MAKE Your Mark Consultants, a business development firm, led by Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, former CEO of the Jamaica Employers Federation, will stage its first Middle Managers’ Conference April 20 and 21 at the Knutsford Boulevard Hotel in Kingston.

The conference targets middle managers who Coke-Lloyd described as the ‘heart and hub’ of the enterprise.

“Middle managers are at the same level of the sergeant in the army. Without a good sergeant or sergeant core the military will not be effective,” Coke-Lloyd said. She told Sunday Finance that middle managers are a critical part of the organisation as they represent the link between top management and line staff.

The conference is therefore being staged to address the needs of the enterprise and the supervisor’s significant role in adding value to the operations. Lloyd-Coke noted that a weak or non-functional middle management can hamper the growth of the company, while a well-prepared middle management can actually bolster performance and competitiveness.

Lloyd-Coke said the presentations, which begin at 8 am and end at 4:30 pm daily will balance the interests of all the stakeholders in business, including the employer, employees, shareholders and customers. Both the private and public sector middle managers are encouraged to attend.

“Companies should send their managers and I do have confirmation from persons who are enrolling themselves,” Coke-Lloyd said.

Some of the issues to be covered include the business dynamics of money, how to manage, track and make good business decisions, increase productivity and operational performance, develop fundamental leadership skills and manage projects.

Fees for the conference range between $17,000 and $20,000 per person, with group discounts available. Participants will be provided with refreshments.