VA Council of CEOs Presents McCabe Award to Bob Clark
Richmond, Virginia: The Virginia Council of CEOs (VACEOs), a non-profit association serving more than 200 small and mid-sized business owners, presented the Charles E. McCabe Leadership Award on May 2, 2024 at the Annual VACEOs Spring Retreat held at The Greenbrier Resort.
The McCabe Leadership Award, presented by the Virginia Council of CEOs Board of Directors, recognizes VACEOs members who make significant, long-term leadership contributions to the Council. Chuck McCabe, Founding Chairman of the Council, was appropriately named as the first recipient of the award in 2017.
Bob Clark became President of Baskerville in 2004. He joined VACEOs in 2005. He has participated in both a roundtable and a forum, serving as leader of these peer groups several times. Bob joined the VACEOs board in 2016. He served as Treasurer in 2017 and 2018. He became Vice Chair in 2019 and Chairman in the tumultuous year of 2020.
Executive Director Scot McRoberts said, “Bob was the perfect pandemic leader. When the world locked down and our in-person organization had to become virtual almost overnight, Bob helped our board make fast decisions, take risks, and ultimately serve our members brilliantly.”
In his past-chair year of 2021, Bob resumed the Treasurer role for half the year due to a resignation. Bob has always said yes to everything we’ve asked him to do, served gladly, and led with resolve.
Tom Cricchi, 2023 McCabe award recipient and close friend of Bob, described Bob as “a man of principle[,] very committed to the idea of openness, transparency, vulnerability, and sharing. He truly is an MVP in our group,” while reading the award citation.
Join VACEOs for Fall Leaders Conference 2024: Breakthrough Conversations with Marcus Sheridan
Bring your team!
The Fall Leaders Conference is open to all leaders, not just VACEOs members.
Join VACEOs on September 26, 2024, at the Jepson Alumni Center to spend the afternoon with Marcus Sheridan – marketing expert, world-renowned speaker, and bestselling author.
Leadership in the post-pandemic era has undergone a seismic shift. It’s evolved beyond the confines of merely building a “business” to crafting a genuine “team”—a symphony of deep, human-to-human connections. This is where you, the leader, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
So what is the solution to this tremendous challenge? The answer rests on an often over-looked, under-appreciated skill: better leadership communication. Marcus Sheridan has built a powerful and inspiring program: Breakthrough Conversations.
Marcus Sheridan, an expert in the field of communication and leadership and a favorite of VACEOs, has developed his newest program anchored in a 4-pillar leadership communication framework—intuitive, actionable, and designed to revolutionize the way leaders engage, influence, and connect.
This program unfolds the secrets of communication, equipping leaders, managers, and team members with the tools to:
- Elevate every interaction within the workplace, from one-on-ones to team huddles.
- Instill a culture of self-solution and leadership growth within their teams.
- Foster a deeply connected team environment, nurturing loyalty and a profound sense of belonging.
- Engage with customers in a manner that cements trust and resolves concerns with unwavering precision.
Marcus Sheridan’s signature approach guarantees an immersive experience, transforming passive listening into active engagement, ensuring that each element of his program doesn’t just resonate but truly sticks, with clear, actionable takeaways for all attendees.
This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their leadership acumen, influence, and communication prowess—fueling a robust company culture, amplified team performance, elevated sales, and fortified employee retention.
Participants will walk away with:
- The confidence to transform any challenging interaction into a positive, trust-building moment.
- The blueprint to cultivate a pervasive culture of leadership development.
- The acumen to ask the kind of questions that cut through noise and lay bare the heart of the issue.
- An enhanced awareness of conversation pitfalls and the skills to preemptively address them.
- The ability to consistently catalyze “aha” moments that propel day-to-day communications to new heights.
- A clear framework of leadership communication to apply instantaneously to both their personal and professional lives.
The afternoon will conclude with a networking reception.
Sponsors
Thank you to Robins School of Business Graduate Programs, Mike King Biz, Bamboo Teaming, and Lee Construction Group, Inc. for being a sponsor of this event.
Schedule for the day:
Thursday, September 26
12:30 PM: Registration and Networking
1:00 PM: Welcome and Announcements
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Marcus Sheridan, Breakthrough Conversations (with three 15-minute breaks)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Reception
Who is this for:
This program is open to all CEOs and business leaders and their teams looking to improve their communication skills to build more connected, effective, and loyal teams.
About the Speaker
As a world-renowned communication expert, author, and keynote speaker, Marcus Sheridan helps brands, sales teams, and leaders build deeper human connections and establish more trust with their audiences.
With over 13 years of experience in the speaking industry and 23 years as an entrepreneur, Marcus has honed his craft as a master communicator, helping individuals and organizations transform the way they connect, engage, and influence.
His expertise has been tactfully applied across a diverse range of subjects including Sales, Leadership, Marketing, AI, personal development, and trust.
Marcus Sheridan’s pioneering approach to communication and connection has sparked a paradigm shift, inspiring businesses to adopt a culture of greater transparency and authenticity with their customers world-wide.
Forbes has named Marcus “1 of 20 Speakers You Don’t Want to Miss” and his book, They Ask You Answer, was named one of the “Top 5 Marketing Books of All-Time” by Book Authority.
Member Profile: Melissa Ball of Ball Office Products
Q: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
A: Nothing more than a deep need to pay a mortgage! I liked working for someone else early in my career, but don’t think I’d ever be a good candidate for that again. The company I worked for was a sinking ship and I figured we better make a job. So I started a business — Ball Office Products.
Q: Please tell us about your journey to become a CEO.
A: I’ve worked in the furniture and office product business since 1988. I learned the business along the way. The Ball family is actually 3rd generation in the industry. I worked for my father-in-law for a different company before his retirement and the sale of that company by remaining partners.
Q: You’ve been a member for 13 years, how has your experience in the Council changed over that time?
A: When I first joined VACEOs there were very few women. It has been good to see that change. I love that my group is nearly equal men/women. The fact that that my roundtable has been consistently valuable over more than a decade is impressive. I really value speakers and industry experts but the most valuable business resources are the members of my roundtable.
Q: You have another business, C.P. Dean. Can you tell us about that?
A: C.P. Dean’s slogan is “We deliver fun” and that is accurate. Pool tables, foosball, air hockey, shuffle board, multicades — and awards, plaques and trophies. My daughter runs the day-to-day operations at C.P. Dean and serves as president. We recently opened a new location in Chesapeake. It has been fun to learn a new business and to watch her grow and develop as a business owner. C.P. Dean has been in business since 1886. Our goal is to make sure it remains healthy and a strong part of our business community for generations to come.
Q: How are you promoting leadership development at Ball Office?
A: We are a small company. I’m not big on titles or management levels. Each employee is valued for their contribution. We work to make sure we are finding the best fit for each person at both Ball and C.P.Dean, and then offer opportunity for advancement or opportunities for new roles.
Q: Where did you grow up and tell us a little about yourself.
A: I grew up in a few places. I’m originally from West Virginia, moved away as a kid but will always feel like that is my home. Bethlehem, PA and then Baltimore, MD. I graduated HS in Baltimore and lived there the first 5 years of married life. Moved to Richmond in 1993. So, when I’m somewhere else I say I’m from Richmond but in Richmond I’d say I’m from WV by way of Baltimore. Not sure how many years you have to live in VA to be allowed to say you’re from here.
Q: When you are not leading Ball Office, what do you like to do?
A: I love dogs. Can’t imagine life without one. I have never gone more than a few months without a dog!
We have a sail boat we keep on the Rappahannock and sail around the Chesapeake. I’m more of a mountain person than a beach person and far prefer fall and winter to summer. I would love to spend more time in the mountains.
I love volunteering at several organizations, but The Doorways is my primary focus. I also volunteer occasionally for literacy program at Carver Elementary in the Richmond.
I spend a lot of time on business-related policy, generally through NFIB, the Virginia Retail Federation and Rally VA. I like to make sure political candidates really understand the impact of policy on independent business, serving on the NFIB state leadership. Currently serve an appointment on the Governor’s small business advisory board.
Q: During these last few uncertain/difficult years, how do you keep yourself upbeat and motivated?
A: During Covid I signed up for just about every streaming option; Master Class, Wonderioum, Curiosity Stream and other documentary type services. I tried to watch things that had nothing to do with anything I would typically be exposed to. It was a great distraction and good for my attitude. I like audio books, reading actual books. I like fiction with no basis in reality when I’ve had all the reality I can take.
Six Tips for Making the Most of a Conference
1. Sign up for recreational outings
Conferences aren’t just about sitting in sessions; they’re an opportunity for networking and building relationships. Consider participating in recreational options and social activities organized as part of the conference. Engaging in shared activities, like a group hike or a biking excursion, can create memorable experiences and forge connections. I’m still friends with Andrew because we crashed mountain bikes at a conference!
2. Get familiar with the content
Maximize the value of each session by doing some preliminary research. Look up information about the speakers and topics scheduled for each session. Understand what you hope to gain from attending a particular session, whether it’s new knowledge, insights, or networking opportunities.
3. Focus on capturing key takeaways
Active note-taking during sessions is crucial, but the real value comes from distilling three key takeaways or action items as soon as possible after each session. This not only helps solidify the information in your mind but also provides a concise reference for implementing what you’ve learned once you’re back at the office on Monday morning. Don’t try to capture everything, just what’s most important and actionable for you.
4. Find out who will be there
Networking can be the most valuable part of a conference. Prioritize a few individuals you want to meet. Utilize social media or conference apps to identify attendees and proactively reach out. Connecting with specific people enhances the quality of your networking and can lead to meaningful professional relationships.
5. Hang out
It’s amazing how much opportunity comes from accidental collisions. Attend the official parties and informal gatherings during off-hours. Ask a lot of questions. And wear your nametag. It makes you more approachable and memorable.
6. Connect with speakers
Speakers are valuable resources and usually willing to engage. Take the opportunity to talk with them between sessions or during networking breaks. Express your appreciation for their insights, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to connect on LinkedIn. Building a rapport with speakers not only expands your network but also provides access to their expertise beyond the conference.
By incorporating these six strategies into your conference approach, you’ll not only enhance your learning experience but also maximize the potential for valuable connections and collaborations. Conferences are not just about the sessions, they are about the people you get to meet.
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