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Board-Manager Relations – Part 1 of an Interview with Robert Keen

Digging through the archives the other day, I found a 3-part video interview from 2007 with Robert Keen, who is an economist by training and the President/CEO of a hospital in rural hamlet of Greenfield, Indiana.  Although his talk was on board-relations, he spoke of the spiritual nature of corporations as well as the importance of local entities to a community’s vitality.

Keen explains the importance of fiber connectivity for modern healthcare. In their case, they had to reach out to an independent provider to bring fiber to their facility. He briefly touches upon some of the benefits that go beyond his hospital’s immediate needs and that positively impact the regional community.

He points out that living corporate values is more than just a sign on the wall.  It becomes a way of life for people in the organization.  This vision starts with the board and flows through the work of management.

Keen predicts that the 21st century will see a, “Return to community.”  He points out that bigger isn’t necessarily better, particularly in suburban and rural areas.  Keen is an expert in economic development and, in this interview, stresses that local businesses are more likely to reinvest in the community over the long-term, as compared to larger corporations with headquarters in a far-away locale.

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