Retreat Reflections from EFBC Members

A quick visit to our homepage, myefbc.com, will have you met with an abundance of information from blogs to events to membership benefits and everything in between. A smart eye will see the words “forum” and “peer group” sprinkled throughout the pages. EFBC is good at many things, but we excel at forums. Our peer group model is extremely successful. Additionally, we are proud to boast a high member retention rate, to which we attribute to the forum model. A component of forum that isn’t talked about enough but provides extreme value to members is retreat.

Each forum goes on an annual retreat. Retreats are 3 days away together and are only for active members in the forum. Retreat gives members time for introspection and time for shared experiences and personal growth. The retreat is an opportunity for members to reflect on their past and explore their future within an environment that is confidential and open.

We asked some of our members who recently went on retreat and here’s what they had to say:

“Bonding: As a business owner and a family man I have no time to create these special bonds with others. I am either taking the kids some place, trying to make plans with my wife or having to work. I don’t have time for myself to create these outside bonds with others. This is a way for me to really talk to each person in my forum and create individual bonds. I guess I really enjoy hearing about other people that have to deal with the same struggles I do. It helps show that we are not alone dealing with issues in our business. Other people have problems with staff and have dealt with their situation in a certain way. I get to hear from 5 others in a safe group setting on how they deal with a problem and maybe it can help me get through mine.

Confidentiality: At our retreat a lot gets talked about our businesses and personal life that really allows for us to open up to each other. Hearing and understanding what the other person is going through. It was made clear from the start of forum that confidentiality is so important and that at our retreat you can talk about anything with no judgement. There is not a subject that I feel uncomfortable talking about to each of the others members. We really get to dive deep on retreat because of the time we get to spend with each other. You never feel like you don’t have the time to let it all out. I think that the retreat really helps form a great way for us to kick off the year of forum with a new outlook on things.” – Scott Lichtenstein, President, Richardson Seating Corporation

“For me the forum experience is the best part of my EFBC membership. The monthly meetings are a great time to talk shop with other business owners in similar positions to me. But the retreats are where we make and reinforce the personal connections we lean on during the rest of the year. The monthly meetings are so much more valuable because I know my forum mates personally so well. And that personal relationship really stems from the exercises and time we spend together at retreat.” – Jay Smith, President, MacGill

“My first retreat gave me pause and reflection for weeks before I went. My forum had been together for a few years, and I was the new member attending. Everyone had such exciting and warm emotions before attending. I was scared. I wasn’t sure how I was going to meld into the group. When I arrived at the house, I didn’t bring my things inside or pick a room. Part of me wasn’t sure if I was going to stay. To top it off, they suggested that I present first to the group. Here I went… vulnerable and raw with my lifeline and then the assignment. So many emotions, from tears of sadness to tears of joy. My group welcomed me with open arms and showed me that strangers can make lasting friendships when you allow them in your life.” – Colleen Kramer, President, Evergreen Supply Co.

“I feel that retreat is an opportunity to go deep with content as well as relationships with my fellow forum members. I find that retreats are also a chance to challenge me to listen more, reflect more, and love more. Retreats are at the center of what the EFBC is all about.” – Eric Weinstein, Principal, Specialty Store Services

“Retreat is something I look forward to each year. I always enjoy the presentation topic and this year was no exception, The Road Ahead. Through my preparation I was able to think about where I wanted to go and create a path on how to get there. I discussed my obstacles with my forum and received amazing shared experiences. We also had time to hang out as a group and our group activity this year was a hot air balloon ride. It was breathtaking and an experience I think everyone should do. Over the three days we spent together our relationships deepened and I got the chance to just be me. It is an incredible experience and feeling to know you are around people that will support you and allow you the safe space to express what you are going through without judgement.” – Nicole Ziemba, Chief Compliance Officer, Primrose Candy Company

“The retreats have been critical to the success of forum. Retreats breed connectedness, or even call it intimacy, and intimacy or connectedness is critical to the year’s forum meetings being enriching for the presenters as well as the forum at large. The richness of a forum is critical for sharing a deepness to the experiences we all have personally, professionally and within our families. I am grateful for the retreat we had this year and the connectedness we all feel currently as we move into our year of forum meetings.” – Jon Kabance, President, Biokinetix

“Other than the opportunity for reflection and planning, I feel that the outside activities bring the group closer together. Our recent retreat we went a hot air balloon ride of which a few members were originally uncomfortable but did so anyways. During the ride it was great and everyone was relaxed and had the opportunity to do something that is unique and memorable.” – Mike Walsh, Vice President Business Development, ATMI Precast

“Retreat for me is always a highlight of the year. It has all the benefits of forum and then some, but without the same time constraints. It’s an opportunity to do a deeper dive and reflect on my life and business as a whole rather than one specific issue. I share those reflections with my forum members and learn from their questions and experiences. Since at retreat we all do the same exercise, it is interesting to see each member’s take on the exercise, their presentation, and their insights. I don’t have another place where I can explore issues as deeply and get rich feedback from trusted friends.” – B.J. Slater, President, Plant Marvel

Of course, these are only a few voices that live within EFBC, but the message is clear. The value in retreat, to supplement the forum experience, is un-matched. Retreat allows members to not only go deeper with themselves, but with each other. It strengthens the health of the forum and aids their longevity. We have groups that have been together for 25 years, and we are proud of that. Members who have leaned into forum state that they have not only become better in their business, but better in their families and their friendships.

Interested in joining EFBC and experiencing forum and retreat? Learn more about forum and join today!

Propelling Ourselves Toward Success At the Year’s End

Dear EFBC Members,

As we find possible hopes for a Bears Super Bowl diminishing, we pivot forward to the classic Chicago Marathon on Oct 8th to highlight our city. As EFBC business leaders we find ourselves in the final stretch of the business year. October marks the beginning of the last quarter of 2023, and it’s the perfect time to refocus our efforts, set our sights on year-end goals, and finish the year stronger than ever.

Q4, Finish Strong! Now is the time to double down on our efforts and work collaboratively to achieve our year-end goals. Let’s harness the energy of the season to propel ourselves toward success. Whether it’s meeting sales targets “Always be Closing (DTW)”, launching new projects, or achieving personal milestones, let’s approach this final quarter with determination and enthusiasm.

October is a special month for many of our forum groups as they embark on their yearly retreats. These retreats provide an invaluable opportunity for members to step back from their day-to-day routines, gain fresh perspectives, and engage in meaningful reflection. We encourage all members to make the most of these retreats and return with renewed focus and clarity.

DePaul’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center 20th Anniversary Celebration – October 17th We are excited to join our friends at DePaul’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center in celebrating their 20th anniversary on October 17th. Over the years, this center has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in our city. This milestone is a testament to their dedication and impact on our business community. Please join us in congratulating them on this remarkable achievement.

EFBC Fireside Chat Series – October 26th We’re delighted to announce the kickoff of our EFBC Fireside Chat conversations on October 26th at the beautiful Morton Arboretum. Our first guest is the renowned author Pete Wilkins, who will be discussing his latest book, “Purpose First Entrepreneur.” This promises to be an inspiring evening filled with insights and thought-provoking discussions. Make sure to save the date and view the event page for further details on registration.

As we embrace the opportunities and challenges that October brings, let’s remember that our strength lies in our unity and commitment to each other’s success. EFBC is not just an organization; it’s a community of driven professionals who support, inspire, and empower one another.

Dave Horvath
EFBC President 2023-2024

HR Policies and AI: Evolving Guidelines for Evolving Technology

In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a valuable tool, offering new solutions to problems across all industries. One area where AI has been highlighted prominently is content generation. It’s now crucial for HR policies to adapt and clearly define what is and isn’t allowed regarding AI-generated content. Let’s explore why this evolution is necessary and then look at some guidance on how HR policies can effectively address AI-generated content and its use.

Understanding AI-Generated Content

Before writing something as critical as HR policies, it’s essential to understand what AI-generated content is. AI-generated content is any form of content created by algorithms and machine learning models. These algorithms generate written, audio, or visual content without a human involved in the creation process. This is done by analyzing data and patterns to produce content similar to what a human might create if prompted correctly. From generating news articles and product descriptions to creating never-before-seen images and even composing music, AI has proven its versatility in content creation.

Why HR Policies Need to Adapt

Integrating AI-generated content into various business processes presents new challenges for HR professionals. Here are a few reasons why HR policies must evolve to address this technological advancement:

• Quality Assurance: AI-generated content is not perfect. Errors can occur, and the content may not align with the company’s brand image, tone, or values. HR policies should establish guidelines for reviewing and editing AI-generated content to ensure it meets quality standards.
• Ethical Considerations: AI-generated content can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in its data models. HR policies should emphasize the importance of ethical content generation, including avoiding exclusionary language or perpetuating stereotypes.
• Transparency: Companies need to be transparent with their customers and other employees about how and where AI-generated content is used. HR policies should address the disclosure of AI involvement in content creation to maintain trust.
• Employee Roles: With AI taking on content creation tasks, employees may find their roles evolving to focus on more strategic tasks. HR policies should outline how employees will adapt to working alongside AI tools and address any concerns related to job security.

Defining What Is and Isn’t Allowed

Clear boundaries are vital when updating your HR policies on this topic. Looking directly at the problems raised in the previous section, plus some additional factors, here are some things to consider when determining what is and isn’t allowed at your company:

• Quality Control: Specify the quality control measures in place for AI-generated content. Ensure that a human review process is incorporated to catch errors and align content with the company’s standards.
• Ethical Guidelines: Incorporate ethical guidelines into HR policies that emphasize the importance of avoiding bias, discrimination, or misleading information in AI-generated content.
• Transparency: Require transparency in customer communication. If AI tools are used to create content, make it clear in marketing materials, disclaimers, or product descriptions.
• Employee Training: Provide training and support for employees who work alongside AI tools. Address concerns related to job replacement by emphasizing the role of AI in content creation and how this provides more time to focus on tasks that only a human can complete, like strategy, planning, and other related work.
• Data Privacy: Emphasize the importance of protecting user data and ensuring that AI tools used in content creation adhere to privacy regulations.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Define procedures for monitoring AI-generated content to ensure ongoing compliance with HR policies and ethical guidelines.

Collaboration, Not Replacement

It’s important to emphasize that integrating AI-generated content into HR policies is not about replacing human employees – it’s about giving them the capacity to do more. AI can handle repetitive and data-driven tasks, allowing employees to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their roles.

HR departments should actively communicate with employees about HR policies adopting or barring AI-generated content. Here are a couple of strategies to consider:

• Open Communication: Maintain transparent and accessible communication channels to address employees’ questions and concerns.
• Feedback Systems: Establish feedback systems for employees to report issues or improvements related to AI-generated content.

Conclusion

As AI transforms content creation, HR policies must evolve to address the challenges and opportunities it presents. Defining what is and isn’t allowed in regard to AI-generated content while emphasizing quality, ethics, and transparency is essential for companies to maintain trust with their customers and employees. By establishing guidelines for employee usage of AI, organizations can harness the full potential of this technology while ensuring the comfort of their workforce.

Want to hear more about HR and how it’s evolving? Sign up for EFBC’s next HR Roundtable!