[The following is reprinted with permission from Canadian HR Reporter - February 2009]

Strategic Capability Network - The Future entering 2009

If success can be measured by attendance, then the Strategic Capability Network (SCNetwork) has found it.

SCNetwork hosts a number of events each year, aimed at tackling issues relevant to senior-level HR professionals across the country. These meetings, which featured some of the industry’s top experts, regularly attracted about 100 members in 2008 — double the previous year’s average attendance, says Edmond Mellina, chair of media relations.

“It’s a testimonial to the high quality of the events,” says Mellina.

The centerpiece of these events was the Executive Series partnership with Canadian HR Reporter, launched last year. Each month, members discussed a major theme or issue in HR, with written commentary from three “thought leaders” around SCNetwork’s three areas of focus: strategic capability, organizational effectiveness and leadership in action.

The commentaries published in Canadian HR Reporter raised the quality and interest in the series, he says.

“All that has contributed to the quality of the discussion during our events, the quality of our reflection and, as well, contributed to attracting senior HR practitioners,” he says.

SCNetwork also entered into a partnership with the U.S.-based Human Resources Planning Society, as well as the Institute for Corporate Productivity and the Human Capital Institute.

“This is bringing more relevant content and point of view for members, as well as helping push thinking within the organization,” says Mellina.

This year, SCNetwork is revamping its website to make information more accessible. The organization has chapters in London, Ont., Toronto and Calgary, as well as chapters under construction in Ottawa and the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area of Ontario. Building chapters will continue to be a focus this year, however, SCNetwork also wants to increase web membership for members who live and work outside of those areas, says Mellina.

“We have an opportunity for them to engage in these communities,” he says. “They will be able to access resources online, participate in discussions and access the library of speaking notes, so they can connect.”

Among the new web features will be discussion boards related to the Executive Series. Members are looking forward to being able to carry on the conversation long after the event, he says.