by Gene Eggman

A mentor of mine once said to me, “In life relationships you have to make key deposits, or you will lack in returns.”  My first thoughts concerned financial deposits in diverse market funds to get a solid or balanced return from my investment. In time I grasped the real message: A balance of time devoted to key relationships with family, friends and work can have a direct impact on success or fulfillment in life. 

My focus here is marriage. Frequently as recruiters we talk with a candidate or a hiring manager with one of our client companies who is in the process of a divorce. 

Did you know that Northwest Arkansas has one of the nation’s highest divorce rates? According to the Center for Relationship Enrichment, 54% of marriages in our region end in divorce. Put in more personal terms, between 2001 and 2005, 12,780 couples in our area divorced, affecting 9,867 children.

According to an article published in the  Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on April 2, 2008: “In 2004, the National Center for Health Statistics ranked Arkansas as the state with the second highest number of divorces, with 6.3 filed per 1,000 people.  Nevada topped that list with 6.4 divorces per 1,000 people.”

The cost to business is huge. Based on its research, the CRE estimates “$6 Billion is lost by American businesses annually stemming from marriage and relationship difficulties. Work losses are associated with family stress, marital problems and parenting issues.”

A resource link that engaged or married couples might want to check out is http://www.nwamarriage.com. This organization provides information on a free enrichment experience that my wife and I went to this year. It was well worth the key deposit of time we invested together!

Another consideration would be to attend a new movie together. On September 26 an inspirational movie called “FireProof” about fighting for your marriage will open in local theatres. It is from the producers of “Facing the Giants." For more info go to http://www.fireproofthemovie.com.

by Scott Wright

Over the past four years there has been a major evolution in the demand for category managers in Minneapolis. With Target leading the charge, category managers are the hottest ticket in town since the Twins were in the World Series in 1991.

Target suppliers have had to staff up in category management to meet the demands the mega retailer has placed on them. Not to be outdone Supervalu with its centralization has seen suppliers set up category management teams to better serve the emerging grocery retailer. In many cases category managers, not salespeople, are the primary point of contact for their company.

Let's face it: This trend has changed the supplier job market in Minneapolis. Category management skills and face time with the buyer give candidates some leverage to brand themselves. Because of the high demand for these candidates, many suppliers have found it difficult to find and retain category managers.

As a result, compensation packages and other perks for category managers have steadily improved. Many category managers are making a career doing category management calling on Target or Supervalu rather than staying with one company until they retire.

Understanding that category management talent is already at a premium and possessing the right skills could be very advantageous for someone trying to grow their career and their financial status in Minneapolis.