“I enjoyed the conference and found the program to be quite relevant. The presenters were entertaining and informative and the networking opportunities proved valuable." - Michael DeNitto, CEO of MarketSight, a Cambridge, MA-based provider of web-based analysis software solutions for researchers.

Employee recruitment, benchmarking, strategic alliances and legislative issues were just some of the topics discussed by chief executives and senior managers at several leading survey research firms during CASRO’s CEO Conference in Cincinnati on March 21.

“Don’t accept more data from your clients than you need to do your research. They shouldn’t send you lists that include social security numbers or credit card information,” warned Larry Ponemon, founder of the Ponemon Institute, in outlining the risks and costs of data breaches. Larry also provided an update on legislation currently being debated in Washington on data security, robo calls and much more.

Special guest speaker Albert Angrisani, President and CEO of Greenfield Online, Inc., discussed his career path - from a post in the Reagan administration to a central role turning around three survey research firms in recent years.

Al explained that he began each turnaround by identifying a pivot point at each firm. At Total Research, he focused on the strengths of the company’s methodologies, at Harris it was its internet data collection capabilities, and at Greenfield, he resisted a widespread call to lower prices and instead focused on quality. “Data ceases to be a commodity when it’s quality data,” he noted. “If you lower the price in the hope it will spur sales it cheapens the value proposition. We need to get perfect data and convince our customers they need it.”

The event also featured:

- Steven W. Wilde, COO, Directions Research, Inc., who discussed how his company uses data from CASRO’s Financial and Compensation Surveys and other industry measurement tools to manage operations and maximize profitability.

- A panel discussion with Chet Zalesky, President of CMI; Jeanette Cheevers, Director of Human Resources at Luth Research; James N. Farrell, of The Farrell Group; and Mimi Moller, Human Resources Director of Marketing Research Services, Inc., on methods to recruit and retain the best talent, when to use outside search firms and what to expect from them.

- A look at how strategic alliances can help build your business with Jack McDonald, President of MORPACE International, Inc. and Connie Ruben, President of Call-Us Info, Ltd.

Insights into What Clients Want with David N. Richardson, Partner, Artemis Strategy Group, who discussed input received from various clients participating at recent CASRO conferences and on CASRO’s Client Advisory Board. 

Thanks to all our speakers and attendees!

A CD containing the proceedings of the conference can be purchased by members for $175 and by non-members for $500. Please call CASRO at (631) 928-6954 to order.

Event Chairs Chet Zalesky (right) and Jack McDonald welcome attendees.		Larry Ponemon of the Ponemon Institute provides insights on data breaches and an update on CASRO Government and Public Affairs committee work.		Albert Angrisani, President and CEO of Greenfield Online, Inc., detailed his work turning around three market research firms.
Al Angrisani chats with (from left) Jack McDonald and Randy Brooks of Directions Research.		Keith Price, Greenfield Online, meets up with Roseanne Luth of Luth Research.		Todd Earhart, Marketing Research Services, Inc., and Bruce Ritch, Common Knowledge Research Services.
Mark Shugoll, Shugoll Research (left) and Aaron Benedict, E-Tabs Limited.		Janice Caston of Greenfield (left) and Connie Ruben of Call-Us Info, Ltd.		A panel discussion on hiring and retention featured, from right, Jeanette Cheevers, Director of Human Resources at Luth Research; Chet Zalesky, Mimi Moller, Human Resources Director of Marketing Research Services, Inc., and James N. Farrell, of The Farrell Group.