You strive to build and retain a productive team in a highly competitive talent market. But...how do you drive increased innovation, productivity, and bottom line performance if your existing workforce is disengaged?
Join CFBN and industry partner, IMEC, for a conversation on what drives the building, development, and retention of an engaged team.
Disengaged employees may become less productive than their counterparts - negatively influencing customer relations, sales, quality, productivity, and overall employee retention. In creating a team of engaged employees that are motivated, committed and focused on doing the job right, you are able to drive positive, measurable results to your bottom line.
Our panel and presentations will include:
Ashley Beaudoin, Technical Specialist, IMEC (Opening Presentation)
Ashley is based in Chicago and focuses on the people aspect within an organization. She assists in the implementation and enhancement of human resources needs such as addressing talent management systems. Talent management systems include recruitment, performance management, employee development and learning, and compensation. More specifically, Ashley improves and creates hiring processes, on-boarding processes, professional development training, feedback tools, and incentive programs. Ashley also consults and coaches senior management in human resources topics relating to daily policies and procedures. She uses her skills and knowledge she gained from earning her B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Maria Moran, Regional Manager, IMEC (Moderator)
Maria brings more than 20 years of experience in designing custom business strategies that increase corporate presence, market viability and continually foster company growth. Her skills include Sales and Marketing management, strategic planning, process standardization, branding, direct sales, market analysis and innovative solutions in both B2B and B2C business structures. She has been Director of Business Development, Partner, and consultant. Maria received her B.S. in Healthcare Management from SIU Carbondale.
Barb Pugesek, Director of Customer and Culture Excellence, FONA
A culture and communication leader at FONA International for 19 years, Barb helps to not only articulate – but execute -- FONA’s core values and people-driven culture, in all facets of the business. At FONA, a family-owned producer of taste solutions, Barb has held roles in Marketing, Employee Engagement and Communications. As Director of Customer and Culture Excellence, Barb tests and deploys new approaches and business models for driving customer solutions. She is an integral part of FONA’s Value’s Team and is responsible for bring new programs to help employees understand and live out the business’s winning DNA. Barb also works with leaders across the business to bring a growth mindset and a spirit of frontline innovation to their teams.
Matthew Muench, Director of Workforce Innovation, City of Chicago
Matthew Muench became the City of Chicago’s first Director of Workforce Innovation in November 2018. Previously, he was Portfolio Manager with Ballmer Group Philanthropy in Seattle, where he directed national grantmaking related to career and post-secondary education, employment, and criminal justice. He supported efforts in policy reform, systems-building, and direct services. And he also managed Ballmer Group investments in pay-for-success projects. Before that, Mr. Muench was Director of the Joyce Foundation's Employment Program, where he oversaw strategy, grantmaking and partnerships focused on helping disadvantaged individuals build the skills necessary for success in learning, work and life; expanding access to good jobs; and getting more employers to support the career growth of their employees. Prior to philanthropy, he was Management Fellow at the Chicago Workforce Investment Council (now merged into the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership), where he advised City of Chicago agencies on effective program design and management. Mr. Muench began his career as an advisor to aerospace and defense companies, with especial focus on market entry and growth strategies, opportunity identification, and M&A. He holds degrees from The University of Michigan (MBA), London School of Economics (MSc), and Tulane University (BA).
Gregg Mellinger, Vice President, USI Insurance Services
Gregg Mellinger is the Vice President and Employee Benefits Consultant for USI Insurance Services a company that meets the diverse employee benefits consulting and brokerage needs of today’s dynamic employers in both the nonprofit, private and public sector clients, nationwide. Gregg is also the Founder of CFOrward, a financial executive business group that provides ongoing education, mentorship and professional network development opportunities to its valued members. With over 30 years of experience, Gregg is no stranger to employee benefits, employee engagement, development and retention. Throughout his career, Gregg has continuously led the precise strategies required to not only attract, but to onboard, develop, engage and retain top talent across numerous industries including Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, and many others. In his daily role, Gregg is responsible for working directly with C-Suite executives such as CFO’s & HR in implementing the employee benefits strategies that support both the human capital and financial goals of his clients. Most recently, USI has been recognized as an employer of choice within the insurance industry and is the two-time recipient of the prestigious Forbes America’s Best Large Employers award for 2018 and 2019, as well as the 2018 Top Insurance Workplace award by Insurance Business America.
Noah Frank, Employment & Labor Associate, SmithAmudsen LLC
Noah enables businesses to excel under increasingly regulated and taxing environments, while protecting them from harmful litigation. He is a trusted partner to a variety of businesses, such as manufacturers, professional services, restaurant chains, medical practices, importers, contractors, and closely held companies. Noah analyzes complex risks and formulates strategies for cost optimization, considering legal liability, litigation avoidance, and best practices. As a member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, Noah provides practical and thoughtful advice, strategy, and solutions in a full range of employment, corporate, and workers’ compensation matters. He provides comprehensive labor and employment counseling on compliance, policy implementation, and risk mitigation of wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, leave interference and retaliation claims, including under the FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, OSHA, NLRA, Worker’s Compensation, unemployment, and state and local laws. Noah advises employers on day-to-day issues such as employment agreements (including NDAs and restrictive covenants), leave and return-to-work management, discipline, disability and religious accommodation, and severance agreements. He trains management in legal compliance, and is a frequent author and invited speaker on these and other topics. Additionally, Noah handles complex workers’ compensation compliance matters and regularly represents businesses before the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Networking events with The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network are an opportunity to access an inclusive network dedicated to bringing together all of the industry players of the greater Chicagoland area, and beyond, to develop meaningful and mutually beneficial business connections. The event provides a great opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle - forging new connections and circling back with contacts from other events, all while experiencing the power of the CFBN network!
Coffee, beverages, and light morning refreshments will be provided.
Thank you to Bank of America for hosting and sponsoring this event. Bank of America is a Food & Beverage Industry Provider member of the Network.
IMEC is a supporting Industry Partner of the network.
