by David Chapman
Staff Writer
For the leaders in charge of ensuring businesses large and small succeed, it can be close to impossible to receive solid business advice. All too often there are motives, agendas or biased views in the answers.
Instead of turning to those immediately around them, CEOs can look to Vistage Florida, a regional and international multitiered executive program that provides business leaders with resources to succeed.
“We’re like a think tank for CEOs,” said Charles “Chip” Webster Jr., president and shareholder of Vistage Florida. “We provide those (leaders) running organizations honest and invaluable feedback.”
A licensee of Vistage International, Vistage Florida was known as The Executive Committee until February, when the organization shifted gears. The international organization has more than 15,000 members, with around 800 in Florida.
Although the name has changed, the mission and the organization’s means of accomplishing success remain largely the same.
Depending on the size of one’s business, local executives are brought together under the guidance of a Vistage Florida’s chair for group sessions. Groups consist of 12-17 members and no two members in one session can be from the same industry, as it would potentially hamper the openness of discussion. While in the sessions, CEOs present their problems to receive feedback from their peers.
Vistage Florida has created seven such groups this year, and along with the down economy affecting many business owners overall, the economic climate is also represented in the host organization.
“We do reflect what’s going on the economy,” said Webster, who added that the 800 or so members in the Florida organization has remained flat.
As for particular industries that seek out Vistage Florida for its programs, it varies. The one thing the CEOs do have in common, said Webster, is their willingness to listen and grow — as opposed to CEOs who believe they have the answers or aren’t in the right position.
“They realize our programs really can help,” said Elise Mercado, Vistage Florida’s vice president.
Group chairs — members who, after training, lead the problem-solving forums — have past endeavors both successful and, more importantly, unsuccessful. Such experiences can lend to the sessions.
“They have what we call ‘scar tissue’,” said Webster.
The Jacksonville office isn’t home to just regional affiliates, as it serves as the headquarters for the entire state. In addition, the city is also the location for training sessions from members in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada.
As for its future growth, Webster said most of it doesn’t come from advertising but instead from a trusty source: it’s own members.
“Word of mouth is the most personal tool we have to grow,” he said.
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