Water Cooler Conversations

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

“Pat; really enjoy your time with her now, because in a blink of an eye she will be leaving “the nest”.  Truer words have never been spoken.  That statement came from my good friend Steve Vitale at my daughter’s 3^rd or 4^th birthday party.  I remember thinking that he was probably right, but at the time today seemed eons away.

My daughter has not left the nest yet, but over the past few weeks we have participated in a college fair, she is making a campus visit this week and I have been in the passenger seat while she practices driving.  She is expected to get her license later this summer and like her friends, very excited about the prospect of being free from having mom and dad drive her around.  Today has certainly arrived way too soon.  And, Steve was right - it all happened so fast - in a blink of an eye.

The college prep is actually pretty exciting.  The driving practice on the other hand is a bit unnerving.  For the first time in her life, I am sitting in the passenger seat with no control of the pedals and steering wheel.  She is all excited when we drive and I am excited when we are done with the practice.  It is a great experience for both of us and one that I will treasure forever.

Later this week I will complete 10 years at ERC.  The past decade passed in a blink of an eye.  A great deal has happened in ten years here at ERC and outside our business.  We changed and so did the world.  We have more than tripled in size, offer great services and programs and boast a staff that is second to none.  My role at ERC has been like raising (along with my better half) my daughter - being part-time participant, director and observer.

Actually, there are many similarities between child-rearing and work at ERC.  I have been fortunate to have loved both.  Perhaps, that is why time has gone by so fast.

Marty Mordarski, ERC’s Director of Research and Membership was blessed last week with the birth of his first child.  I am happy to report that his new arrival and spouse are doing well.

Marty…I share my dear friend Steve’s advice with you - really enjoy your time with your son now, because in a blink of an eye he will be leaving your “nest”.    

My advice - don’t blink too fast.

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

In spite of the recent weeks of ugly weather, spring will be upon us soon.  Starting at the end of next month, colleges and Universities will begin their summer breaks and with that a flurry of sophomores, juniors and soon to be seniors will descend upon local employers seeking Internships.  This anticipated spike in the local temporary labor pool is a “right of spring” and a tremendous opportunity for Northeast Ohio employers to:

• Hire some incredible talent at great rates,
• Develop talent for the near future, and
• Provide college students another great reason to stay and work in Northeast Ohio.

It is hard to imagine an organization that would not benefit from at least one internship in 2008.  At ERC we have employed nearly 20 interns over the past 10 years.  I am proud to say that over 90% of these professionals have stayed and worked in Northeast Ohio after graduation.  Four of those interns are full-time employees at ERC.

These kids are smart, technologically savvy, mature and willing to work hard.  At 8 to 10 dollars per hour, interns may be one of the best business investments you make all year.

Give it a shot - the contributions they make to your organization will be impressive and you will have supported the beginnings of a career that promises to be great.