TalentQuest, a human capital management consulting and software solutions firm, today reported that it experienced continued growth in the first quarter of 2010. The firm also noted that it is starting to see an increase in the number of senior-level hires businesses are making and an increased interest in investing in employee performance management and development for the first time since the economy began to falter in 2008.
“The last couple of years presented new, unprecedented challenges with regard to shifting talent management needs,” said TalentQuest CEO, Frank Merritt. “While it is premature to say that difficult times are behind us, we are encouraged by the first positive signs we have seen in many months.”
Merritt said that although businesses are starting to hire, they are being more cautious and strategic in their approach to doing so than he has seen in the firm’s nearly 40-year history.
“The failures of prominent, well-respected businesses have created arguably the largest pool of high-quality, available candidates in recent history,” Merritt said. “While we have been focused on helping our clients optimize their workforce and ‘do more with less’, we are shifting our focus to helping them ensure they are able to identify and attract the best possible candidates.”
New and Expanded Client Relationships
In the first quarter of 2010, TalentQuest added several new clients to its roster and expanded several client relationships, including:
- MedWest Healthcare System, a large hospital system in North Carolina.
- Benchmark Brands, a company dedicated exclusively to lower-body healthcare,
- EndoChoice, a single source provider of in-office pathology, GI devices and supplies
- Prime Technological Services, an electronics contract manufacturer.
- ezprints, Inc., a private label end-to-end personalized product solution provider.
- HA&W, certified public accountants and business advisors.
- Mueller Water Products, a manufacturer and marketer of infrastructure and flow control products for use in water distribution networks and treatment facilities.
Community Involvement
In February, TalentQuest introduced a new strategic approach to supporting the communities in which it operates. TQ Giving Back will enable qualified nonprofit organizations to take advantage of the same value-added software solutions and consulting services it provides businesses at a fraction of the cost. Specifically, qualified organizations will be provided access to TalentQuest’s software solutions at a 50 percent discount and may apply for a grant to cover some or all of the fees associated with TalentQuest’s consulting services. In addition, TalentQuest will donate up to $100,000 in consulting services and software solutions each year through a client appreciation program. The first distribution of these vouchers is expected to take place early this summer.
TalentQuest Employee Accomplishments
In March, Dr. Ann Evangelista, Managing Director, was selected to serve on the Advisory Board for the Atlanta Leadership Symposium, a leadership development program offered by The University of Georgia's Terry College of Business.
Also in March, Neil Kimber, TalentQuest’s Chief Technology Officer earned the distinction of Fellowship in the British Computer Society (BCS), the highest level of recognition in the IT field.
Conclusion
“Much as the world debated whether or not we were in a recession for many months before it was made official, opinions about an economic recovery are widely varied,” Merritt said. “The economy remains fragile and we have by no means returned to pre-recession norms, but we are seeing more emphasis being placed on increasing revenue and ‘playing offense’ vs. cost-cutting and ‘playing defense’ which is promising.”
