CONTENTS

• The CoF Web Redesign and Relaunch
• CoF Discount: RealTime Miami
• Upcoming CoF Events
• New CoF Groups and Coordinators
• Special CoF Discount for FC Subscriptions

The CoF Web Redesign and Relaunch

As you may know, we relaunched the redesigned Company of Friends online community tools last week. The relaunch did not occur without its challenges -- despite our beta and load testing, we had to take the site down for repair almost immediately after announcing that it was live.

We're sorry for any confusion and frustration that may have caused. While the new tools are much more stable than they were at launch, we continue to refine and improve the new CoF Web and mailing list tools. They are better every hour.

What can CoF members do with the new online community tools?

• We've added an overlay of industry- and interest- specific discussion groups to augment the 140 local CoF groups already meeting face to face and online around the world.
• We've also enabled CoF members to associate with more than one CoF at a time to better facilitate cross-pollination and collaboration between groups.
• We've combined the CoF's mailing list and Web discussion features so you can interact with other members consistently via email, frequent email digests -- or on the Web.

As a member of the CoF, there are several things you can do to help the network through this transition phase:

• If you encounter anything that doesn't seem to work quite right, send all bug reports to heath@fastcompany.com
• Confirm your membership by the end of February to update your profile and remain an active member of the CoF
• If you participate in a group's mailing list, be mindful that replying to a list mail replies to the entire list. To reply to the sender only, make sure their email address is in the To: field of your message -- not the list's
• If you want to sign up for digest or Web only access to the CoF discussions, click on the Edit Subscription link next to the My Groups navigation bar

And if you need help with anything at all, email Heath.

Despite the inauspicious beginning, we're excited about beginning the new year with a new suite of CoF Web services. Let us know what you think!

CoF Discount: RealTime Miami

This year, business leaders and innovators like you will converge in Miami, Florida, from June 1-3 for the ninth RealTime gathering. Dynamic content, interactive discussions, and innovative ideas all focus on leadership, innovation, and competition. See how others like you are dealing with the changed economy... how to survive... stronger and better.

Because the Company of Friends is an important part of the Fast Company community, we have several special offers and events just for you at this year's RealTime.

Special CoF-only registration offer:

We still have spaces available at the special CoF promotional rate of $1,000 (That's more then 40% off the regular conference rice of $1,750!). Act quickly and reserve your spot now before registration opens to the general public next week.

Two is Company... Five is Fast Company:

Many past attendees have commented on the increased value of having fellow CoF members, colleagues, and business partners attend RealTime with them. Now, we've decided to make the community aspect of RealTime even more worth your while. Have five (5) or more people who have not previously attended RealTime join you as you attend RealTime in Miami and receive one (1) free night at the Lowes Miami Beach Hotel. Register now and let us know who you're referring to make sure you reap the benefits.

The Early Bird Gets the... Content:

If you've joined us for RealTime in the past, you know we have several activities and one content session for CoF members ONLY. This year we've added another special Company of Friends-only workshop with one of our speakers on Sunday morning before the main event kicks off at 6 p.m.

Mark your calendars for June 1-3 and reserve your place now by emailing Rich Whelan or calling 800-665-6547.

See you in Miami!

Upcoming CoF Events

Every month, as featured in Fast Company magazine, members and local groups of the Company of Friends gather online and in person for discussions, workshops, and other events.

To help you learn more about -- and get involved in -- some of the best and brightest CoF events organized by local groups every month, we've developed a global, public monthly calendar. This month-at-a-glance calendar is accessible by non members, as well as CoF members.

Use this global calendar as you travel on business. Share it with friends who don't belong to the network.

CoF gatherings are a great way to meet other FC readers and forward-thinking business leaders in your area. We hope to see you at a CoF event soon!

New CoF Groups and Coordinators

We'd like to recognize and welcome the newest CoF groups, coordinators, and planning team members since our last CoF-wide email.

New CoF groups:

• Frankfurt, Germany
• Madison, Wisconsin

If you're interested in starting a CoF group in your area, contact Heath. He'll smuggle you the essentials.

New coordinators:

• Mumbai, India
• Western Massachusetts

If you'd like more information about volunteer CoF leadership opportunities, please contact your local coordinator.

Special CoF Discount for FC Subscriptions

As special thanks for your involvement in the Company of Friends -- and for your ongoing support -- Fast Company is offering a special subscription discount for CoF members.

If you're a member of the CoF living or working in the United States, you can now subscribe to Fast Company for $10.50 a year -- more than 80% off the cover price! (For Canadian subscribers, we need to add $17 to cover postage and GST.)

If you live outside of North America, the subscription price is $56 -- $30 less than our previous international rate.

Subscribe today!

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