The Vermont Business Center invites you to a free discussion at the new Davis Student Center on October 26, 2007.
The 4 p.m. talk, titled “Crisis Communication: The Informed Leadership Response to Demanding Events,” will be presented by Donald Rheem, a marketing and communications consultant and former print and broadcast journalist, Washington bureau chief, Cabinet-level speechwriter and White House correspondent.
Through a series of case studies culled from the headlines, Rheem will outline some of the positive outcomes when a crisis plan is in place and followed, as well as the consequences for those who remain unprepared.
As he explains, crises come in many forms: internal turmoil, company scandal, catastrophic event. They occur suddenly and demand a quick, definitive response from leadership. When a crisis hits, years of positive brand building can evaporate overnight if a company or organization mismanages its response. Surviving a crisis takes advance preparation, which includes a rehearsed communication plan outlining everything from decision-making authority to where and how to run a press briefing.
Rheem has more than 20 years of experience. He has trained hundreds of executives from Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and the government. He is acknowledged as a national expert in media and presentation training.
No registration is necessary. For more information, go to http://www.uvm.edu/vbc/?Page=crisis_communication.html.
The University of Vermont and Northfield Savings Bank are teaming up to deliver leadership, transition and professional development programs to Vermont businesses. Northfield Savings Bank, a five-year partner of the Vermont Family Business Initiative at UVM, is expanding the scope of the relationship to include the Vermont Business Center. The VBC offers leadership and management development seminars, training needs assessment services and custom training programs.
“We’re pleased Northfield Savings Bank is engaging in a major effort to assist businesses and organizations in the state,” said Rocki-Lee Dewitt, dean of the UVM School of Business Administration. “Their knowledge and experience will help us develop and deliver programs which enhance business success.”
The Vermont Business Center served more than 300 people in the past year, representing over 100 Vermont businesses and organizations. Seventy percent of the public program participants were managers, directors, presidents, CEOs or small-business owners.
Through the partnership, the VBC also will provide leadership and management training to Northfield Savings Bank.
Founded in 1867, Northfield Savings Bank is the third largest bank headquartered in Vermont. The bank has opened five branches in Chittenden County since 2004.
“Northfield Savings Bank is committed to being involved with the communities we serve,” said Thomas Pelletier, the bank’s president. “This partnership with the Vermont Business Center represents a mutual opportunity for both parties to assist businesses and improve economic development in Vermont.”
Have you bypassed the traditional college route and gained all your experience on the job? Have you ever thought you’d like to return to college and finish your bachelor’s degree?
Financial assistance, generally in the form of $2,000 scholarships, is available for students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont after having taken a significant break in their studies. Applicants must be over age 25.
The scholarships are part of a $50,000 Reentry Scholarship Grant provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation. It is the second year the foundation has awarded the grant to UVM.
Scholarship applications, which are available at http://learn.uvm.edu/?Page=financial.html, are due by Nov. 26, 2007. Applicants also can call Continuing Education, 656-2085, for more information.
The Bernard Osher Foundation was created in 1977 by arts and education patron Bernard Osher. Through the foundation, Osher's philanthropy has benefited a wide range of educational, cultural and other nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and his native Maine.
Last modified November 01 2007 12:51 PM
