ACG NJ

Can Green = Growth?

Interview with Patti Helfer, NRG conducted by Mary Clare Garber Princeton Legal Search Group LLC

This may sound more like the beginning of a math quiz but it is instead one of NRGs
guiding strategies that will be discussed at the next ACG Meeting, March 20th (www.acg.org).

Patti Helfer who leads NRG’s Human Resources, Information Technology Supply Chain and Facilities departments as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer will speak about how the company is growing new “green” businesses in smart, innovative ways that appeal to customers throughout the US. “These new investments across the green market space offer
high-growth and high return potential, particularly within our solar platform.”

One of the ways the company is achieving their objective is to be the “builder of the nation’s first privately funded network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure which also supports “NRG’s future growth which is tied to the country’s trend toward sustainability." Can you imagine not going to the gas station anymore?

According to Patti, “the energy companies that can provide easy, affordable, customized solutions that enhance consumers’ lifestyles will lead in the 21^st century. NRG will be one of those leaders because we are driving innovations that are opening up a new horizon of possibilities for people to use energy to improve their life.” Green = Growth at NRG.

Come hear the lessons learned from turning around a business to being recognized as a leader in an emerging growth market. What strategies, ideas, experiences may be applicable to your organization?

Association for Corporate Growth – Princeton (www.acg.org)

March 20, 2012

6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
The Westin Princeton At Forrestal Village
Princeton, NJ

 

How Can the Nonprofit Sector Advance Your Career Development?

How Can the Nonprofit Sector Advance Your Career Development?

Written By: Mary Clare Garber Princeton Legal Search Group, LLC

Alice Korngold will be addressing this topic on Feb 9th at the Hamilton Park Hotel Florham Park, NJ. She is the Moderator of a panel discussion:

From Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Impact Investing:

The Convergence of the For-Profit and Non-Profit Worlds

Here’s what she had to say:

“Nonprofit board positions provide extraordinary opportunities for women to develop as leaders and to advance themselves personally and professionally while contributing in meaningful ways to making the world a better place. Having fun is important too.”

Why is this important?

“During the last decade, the nonprofit and corporate universes are coming together and collaborating. Companies are about profits but have added an emphasis on purpose, value or meaning. Corporations are also beginning to recognize the leadership development opportunities of encouraging and supporting their executives who seek to serve on nonprofit boards. Nonprofits are about mission and have added an emphasis on business strategies. As a result, people who bring business skills and experiences are welcome additions to nonprofit boards. Commit to a board that strikes your passion and curiosity… where you care about an organization’s mission. Go in with your eyes wide open about the challenges facing the particular organization. Boards are accepting greater responsibility for their roles and responsibilities than in the past.”

“Furthermore being on a nonprofit board increases your visibility for corporate boards of directors. Many women and men start their board careers on a nonprofit board as a building block for other board assignments.”

“Bring your business acumen to the nonprofit world, cultivate your leadership development skills and apply those skills and experiences back into your current assignment. Chances are when your skills and experience sharpen, your career advances. “

To do this you will want to know what skills and competencies are transferrable and marketable both to businesses and board of directors. Come February 9th to find out more details on this fascinating and powerful topic!

Korngold is the author of LEVERAGING GOOD WILL: Strengthening Nonprofits by Engaging Businesses (Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Imprint, 2005). She blogs for Fast Company http://www.fastcompany.com/user/alice-korngold, and The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alice-korngold/corporate-global-vision_b_1161315.html

 

Earlier last week, the ACG NJ Bergen chapter held an extremely interesting panel discussion on global growth opportunities for NJ middle market companies. Jim Alajbegu, a partner with EisnerAmper and international tax expert, moderated the dynamic discussion of the panel, which included distinguished industry experts Matt Finlay (MidMark Capital), George Hansen (Dominick and Dominick), Todd Tauber (The Economist), and John Liu (Highlink Partners).

While it is nearly impossible to cover all the risks/rewards of crossing borders in just 45 minutes, our panelists shared their past experiences and provided thoughtful advice for how to best navigate the global economy. What do you think? Is now the right time to expand into new territories? Is today the new "normal," replacing the pre-recession glory days of high growth and financial returns?

While our panelists all agree that global expansion takes careful planning and execution, one of the key themes of the day was, "JUST DO IT!"

Do you agree? Does global expansion excite you or scare you? Let us know what you think.

The success story of The Berger Group

March 15, 2011

I hope many of you had the chance to hear the story of Louis Berger and the Berger Group at the ACG NJ monthly breakfast meeting on March 15, 2011. For those who did not, the Berger Group, a $1 billion organization, is comprised of 11 companies and 5,000 employees.  Founded in 1953 they have grown to be one of the top 200 firms in their industry, providing infrastructure, such as roads, tunnels and bridges, around the world. 

Their projects run the gamut from a clean air project at the Taj Mahal to bridges in Viet Nam to engagements much closer to home like building the interchange at Exit One of the NJ Turnpike.

Their first project was to work on the extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and within six years they had developed a presence overseas, helping to improve the Burma Road leading from Ragoon to Mandalay. From there they moved on to Africa, South America and Asia. In 1968 they sold the company, only to buy it back again in 1972. This time, they focused more strategically, as they bought only the NJ and Boston offices along with the international component. Unhampered by excess baggage, they began to grow from this new foundation.  In 1984 they began to conduct a series of acquisitions.

Their basic strategy is of great interest for members of ACG NJ  as they looked to acquire companies that had been quality firms but had come upon hard times, perhaps because of poor decision making or other management challenges. They turned these companies, dubbed ‘fallen angels’ around more than 80% of the time. Today 40% of their revenue comes from these rehabilitated companies.  With acquisitions funded by internal cash flow, these companies quickly became integrated into the Berger Group – which has led to great success over all.

 Here is what they focus on during an acquisition:

1. They hold the people in the company accountable   
2. They encourage maintaining the local culture
3. They work to gain consensus from all the employees, from the bottom up 
4. They offer the local management the opportunity to buy into ownership of the Berger Group so that they become an integral part of the company itself in addition to having ownership of  the ancillary company

 As a company, the Berger Group was founded on a simple philosophy:

    -    They nurture an entrepreneurial culture

    -   They decentralize operational management, creating a ‘flat’ organizational chart with          responsibility distributed across the organization

    -    They share support services

    -    They strive for geographic balance 

    -    They believe in producing only the highest quality work

    -    They are growing by acquisition, and intend to do more deals going forward

This program really was an eye opener regarding the kinds of projects the Berger Group has been involved in for over six decades. The audience enjoyed hearing about their acquisition model and their company culture, as well as to learn the challenges and obstacles they face when doing business globally.

Michael Griffith, CEO Laureate Biopharmaceutical gives dynamic speech on the importance of culture within an organization

Those of you who were at the recent ACG NJ event in Princeton had a great opportunity to hear from Michael Griffith, CEO, of Laureate Biopharmaceutical Services, Inc. The ACG NJ Princeton area group has a reputation for its fine programs, relevant topics and highly regarded speakers but this event raised the bar even further. Those present enjoyed a dynamic and interactive program focusing on the importance of culture to a successful, growing organization. 

For those who were unable to attend, Griffith discussed how significant an organization’s culture is in every situation, emphasizing how critical it is for a company to maintain its values and philosophy. From the CEO vantage point, Griffith pointed out that this is especially true during an acquisition. He suggested that the leadership team in any organization that is undergoing a transition should immediately seek to identify the right individuals to serve as managers – and to empower them to be able to effectively accomplish the growth goals of the company throughout and beyond the initial merging of the companies. Given the right tools and training, these managers can have a tremendous impact on the success of the integration plans.

While Griffith’s remarks were based on his personal experience with early stage ventures, the premise would be the same across any size organization in any industry sector at any stage of its business life cycle. 

Have a comment? Please feel free to share your opinions here!

"Anti-Counterfeiting: Strategies to Protect Your Brands and Prevent the Counterfeiting of Your Products."

At the ACG-NJ event held on October 19^th at the Woodbridge Hilton, a panel of experts discussed the challenges we are facing regarding counterfeiting across many industries. No longer only the concern of those in apparel, purses or jewelry manufacturing, counterfeiting is quickly becoming the “crime of choice” and is impacting air plane parts, auto parts, CDs, DVDs, luxury art, sculpture,  and pharmaceuticals – to name a few. Counterfeiters are drawn to this because there is much less risk and potentially more money in this crime than in drug trafficking or other dangerous crimes.

It is so prevalent now that experts say the annual cost to manufacturers is about $600 billion, which is a 10,000% increase in 20 years! Not only are 750,000 American jobs lost each year, but there is also an incredible amount lost in the devaluing of the brand and the poor public perception around loss of control.

The panelists suggested several steps that can be taken to help companies protect themselves: 

 Monitor e-Bay and other sites

• Retrain your staff to know the difference between the ‘real thing” and counterfeit items
• Mention the importance of being vigilant on your own website
• Tell customers where they can buy your products so they can be assured of legitimacy
• Authentic brands may use holograms or other special details

 

Today’s young collectors are not as discerning as older, more seasoned customers and may not see the difference between legitimate products and counterfeit goods.  The good news is that although the government has always turned a ‘blind eye’ to this crime, in effect, ignoring it, law enforcement is now getting more interested because they are concerned about two key areas: safety (especially for pharmaceutical counterfeit products) and huge potential economic loss, which continue to rapidly increase as counterfeiting grows in volume.

This is an example of the terrific presentations that are the standard at ACG-NJ. Be sure to check the calendar of events so  you don’t miss out!

Posted at 08:52 AM

 

"The Art of M&A Due Diligence," Women of Leadership event, Nov. 3, 2010

Welcome to the ACG-NJ blog. This is the place where you will find highlights about our members, information regarding upcoming events, and reviews of recent ACG-NJ presentations. We hope you will chime in whenever the mood strikes you – sharing some of your insights about your own ACG-NJ experiences.

 If you haven’t checked out the ACG – NJ events page recently, you might’ve missed a terrific program scheduled for November 3, 2010 at the Hamilton Park Hotel featuring Alexandra Lajoux, author of “The Art of M&A Due Diligence” being held from 6:00-8:30 pm.

 This event is the result of the hard work of the ACG NJ Women of Leadership Committee under the direction of committee chair, Cheryl Moss of Friend Skoler & Co.  But don’t be fooled by the title, “The Art of M&A Due Diligence.”  This is a program that is a must for everyone! Accountants, attorneys, anyone in the “C- Suite” or in an executive management position, will learn from Lajoux’s focus on three critical areas.  Recognizing all the changes that are continuously taking place, she will address the critical issues and recent developments in financial statements and accounting; operations and management; and legal compliance, all of which have applicability for every company in business today.

 So much has evolved since Lajoux wrote her first book, just ten years ago, that her second edition, just recently published, ended up to be a complete re-write! 

 Along with a well-regarded, knowledgeable speaker, no can overlook the power of networking that takes place at every ACG NJ event! This is especially true for our Women of Leadership program. Come and meet other professional women, talk, share, and exchange ideas – the time you spend will be a terrific investment in your career!

 By the way, we are pleased to offer Lajoux’s new book for $45,00 which represents a special 40% discount through ACG-NJ Women of Leadership.

Posted at 07:19 AM

10/20/2010

It's All About the Networking!

Welcome to the ACG-NJ blog. We hope you will share stories, insights and observations here whenever you have time!

Last night I had a great experience, which shows how terrific the ACG-NJ network can be. I want to share it with you. I was at the Women of leadership   program featuring Alexandra Reed Lajoux, who was delightful, by the way – and very well received.  During the pre-program networking a new but very active member approached me regarding a client of hers with a specific tax issue for his New York companies, with an impact across three key industry sectors.   Knowing that a representative from one of the sponsors, Eisner Amper, was present, I was able to introduce them to each other.  They will both follow up, but it was a good opportunity that will most likely result in a quality referral.

And that’s how business is done at ACG-NJ. We hope you are enjoying similar experiences. There are some events coming up that may provide such chances for you as well.  There is Princeton on November 11 featuring Dr. Herbert Greenberg, Founder, President & CEO of Caliper Corporation; West Orange on November 16 featuring Bud Mayo, Foundin Chairman & CEO of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp and on December 2 in Bergen we have Joy Atkinson, Vice-President, Body & Home Care, North America, Firmenich. 

 Any and all of these are well worth your investment of time. See you soon!

Posted at 08:25 AM

10/28/2010

Dr. Herbert Greenberg, Founder & CEO of Caliper Corporation, speaking, Thursday, 11/11/10, ACG Princeton Event

This Thursday, November 11, Dr. Herbert Greenberg, Founder & CEO of Caliper Corporation, and author of NY Times Best Seller, “Succeed on Your Own Terms,” will share his first hand perspectives on the impact of human capital on an acquisition.  During his discussion at the Princeton Event being held at Forrestal Village from 6:00-8:30 pm, he will review the assessment and management of skills and abilities that are acquired in a transaction, as well as discuss how to bring together and assimilate divergent cultures within a newly combined organization.

Using fascinating real world case studies, Dr. Greenberg will provide critical insights regarding this frequently overlooked area. All too often, human capital (the soft side of the deal may be ignored or neglected.  But Dr. Greenberg will  draw on his vast experience gained while advising more than 25,000 companies on employee selection and team development and by assessing more than 3.5 million applicants and existing personnel to provide us all with information we need to consider during an M&A transaction.

 Join us for a unique opportunity to meet Dr. Herbert Greenberg!

Posted at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Unique Invitation-Only Corporate Forums Meet the Needs of C-Level Professionals

 One of the goals for this blog is to keep our members informed of all the exciting things happening at ACG-NJ.

 With that in mind we want to remind you that you can meet with your peers in a warm, comfortable environment, discussing best practices for today and generating new ideas for tomorrow. 

 To participate, you should check out the Invitation-Only Corporate Forums that ACG-NJ offers. (click on the EVENTs tab). In this unique setting, CEOs meet with each other and CFOs have the opportunity to talk to colleagues who face the same challenges. In addition, other professionals can also participate in special interest forums including the Corporate Development Forum, the In-House Transactional Counsel Forum and the Angel Forum of ACG New Jersey.

 To find out more about these invitiation-only specialty forums, check under the EVENTs tab on the web site.

 Posted at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | Reblog (0)

11/09/2010