The U.S. economy seems to be indicating it is back on a growth track. The second-quarter GDP reading registered an increase of 4%, more than picking up the slack from a 2.1-percent decline during the first quarter as a tough winter slowed American economic activity. But many CEOs and business owners remain worried that the U.S. economy once again could ease off as the year goes on and are being cautious in their decision making.
Up-and-down has been the pattern the last few years as the economy took off at some point during the first halves of 2011, 2012 and 2013, only to falter again later in each year. And in 2014, there’s also recognition by business leaders of an additional factor: Job stagnation has become a major stubborn drag on consumer optimism and therefore on the possibilities for long-term economic growth.
Gains in consumer spending and business investment helped the economy rebound at a 4-percent annualized rate from April through June, better than the 3-percent rate that had been projected by economists. Companies also added 218,000 workers to their payrolls in July, exceeding the average for the year and showing that improving demand is bolstering the employment market.
Many analysts jumped on the gains as a sign that the U.S. economy finally is shifting into a higher growth gear after largely bumping along in the four years since the Great Recession. The U.S. Fed now is seen as having more leeway to stop stimulating the economy with things such as its massive bond purchases.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
