This Week's Herman Trend Alert The Consequences of Virtual Meetings

The Herman Trend Alert June 2, 2010 Far-Reaching Consequences of the BP Oil Spill Government estimates describe the BP oil spill as the worst in United States' history. The two main effects on the environment will be petroleum and dispersant toxicity and oxygen depletion. These effects will damage fishing and shrimping in the Gulf of Mexico, the regional tourism industry, and the habitat of more than 400 species that live in the islands and marshlands of Louisiana. So far, the Gulf Oil spill has shut down 50 percent of Louisiana’s oyster production. Louisiana's seafood industry is already suffering losses estimated in the millions. Though according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, only about two percent of seafood consumed in the US originates from the Gulf and about four percent of shrimp, about 26 percent of blue crabs, and about 41 percent of oysters come from Louisiana. Expect seafood prices to rise in both supermarkets and restaurants. It is likely to be three to five years before the environment and fishing/shrimping return to normal. We will see lost wages and lost jobs. Though the oil spill has not yet affected the price of crude oil, experts still expect increased gas prices, affecting consumers and businesses alike. Certainly tourism along the Gulf Coast will take a hit and property values are likely to decrease. Some hotels and restaurants, already slammed buy the recession, will go out of business. Many people will be injured or develop illnesses as a result of exposure to chemical toxicity or affected seafood. The oil companies will be discouraged and may even be prevented from off-shore drilling---perhaps permanently. Long term, drilling will be more expensive for oil companies that must embrace new safety standards. With all of these negative consequences, there is an upside for some. Resorts on the East Coast of Florida and elsewhere may see an increase in tourism. Restaurants serving meat, poultry, and vegetarian fare will have more business, especially local ones. The folks cleaning up the mess will have jobs for months---perhaps years. The stress will create a higher utilization of anti-anxiety drugs as well as antidepressants. Finally, the ensuing litigation will put money into the pockets of many lawyers. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: RETENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM A growing number of people have expressed an interest in attending our Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program. We'd like to schedule on that's convenient for those who want to attend, but need your feedback to do so. Please place RETENTION SPECIALIST in the subject line and Joyce will personally call you back to schedule the workshop. Or you can call Joyce directly at 336-210-3548 (PDT this and next week). BUSINESS IS PICKING UP Most employers are unprepared. The recovery will bring a new set of challenges for employers that have been in prolonged contracted mode. They will need more skilled workers or will need now to begin to upskill their current staffs. But organizations can not engage in Strategic Workforce Planning, when they don't know how. That's where The Herman Group can help. We can help you with your "People Review"----large or small---so that you will know who you will need and when you will need them. . . and we can also guide you to the best sources for the people you will need. For more information, call Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail joyce@hermangroup.com. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES REALLY THINK AND FEEL Discover what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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