Kellen News
For Immediate Release
Cara Clinton 212-297-2109
Kellen Company Offices Across the Country
—and the World—
Unite to
"Take It to the Next Level"
Comprehensive Training in Multiple Disciplines
ATLANTA (August 12, 2004) – The Kellen Company, a premier professional services firm, held its annual Leadership Conference on July 30 – August 1. The company’s 160 employee-owners—representing four U.S offices and a newly acquired office in Brussels, Belgium—convened in Atlanta for three days of extensive training in everything from Dealing with Clients, to Time and Information Management and Media Training/Crisis Management.
The event coincided with the Kellen Company’s 40th Anniversary, and featured a special dinner and tribute to celebrating forty years of excellence.
"Our Leadership Conference demonstrates how far our company and industry have come since 1964," said Robert C. Gelardi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With five offices, unique special services divisions and a truly global presence, we have taken the Kellen Company and our clients to the next level."
In June, the Kellen Company acquired Ernst & Young Association Management N.V. in Brussels, Belgium, marking the firm’s ascent into international leadership in the association management field. The acquisition of E&Y, renamed Kellen Europe, came on the heels of Kellen’s acquisition in January of Management Plus, Ltd. in Tucson. "The strength of this year’s conference is a testament to our premier role in redefining the industry," says Gelardi.
In addition to general education sessions, 38 individual courses were offered on topics such as global business, lobbying, public speaking, financial management and expanding your membership using the web. Employees received training in innovative technologies such as TIMSS member management software, and learned how to deal with the most difficult of clients. And, for the first time, Kellen professionals from Brussels presented the new Kellen capabilities in European Union lobbying and regulatory affairs. And professionals from Tucson shared association knowledge and capabilities relating to dealing with issues facing baby boomers and their parents as demographics shift to an increasingly aging population.
"The Leadership Conference provides tools and resources for each Kellen professional to address the issues and needs of the client, and provides a forum for our employees to share experiences," said Peter Rush, President, the Kellen Company. "All of this reinforces our company’s mission: to exceed client expectations through commitment to excellence and employee-owner values."
This year marked the fourth conference to bring together employees of the Kellen Company, including its public relations division, Kellen Communications; its web marketing and development division, Kellen Interactive; its graphic design and creative services department, Kellen Creative and its meetings and exposition department, Kellen Meetings. All four special services divisions were recently renamed to reflect the increased range and scope of the company.
Photos can be downloaded at http://www.kellencompany.com/2004-08-12/