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Pre-Decision Planning for Domestic Relocations-Part 1

| September 25, 2013

Why Domestic Pre-Decision Programs are Crucial for Your Business

by Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing, TRC Global Mobility, Inc.

A recent history of domestic pre-decision programs

Pre-decision planning has been around for a long time, at least on the international side. For domestic relocations, most employers left it up to the employee and his or her family to determine whether or not the move was a good idea. The employee and family had to consider:

  • home sale and purchase ramifications
  • cost-of-living changes
  • whether the spouse or partner will be able to find employment in the new location
  • children’s education
  • healthcare availability
  • neighborhood navigation
  • the employee’s and family’s readiness and suitability for relocation

The results of this hands-off approach were not surprising: many relocations either never got off the ground or failed, resulting in job dissatisfaction, attrition, family issues and wasted business opportunities. The Great Recession and an uncertain U.S. real estate market further aggravated the situation, spurring more employers to extend pre-decision services for domestic relocations as well.

Prior to a domestic move offer, a pre-decision program provides an employee with services ranging from in-depth needs counseling, broker market analyses (BMA) or appraisals to establish the value of the departure home, destination mortgage pre-approval and a pre-decision trip.

The times they are a-changin’

Today, many U.S. employers have recognized that successful relocation depends on more than an employee’s technical competence. In fact, Worldwide ERC® data show that more than half of U.S. employers currently provide at least some level of pre-decision assistance. These employers are taking a more holistic approach; employees and employers are more likely to have frank discussions regarding the costs and expectations of a proposed relocation.

Benefits of pre-decision programs

As the name indicates, the pre-decision program occurs before a firm relocation offer is made. Properly managed, it allows the employer and employee alike to estimate the costs and other impacts of the move and for each side to decide if it makes good business sense. In addition, a well-structured pre-decision program can help companies to:

  • manage talent more effectively
  • identify candidates who are unwilling or financially unable to move
  • reduce the risk of failed relocations
  • increase acceptance rates
  • assess the financial impact of the relocation and budget
  • reduce the number of policy exceptions
  • speed cycle times due to more realistic departure home pricing

Pre-decision programs can also help prospective transferees to:

  • determine whether the transfer makes career and economic sense
  • gain a more complete understanding of the financial impact of the move
  • become more comfortable with, and invested in, their decision
  • pinpoint a realistic market value and asking price for the departure home
  • avoid unpleasant surprises

Potential pitfalls of pre-decision programs

Pre-decision programs have a few potential disadvantages: They add another layer of administrative process that can delay the start of an assignment. Some employees may find the process intrusive. Pre-decision programs can also bring extra costs, including charges for third-party pre-decision counseling services and additional services offered to meet uncovered needs. And if the typical BMA home valuation approach is used, your company (or your relocation management company) will need a pool of qualified and willing real estate agents, who may or may not charge for the service.

In part 2 of this blog, we’ll go into more detail about the pre-decision planning process, including an initial needs assessment and real estate considerations.

About TRC

Since 1987, TRC has delivered creative, cost-effective relocation and international assignment services across the United States and in more than 150 other countries around the world. TRC partners with its clients to develop competitive, best-practice relocation programs, drawing from a comprehensive range of relocation services including U.S. home selling, home finding and consulting services and complete international relocation services. TRC’s client base represents a wide variety of products and services and ranges from startup firms to Global 1000 companies.

 

Join TRC at the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium in Dallas

| September 20, 2013

Imagine the Inspiration!

Join TRC at the Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium
Dallas, TX – October 23-25, 2013

The best and brightest ideas are inspired when professionals come together to brainstorm, compare notes and shed light on the biggest challenges—and the most viable solutions. Step out of your day-to-day office responsibilities and clear the path to new thinking and ideas you’ll develop as you connect with your peers at the Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium.

Worldwide ERC® brings global mobility professionals from all over the world together to engage in high-energy learning and robust content sharing.

Take inspiration from the experienced professionals, educators and speakers who will be in Dallas this October. Register now – and let us help you illuminate the way to your next new ideas!

Visit TRC at our booth and keep all of your portable electronic devices powered up at the TRC Charging Stations!

Corporate first-time attendees are eligible for FREE registration (up to a $1695 value)! Contact Jerry Funaro, Vice President, Global Marketing at jfunaro@trcgm.com or +1.203.925.2001 for more information.

Media Contact

Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing
jerryf@trcgm.com
+1.203.925.2001

TRC VP Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS to speak at San Antonio Regional Relocation Conference (SARRC)

| September 10, 2013

Talent management challenges and emerging relocation policy responses

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (August 16, 2013)

TRC Global Mobility (TRC), a leading relocation management company, announces that TRC Vice President Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS, will speak at the third quarter meeting of the San Antonio Regional Relocation Conference on Tuesday, September 17.

Skillful talent management is the single most important determinant of success for any business. And as the economy continues to recover, the war for the best talent only escalates. TRC’s Jerry Funaro will join John Leonard, Director of Employment and Organizational Development, Valero Energy Corporation, for a discussion of today’s corporate talent management challenges and emerging relocation policy responses, including pre-decision programs and core-flex policies. Learn more and register at www.sarelo.com.

About San Antonio Regional Relocation Council

San Antonio Regional Relocation Council was formally established in 2003 to provide a meeting place for relocation professionals to share ideas, trends, relocation policies and networking opportunities. The founders hoped for an environment where professionals in the relocation industry could come together to cultivate, grow and flourish in professional relationships. By communicating as relocation professionals, we are able to adapt and formulate policies objectively and contribute to the needs of the relocation employee. Visit SARRC and register for this program at www.sarelo.com.

About TRC Global Mobility

TRC Global Mobility delivers comprehensive relocation and international assignment services in 150+ countries worldwide. We help our clients to further their business objectives by ensuring they have the right people in the right place at the right time, controlling costs and mitigating risks.

A financially stable, reliable partner, we bring our clients fresh perspectives backed by more than 25 years of relocation experience. TRC’s diverse client base represents a wide variety of products and services and ranges from smaller, start-up firms to Global 1000 companies. As an independent company, we’re free from corporate bureaucracy and preconceived notions. Visit TRC at trcglobalmobility.com.

Media Contact

Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing
jerryf@trcgm.com
+1.203.925.2001

The 2013 Tax Laws and how they affect your company

| June 16, 2013

REGISTER NOW FOR COMPLIMENTARY TRC WEBINAR

This year brings significant changes to relocation tax laws that can impact your company and its bottom line. Recognizing this, TRC Global Mobility (TRC), a leading relocation management company, will sponsor the webinar:

The 2013 Tax Laws and How They Affect Your Company, on November 5, 2013 from 2:00-3:00 p.m EST.

Part of Worldwide ERC’s Learning Zone™ webinar series, this complimentary one-hour session will be hosted by David S. Oltman, CRP, Chief Compliance Officer Ineo / Co-Founder Relocation Taxes, LLC.

David will discuss these changes and how to manage them, along with other current hot tax topics, including:  Read More

TRC’s Jerry Funaro Takes Awards at Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference

| May 29, 2013

Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS, Vice President of Global Marketing at TRC Global Mobility, Inc., was honored with Worldwide ERC®’s Meritorious Service and Mobility Editorial Achievement awards at ERC’s recent National Relocation Conference in San Diego.

ERC’s Meritorious Service award is presented “in recognition of dedicated service and significant professional contributions to Worldwide ERC® and the global workforce mobility business community”.  In Funaro’s case, this included serving on ERC editorial and program planning committees, moderating several panels at ERC conferences and writing articles for Mobility magazine.

Funaro received the Mobility 2012 Editorial Achievement award “in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the professionalism of the global mobility industry”, with his article, “When a Transferee is Part of a Same-Sex Couple”, published in the August 2012 issue of Mobility magazine.

Join TRC for “Tiered Policies…or Tired Policies” at the Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference

| May 8, 2013

Attending the Worldwide ERC National Relocation Conference?  Join TRC Global Mobility for Tiered Policies…or Tired Policies?

Thursday, May 16, 2013
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Has your tiered policy kept up with your company’s modern business needs… or is it a relic from another era?  We’ll begin this session with a quick audience poll, where you’ll learn how your current tiered policy compares to other ERC member companies.  Next, our three corporate panelists will discuss their quite different approaches to tiered policy structure and content.  Then we’ll dedicate most of our session to questions from the moderator and audience.  This is designed to be a lively, interactive and informal session.  We encourage you to share your tiered policy challenges and successes with our panel and your fellow corporate professionals.

Moderator:
Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing
TRC Global Mobility, Inc.
Shelton, Connecticut

Participants:
Charles Ameno, CRP
Manager, Global Relocation Benefits
Chevron Services Company
Houston, Texas

Margie Albert, CRP, GMS
Senior HR/Global Mobility Representative
Hitachi Hi-Technologies Americas
Dallas, Texas

Mia Huddleston, CRP
Vice President| Relocation Program Manager U.S./Canada                                       JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Columbus, Ohio

Talent Mobility: Catch the Wave!

| April 1, 2013

Join TRC at the Worldwide ERC® National Relocation Conference in San Diego, May 15-17, 2013

What’s the best kind of meeting experience you can imagine? We think it’s one where you spend some concentrated time with your smartest peers, comparing notes and discovering some amazing solutions to your biggest challenges. That’s what you’ll find at Worldwide ERC’s National Relocation Conference!  The Conference will help you manage your business and your career for optimal success, in a fast-paced, lively learning environment that draws the best and brightest professionals and speakers.

Join TRC’s Jerry Funaro for the interactive corporate session, “Tiered Policies…or Tired Policies”, and learn how your peers have updated their programs to meet today’s recruiting and retention objectives.  Enjoy a complimentary chair massage at the TRC Relaxation Station and visit us at Booth 500!

Corporate first-time attendees are eligible for FREE registration (up to a $1695 value)! Contact Jerry Funaro, Vice President, Global Marketing at jfunaro@trcgm.com or +1.203.925.2001 for more information.

TRC Global Mobility Named One of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America

| August 31, 2012

Ranked #1251 on the 2012 Inc. 5000 list

Milwaukee, Wis. (August 21, 2012)

According to Inc. magazine, TRC Global Mobility, Inc. (TRC), a leading relocation management company, is one of the fastest growing private companies in America. With a position of 1251/5000, TRC placed near the top quartile of the 2012 Inc. 5000, an annual listing of growing, privately-held businesses.

“For TRC to be ranked in the 2012 Inc. 5000 demonstrates how the company has thrived in spite of a sluggish economy,” said Doug Berto, TRC’s president and CEO. “Our success speaks to TRC employees’ creativity, flexibility and commitment to our clients and their relocating employees. “

Berto emphasized that TRC’s growth is the result of careful planning: “We have no interest in growth just for the sake of bragging rights. Our growth stems directly from a careful assessment of the needs of our current and future clients, and the actions we’re taking to anticipate, and meet, those needs. We’re gratified that our message of independence, financial strength and stability, transparency and full-service global capabilities continues to resonate with a broad range of companies.”

For the past 30 years, Inc. has celebrated the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. In addition to TRC, first-time honorees for 2012 include CDW, Publix Supermarkets and Facebook. Past honorees have included Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Jamba Juice, Timberland, Clif Bar, Pandora, Patagonia and Oracle.

About TRC Global Mobility

TRC Global Mobility delivers comprehensive relocation and international assignment services in 150+ countries worldwide. We help our clients to further their business objectives by ensuring they have the right people in the right place at the right time, controlling costs and mitigating risks.

A financially stable, reliable partner, we bring our clients fresh perspectives backed by 25 years of relocation experience. TRC’s diverse client base represents a wide variety of products and services and ranges from smaller, start-up firms to Global 1000 companies. As an independent company, we’re free from corporate bureaucracy and preconceived notions. Visit TRC at trcglobalmobility.com.

Media Contact

Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing
jerryf@trcgm.com
+1.203.925.2001

How to Handle Relocation for Same-Sex Couples

| August 9, 2012

PART 1

by Jerry Funaro, CRP, GMS
Vice President, Global Marketing, TRC Global Mobility, Inc.

Challenges and Concerns for Same-Sex Couple Relocations

During the past 25 years I’ve followed my partner’s career as a “trailing spouse” multiple times while working for several relocation management companies. This personal experience allows me to say that same-sex couples have many of the same relocation considerations as any other couple: the partner’s job, real estate, children, schools, cost of living, cultural issues, distance from family and friends and more.

But there are differences. In particular, the unsettled state of same-sex marriage and civil union laws across the United States and around the world can present significant challenges. Some locations pose safety and security concerns. It’s useful for companies to be aware of the considerations that same-sex couples face, and to learn what your organization can do to facilitate these relocations.

Read More

Register Now for Complimentary TRC Webinar, Today’s Mortgage Market: Strategies for Success

| July 20, 2012

September 25th Webinar to Focus on Navigating Today’s Mortgage Market

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 20, 2012)

With historically low rates, today’s mortgage market presents real opportunities for experienced and first-time buyers alike. But to help transferees succeed in today’s market, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of current options, rules and regulations.

Recognizing this, TRC Global Mobility (TRC), a leading relocation management company, will sponsor the webinar:

Today’s Mortgage Market: Strategies for Success, on September 25, 2012 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST.

Part of Worldwide ERC’s Learning Zone™ webinar series, this complimentary one-hour session will be hosted by Tom Dempsey, CRP, Vice President, Quicken Loans Relocation.

This interactive webinar will include a discussion of today’s market guidelines, creative program options and interest rates. We’ll take a look at broader economic factors influencing the mortgage market and current and possible legislation that could affect borrowers. After this session, you’ll be able to navigate the mortgage market successfully and with confidence.

The session is eligible for one domestic CRP® credit from Worldwide ERC®. Learn more and register at http://www.worldwideerc.org/Events/Pages/webinar-09252012.aspx

About TRC Global Mobility

Celebrating 25 years of relocation leadership, TRC Global Mobility is a U.S.-based, independently owned and operated firm that delivers creative, cost-effective solutions its clients’ U.S., international and government relocation challenges. TRC helps clients to further their business objectives by ensuring they have the right people in the right place at the right time, controlling costs and mitigating risks. TRC’s diverse client base represents a wide variety of products and services and ranges from smaller, start-up firms to Global 1000 companies. Visit TRC at trcglobalmobility.com.

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