October 2011 Edition of TSG Broadcast
October 25, 2011
Greetings from The Select Group!
With new research showing no constraints on company IT budgets in 2012, the opportunities for individuals in the IT field continue to exceed many CIO expectations made in 2009. We look forward to watching these positive trends unfold in the coming months.
In this broadcast, you will get a brief overview of the CIO survey and an opportunity to win another $100 gift card!
Sheldon Wolitski
CEO and Founder
Raleigh Takes Top Spot on Businessweek.com's 2011 Best Cities Ranking
In Businessweek.com's first ever Best Cities ranking, Raleigh came out on top. The study took into account a variety of metrics including quality of life, average income rates, school performance, green space and cultural amenities. The Director of Raleigh Economic Development, James Sauls, comments that "We've always said, you can find about every amenity that you want, even in a city of our size." For more information click here.
Wong, Vanessa. "Which Is America's Best City?" Businessweek. Bloomberg L.P., 20 Sept. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2011.
Positive Outlook for IT Budgets and Salaries in 2012
According to a recent survey conducted by the Society of Information Management (SIM), companies indicate that their 2011 IT budget was similar to 2010. They have estimated in 2012 their budgets will remain unchanged or increase. Offshoring, which has also been a point of concern for many IT professionals, is also not expected to increase, but remain steady in 2012 by utilizing only 2% of IT budgets. Furthermore, IT salaries are predicted to meet or exceed 2011 numbers as noted by 94% of CIOs questioned.
Marsan, Carolyn D. "2012 IT Budgets, Salaries on the Rise, Survey Says." Networkworld. Network World, Inc., 4 Oct. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2011
Raleigh's Inaugural Paint It Pink Gala
On October 6th, The Select Groupparticipated in the inaugural Paint It Pink Gala, held in downtown Raleigh. The event featured a raffle and silent auction, which included a week at CEO, Sheldon Wolitski's, Topsail Island beach house.
"The folks here at The Select Group are all very active in the community, with programs such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, UNC Children's Hospital and Paint It Pink," says senior account manager Bob Ferguson, whose wife, Jamie, served as executive chair of the Paint It Pink gala. "This event in particular is helping to raise breast cancer awareness significantly for the entire Triangle."
All proceeds from the event will be donated to 1in9, a breast cancer nonprofit that works closely with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to help women who currently are in treatment but lack the means necessary to continue it.
Awards & Honors
The Select Group Named Among Best Places to Work
The Select Group has been named a 2011 Best Place to Work by Triangle Business Journal. It is the second year in a row that the company has earned the honor.
TSG was one of 35 companies named to this year's list, which included four categories: giant, large, medium and small. Selection was based on an employee survey process conducted by Quantum Market Research.
"It's an honor to be recognized as one of the best places to work in the Triangle," says Sheldon Wolitski, TSG's Founder and CEO. "It's especially significant to us because a large part of our selection was based on feedback from our people. At The Select Group, our people make the difference. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence make our company what it is."
Marc Brodeur Named to Movers & Shakers
Marc Brodeur, an account manager with The Select Group was named among Business Leader magazine's Movers & Shakers for 2011.
"I'm honored to receive this award and truly consider this recognition to be a reflection of the people around me and the hard work and dedication of us all," Brodeur says. "It's easy to work hard and it's great to celebrate when others are doing it with you. I consider myself fortunate to be part of a team so committed to each other."
Brodeur is one of the top account managers at the corporate headquarters and supports some of the company's largest customers.
"Marc's business approach has always been 'the customer comes first,' and because of that he continues to receive fantastic feedback from customers regarding the level of service he provides them," says George Karakostantis, TSG's Director of Branch Operations, who nominated Brodeur for the award.
Promotions
Congratulations to Joel Will and Quincy Monk on their recent promotions from Technical Recruiter to Professional Technical Recruiter. Both were selected for their new role through their dedication and tenure in the recruiting industry. We are honored to have Joel and Quincy as leaders on our team - Congrats!
Words of Wisdom
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
-Dale Carnegie
Laughter in the Office
A very successful local businessman was at his daughter's wedding when he pulled aside his new son-in-law for a private conversation. The man told his son-in-law that he wanted to welcome him to the family by making him part owner of his very profitable manufacturing business.
Man: "I drew up all the paperwork; you will be 25% owner. All you have to do is sign this line and we are good to go. I'm sure you want to have your lawyer look it over first. Just be sure to get it back to me as soon as you get back from your honeymoon. One thing I need to mention though is that I had a clause put in that says if you ever leave my daughter, you lose your stake in my business.
"SIL: "Seems fair to me" said the son-in-law who just grabbed the papers and signed them on the spot.
Man: "Well, that was unexpected. I thought you would at least read over signed it. We haven't discussed which branch you are going to work in."
SIL: "Work?"
Man: "Yes, you need to decide if you want to be involved in the factory or the main office."
SIL: "Well, I don't want to work in the factory. They're too loud and extremely dangerous."
Man: "Well then you can work in the office."
SIL: "I can't. Offices are usually boring places and besides, I'm just not cut out for a 9 to 5."
Man: "Well, you don't want to work in the factory and you don't want to work in the office. What do you suggest that I do with you?"
SIL: "You can always buy me out, dad."
- Tom Romano, TSG's resident humorist
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