Opening Session
Call to Order and Welcome
Glen Dunkerson
Chairman & CEO
Atlas World Group, Inc.
Remarks
Greg Hoover
President & COO
Atlas World Group, Inc.
Atlas Chairman and CEO Glen Dunkerson welcomed all and called the 42nd Annual Forum on Moving to order. He lent urgency to the gathering's purpose: to exchange ideas at a difficult time in the industry. Quoting Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" (It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...), Glen said the same contradictions "seem so true today." He asserted, "The sky is not falling," and he encouraged all to view the glass "not as half empty, but half full."
Recalling the theme of Forum 41, Glen described how fuel prices and tariffs over the last 12 months have had a ripple effect on the industry. He said we stand to benefit from such changes by working through them together.
Glen articulated the present challenge as "moving the bar." It may not always be prudent to raise the bar, because goals must be achievable. It is important to move the bar – whether up, down, or sideways. Those who simply maintain the status quo will see the world pass them by. The goal of the Forum is to decide where the bar needs to be. Having achieved that, Forum attendees will "emerge victorious."
Glen introduced Atlas President and COO Greg Hoover, who took the stage to discuss high points from the 2009 Atlas Corporate Relocation Survey. Greg began his remarks with some humorous comments on economic forecasting. As a prelude to the survey findings, he offered a glimmer of hope in February's uptick for housing starts and existing home sales. He presented these in historical context as possible harbingers of economic recovery, with the caveat that we are in unprecedented times. Quoting Henry Ford, Greg said: "History is, more or less, bunk." Greg also noted that home prices as a multiple of income are moving from a 2005 high of 4.7 back toward more conservative historical values, perhaps an indicator of a return to stability.
Greg asked whether the fall in median home prices has reached a level where the market will start to participate again. He discussed the significant decreases in relocation volumes and budgets and expectations for further declines through 2009. He noted the problem is global, affecting international business as well as domestic.
Greg discussed market pressures on hiring, especially for middle management and new employees. He noted housing and mortgage concerns have eclipsed other factors among employees who decline relocation. He looked at curious changes in compensation methods and how lump sums are being used. He summarized the results with realism and optimism: "Your peers are pessimistic about 2009... but we have every reason to keep our fingers crossed and hope the worst is over."
Concluding his remarks, Greg thanked all for their attendance and encouraged those with an interest to take part in the survey next year.
Read the complete survey results here.
Second General Session & Luncheon
Presiding
Marian Weilert Sauvey
General Counsel, Senior Vice President & Secretary
Atlas World Group, Inc.
Featured Speaker
Frank Abagnale
World's foremost authority on fraud and identity theft.
Atlas General Counsel Marian Sauvey began the session by recognizing the workshop presenters and leading applause in appreciation of their efforts. A series of clips from the Steven Spielberg film adaptation of "Catch Me If You Can" introduced speaker Frank Abagnale, author of the best-selling book upon which the movie was based.
Frank's talk was largely biographical, filled with anecdotes about his life outside the law and his subsequent atonement. He described how the trauma of his parents' divorce caused him to run away from home at the age of 16. He chronicled a series of deceptions – forging his identity, bouncing checks, posing as an airline pilot and, later, a physician. Eventually, as he knew it would, the law caught up with him. After serving time in French and Swedish prisons for forgery, he was brought back to the U.S. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 12 years in Federal prison. Four years into his sentence, the FBI gave Frank the chance to complete his term in service to his country. It was the start of his career as the bureau's leading expert on fraud and identity theft.
Frank talked about the importance of family, of parenting, and how he was blessed to have a "daddy" – a father devoted to his children. He said he has tried to be that kind of father to his three sons. He credits his wife for the good that has come to him. "A real man, next to God and country, puts his wife and children as the most important thing in his life."
Frank fielded several questions from the audience. He discussed the Spielberg film, saying he and his family were pleased with how the director told his story without glorifying his wrongdoings. Though people are fascinated by what Frank did, he says he looks upon his actions as immoral... and a burden he lives with every day of his life. Although he has paid back every dollar he stole, he feels he owes his county "800 times more" than he could ever repay. He has turned down three pardon offers from three presidents. "I do not believe a piece of paper will excuse my actions."
Frank said fraud is getting a lot worse – and a lot easier. White-collar crime last year in the United States totaled $934 billion. He believes the problem can't be solved by developing safeguards that are more sophisticated. The root is a lack of character and ethics being instilled in children. This is the role of parents. He decried the devastation of divorce on children.
Frank offered several tips to prevent identity theft.
- Use a micro cut shredder (turns paper into confetti) for document destruction.
- Use a credit monitoring service (connected to all three credit bureaus) that notifies you immediately of any inquiries into your credit.
- Refrain from writing checks and never use a debit card for purchases – use a credit card instead.
Frank concluded the session by inviting all to visit www.abagnale.com for free information on how to protect themselves and their businesses.
Forum Banquet & Entertainment
Presiding
Greg Hoover
President & COO
Atlas World Group, Inc.
Special Entertainment
Ronn Lucas
Atlas President & COO Greg Hoover presided over the Forum Banquet. He recognized and thanked those responsible for planning and working to make the Forum a success, including Atlas Event Coordinator Sue Chandler and the staff of Caesars Palace.
Greg noted that ventriloquist Ronn Lucas, who entertained at the 2005 Atlas convention, was one of the most popular performers the event has ever featured. A montage of clips from Ronn's performances served as a prelude to his act. Ronn delighted the Forum audience, creating smiles all around through humor and the mastery of his craft. It was a fitting end to a full and productive day.
Breakfast & Closing General Session
Presiding
Glen Dunkerson
Chairman & CEO
Atlas World Group, Inc.
Keynote Address
Robert Stevenson
Speaking Professional & Author
What better way to bid adieu to the Forum than under the influence of a high-energy sales coach and motivator? Atlas Chairman and CEO Glen Dunkerson introduced Robert Stevenson, author of the best seller, "How To Soar Like An Eagle In A World Full Of Turkeys," who delivered an inspirational message infused with tips for success.
Robert said success is never final, and business people must be constantly determined to improve every facet of what they do. "Whatever you do, do it better than anyone else." Mistakes are learning opportunities, and business is a game. You have to know how to play the game to win. "I'm only as good as my last game... the moment I start dropping the ball and missing the shot, you know what they say: "You're out of here!"
The audience got a psychological assist for dealing with the current economic conditions. Robert advised not to worry about things you can't control, and to focus on things you can. We will get through the recession. Meanwhile, realize that businesses are undergoing a culling process and the weak ones will go away.
Robert discussed the importance of treating every customer as special and the "8-16 rule": Do a good job and the customer will tell 8 people; do a bad job and the customer will warn 16 people. The Internet makes it especially easy for customers to share information.
Sharing a nightmare he experienced years ago when relocating with a competitor van line, he said the people serving him forgot they were not just moving things, but moving a family. He has relayed his moving horror story many times over the years. In contrast, he commented on the appeal and authenticity of the Atlas brand message.
Before concluding, Robert touched on the subject of his best-selling book, saying that all of us at some time behave like a turkey. In business, you have to learn to deal with people who do dumb things. He also talked about willingness to embrace change as a necessary part of success. "The idea that gets the most resistance is probably a pretty good idea."
Robert's presentation was pitch-perfect for the audience and the occasion. Following it, Glen complimented him and thanked the audience for helping to make the Forum a success. Glen adjourned the gathering, and the 42nd Atlas Forum on Moving was history.