Members of the HR department should be positioned as strategic partners with the CEO. The importance of them can never be underestimated.

Good HR people should fully understand the strategic goals of the company and facilitate the implementation of these strategies through culture, organization and people. They must identify the talent shortage of specific professions or levels within three to five years. Thus they develop the action plan to attract qualified people and train them internally.

The scarcity of talent and the huge demand for it will not be a temporary phenomenon. It is extremely hard to turn such a tide around in a short time.

bastion for forging relations with new strategic partners.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if we're going to see a strategic partner or partners coming in, one to provide actual further capital and support but also to provide content and make sure that content is coming thru.

Not only do we have to combat overtime use but we also have 19 members of the department eligible for retirement. We've had bulk retirements in the past. This year there are four who are going to make some move in the next six to eight months.