Louis-Michel races for Les Yables, a competitive racing team which Knovel is proud to sponsor this year.

Louis-Michel will update us throughout the season on his team’s progress, and I’d like to share highlights of some recent races with our readers. Also, if you are in Canada or plan to visit this summer, you might want to catch Les Yables in the coming weeks:

• July 10-11, St-Felicien Course in Lac St-Jean.
• August 14-15, Bromont Coupe Canada – Coupe du Quebec
• September 11-12, Valcartier Coupe du Québec Ryno Performance

The team is currently competing in the Cross Country Mountain Bike, Quebec Cup, which is a part of the Canada Cup. With three races completed, Les Yables is doing very well. Teammates Nadia Deziel and Catherine Jonckeau are in first place in the Women’s Senior and Expert Divisions respectively, and Guillaume Nadeau, Louis-Michel and Chris Gauvin are at the 10th, 11th and 13th positions overall in the Expert category respectively. This is a terrific start for the team.

I’d also like to share with you a few words from the team:

“My season started so fast this year and results are there; it motivates me a lot.  The Tremblant course has always been the most challenging in my past bike experience; however, I have reached the point where I’m mastering the course. Thanks to Christian who helped me with a recognition tour few days before the event.” Catherine Jonckeau after the race at Mont Tremblant on May 22, 2010.

“It was a super fast and dry course with a lot of technical sections and fortunately the weather was on our side as there were a lot of roots and rocky sections. Conditions would have been terrible in the mud. That’s a good start for the season; I feel great and look forward to a podium at next race.” Chris Gauvin after the race at Baie St Paul in May.

Good luck Les Yables!

In this context, I reflect upon what I’ve accomplished personally and professionally as one year ends and another begins. From a business perspective, Knovel has had a strong year measured by 90%+ subscription renewals, new customers, team growth, on-time product development and good employee morale in a tough year. Our planning for 2010 is in high gear, and the bar is high. So my time has lately been dominated by budget negotiations, sales projections and product planning meetings. In this swirl of activity, it was important for me not to loose sight of the value of spending quality time with family and giving back to the community.

I’ve been involved with Change for Kids for many years and currently serve as the Chairman of the Board.  It’s been a rewarding experience. We partner with New York City public schools to bring underprivileged children enrichment programs, such as literacy, arts, music, and fitness, that engage them in a way that their proficiency in core programs (e.g., math and reading) sees measurable improvement. Over 85% of the families that send their children to the schools we support live below the “poverty line,” so they would not have access to these programs without Change for Kids (CFK). Through the 14 years of our existence, we have seen many lives changed for the better. Take a look at this video, and you’ll get a sense for what we do.

As you consider your personal and professional goals for 2010, I encourage you to support a charity or cause you are passionate about. Volunteer your time, donate toys, books, or clothes. Raise awareness about an organization or issue. The possibilities are endless. Cash donations, while always welcome, are increasingly difficult for people to make. Don’t underestimate the value your of enthusiasm, time, talent and insight.

Every holiday season the Vice-Principal of P.S. 160, a 90% poverty-rate school situation in Jamaica, Queens makes an effort to provide something special for her most-needy students and their families. This year Knovel employees sponsored 10 families from P.S.160 donating children’s clothes, toys and books. Here’s Mike Quinzio, our program director, delivering gifts last week.

We’ll keep you posted on all of our community activities throughout the year.

In the meantime, if you are interested in Change for Kids, you might consider reading to our children, helping out in our offices, or  taking part in one of many other activities – check out these volunteer opportunities.

Happy New Year!

1 – It looks like Elsevier is outsourcing the work. This seems like a good choice as it is not a core competency. We have spent a massive about of time and money (for us) on figuring out how content can be usefully integrated into a technologists workflow. We are only now beginning to understand it such that we can make intelligent investments where we feel comfortable about the ROI. So working with folks that have the core competency makes sense.

2 – Deep data analysis and a willingness to make mistakes and admit mistakes have been made is essential to success. This often includes “not listening to your customers.” To give you a sense for what I mean consider the words of Henry Ford -

Billions of dollars are at stake and the leaders of these initiatives will be well served to place many bets (not only in technology…business models…). Massive data stores on behavior are available and should be used to make the best decisions which go well beyond convening user groups or advisory counsels.

3 – This is a space that is more than ripe for “disruption.” The “Innovators Dilemma” scenario will play out here. While I cannot yet name the disruptor I am sure there are many that are thinking deeply about coming into this space and capturing its attractive margins. This argues for many bets even if they compromise near term margins.