All Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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The Last Tax Shelter Standing
Sanford J. Prizant, President, The Prizant Group, Ltd.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Financial
Request This Free SpeechERISA qualified retirement plans (i.e. Profit Sharing/401(k)/Cash Balance-Defined Benefit) are really the only "IRS Blessed" tax shelters still available to the common person. The Alternative Minimum Tax has taken away most deductions except for mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and charitable deductions. MORE >
A business owner, law partner, or medical professional can "shelter" an extraordinary amount of taxable income by funding an ERISA approved plan for their business entity. Of course, if one has employees, they must receive a certain level of contribution. Thus, it is always a questions of does the benefit to the owner(s) outweigh the costs to the "rank and file." -
The Issues & Solutions to Climate Change
Henry Moss, Outreach Educator, Citizens Climate Lobby Education
TOPIC CATEGORY: Climate
Request This Free SpeechClimate Change is humanity’s greatest challenge. Its solution depends on innovative policy and low-carbon technology that will catalyze and accelerate the global transition to a clean energy economy. Henry’s presentation will increase awareness of the urgency of Climate Change and how your members can be part of the solution to Climate Change. MORE >
Presentation Overview:
How to be part of the solution to Climate Change
The importance of political will
The basics of Climate Change
The urgency of Climate Change
An innovative bipartisan policy solution
Pricing carbon to accelerate technical solutions
Renewable energy to grow our economy & jobs -
The Fire Triangle: Fueling Your Future with Motivation, Goals, and Support
Margaret van Steenderen, Founder / Lead Development Coach, SLGM LLC
TOPIC CATEGORY: Motivational
Request This Free SpeechIn "The Fire Triangle: Fueling Your Future with Motivation, Goals, and Support," you'll learn a simple yet powerful approach to achieving your personal and professional goals. The Fire Triangle consists of three essential elements: Heat (Motivation), Fuel (Clear Goals), and Oxygen (Supportive Environment). By using practical tools to discover your inner motivation, you'll be able to set clear, actionable goals that drive you forward. MORE >
Creating the right support network is key to maintaining momentum and achieving lasting success. This talk will show you how to build a positive environment with mentors, supportive peers, and helpful resources. You'll gain practical tips to stay focused and motivated, such as joining professional groups and creating a productive workspace. By understanding and applying the principles of the Fire Triangle, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your goals and fuel your future. -
The Fee Evolution
Sanford J. Prizant, President, The Prizant Group, Ltd.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Financial
Request This Free SpeechOver the past 35 years, the 401(k)/403(b) have replaced the traditional pension plans as the main source of retirement income for the populace. Unfortunately, due to the greed of Wall Street, Insurance Companies, Mutual Fund Purveyors and Investment Advisors; the paycheck by paycheck contributions made by the workers have been "Eaten Up" by excessive fees. MORE >
For example, you have your 401(k) with an insurance company and quietly, every day that vendor is nipping at your account for close to 2.5% annually in fees. Thus, your S&P 500 Index fund returns 4% instead of 6.5% and that goes on year after year. The participant has no clue and the plan sponsor is not paying attention. New ERISA fee disclosure rules enacted in 2012 (408(b)2/404(a)5) were supposed to have solve this problem. Alas, the providers have made sure that figuring out your plan's cost is about as easy as learning a new foreign language (My apologies to Roseatta Stone!).After my presentation, you will know what they are, how they are hidden,and how to remedy the situation.
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The Conservative Case for Smart Climate Action
Andrew Panelli, Group Leader, Chicago South Suburbs, Citizens' Climate Education
TOPIC CATEGORY: Climate
Request This Free SpeechAbout 40% of all Americans either have some degree of skepticism regarding climate change as an issue or need more information on the subject. This presentation moves beyond scientific based arguments for taking action and refocuses on a compelling case for solutions that are both in-line with conservative principles and deliver desired outcomes that include: freedom of choice, quality of life, enhanced national security, and economic well-being. MORE >
Throughout the presentation the audience is engaged in an interactive discussion providing feedback on shared values, approach, and whether the proposed solution meets a conservative “litmus test”. -
The Comfort Zone Illusion-Solving the Mystery
Susan Neustrom, Ed.D., Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker, Educator, Leading to Action
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
Request This Free SpeechAre you ready for change? Are you a leader embarking on change within your organization? Whether change is planned or unplanned, more than likely you and your team need to step outside your comfort zone and do something different. However, leaving your comfort zone is frightening and fear can stifle growth, halt progress, and negatively impact behavior making you feel as if you lost control, stuck, and not moving forward. When implementing transformational change in an organization leaders are challenged with getting everyone excited and motivated about new ways of working. Often times, leaders are met with resistance, complaints, and frustration because people are being asked to step outside their comfort zone. Change upsets routine and structure and opens the door allowing fear to enter and demonstrated in thoughts and action. Of course, it doesn’t need to be this way because the comfort zone is really an illusion. MORE >
This presentation unravels the mystery of the comfort zone to expose the stark reality of the discomfort of change. Therefore, enabling leaders to discover why leaving your comfort zone is so difficult, what creates fear during times of change, and how to develop strategies for engagement and empowerment that eliminate the fear of leaving your comfort zone and to view change through a new lens. -
The China Trade War: Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Considerations
Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Request This Free SpeechGlobal Supply Chains have always had their intricacies, and with international trade and the global economy in flux it is vital to understand the complexities of trade relations. What's the status of the trade war? Will it end soon - and if not, what should we expect in the future ...and most importantly, what should U.S. companies be doing today to address these uncertainties? MORE >
If you are currently doing business in China you should not miss this presentation and if you are not currently doing business in China you still should not miss this presentation - because you and your business are likely to be affected by what happens with trade between the U.S. and China. -
The Case for Kindness: Leadership’s Secret Ingredient to Success
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, CEO, Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
Request This Free SpeechWhat if kindness were put on trial? In today's fast-paced world, does it really pay to be kind in leadership? How does kindness contribute to success and organizational health? MORE >
In this insightful and humorous talk, we’ll explore what it truly means to be kind and how kindness can transform your leadership approach. We’ll delve into the tangible benefits of kindness, debunk myths, and highlight real-world examples of kind leadership driving success.Join us to learn:
The compelling case for kindness in leadership: why it matters and how it pays off.
How kindness can enhance team dynamics, boost morale, and improve productivity.
Practical strategies to incorporate kindness into your leadership style without compromising on results.
Stories of leaders who have harnessed the power of kindness to achieve remarkable outcomes.
By the end of this session, you’ll understand why kindness is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have in today’s competitive business environment. You’ll leave with actionable insights to infuse kindness into your leadership and create a more positive, productive workplace.Discover how being kind can be your secret ingredient to lasting success!
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The Carrot and Stick are Obsolete – How to Deploy the Right Employee Incentives in Today’s Business Environment
Mark James, Founder & President, Performance Advisors Group, Inc.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Request This Free SpeechAre your incentive programs delivering desired results? Incentives work, but you must get them right to positively impact performance and avoid wasting time and money. MORE >
The traditional approach to improving workplace behavior was often characterized by a “lady-or-the-tiger” experience which ignored that employees are motivated in different ways and underestimated the importance of connecting personal meaning to what they do.This VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON presentation will reveal best practices any business can and should do to ensure employee incentive programs are working properly. Attendees will come away with knowledge and tips concerning:
• Why incentives are a tactic, not the strategy
• Commitment and support of leaders
• Choosing right incentive structure
• Audience selection
• Goal setting
• Communicating what, who, how, and why
• Avoiding element of chance
• Choosing the right recognition and rewards
• Keeping it fresh and appealing -
The Bible and the Ballot – A New Vision for Christian Political Engagement
Ted Williams III, Political Science Faculty, City Colleges of Chicago/WYCC PBS
TOPIC CATEGORY: Miscellaneous
Request This Free SpeechFaith is an increasingly controversial topic in US politics. Can diverse faith and secular communities find common ground on our nation’s most pressing issues? Should faith remain personal or can people of faith contribute to US politics? Ted’s non-partisan and holistic conversation offers a new vision for faith-based civic engagement.