The Miles LeHane Group - OI Partners

Proving a better human experience – for a better business outcome

Dear Friends of Miles LeHane:

Peace and serenity along the snow-covered banks and standing majestically—the deer. How appropriate for our seasonal card to our friends – “The Valley of the Deer” or Glenfiddich. Having our corporate roots on the “Glenfiddich Farm” located a few miles up the road, we reach out to you with our wish for peace and happiness.

The election is over and now the work begins for the next Administration. How will that affect the day to day business climate? The economy is stronger, businesses are beginning to hire again, and our work load is transitioning from predominately career path management [outplacement support] to executive coaching and general human resources supporting services.

We’ve written in the past year about our expanded business alliances and the formation of a new parent company we’ve chosen to call Cornerstone Consulting. Our plans have changed slightly over the last few months so we can now offer a wider variety of services. Cornerstone will be our umbrella organization for a select group of affiliate organizations. This will allow us to offer highly skilled service providers with specific expertise to you with the confidence of service excellence you require. We believe this creates the flexibility to meet HR outsourcing business needs. There will be more on this in an upcoming newsletter.

One of Miles LeHane’s stalwart service providers is moving on. Bob Berger is retiring to Florida by the New Year. Longtime lead consultant, Bob started with Lou LeHane in the 70’s and continued faithful service to this time. Temporarily sidelined by a broken leg a few months ago, Bob expects to be enjoying golf in Florida in 2005. With regrets, we wish him well.

A new member of the “team” came on board in late July. Following the passing of Bacchus, the company mascot [Fall newsletter, page 1], we adopted Max, a young, very tall, extremely energetic and loveable German Shepherd. He has been to obedience school and progresses on his homework, but still takes Melanie for their 2-mile walk twice a day.

David has been expanding his outreach during 2004, becoming a Commissioner on the Loudoun County ( Virginia) Economic Develop Commission. He also sits on the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board (NVWIB). He also served on the Search Committee for Penn State University’s Director of the Hotel and Human Development School. During the summer, David made a presentation to the Leesburg (Virginia) Town Council offering advice for their interviewing and selection of a new Town Manager, as well as being an IACCF speaker on Industry Trends. And in October, he went to the University of Delaware where he offered a seminar to the Freshman class about Career Planning.

The woolly caterpillars have emerged and the pundits say that their wide brown stripe indicates a winter more severe than we’ve experienced in recent years. However that plays out, we will be here to serve you—the Glenfiddich fireplace will roar, the coffee will be fresh and hot, and the bowls of fellowship will be filled to overflowing. Do give us a call and if you are in the area, stop by and say hello and see the compound expansions: The Carriage House (residence) and The Stables (garage and additional office space).

A special prayer goes out to our service men and women who protect our freedom around the world. May they and you experience a safe and joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

David C. Miles Chairman

Melanie A. Miles VP and COO

December 2004