More Than 200 Gather for People Report Conference

‘Investing in Your Values; Balancing People and Profits’, the theme of the 2004 People Report Best Practices Conference, was echoed by the speakers, panelists, and roundtable leaders throughout the two-day event, held October 27-28 in Dallas,Texas. Dynamic and capable conference chairs, Lou Kaucic, chief people officer and John Prutsman, executive director of human resources of Applebee’s International, led the group of 225+ attendees from more than 85 leading companies, as they focused their time and energy completely on the people side of the P&L.

The incredible line-up of industry experts and thought leaders featured during the executive symposium was kicked off by noted author and business futurist, Roger Herman, who addressed shifting labor markets and their impact on the service sector. Industry financial expert, Jim Parish, led a panel conversation about the challenges of balancing long term rewards and benefits with short term profits with Bill Corba, president & GM of CIGNA Healthcare Southern California, and Anne Costelloe, human capital practices leader of Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

Kathleen Wood, president of Elliot Solutions, also led a panel discussion with Joleen Flory-Lundgren, vice-president human resources and training, Famous Dave’s, Judy Shoulak, svp operations, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Carlos Bernal, president, FoodBrand about the realities of the leadership deficit in our industry.

Voted the day’s most valuable session by attendees, Lou Kaucic made a compelling and passionate presentation about Applebee’s strategic integration of their people practices and values into their overall long term business objectives, resulting in dramatic improvements in both people and profitability measures.

Left to right: Bruce Dudley, BHI; Becky Copeland, Pick Up Stix; Anne Varano, Carlson; Kelli Valade, Brinker; Linda Pharr, BHI and Tom Solomon,Carlson		Left to right: Kathleen Wood, Elliot Leadership Institute, Jaime Griffin and Ashley Allemend from Raising Cane’s; Ellen Nash, NRAEF; Harry Bond, Monical’s and John Poulos, Discoverlink, Inc.
Left to right: Teresa Siriani, People Report; Chris Harrington, Capital Grill; Dina Berta, NRN and Tom Gathers from RARE		Left to right: Wes Garnet, Buca, Inc., Bill Streitberger, BJ’s Brewhouse, Gerry Fernandez, MFHA

General session keynote John Izzo, author of “Values Shift: the New Work Ethic” dazzled and educated the audience with his insight into creating an inspiring workplace. Other sessions included a service sector best practices panel moderated by Rosalyn Mallet, chief operating officer of La Madeleine; featuring Ed Eynon, svp human resources, The Cheesecake Factory, Jose Gomez, director of diversity, Brinker International, and Stephen Cerrone, evp human resources, JP Morgan Chase. Rick Berman, well known lobbyist and industry advocate alerted attendees to the rapidly changing environment in unions representing food service employees, and the need for progressive work practices.

Teresa Siriani, People Report president updated members and attendees on the state of the industry workforce, and proprietary People Report consortium data; sharing critical metrics in the areas of recruitment, retention, compensation, benefits and diversity. This year, the traditional Power Roundtables, featured 16 experts facilitating unique topics ranging from building diverse executive teams to enhancing human capital through technology. The conference was capped off by Bill Shore, founder of Share Our Strength, the leading anti-hunger organization in the country, who delivered a strong message about the need for business to invest in their communities and their employees.

Both days were additionally filled with celebration and awards given to People Report members who have led the consortium in their people practices. Applebee’s International was awarded the Heart of the Workplace Award and Jamba Juice was awarded the Catalyst Award. Best Practice Awards were given to Monical’s Pizza, CEC Entertainment, Olive Garden and Claim Jumper (see awards story.)

The energy of People Report members and their true commitment to making their companies and the industry a better place to work continues to be contagious! Please mark your calendar for next year’s 10 Year Anniversary Conference scheduled November 2nd and 3rd, 2005 in Dallas, Texas!

For more information about the conference, please contact Kacy Oden at 972-733-6822 or .

Left to right: Rodney Morris, Brinker International; John Prutsman, Applebee’s; Teresa Siriani, People Report; Bill Corba, CIGNA		Left to right: Tenille Hurley and Shawn Boyer, Snagajob.com; Sandee Pritchard, Whataburger; Carin Stutz, Applebee’s

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