by David Chapman
Staff Writer
John Williams is looking to fill up his new tank.
Not with gasoline, ethanol or diesel fuel, but instead with the thoughts and problem-solving ideas of CEOs and presidents of area businesses.
Williams is chair for a newly created President’s Forum Group in Jacksonville as a part of The Executive Committee, a worldwide organization that runs think tanks for presidents and CEOs to discuss and resolve members’ industry dilemmas through group ideas.
“This is a great way for those who are at the head of companies to reach out when they have problems,” said Williams. “The diversity within the group really leads to solutions.”
The group, the fourth such group in Jacksonville and first created in almost two years, will be comprised of up to 17 Charter Members from non-competing industries selected by invitation only.
The non-competing industries stipulation makes for a varied atmosphere and different perspective of thoughts, problems and solutions, said Williams.
“It’s got to be the perfect fit,” he said. “If everyone were of the same industry, then they’d most likely come across the same problems and have the same thought patterns, and after a short time it would be ineffective.”
As chair, Williams will facilitate a monthly forum between members and meet one-on-one with each to discuss issues and help with problems.
It’s an organization he says he wishes was in place while he was the head of his accounting firm, Small Business Group Inc., for 30 years until he sold in 2006.
“There was never anything like this in the past,” said Williams. “As a CEO or head man, you were usually isolated when you had problems.”
But with the group, he said, instead of isolation there are potential sounding boards and advice.
None of the Charter Members for the new group have been selected, but some candidates have already been interviewed. Williams said he anticipates the first forum on April 19.
The group is intended for small and emerging businesses and CEOs of companies that have an annual revenue between $1 million-$5 million who want help on how to be a better business owner, business leader and accelerate the growth of his or her business.
Selected by invitation only, CEO’s interested in becoming a member can attend an informational meeting this Wednesday if they qualify.
Williams anticipates having members from the fields of professional services, manufacturing, construction and retail.
“It’s two hours to get a taste of what (The Executive Committee) is,” said Williams. “You can expect to see what a CEO goes through and experience what a session is like.”
After the meeting, Williams and TEC officials will be interviewing candidates to fill the ranks of the new group so that forums can get going.
For more information on TEC and President’s Forum membership, call Elise Mercado at 636-0770.