Newsletter | Holiday 2010 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

Dear Readers:

Another year comes to an end. It has been a tough year for millions across America. The economy is still uppermost in everyone’s mind and many are struggling to keep it together every day.

Nevertheless, we are all still blessed with what we have and should take time to acknowledge the good things. To that end, this Holiday Issue takes time to recognize the everyday heroes who make a difference in our lives and do not get the benefit of the limelight. Please take time to think about other unsung heroes who make an impact somewhere.

Pat Smith-Pierce acknowledges all those who have made contributions to The Insight Communication Group and the Newsletter in 2010. It is a joy to be associated with them and to serve them!

Years ago a friend of mine commented that the one thing he was most afraid of was to go through life and not have made a difference. As 2010 ends and 2011 begins, a good New Year’s resolution might be to have a positive influence wherever you go.

Sincerely,

Dennis Hamilton
Editor

In this issue

ANONYMOUS HEROES

YOU CAN NEVER THANK TOO MUCH!

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Past Issues

Fall 2010 Newsletter

Summer 2010 Newsletter

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Holiday 2009 Newsletter

Fall 2009 Newsletter

Summer 2009 Newsletter

Spring 2009 Newsletter

December 2008 Announcement

If you'd like to request a previous newsletter, please contact us.

ANONYMOUS HEROES

Dennis Hamilton
Consultant
The Insight Communication Group

The word “hero” is used so frequently these days that it almost loses its meaning. The biggest examples are in the world of sports, and while talented athletes can perform outstanding feats, it’s important to remember that they’re still just playing a game.

Obvious real heroes are those in the military fighting a war, those involved in the mine rescue in Chile, and firemen and police officers performing everyday duties. But what about the unsung heroes we encounter every day and don’t even notice? The holidays are for remembering what we can be truly grateful for, and for recognizing and being with those who mean the most to us. So, let’s take a few moments to think about the anonymous heroes in our lives who don’t get publicity, medals, or headlines.

Here are some of examples of everyday heroes that I’ve encountered:

The single mom who is forced to move back in with her mother due to lack of child support from an ex-husband, and is raising two delightful young daughters.
The 23 year old young man who has had an abusive father and two step-fathers come and go, and is attending the police academy because he wants to be able to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
The French immigrant and now US citizen who had polio when he was a child, was told he would never walk, and became an international and Olympic athlete, earned a doctorate in Sports Rehabilitation, and is dedicated to “giving back” to anyone who wants to benefit from his knowledge.
The 90 year old woman who volunteers at a local food pantry and makes those needing help feel valued and not ashamed.
The 40-something woman who volunteers at her church, mentoring young teens struggling through their tough times, giving them an adult they can talk to and trust.
The Columbian immigrant turned US citizen who left his management job in the manufacturing industry and became a 3rd grade school teacher teaching bi-lingual classes because he can make a difference.
Any mom, dad, grandma or grandpa who makes their home a safe and comfortable sanctuary.

So during this holiday season amid all the hoopla of spend, spend, spend, take some time to meditate on who – and what – is really important.

YOU CAN NEVER THANK TOO MUCH!

Patricia Smith-Pierce
CEO and Founder
The Insight Communication Group

When Sharon Sharp was Assistant to the Governor for Women’s Issues, she told a group “You can never thank too much.” Using the words to let people know how much you appreciate what they have done lifts people’s spirits and makes them feel valued.

With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the members of The Insight Communication Group’s Advisory Board. Throughout this year, their counsel and support have made a very positive difference for us as we continue to help our clients enhance their communication effectiveness. In a particularly difficult economy, their willingness to provide direction and enthusiasm has been unstinting.

Those outstanding people are:

Jill Allread, Principal, Public Communications, Inc.
Gary Beu, Managing Director, People and Leadership Development, West Monroe Partners
John Early, Director, Dealer Capabilities and Sales Development, Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Sonya Evanosky, Vice President, Finance, Kaplan Higher Education
Bill Niro, Attorney at Law, Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro
Bob Sash, Partner, Finance Services Tax Practice, Deloitte
Mark Shadle, Managing Director, Corporate Affairs, Zeno Group
Cynthia Vivian, Director of Human Resources, American Library Association
Bob Widlansky, Vice President, Product Management, CCC Information Services.

Thank you to each and every one of you!!

Thanks go to Bob Widlansky of CCC Information Services and Julia Cloud of Deloitte for contributing articles to our newsletter and giving us interesting perspectives on communication topics.

I would also like to thank Heather Davison, Justin Shimko and Keeley Spain for all that they do on a continuing basis to keep us moving in the right direction. Their patience, perseverance and creativity have added immeasurably to the products and services we offer our clients.

Finally, I would also like to express my appreciation to Dennis Hamilton as the editor of our newsletter and Kathy Leszczynski from Public Communications Inc., who does the layouts for us. We are proud of the product they produce. Our readers have shown you clearly appreciate it as well for our Open Rates are among the highest for this type of communication.

Most of all, I would like to thank you, Our Clients and Readers, for making mine a wonderful job. Without you, none of this would be possible or necessary.

To everyone, have a wonderful holiday season! I look forward to our continuing interactions in 2011.

Did you miss Bob Widlansky's article? Read it online in our
Spring 2010 newsletter.

Did you miss Julia Cloud's article?
Read it online in our
Fall 2010 newsletter

The Insight Communication Group
1425 W. Schaumburg Rd #311
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(847) 895-6527
(847) 895-6576 FAX
office@ticgltd.com
www.theinsightcommunicationgroup.com

Editor
Dennis Hamilton

CEO and Founder
Patricia Smith-Pierce