince emphasizes the need for strategic succession planning in a world where job-hopping is on the rise. Vince shares his unexpected pivot from steel to HR, highlighting the value of openness and flexibility. Both leaders emphasize the importance of adaptability in today's dynamic professional landscape. Erin's key to success – understanding individual needs, empowerment, and delivering expertise. Vince champions coaching, listening, and proactive concern addressing to foster a culture of inclusion and prevent attrition. PHRA stands out for its powerful network, knowledge-sharing, and enthusiasm for innovative ideas. It's not just about work; it's about nurturing relationships and continuous learning beyond the office. Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/ebd4zA_5

Only 1,132 Companies Are Blazing a Trail to the Inc. Magazine. 5000 Belkins shines bright at No. 20 on the 2024 Inc. Regionals: Mid-Atlantic as one of the fastest-growing companies in America in this region. Inc. Regionals honors the fastest-growing privately held companies by region over a two-year period. Research shows that all these firms also tend to be the biggest job creators in America. Their growth, by extension, often makes them disrupters. They’re formidable--and they have much wisdom to share. The numbers across all regions this year are truly amazing: 154% - Median Growth $75.8 billion - Total Revenue 96,129 - Jobs Added 39 - Newly Founded 664 - Repeat Honorees Kudos to the top 10, crushing this award with their outstanding growth: Sanford Federal, Inc and Joseph Mandour, Goldschmitt and Associates (G&A) and Marc Goldschmitt, PMP, Blu Omega and Michael Sivori, Cynet Health and Ashwani (Ash) M., Nikhil "Nick" Budhiraja, Vortex David Sigal, Piedmont Global Solutions and Mohamed Hussien, Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness and Chantal Hayes, LCMHC-S, Dobbs Defense Solutions and Erica Dobbs, Carolina Signs and Wonders, Todd Golbus, MBA, ShiftMed and Todd Walrath. #award #belkins #marketing #sales

Working with small businesses I know it can sometimes feel like just extra work to do an award - but there are some great benefits besides just getting some hardware! Here’s a blog I wrote on some benefits and also some tips about how to write an award application.

How Fun, Fabulous & Amazing to attend the Dallas Mavericks' 2nd Annual ERG Symposium & Market Fair Saturday morning, held Courtside & Foyer areas of the beautiful American Airlines Center in the City of Dallas! Over 200 great leaders from the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Regional Chamber, #CorporateSponsors, #CorporateandCommunityLeaders, #ERGLeaders, #Entrepreneurs and more attended, actively engaging in important #Community, #Messages, #Conversation, #Inspiration & #Motivation! Of course, our beloved Cynt Marshall, #CEO of our Dallas Mavericks, is an amazing #TransformationalLeader & Great Treasure in so many ways! Thank You, Cynt Marshall, truly, for the #STRATEGICIMPACT You Create in So Many Significant Ways, including #BusinessandCommunityCollaboration! The morning was rich with great panelists & speakers! Highlights & Special Gratitude to the Strategically Impactful Communication & Messages by panelists including: Anne Chow (She/Her), an incredible #TransformationalLeader - as they all are, Nate Bennett CDP of Comerica Bank, Kit Sawers of Klyde Warren Park, Peter Brodsky of Red Bird Mall, Corey Lark, Gail O'Bannon, Latosha Bruff, Gerry Altamirano, Michelle Thomas, MBA & others. #ERGs play a crucial role in Cultivating #Community, #Belonging & #Inclusion, & Promoting #DiversityandEquity within companies & organizations - especially those with large companies & staff. Companies of all sizes benefit. And it is important that ERGs are aligned with their Company's Values, Mission & Goals. In addition, company-wide activities are crucial too! #Respect, #Dignity, #Compassion, #Inclusion, #Community & #Support are key values strengthened through #ERGsintheWorkplace. #TransformationalLeadership is also required to help navigate the complexities and broadened views of #TodaysWorkplace & #CompanyMembers(aka Employees!). #TOGETHER, We Can Indeed Continue to Create #STRATEGICIMPACT in so many significant ways, including #BusinessandCommunityCollaboration - which is so powerful in many important ways! In our company, STRATEGIC IMPACT GROUP, specializing in Business & Community Collaboration, there are 3 Pillars to Create #STRATEGICIMPACT" #Volunteerism, #Philanthropy and #TalentandAssetContribution. #Companies & #ERGs are important vehicles to be able to #STRATEGICALLYIMPACT & #STRENGTHEN both #BusinessandCommunity through Purposeful #Collaboration. In closing, I am truly grateful to the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt Marshall & Their #Team for their #TransformationalLeadership, and being a #RoleModel in Creating #STRATEGICIMPACT in so many significant ways, including #BusinessandCommunityCollaboration. The Dallas Mavericks are near & dear to me, with my husband of 35 years, Bob Stevens, as a #RadioSportsBroadcaster in #Dallas for 25 years, and 10 years in #LosAngeles (including Magic Johnson & #Showtime!), covering all the #ProfessionalSportsTeams, including The MAVS, for radio sports networks around the country. Yes, #LETSGOMAVS! ❤️