Holland Young Professionals

Thank you to Hopwood Depree for participating in our latest Lakeshore e2e event.  It is exciting to hear about what he and others in the area are doing to build the film industry in West Michigan. (see more photos by clicking the ”photos” link in the navigation) 

During the event, the question was raised what we as a business community can do to help with Hopwood’s vision.  The answer… contact our legislators and lobby for additional incentives that will help get the ball rolling.  Hopwood continues to talk to members of our government and is pushing for new incentives to go through that would allow us to compete with states like Louisiana and New Mexico for motion picture production projects. 

According to Hopwood, not only would it bring significant dollars into the Michigan economy but would also create jobs for the area.

• P.J. Thompson of Transmatic (a metal forming company) spoke about Next Generation Leadership.

• He stressed that companies need to focus on three elements: strategy, leadership and execution. However, he indicated that execution is the most important of the three elements.

• He noted that there is a significant difference in profitability between average and the best companies.

• He explained that there are a number of realities in this marketplace. The first is that companies are staffed leaner. The second is that companies are structured flatter. The third is that competition is more competent. The fourth is that competition is more global. The fifth is that the profit window is narrowing.

• Thompson stressed that it is important to create a strong mid-management team. This is done through creating a strong culture which has guiding principles. It is also important to create team identity. At Transmatic, this is accomplished through quarterly performance meetings, executive team minutes that are distributed to all staff members and BHAGS (big hairy audacious goals).

• It is important to hire strong mid-managers. Hiring of strong mid-managers should focus on capability, capacity, and commitment. Mid-managers should keep score with their own P/L statement.

See P.J. Thompson’s powerpoint for more information.

lakeshore-e2e-pj.ppt

Following the primary in August, two candidates remain for Holland's top elected slot.  Tuesday, November 6 get out and exercise your right to vote. 

Incumbent Mayor Al McGeehan and Councilman Myron "Mike" Trethewey face each other in the November 6 election.  The candidates as reported by the Holland Sentinel (August 5, 2007 edition):

• Mayor Al McGeehan, 61.  Experience: Holland's longest serving mayor at 14 years; elected to city council in 1977.
• Myron "Mike" Trethewey, 50.  Experience: City council member since 1997; police community relations commission liaison, cable TV advisory commission liaison and active with Project Pride.

For more information on the candidates, please visit www.hollandsentinel.com or www.cityofholland.com .

Max is pulling out all the stops to bring you 7 Xpanded fixed routes and Xtended service hours.  At just a buck each way, even the most frugal HYP, or the one with the most students loans to pay back, can ride without breaking the bank.  To learn how to use Max’s Xpanded fixed routes, attend a free Xpress Training Workshop with some of your most HYP friends.  Did I mention that you get coupons for 4 complimentary fixed-route bus rides just for checking it out?  Max also offers a FREE ride to the beach in the summer from designated locations throughout the Holland area, go to www.catchamax.org for a map and times.

Join HYP at Holland City Hall (270 S.River Ave) on MONDAY, AUGUST 13 from 4-6pm for the Max Xpress Open House!

Join the Holland Young Professionals for sports all summer long. August is Ultimate Frisbee month! Get out that disc that your dog chewed to pieces and brush up on your throwing skills… you'll need it!! If you forgot how to throw a frisbee here's some instructions (How to Throw a Frisbee)

Location: August 7 & 14 will be held at Matt Urban Sport Complex (corner of 32nd/Lincoln) August 21 & 24 will be held at Rosa Parks Green (College Park-corner of 19th/College) in the old kickball field. Read more

The Flag Football rules have been posted. If you are planning on playing tonight or anytime this month, please review at your leisure. We’ll have a quick overview before the game.

Flag Football Rules