Published Date: 12/14/2006

Leveraging Employee Networks/Diversity Council/Diversity Pillars for maximum business impact key theme at symposium

The results are in and 100 percent of the 2006 Employee Networks & U.S. Diversity Council Symposium attendees surveyed ranked this year’s conference as “Excellent” or “Very Good.”

“This was the second annual event, but it was the first time the Employee Networks, U.S. Diversity Council (USDC) and Diversity Pillars all met together,” said Jacqui Robertson, head of Workforce Diversity. “It was also an opportunity for these groups to determine how to leverage each other for maximum business impact, as well as focus on relationship building.”

More than 65 Employee Network leaders, USDC members, Diversity Pillar representatives, select ING managers and outside guests gathered in Windsor, Conn. (one full day and two half days). With the theme “Make It Happen,” the meeting offered a learning- and developmental-opportunity for attendees, and a forum for sharing practical ways to support the business priorities of recruitment, retention and development. Employee Network leaders reviewed their respective group’s 2006 accomplishments.

Business updates were provided by the Diversity Pillar heads, as well as various leaders representing HR, Talent/Staffing and Diversity Marketing.

An awards dinner was held on the final evening, where Network leaders, USDC members and diversity advocates were honored. Selected managers and Leaders Council members from the Hartford office were on hand to lend their support and learn more about our diversity initiatives.

“I hope all employees will pass along their congratulations to these individuals,” Robertson said. “All in all, it was a wonderful opportunity for learning and networking, but even more important, it provided a safe forum for frank and candid discussion.”