Tribal networking during turbulent times

Are you feeling a surge of networking activity during the looming forecasts of financial disaster? It seems networking is up everywhere, people turning to tribal membership organizations, both online and those that meet in person.

I am a member of MENG Marketing Executive Network Group, whose president Richard Guha put out an email asking, “Will you have a job in 2009? How can MENG help?” The email declares a list of initiatives the association is undertaking to support out-of-work members, both current and expected. These are positive and proactive steps. It’s a time to turn to our tribes, to find support within our ranks.

Torque is doing its part as well. As a member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Mid Market Forum, I am helping to produce a breakfast panel seminar to address the constrained financial resources of banks, and what to do about it. Several bankers and other financial experts will make up the panel. The seminar will be hosted by our client The Cape Horn Group at their 55 W. Wacker development property.

The Chamber panel will be informational, but it’s a way to help members of the Chamber’s tribe make themselves "downturn-ready." And it’s free. If you’re interested, you can register at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Details below:

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Cape Horn Group Present
Financial Strategies for Turbulent Times

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:00am - 9:00am
Cape Horn Group
55 W. Wacker, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60601
Registration begins at 7:30am.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Cape Horn Group invite you to a complimentary panel discussion on seeking new approaches to securing financing and controlling costs during these challenging economic times.

This program will examine the ins-and-outs of the new rules for securing bank and other sources of financing. Panelists will share practices for reviewing your company's financial strategy so you can learn how to become less reliant on new monies.

You will also hear how current Cape Horn Group customers are able to cut through these tough economic times to succeed at securing the monies they need to build strong financial futures.

Panelists include: MB Financial, Associated Bank, SomerCor, Cape Horn Group and Expense Reduction Analysts.

• How to secure financing from the banking industry
• Several new guidelines for obtaining financing
• What other options are available to manage and enhance cash flow
• How other companies have been able to maintain a healthy bottom line and balance sheet
• How to continue managing your long term growth plan, even during a down economy

Fax your registration to 312-861-0660, or mail it to Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Meeting Planning, 200 E. Randolph, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601.

Name(s)_______________________________________________________
Company_______________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
City_______________________________State______Zip______________
Phone_______________________________Fax________________________
E-Mail_________________________________________________________

Registration for this event closes at noon on Monday, November 17, 2008, space permitting. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made by 5pm on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. Questions? Call the Event Hotline at 312-494-6709.