Reflections from Vaco Orlando

Online Job Boards Plunge as Relationship Building Delivers More Qualified Candidates

As a business, it may be common for your hiring staff to find themselves sifting through unqualified candidate leads from online job boards. More and more companies are looking for better ways to find qualified employees to fill their open positions. According to The Wall Street Journal, as the market gets more competitive, companies are "hiring recruiters with expertise in headhunting and networking, rather than those with experience processing paperwork."

Many companies will use recruiters more often to reach candidates before the competition finds them, especially as they are discovering sites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com are proving to be more time-consuming and minimally effective.  The Wall Street Journal states that about "24% of companies plan to decrease their usage of third-party employment websites and job boards this year, according to a December survey from the Corporate Executive Board Co."

Rather than sorting through hundreds of online applications, Vaco recruiters believe in building relationships and making connections with candidates personally. They take the time to make phone calls, meet with qualified candidates, and spend time with each potential employee.

As a company, Vaco realizes that Internet job boards can't understand an individual's personality, lifelong career goals, or passion in life.  At Vaco, they can, and that is how they continue to excel in their business. Vaco Orlando has consistently grown year after year even during a declining economy, with growth revenue of 40% from 2009 to 2010.  This is due to a recruiting team that has years of experience working for both local and Fortune 500 companies desiring unmatched talent on a full-time and contract basis. 

Vaco Partner Denise Bennett-Walls states, "In order to be competitive globally, companies of all sizes must have top talent, and they must examine their strategic hiring approach. They need a strong foundation with a best-in-class full-time team, while leveraging senior contract professionals. Depending on a company's full-time talent and expertise, that may mean hiring a team of contractors during an acquisition integration, or having a senior accounting professional come in for two weeks at month end. Small to medium size companies leverage Vaco Resources part-time, CFOs, CIOs, COOs, etc. maximizing expertise and knowledge to take you to the next level of business. The markets are trending up and competition will continue to do the same. The question I am asking my clients right now is, "What is your new strategy and who do you have on your team that will help you to go toe-to-toe with your competition?" Jack Welch, one of the world's most influential CEOs says, "The team with the best players usually does win."

Vaco believes they have a winning team and they truly care about the professional candidate and consultant, as well as small, medium and large businesses.  They desire to utilize these relationships to create compatible matches that often result in permanent positions.  Their standards for excellence have won prestigious local and national awards, but more importantly, they have won the trust of their clients and candidates.  

Vaco Orlando values entrepreneurialism, optimism, leadership and integrity, and they look for those values in their candidates and their clients.  They represent only the best in the business, which continues to advance Vaco Orlando as one of the top recruiting firms in the country.  As they have seen an increase in jobs in 2011, Vaco acknowledges that they must continue to support candidates at all levels of career growth, and they are dedicated to finding the most qualified people for every company they represent by taking the time to build successful, lasting relationships.

Vaco Special Announcement

Bringing Compassionate Corporate Sponsors to Shepherd's Hope

Special Message from Denise Bennett-Walls:

As a member of the Board of Director's at Shepherd's Hope, I am amazed at the work of this organization and the people that have built it. Shepherd's Hope is a non-profit organization that provides healthcare to Central Florida's uninsured.

Shepherd's Hope has provided over 120,000 patient visits in their 14-year history.  They now have nine health centers that are busy every time they are open.  The organization receives no state or federal funding and relies on caring and philanthropic donors. 

This has all been accomplished to date by philanthropic donors through the combined volunteer efforts of healthcare professionals, caring community members, schools, hospitals, and faith congregations. All Shepherd's Hope locations are donated, as well as the hours provided by nurses, doctors, and other volunteers. Incredible.

Vaco is asking the corporate community to join the team.  More than 18,000 patient visits are expected in 2011.  Unfortunately, more than 3,000 people were turned away in 2010 because more people were waiting each night at their health centers than they were able to serve with their all-volunteer medical staff. Were your employees in this line?

We realize corporate community giving has to make sense for your organization. We will customize a sponsorship plan that works for you.  We welcome the opportunity to meet with your team to discuss in more detail.

A few general benefits for Corporate Partners include: 

-Viewed as Compassionate Corporate Partner by thousands of volunteers and donors (doctors, nurses, business people and the entire Shepherd's Hope community) through:

• Recognition on Shepherd's Hope website as a member of the Compassionate Corporation Campaign, including display of the company's logo and, if desired, a link to your company website
• Listing in our annual donor literature
•  Recognition in our Prescription for Hope newsletter

-Shepherd's Hope logo may be displayed on your company website, and regular updates may be provided to be included in company literature, as desired.  Company employees may wish to volunteer at the health center or participate in special projects, as available.

-Can engage your corporation in community partnership and activities that make Central Florida a better place to live, work and play.

Please take time to review the significant impact this organization has on our community by visiting www.shepherdshope.org/.  The videos on their website are powerful and speak to the wonderful work this organization is doing to better people's lives in Central Florida.

Please call me directly at 321-445-2111 if you are interested in helping.  The need is urgent and all Compassionate Corporate Sponsors will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Denise-Bennett Walls, Vaco Partner

Vaco Financial

A New Direction for Internal Auditing  

The next few years will bring changes to current practice for internal auditors at all levels.  Major focus areas will include "corporate governance, enterprise risk management, strategic reviews, ethics audits, and migration to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)." The second research report, Core Competencies for Today's Internal Auditor, provides insight regarding core competencies for today's internal auditors and the use and effectiveness of The IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards).  Review the entire article,"Initial Findings from Global Study Reveal a New Direction for Internal Auditing" by clicking the link below:

http://www.theiia.org/recent-iia-news/index.cfm?i=15295

Vaco Technology

Limited Employee Awareness of Security Issues Raise Concern

A new study reveals that the complexity of security is one of the greatest challenges businesses face today.  After surveying 2,400 IT security admins, Check Point Technologies and the Ponemon Institute discovered that a majority of companies used several different vendors in hopes of keeping their network secure.  In addition, limited employee awareness of security issues and compliance with emerging technologies also raise concern.  End-user education and security policy enforcement may prove to be the best solution to this crisis.  Get more information about the complexity of security and the challenges it brings to business in the following article:

http://www.techwatch.co.uk/2011/03/16/employees-dont-understand-company-security-issues/

Vaco Operations   

Get to the Bottom Line: Quantify Success on Your Resume

I can't tell you how many sales resumes I go through on a daily basis.  When reading these resumes, there is one common theme that I notice immediately. Constantly I read resumes with these quotes, "I was the top sales rep for my company last year," "I won salesman of the quarter," "I grew my business more than any other sales rep over the past twelve months," "Consistently a top producer in my organization."  These benefits are all great to include, but most people fail to back up their recognition with numbers.

For example:

• "Over the last twelve months, I landed six new accounts, bringing an additional $200k to the bottom line."
• "I took over a virgin territory, and in the first six months landed four large accounts which brought an additional $150k of new business into my organization."
• "I have grown my business year after year by an average of 28% by doing the following things...made 15 more sales calls a day, went to three networking events a week, and made it a point to touch my clients either by phone or e-mail once every five business days."
• "I finished 2010 by ranking number 7 out of 150 sales reps in my organization."

Being able to quantify your success on your resume is critical.  When writing your resume, do not tell me how great you are; Show me how great you are with factual statistics.  People who are in sales like to look at numbers, growth, and percentages.  It's easy to read and it backs up the statements on your resume.

Happy selling and always be closing!

Vaco Staffing

Will You Be Celebrating Administrative Professional's Day?

Your administrative assistant will thank you for it!  

Administrative Professional's Day: April 27, 2011

Administrative Professional's Week is celebrated: April 24-30, 2011

Historically, National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary's Day was created in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries by creating the holiday in recognition of their contribution.

Today, the title is changing and evolving, but the recognition is equally important. There are two new terms in use today. They are "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive Admins."  The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities to different companies. Both are broader terms encompassing more positions than the original "secretary" role.  The new monikers recognize and acknowledge that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better. And in Harry Klemfuss' day, these positions were in the realm of women; today, you find many males in these roles.

The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are:

• Flowers
• Cards, often with shopping gift certificates
• Take them to lunch
• Candies
• Assorted Gift Baskets

Vaco Orlando LLC has already partnered with the Winter Park chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals, where administrative professionals can earn noteworthy certifications that set them apart.  Please visit your area IAAP today for excellent networking and career development opportunities.  If you live near Winter Park, please visit the chapter website: http://www.iaap-winterpark.org/.  Be sure to recognize your admin this year with a special note of thanks and positive recognition.

Vaco Orlando's Top Consultants of the Quarter

Every quarter Vaco Orlando will choose professionals who exemplify our core values of leadership, integrity, entrepreneurialism, and professionalism, just to name a few. The consultants chosen have excelled both personally and professionally and deserve recognition. This quarter, Vaco would like to name the following people as our top consultants:

Vaco Resources - George Markopoulos

George Markopoulos is working for Vaco on assignment in Dover, Delaware.  Markopoulos assists clients with fixed assets, as well as budgeting and inventory disposals. Markopoulos is an accountant and CPA and earned his Master's degree in International Management at the University of Maryland. An avid lover of the outdoors, wind, water and waves, George is a sponsored team rider for A&O Sports and RRD windsurfing:  http://www.aosports.com/Windsurfing/teamriders/teamriders.htm

He is married to Janis Markopoulos. She runs a business they started in 2010 called Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, a standup paddleboard and windsurfing adventure company. Check out George's blog at www.live2sail.blogspot.com.  Thanks, George, for your outstanding contribution to the Vaco team.

Vaco Technology - John Hardy

A Vaco Technology client is running industry-specific software that is not common in Central Florida, and we are fortunate to have John Hardy work with our client to implement this high-level composition program product.  He joins us from South Florida and has been a tremendous asset to the organization with the implementation as well as some conversions, new projects and report generation, which is helping the client move forward and save money!  Thanks for your great work, John!

Vaco Staffing - Jennifer Valencia

Jennifer Valencia has a proven track record with one of Vaco Orlando's largest clients. She has been on assignment for almost two years through Vaco Staffing.   Jennifer had worked part-time in collections, and the client has been very pleased with the results. Even working part-time, she is able to meet her monthly collections quota every month.  Congratulations, Jennifer, on being the consultant of the quarter for Vaco Staffing!  Jennifer truly has a winning personality, and we are happy to have her on our team.

Congratulations and thank you to this quarter's top consultants!

Vaco's events and seminars are hosted by the Vaco Team. These events and seminars will be held at the Vaco Orlando location in Maitland, Florida.   

Vaco Staffing's ALL NEW Job Club!    

Tuesday, May 3rd 4:30-6:00PM    

Are you looking for work? If so, you should consider coming to our Job Club.  This will be an open forum run by the Vaco Staffing Team, where each person in the room will come together to share job leads.  Bring your resumes as we will help each other network, critique resumes, and begin a system of follow-up that will help you land your next job! Limited seating is available for this session. If you will be joining us, please RSVP by Monday, April 25th, 2011.

The New Direction for Internal Auditing

Tuesday, May 17th, 4:30-5:30PM    

In the next five years, the focus of internal audit activities will differ significantly from current practice, and it's important that internal auditors at all levels - not just the chief audit executive - keep up-to-date, according to the first two reports from the 2010 Global Internal Audit Survey: A Component of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) Study. These findings are among the preliminary results of the most comprehensive global study ever conducted on the practice of internal auditing.

Michelle Scott, former Director for the IIA CBOK study, will talk to us about the future of internal auditing and how it impacts us as stakeholders within the profession. Scott is the President of MDS Auditing and Consulting Services, LLC.,  a business risk consulting company started in 2010. MDS is poised to partner with large audit service providers on a variety of engagements requiring additional outsourced support. Michelle is also an internal audit contractor with Robert Half Intl, Inc. where she helps multi-billion dollar, international organizations manage business and financial risks as well as assist in their compliance efforts with rigorous legislation such as the 

Prior to starting her company, Michelle was the Director of Research and Development for The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) Research Foundation in Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA, a global professional membership organization. In her role within the Research Foundation, a 501c3, she led large-scale internal audit research projects including the global Common Body of Knowledge study as well as the foundations' fundraising activities which included oversight of a one-million dollar budget. Michelle also wrote and published research reports on emerging issues for practicing internal audit professionals around the world.

Michelle began her auditing career in Arthur Andersen's business process risk consulting practice which later became Protiviti, Inc. Michelle spent seven years collectively with both firms.

Michelle is a graduate of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA where she received her B.S. in Accounting.

If you will be joining us, please RSVP by Monday, May 2nd, 2011, as seating for this event is limited.

Vaco Resources Round Table Luncheon 

Tuesday, May 24th, 12:30-1:30PM 

Vaco invites you to join Denise Bennett-Walls, Vaco Orlando's Managing Partner, as she leads an interactive discussion on how to leverage Vaco's part-time project professionals to achieve your business objectives in 2011.  If you will be joining us, please RSVP by Monday, May 9th, 2011.

Security, Compliance And Change -- What's Happening In 2011 and In The Future

Tuesday, June 7th, 4:00-5:30PM   

Please join us for an informal presentation and discussion on some of the challenges that business leaders and IT administrators are now facing due to security, compliance, changing technologies and staffing challenges facilitated by Carolyn McHale, Director of Product Development at ScriptLogic.  

Carolyn will share some of the recent trends that she is seeing in the industry as well as some practical tips on how your organization can begin to assess and meet these challenges. Carolyn has led Product Research and Development groups for ScriptLogic for the past five years, specializing in software and security solutions around Active Directory and Microsoft server technologies including SQL Server, SharePoint and Exchange. Carolyn has a proven track record helping organizations of all sizes use technology, and she possesses a broad IT, consulting and compliance focused background with over thirteen years of experience in the industry.  She has presented at several industry-focused conferences, including Microsoft events.  

Carolyn has a unique and refreshing expert-level perspective that understands and relates both the business and technical aspects of these new challenges, as she spent early years designing and developing security-focused software solutions.  Prior to ScriptLogic, Carolyn spent five years with a smaller specialized startup building up a successful business around security and biometric focused software solutions. Prior to that, she spent several years developing and leading at The Northern Trust Corporation in Chicago.  Carolyn holds a Computer Science degree from Purdue University.

ScriptLogic Corporation is a recognized leader in the management, monitoring and support of desktops, servers and networks and a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Software. For more information, go to: www.scriptlogic.com.

If you will be joining us, please RSVP by Monday, May 28th, 2011, as seating for this event is limited.

Human Resources Round Table   

Tuesday, June 14th, 11:30-1:00PM

Vaco cordially invites you to join us for a round table discussion focused on compensation, benefits, employee relations and recruiting.  The discussion will be lead by one of Vaco's Senior Human Resources executives. If you will be joining us, please RSVP by Monday, June 6th, 2011.

Vaco's Martini and Water Happy Hour   

Thursday, June 23rd, 4:30-6:00PM 

Join the Vaco community to discuss current business events and the great things happening in Orlando.  We will also be honoring our Vaco Consultants of the Quarter George Markopoulos, John Hardy, and Jennifer Valencia for their outstanding contribution and dedication.  We look forward to seeing you there! If you will be attending, please RSVP by Monday, June 13th, 2011.

Please RSVP Cassi Brunson at cbrunson@vaco.com or (321) 445-2100 for questions about upcoming events or seminars. 

Vaco Volunteers

Vaco gives back to organizations in the community that are valuable in helping others maintain a better way of life.  Check out any of the organizations we support, and join with us to build brighter futures and hope for people in our community and nation.  Thank you for your support!  

Vaco is a Title Sponsor of American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA)

The mission of ASWA is to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession. Members include partners in national, regional and local CPA firms, financial officers, controllers, academicians, financial analysts and data processing consultants, recent college graduates and women returning to the workforce.  Please visit www.aswacf.com for more information on current events or membership.  You are also welcome to contact Christine Jacob with Vaco, at 321-445-2107 or cjacob@vaco.com. 

Shepherd's Hope, Inc.

Please consider joining Vaco Orlando as we partner up with Shepherd's Hope in their effort to reach out and make a difference. Each day people go without medical care because they don't have health insurance and they can't afford a doctor's visit, diagnostic testing or prescribed medication.  Many people may think of the uninsured as very poor, unemployed or both. However, of the uninsured population nationwide, eight out of ten people are from working families that are not eligible for government assisted health care plans. Low income, working families are being forced to choose between medical care and other basic necessities, such as food, clothing and rent. Many uninsured workers are employed in small businesses that don't offer health insurance, or they are low wage workers that cannot afford to pay the costs associated with an employer sponsored plan. Some people also work at one or more part-time jobs where health care benefits are not available.   

Shepherd's Hope receives its funding from caring and philanthropic companies and individuals that make the compassionate difference. For donations, volunteer opportunities, questions or if you need assistance, you may contact Cassi Brunson directly at 321-445-2100 or cbrunson@vaco.com. To research, visit their website: www.shepherdshope.org.

American Heart Association - Go Red

Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. The American Heart Association created Go Red For Women - a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

www.goredforwomen.org

Covenant House
Please join Vaco Orlando as we continue to partner with Covenant House. The Covenant House provides a community of hope and healing to homeless youth. Its incorporation in New York City in 1972 formalized a ministry to street kids started in 1969 by volunteers with a simple vision: runaway and homeless kids should not be alone and on the street, hungry and dirty, sleeping in alleys and abandoned buildings, prey to danger and exploitation.

Every quarter Vaco Orlando will continue to support Covenant House by collecting lynx bus passes for their youth. If you would like to help us lend a hand to Covenant House this quarter by buying or donating a lynx bus card, please contact Gilda Diaz at gdiaz@vaco.com or 321-441-2121 before June 24th, 2011.
 
Lynx Bus Fares: Standard Fares: Standard One-way fare - $2.00; Standard Single Day Pass - $4.50; Standard 7- Day Pass - $16.00; Standard 30 - Day Pass - $50.00. Youth Pass: Youth One-Way Fare - $1.00; Youth Single-Day Pass - $2.25; Youth 7-Day Pass - $8.00; Youth 30-Day Pass - $25.00.

In Other News

Vaco In Attendance:

Financial Executives International (FEI) 

FEI's mission is to advance the success of senior-level financial executives, their organizations and the profession. The FEI dinners are held on the first Thursday of every month. Vaco team members participate in the FEI events.

Economic Development Commission (EDC)
Team members: Timmy Rupeiks and Denise Bennett-Walls participate in the EDC events.
http://www.business-orlando.org/
 

Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) Miniature Golf Tournament

The Central Florida Institue of Certified Public Accountants is very interested in helping sutdents and early career accountants move forwward in their studies.  One of the FICPA's focus is providing scholarship opportunities for local UCF Accounting students.  Their plan is to create scholarship funds for those students through their 2011 Miniature Golf Tournament. This event will be held on April 30, 2011 at Congo River Minature Golf in Altamonte Springs. Vaco Orlando is sponsoring and participating in the miniature golf tournament in support of the FICPA's scholarship efforts.

27th Annual Florida Hospital Apopka Golf Tournament
The Florida Hospital Apopka Foundation and Golf Tournament committee are holding the 27th Annual Florida Hospital Apopka Golf Tournament.  Hosted at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, this community tournament will help raise money to fund the hospital's mission: Florida Hospital Apopka, a full-service hospital by 2020. The golf tournament will be held on Monday, May 9th, 2011.  Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start follows at 8:30 a.m.  Vaco Orlando is sponsoring and participating in the golf tournament in support of Florida Hospital Apopka. 

Seventh Annual Annual Family First Golf Tournament 

The Seventh Annual Family First Golf Tournament will be held on May 21st at Rolling Hills.  Family First Partnerships assists in meeting emotional, physical and spiritual needs of young people and their families within our community. Vaco Orlando is sponsoring and participating in the golf tournament in support of Family First Partnership.

Doc Rivers Celebrity Golf Invitational Boston Celtics' Head Coach and Ultimate Escape Member, Doc Rivers, is once again partnering with leading destinations club Ultimate Escapes to host his 10th Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Reunion Resort and Club Wyndham Grand Resort in Orlando. Coach Rivers and Ultimate Escapes, Inc. are teaming up to raise money for Shepherd's Hope, a non-profit organization of volunteers that provides access to healthcare for the uninsured using an all-volunteer staff.  Vaco Orlando is sponsoring a contest at the Golf Invitational in support of Shepherd's Hope.  The Golf Invitational will be held on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011. 

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association 2011 Orlando Fight for Air Run/Walk on April 23rd at Lake Eola Park. Vaco team member, Jason Snow, is participating in this Air Run/Walk. 

Orlando Convention & Visitor's Bureau   

The CVB has three Networking groups which meet weekly at different local restaurants throughout Central Florida, every Tuesday, 2nd Wednesday and 3rd Thursday of the month.  Vaco team member, Maria Hoerner will be attending.
www.orlandoinfo.com

Rotary Club at Bay Hill Country Club

The Rotary Club meet every Wednesday from 7:30pm - 8:30pm.  Vaco team member, Bob Hanley, participates in the Rotary Club at Bay Hill Country Club events.

Society for Informational Management (SIM)

SIM is an association of senior IT executives, prominent academicians, selected consultants, and other IT thought leaders built on the foundation of local chapters, who come together to share and enhance their rich intellectual capital for the benefit of its members and their organizations. SIM meetings are held every month - usually 3rd Thursday of the month (CIOs, CTOs, VP of IT). If you wish to attend RSVP with Timmy Rupeiks at 321-445-2116.

Seminole Chamber

Team members: Timmy Rupeiks and Denise Bennett-Walls participate in the Seminole Chamber events. 

www.SeminoleBusiness.org

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Orlando

The Hispanic Chamber events are held multiple locations of every month.  Vaco team member Timmy Rupeiks and Beau McGlamery participates in the Hispanic Chamber events.

www.hispanicchamber.net

Orlando Young Professionals Executives

OYP provides young professionals with unparalleled opportunities to access community leaders and for professional development.

http://orlandoyoungprofessional.com/

Maitland Chamber of Commerce

www.maitlandchamber.com

Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP)

PHP meet every first Thursday of the month.  Vaco team member, Thomas Boyd, participates in the PHP events.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

PHP meets every third Thursday of the month.  Vaco team member, Thomas Boyd, participates in the SQL events.