Latest Posts in Strategy and Operations

Internships are still booming in today’s economy, which is good news for students and employers alike. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers anticipate hiring 2.6 percent more interns this year than they did last year, continuing the upward trend that shows organizations are leaning on internship programs to attract budding talent. Employers who run successful internship programs can attest that this is an effective tactic to include in your recruiting strategy.

You may be wondering, when is the best time to begin thinking about a Succession Plan. As the saying goes, "there's no time like the present." Recent studies reveal that only 30% of small business owners have a formal succession plan, leaving a vast majority unprepared for future transitions. With over two-thirds of owners planning to retire in the near future, the absence of succession planning could lead to business closures and economic disruptions in local communities.

Wondering what B Corporation certification is all about? In this blog, you'll learn why becoming a B Corp was a natural step for EDSI and how the certification process works. The B Corporation emblem of excellence means that we pledge to operate under the highest standards of awareness, performance, transparency and accountability to help solve social and environmental issues. EDSI joins the ranks of over 3,600 trailblazing businesses fighting for social and environmental excellence.

Trauma is an unavoidable reality in today’s world, and its effects on children can have lifelong consequences if left unaddressed. Recognizing the need for a healing-focused approach, EDSI collaborated with Healing Center Restorative Engagement (HCRE) to create a training program for Head Start educators. This innovative program provides practical tools to help educators respond to trauma, build supportive environments for children, and prioritize their own well-being. By focusing on healing, the program equips educators to make a lasting impact on the lives of children facing adversity.

Curious about how to future-proof your business? Don’t miss this insightful Q&A with EDSI Consulting Managing Partner Jim Bitterle, a recognized expert in strategic planning. In this blog, Jim shares why strategic planning is essential, what makes a plan truly effective, and how EDSI’s unique approach helps organizations thrive in today’s competitive markets. Whether you’re building a new strategy or refining an existing one, this article offers practical advice to drive long-term success.

If there’s one thing that remains true in business (and life in general) it’s this: a crisis can strike any company … anytime, anywhere. Imagine you just found out a valuable, tenured employee is leaving and taking all his or her critical knowledge and experience with him to a competing organization. Your only hope to avert this crisis? Advanced planning!

Knowledge management is not just a stand-alone program or project. KM refers to the explicit and tacit information life-cycle that runs throughout the entire organization on a continual basis. This 10-step setup process will teach you everything you need to know to minimize risks and maximize results.

EDSI's Luzerne County staff recently participated in five Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions across the Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton offices, resulting in 39 employees earning their 3-year MHFA certification. This initiative equips staff with vital skills to support both colleagues and clients in managing mental health challenges, creating a stronger, more supportive work environment.

EDSI is a proud partner of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) participating in the 2024 Reimagine Summit in Detroit. Our ILS team played a key role in helping BGCSM leaders reimagine their spaces to better serve youth and combat poverty. The Summit highlighted the transformation of desolate buildings into state-of-the-art clubs, offering career pathways in fields like Fashion, Tech, and Behavioral Health. Through these innovations, we’re equipping youth with the skills to break the cycle of poverty.