There is rarely one topic that draws the ire and discomfort than that of compensation in the family and privately owned business. Are you paying your talent too much, or too little? Are you compensated accordingly and recognized regularly? How can you retain key employees while increasing shareholder value? What about the role of deferred comp, gifts, and dividends? Finally, what are my competitors paying and where are compensation trends leading?

A comprehensive approach to compensation requires constant attention to both your personnel and your business and how they relate to similar businesses in your industry and region.  

This forum will focus on:

1. How to value specific positions in your business, including your own position
2. Interpreting and understanding the 2-3 year outlook on compensation data and trends
3. Establishing an employee value proposition.

Carol Bergeron is President and Founder of Bergeron Associates (http://www.bergeronassociates.com). She has extensive experience in the creation of human capital strategies and the implementation of practical talent solutions for small and mid-market companies. Her approaches are grounded in business goals and created collaboratively with executives for increased organizational fit and commitment.

In 1997, Frank Sadowski joined Gallagher, Flynn & Co. (www.gfc.com) and established the Human Resources Consulting Division. While he is involved in recruiting, executive coaching and organization development projects, he has focused increasingly on compensation system projects and speaks frequently on many different topics in that area. Each year through Gallagher & Flynn, Frank conducts both the Vermont and the New England Salary Survey to collect data across industry sectors on current levels of pay and establish benchmarks and salary ranges.