Social Media Smarts - CEO Interview - Alan Buckelew, CEO of Princess Cruises - March 7, 2010 - Segment Three

Social Media Smarts - CEO of Princess Cruises, Alan Buckelew.

Betsy and Renee speak with Alan about how the cruise industry and specifically Princess Cruises have taken to using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in very effective and engaging ways. You can follow Princess on Twitter here or on Facebook here or on LinkedIn here. You can learn more about their 2 brand new ships on these channels over the next couple of years as they are built and prepared for launch. The Princess Cruises’ philosophy is “evolution” not “revolution” and they devote themselves to improving products and services with a steady hand.

As media dollars for advertising migrate more and more to the Internet, Alan is a firm believer of insuring that the IT staff is at a adequate number with the expertise to handle the new requirements of constantly being online, engaged and involved on the many social media channels.

Alan’s career with the company has spanned 33 years, and most recently his title was executive vice president of corporate services, responsible for strategic planning, marketing and yield management. In his previous post he also served as chief information officer and chief financial officer. As the line’s president, he is responsible for all aspects of Princess’ business with the exception of fleet operations and Princess Tours.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Doing Well By Doing Good - CEO Interview - Elise Buik, United Way of Greater Los Angeles - February 7, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Betsy and Renee speak with Elise about the upcoming release of their report, “A Tale of Two Cities,” an in depth analysis of Los Angeles that depicts the disparity between one of the richest regions in the United States and the high levels of poverty right in the same region. For more information on this report and the event launching its release, click here.

In March 2005, Elise Buik made history by becoming the first female president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA). Under her leadership, UWGLA raised $59.3 million in its 2007-08 campaign year.

A native of Atlanta, Elise was initially attracted to Los Angeles because of its weather but ended up falling in love with the community and the immediate impact she was able to make at UWGLA. Prior to joining UWGLA, Elise spent seven years in the private sector as the marketing manager for a medical software company. She joined UWGLA in 1994 because of her strong belief in the organization and her personal desire and responsibility to improve the quality of life in Los Angeles County. Beginning her tenure in the marketing department, Elise worked her way up through the ranks, dedicating countless hours to help solve the pressing and rapidly growing social and economic issues facing Los Angeles County.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Business Coaches - CEO Interview - Janet Lamkin, CA State President of Bank of America - January 31, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with California State President of Bank of America, Janet Lamkin.

Betsy and Renee speak with Janet about Bank of America’s announcement of an additional fund of $5 billion targeted to small businesses that includes technical assistance. For more information go to (http://smallbusinessonlinecommunity.bankofamerica.com/index.jspa). You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to utilize the website.

They also talk about CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) that provide loans for under-served communities. Check out this website to learn more: www.cdfifund.gov or Opportunity Finance Network www.opportunityfinance.net.

Janet Lamkin is responsible for ensuring the integration of the company’s entire operation throughout the state. Lamkin worked for Bank of America in California for more than 10 years, serving in a variety of roles, most recently as the company’s corporate communications and public affairs executive. She left the bank in 2005 to become president and CEO of the California Bankers Association and returned in June 2007 to assume her current role. She began her career as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she helped draft legislation for Rep. Norm Shumway and also served as the legislative analyst for Sen. Paula Hawkins. She has served on the California Advisory Council of Economic Development and was the president of the Professional Business Women of California. The former president of the State Government Affairs Council, Lamkin sits on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Business Roundtable, the Southern California Leadership Council, the Pacific Coast Banking School and the California International Relations Foundation.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Teamwork in Business - CEO Interview - Bill Shumard, Southern California Special Olympics - January 24, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with President & CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, Bill Shumard.

“Special Olympics changes lives through the power of sport. Our athletes are more likely to have a job, develop long-lasting friendships and have improved health due in large part to the self-confidence, acceptance and support of our movement.” — Bill Shumard

Shumard’s vision for the organization is to radically grow the number of athletes served, and he has instituted an aggressive Strategic Plan and accompanying business model to help achieve that goal. SOSC’s original base of 10,000 athletes grew by approximately 30% over the first three years of Shumard’s tenure, with much of that growth credited to new partnerships with school districts within SOSC’s footprint. Revenue generation has also been key to the organization’s recent growth. During the first three years of Shumard’s tenure, revenues increased from $6 million to $8 million annually as SOSC moved to strategically grow and strengthen its revenue streams including a strong emphasis on major and planned gifts, and internet fundraising.

Prior to coming to SOSC, Shumard enjoyed a long and successful career in sports management at both the professional and collegiate levels, enjoying associations with teams and programs that enjoyed both competitive and financial success. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach in 1972, Shumard was named as CSULB’s Sports Information Director. One year later, he moved to CSU Los Angeles to assume the same position for two years.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.

Finding a Job or Finding Employees - CEO Interview with Madelyn Alfano, Maria’s Italian Kitchen - January 10, 2010 - Segment Three

Interview with Owner and CEO of Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Madelyn Alfano. Madelyn is one of California’s most successful restaurant owners. She believes that food is not just a necessity or pleasure, but a lifelong passion. Inspired by her parents and life in a large Italian family, Madelyn blends the finest ingredients, traditions and new ideas with the best aspects of family life to create a truly unique dining experience at Maria’s Italian Kitchen.

With headquarters in Van Nuys, Calif., and more than 400 employees, Maria’s Italian Kitchen is among the leading privately owned restaurant chains in the state. Today, there are 10 Maria’s Italian Kitchens, including the newest locations, Maria’s Downtown located in the financial district of downtown Los Angeles and her new concept store, Maria’s Express, a venue designed for customers on the go in the heart of Los Angeles. With every community Madelyn joins, she offers healthy, quality food with hospitable service in a casual yet elegant and friendly atmosphere.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.