Dr. Dana Law was invited to participate in a collaborative workshop involving international attendees in the field of Leadership Development at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Mass. The academically rigorous program asked participants to examine their experiences and work collaboratively to address leadership challenges. Dr. Law’s expertise in Industrial Organizational Psychology and her consulting experience in leadership development allowed for contributions in solving issues within the global team. She continues to lead Sankora Executive Solutions forward with honor.

On August 31, 2009, the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council, the Alabama affiliate of the National Supplier Development Council, recertified Sankora Executive Solutions as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). A MBE is a for-profit business that is 51% owned, operated and controlled by individuals in designated minority groups.

Sankora Executive Solution, Inc. received its initial certification as a Minority Business Enterprise in August 2008. Dr. Dana Law, Sankora’s President, states, “This certification has allowed us to identify and expand business opportunities with the corporate members of the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council. The networking and educational opportunities, especially during the annual conference, have made a significant impact on the success of our firm.”

Additional information about the South Region Minority Supplier Development Council can be found by visiting www.srmsdc.org.

On June 28, 2009, Jack Welch, head of Jack Welch, LLC, and former Chairman and CEO of GE, impressed a crowd of approximately 10,000 human resources professionals during the opening session of the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 61st Annual Conference and Exposition. Welch seeks to elevate human resources professionals to the top levels of decision-making in the organization and expects much involvement and contribution by those individuals.

We believe Welch’s comments bring organizational development into the toolbox of human resources professionals. The HR department may still plan the picnic, but they now must plan strategically. They may administer insurance for employees, but they also need to monitor the overall health of the organizational culture. Organizations will be seeking human resources professionals with more skills that are willing to take on more responsibility. Professional development in organizational development is vital. As Jack Welch responded to Dr. Dana Law when interviewed regarding increasing the strategic role of organizational development within organizations, “Go for it.”

Additional information about Jack Welch can be found by visiting www.welchway.com. For information about the Society for Human Resources Management, please visit www.shrm.org.

During the week of May 4-7, 2009, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated Small Business week.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Small Business Week for the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. The week’s theme was “Turning Silver into Gold”. The week’s activities included: an opening night reception, seminars, a scholarship competition, and the small business awards night ceremony.

Awards were presented in the following categories: Small Business Person of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Jesse J. Lewis, Jr. Community Service Award, Centennial Award, and Non-Profit of the Year.

Dr. Dana Law was named by the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce as a finalist for 2009 “Small Business Person of the Year.”

In July 2009, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce merged with the Metropolitan Development Board to form the Birmingham Business Alliance. Additional information about the Birmingham Business Alliance can be found by visiting www.birminghambusinessalliance.com.