Following nearly 18 months of below-average placement activity by its member recruiting firms, NPA (www.npaworldwide.com) reports a significant increase in job fills as a result of candidate placements. “Some members are seeing a return to more normal levels of recruiting activity but it is still very dependent on industries, geographies, and specialty,” says Dave Nerz, the president of NPA, an international split-fee recruiting network. 

A recent report issued by ExecuNet, an executive level job board, echoed the findings of NPA. ExecuNet’s president and chief economist, Mark Anderson, indicated in his post that recruiters are more confident in future employment by clients. The averages of the ExecuNet Recruiter Confidence Index are at the highest level since July 2007.  Mr. Anderson goes on to list the strongest industry areas as:

   1. Healthcare
   2. Clean/Green Technology
   3. Energy
   4. Manufacturing
   5. Pharmaceuticals/Medical Devices/Biotech

NPA indicates that the most active placement areas in the recruiter-owned network are business analysts/IT, manufacturing-related engineering, and sales and marketing positions. “While this is great news for recruiters and those seeking work, it is a cautionary signal to CEOs and those responsible for retaining and developing talent in organizations…hold on to the talent you have,” says Nerz. “There is also a perception by client companies that candidates are plentiful and that speed of action is not an issue when the right fit candidate is located. While it may still be some time before candidates routinely have multiple offers, the best candidates are not available indefinitely and do have alternatives in this rebounding employment market.”

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About NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network. NPA is an international, member-owned recruiting network facilitating cooperative, split-fee placements between its members. In 2008, NPA members shared over US$9 million in split-fee revenue. Founded in 1956, NPA has over 350 member offices with approximately 1,300 individual consultants in 25 countries on 6 continents.

Contact: Veronica Scrimshaw
Director of Corporate Communications
+1 616 455-6776 x17

Contact: Veronica Scrimshaw
Director of Corporate Communications
vscrimshaw@npaworldwide.com
+1 616 455 6776 ext. 17

NPA and TEAM
Announce Strategic Alliance

NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network with global headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA has entered into a strategic alliance with TEAM – The Employment Agency Movement, based in the UK. Both organizations are engaged in the business of facilitating networking between their member firms offering independent recruiting, executive search and temporary staffing. The alliance has been formed to increase global business opportunities for the cumulative membership. Clients and candidates represented by these two networks will benefit from the worldwide connections and boundary-breaking reach that will be available from the combined networks of TEAM and NPA.

The arrangement provides NPA with a larger presence and more points of connection in the UK and across Europe. Once implemented, NPA members will have a new collection of recruiting partners to work with cooperatively to fill open positions and place employees throughout UK and Europe. The NPA-TEAM alliance creates a combined recruiting network of over 600 locations worldwide with coverage in a broad range of occupations and industries. “NPA is excited to have a working relationship with TEAM. We believe there is value for NPA members, TEAM members and for the clients and candidates represented by each,” states Dave Nerz, President of NPA.

TEAM’s 300-plus members will gain access to NPA’s worldwide membership of nearly 400 premier independent recruiters to respond to the growing needs of UK and European based clients with demand for talent in North America, South America, Africa, and all across Asia/Pacific. “To gain this access to a like-minded organization with a global presence offers TEAM members a real advantage,” according to Simon Garbett, Managing Director of TEAM.

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About NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network. NPA is an international, member-owned recruiting network facilitating cooperative, split-fee placements between its members. In 2008, NPA members shared over US$9 million in split-fee revenue. Founded in 1956, NPA has 420 member offices with more than 1,500 individual consultants in 25 countries on 6 continents. www.npaworldwide.com

About TEAM – The Employment Agency Movement. TEAM is the largest independent networked group of recruitment and employment service providers in the UK. With TEAM, a business gains all the advantages synonymous with a local agency whilst also benefiting from a substantial support network. TEAM has over 300 branch locations across the UK with a combine 1 billion turnover with an estimated 26,500 placements across the UK last year. www.jobsatteam.com

NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network (www.npaworldwide.com), is pleased to announce the launch of an entirely new generation of SplitZone, its online platform for NPA members to transact shared recruiting business in a secure, reliable, and repeatable way.

SplitZone leverages NPA’s experience with earlier technology and the expertise of Main Sequence (www.mainsequence.net) in building and hosting enterprise recruitment transaction platforms. The design process for the latest SplitZone included careful consultation with key contributors throughout the NPA network, third-party technology consultants, and Main Sequence.

“NPA’s goal is to provide a state-of-the-art system that is more usable to all of our members, and can help attract new members interested in split-fee recruiting”, said NPA President Dave Nerz. “This new SplitZone is better in so many ways, it really is a compelling value-add for our current and prospective members.”

VP Marketing at Main Sequence, William (Bill) Kubicek IV added, “From time to time opportunities come along to do custom or semi-custom projects that meet the strategic needs of key customers. Our relationship with NPA is a great example of just such a strategic alliance and we are delighted to launch this platform and enhance our role as the supplier of choice to NPA, and to NPA members using our PCRecruiter solutions to manage their recruitment businesses.”

Dave Nerz concluded, “We are thrilled that so many members are actively engaging in NPA activities with a new level of enthusiasm and excited to see how this tool saves time for our members while helping them boost revenue.”

SplitZone is immediately available to NPA members using PC or Mac with an Internet connection and has been designed to interface seamlessly with PCRecruiter.

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About Main Sequence:

Founded in 1998, Ohio based Main Sequence Technologies Inc. creates talent acquisition technology solutions wherever and however organizations are built. The flagship solution, PCRecruiter, is the technology of choice for thousands of third party recruitment, direct-hire, and outsourced staffing teams. Main Sequence provides customizable CRM and Applicant Tracking functionality converged into one database, voice, and email interface for both On-Demand and Self-hosted (licensed) versions.

About NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network:

NPA is an international, member-owned recruiting network facilitating cooperative, split-fee placements between its members. In 2008, NPA members shared over US$10 million in split-fee revenue. Founded in 1956, NPA has over 400 member offices with more than 1,600 individual consultants in 25 countries on 6 continents.

Manny Rao, chairman of the board of directors of NPA, The Worldwide Recruiting Network announced that Diego Ghidini of GRUPO GHIDINI-RODIL in Buenos Aires has been appointed the South American ambassador to the NPA board of directors. NPA, www.npaworldwide.com, is an international, member-owned recruitment network that brings independent recruiting firms together to facilitate cooperative, split-fee placements. Sr. Ghidini has been instrumental in fostering NPA’s membership expansion throughout South America.

As ambassador, Sr. Ghidini will be responsible for increasing membership in South America, facilitating cooperative, split-fee placements among South American NPA members and worldwide, and fostering meetings and other member communication throughout the region. Sr. Ghidini will serve as a liaison between NPA members in South America and the NPA board of directors, advising both constituencies on growth opportunities and other membership issues in South America.

“Diego has long had a passion and belief that NPA can be very successful in South America,” said NPA chairman Manny Rao. He added, “He understands that as NPA grows worldwide, the South American market will play an important role in that growth as well as in NPA’s long-term viability. Already, more than ten percent of NPA’s placement activity occurs internationally, and with a strong presence in South America, we can increase that figure exponentially. NPA is fortunate to have Diego’s leadership and vision and considers him an important catalyst to NPA’s global expansion.”

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Ms. Neumann served two terms as a member of the NPA Board of Directors where she was primarily responsible for membership growth in Asia as well as spearheading NPA marketing and branding initiatives. She has played a key role in NPA’s global membership expansion into Asia, particularly Hong Kong and mainland China over the past ten years. Ms. Neumann also helped to create an ongoing marketing communications campaign for NPA in order to increase brand awareness in the organization’s global marketplace by prospective members, job seekers and employers alike. Additionally, she has been instrumental in encouraging cross-border international placement activity between NPA members located in multiple geographies.

“There were a number of deserving nominations for the 2009 Chairman’s Award,” commented Manny Rao, Chairman of NPA’s Board of Directors. “Nancy Neumann was honored for her exceptional efforts to grow and support NPA. She is a talented and visionary leader with a great passion for NPA, and I am pleased to see her hard work recognized by her peers in the recruiting profession.”

Nominations for the Chairman’s Award are submitted by NPA members. The NPA Board of Directors holds a secret ballot to determine the recipient, and the award is presented during a special luncheon at the NPA Annual Conference.

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“NPA is a member-owned network and board leadership is a key part of our success as an organization,” said NPA president Dave Nerz. He added, “Over the years, our members have provided us with outstanding direction and support by electing board members with great insight, industry knowledge and business expertise. We are extremely pleased with the newly elected board members.”

Individuals elected to the board of directors include the following:
Rick Corey, OpticsProfessionals, LLC, Penfield, NY, USA, was elected for a one-year term as chairman-elect of the board.
Kimberley Chesney, Prime Management Group Inc., London, ON, Canada, was elected for a two-year term as Secretary/Treasurer.
Jason Elias, Elias Recruitment, Sydney, NSW, Australia, was elected for a second two-year term serving as a director.
Cameron Gausby, KNG Technical Inc., Shanty Bay, ON, Canada, was elected for a two-year term as a director.
Jeff McGraw, The Callos Companies, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, was elected for a two-year term as a director.
Christine Sturgess, Orex Retail Search, Abbotsford, VIC, Australia, was elected for a second two-year term serving as a director.

NPA Board members who will continue to serve on the board include the following:
Manny Rao, Recruiting Services International/RSI, Cincinnati, OH – chairman
Steve Morris, Van/Grace Associates, Inc., Natick, MA – director
Traci Poole, Poole Professional Resources, Ltd., Columbus, OH – director
Laura Schmieder, Premier Placement, Allentown, PA – director
Nerissa Reyes, Avanti People Partnership, Manila, Philippines – director

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NPA, www.npaworldwide.com, is a member-owned cooperative based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The membership is comprised of premier independent recruiters on six continents who work cooperatively to complete searches across virtually all industry and occupational sectors. NPA collects data in the following categories: accounting/finance/banking; administrative/human resources/materials/logistics/operations; process/chemicals/natural resources/mining/oil & gas/environmental; information technology; engineering/design/manufacturing; medical/health care; construction/civil engineering/architecture; nuclear & fossil power/utilities; software & hardware engineering/electronics development; sales and marketing; and various other niches.

“As the market for talent continues to tighten, employers are finding a need to attract and recruit the skill they demand from outside of their home markets,” according to Nerz. He further reports that international and cross-border placements are gaining the attention of employers and recruiters alike. “The most recent 12 months shows a full 27% of all placements are done outside of the US.”

“NPA is a member-owned network and board leadership is a key part of our success as an organization,” said NPA president Dave Nerz. He added, “Over the years, our members have provided us with outstanding direction and support by electing board members with great insight, industry knowledge and business expertise. We are extremely pleased with the strong slate of 2009 nominees.”

Individuals nominated to the board of directors include the following:

Rick Corey, OpticsProfessionals, LLC, Penfield, NY, USA, was nominated for a one-year term as chairman-elect of the board. He is the current Secretary/Treasurer.
Kimberley Chesney, Prime Management Group Inc., London, ON, Canada, was nominated for a two-year term as Secretary/Treasurer. Kimberley is currently serving as a director.
Jason Elias, Elias Recruitment, Sydney, NSW, Australia, was nominated for a second two-year term serving as a director.
Cameron Gausby, KNG Technical Inc., Shanty Bay, ON, Canada, was nominated for a two-year term as a director.
Jeff McGraw, The Callos Companies, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, was nominated for a two-year term as a director.
Christine Sturgess, Orex Retail Search, Abbotsford, VIC, Australia, was nominated for a second two-year term serving as a director.

NPA Board members who were not up for re-election and who will continue to serve on the board include the following:

Manny Rao, Recruiting Services International/RSI, Cincinnati, OH – chairman
Steve Morris, Van/Grace Associates, Inc., Natick, MA – director
Traci Poole, Poole Professional Resources, Ltd., Columbus, OH – director
Laura Schmieder, Premier Placement, Allentown, PA – director
Nerissa Reyes, Avanti People Partnership, Manila, Philippines – director

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Gains were noted in the following occupational categories: accounting/finance, banking, information technology, and engineering/design/manufacturing. Activity was flat or declined in the categories of process/chemicals/natural resources/mining/oil & gas/environmental and administrative/ personnel, materials management.

“We are expecting a challenging first quarter,” noted Dave Nerz, “however, as employers regain confidence in the prospects for future business, we see a return to more typical patterns later this year. Demand for skilled talent and strategic recruiting remains high.”

NPA, www.npaworldwide.com, is a member-owned cooperative based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The membership is comprised of premier independent recruiters on six continents who work cooperatively to complete searches across virtually all industry and occupational sectors. NPA collects data on placements in the following categories: accounting/finance/banking; administrative/human resources/materials/ logistics/operations; process/chemicals/natural resources/mining/oil & gas/environmental; information technology; engineering/design/manufacturing; medical/health care; construction/civil engineering/ architecture; nuclear & fossil power/utilities; software & hardware engineering/electronics development; sales and marketing; and various other niches.

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The NPA Annual Conference 2009 is supported by contributions from the following organizations:

NPA Alliance Partners:
Main Sequence Technologies (MST) www.mainsequence.net
Next Level Recruiting Training (NLRT) www.nlrtraining.com
Profile Referral Systems www.profilereferral.com
Albany www.thealbanynygroup.com
TFI Resources www.tfiresources.com

NPA Endorsed Programs:
AutoSearch www.getautosearch.com
Broadbean www.broadbean.com
Innovative Employee Solutions (IES) www.innovativeemployeesolutions.com

“We are grateful for the support and commitment from our alliance partners and endorsed programs,” commented NPA President Dave Nerz. “Their contributions add tremendous value for our members and also help us keep conference registration fees extremely low compared to similar events.”

The NPA Annual Conference 2009 is a members-only event. Early registration ends on January 25, 2009.

NPA, www.npaworldwide.com is a member-owned cooperative based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The membership is comprised of premier independent recruiters on six continents who work cooperatively to complete searches across virtually all industry and occupational sectors.