Distinguished authors, Nat Stoddard and John Mariotti, provided valuable insights and recommendations for a stronger 2009 to Cook Associates Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services divisions at the company’s annual meeting. Nat Stoddard is currently the Chairman of Crenshaw Associates and the author of the recently published book, The Right Leader.  John Mariotti is the author of The Complexity Crisis and is a frequent guest speaker and business consultant.

The two-day company strategy meeting, which marked Cook’s 47th year, was attended by all of Cook’s employees. This year’s theme, “Synergy for Success: Linking Ideas for Change and Growth in 2009” was mirrored by thought-provoking strategy presentations given by members of Cook’s management team.

Despite the reality that firms are cutting staff and reinvesting funds for alternative use, Cook Associates’ 2009 annual company meeting was a tribute to the fact that Cook continues to invest in its most valued resource - its people.

“In an economic time when some companies are eliminating what might be considered as “fluff” (i.e., an all-company meeting), Cook Associates believes in camaraderie, collegiate support and the renewed energy a meeting like this can bring,” stated Mary Kier, Vice Chairman for Cook Associates.

“The two speakers we invited – John Mariotti and Nat Stoddard – are great friends of the firm. They are both passionate business leaders who enriched our meeting with significant and relevant thought leadership. Our employees came away invigorated with many new insights and ideas for 2009,” said Kier.