Vistage Launching New CEO “Think Tank” in Rhode Island and
Southwest Massachusetts
San Diego, June 27, 2011 –
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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Vistage International, the world’s leading chief executive organization is forming a new peer advisory board for chief executives in Rhode Island that will also include business leaders from southwest Massachusetts. Vistage currently has more than 650 groups worldwide and more than 14,500 CEOs in 15 countries.
Vistage Chair, Chris Westerkamp, is forming the new chief executive group. “Our CE groups are in essence “Think Tanks” for people who run companies that are looking to grow faster and easier. Since the economic meltdown of 2008, CEO’s the challenge to small and mid sized companies has grown exponentially. Vistage provides new solutions because our members are able to tap into the wisdom and experience of other savvy business leaders.”
The group allows business leaders to meet in a non-competitive and confidential setting and discuss critical issues that they face. Westerkamp, a will facilitate the meetings using a Vistage process that has been proven over the company’s 54-year history.
“Vistage is not about social or networking meetings,” says Westerkamp, “Vistage provides our members time to work on their business vs. in their business. The group enables them to gain a global perspective and find both pragmatic and innovative solutions.”
The value of being a Vistage member is supported by several facts: One, the average length of participation by individual members is 10 years. Two, the growth rates of companies run by members grows by a factor of 3 within the first three years. Three, measured against the performance of Dunn & Bradstreet US companies, Vistage member companies out performed the average by nearly 16%.
Westerkamp added, “it would be extremely gratifying to make a significant positive impact on the performance of 30+ businesses in the Ocean State in the next few years.”
Westerkamp is a former CEO with a background in broadcasting and digital media. He started his career in sales at CBS television and rose through management positions at ABC, Belo, McGraw-Hill to running television stations. He was a key executive in several digital media companies including Third Age Media, OnHealth.com and Lightspan.com.
about Vistage International
Founded in 1957, Vistage International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the world’s leading chief executive organization, serving more than 14,500 members in 15 countries. Vistage member CEOs participate in chair-led advisory board peer groups, receive one-to-one coaching, learn from expert speakers, and interact among a global network of CEOs representing a broad range of industries. Its renowned Vistage CEO Confidence Index has been tracking CEO confidence and main street business issues since 2003.
media contact
Leo Bottary Vistage International
858.509.5854 leo.bottary@vistage.com
