Siskiyou County
Community Coordinator Report
June 2004
California Business Legislative Summit
The California Chamber of Commerce held it's annual Business Legislative Summit in Sacramento on May 4, 2004 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Executive Director or STEP, Jeanne Hough, and Community Coordinator, Josephine Wyatt attended the Host Breakfast to listen to Governor Schwarzenegger. Prior to the breakfast though, attendees were informed that the Governor would be unable to attend as he was in Germany visiting wounded servicemen. Instead Tom Arnold, a close personal friend of the governor addressed the gathering in his absence. A video prepared by the Governor expressing his disappointment at not attending the gathering was shown. After the lights came up, Governor Schwarzenegger surprised everyone by taking the stage and addressing the attendees. The Governor voiced his encouragement for the state's economic recovery and stated "I see a great California in the future."
After
the breakfast, break out sessions were held on various topics affecting
businesses in California. We chose to attend the session on Workers'
Compensation . One of the major concerns is that California suffers
under the highest workers' compensation premiums in the nation. Many
employers cite the high cost of workers' compensation insurance as
a major reason for slowing job growth and moving operations out of
California. On April 19, 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed
into law Senate Bill 899, sponsored by Senator Poochigian. This bill
focuses on both rising medical costs and rising disability costs and
many of the failed areas within the workers' compensation system.
While SB 899 is a definite start to revamping the workers' compensation
system, the saving to businesses will not be immediate. Vice -President
of the California Insurance Association, Ken Gibson stated that it
will take time, rules will not be in place for 6-8 months, but it
is a beginning.
For a transcript of the speech go to www.calchamber.com
Managing Employer Required Leave Laws
The Workforce Connection's Employer Resource Center sponsored the
"Managing Employer Required
Leave Laws" employer seminar on June 22, 2004. Sessions were presented
in both North and South County. The presenter was Frank Sanderson
from TOC Management Services. Frank is the Regional Manager for TOC.
Among the leave laws covered that impact employers were the Federal
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act
(CFRA), California Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and the New
Paid Family Leave (PFL). Feedback was great and employer comments
included, "very concise and to the point" and "extremely valuable
insight into various leave law requirements."
The Workforce Connection Employer Resource Center sponsors frequent seminars for the business community. The next seminar is scheduled for September on "California Wage and Hour Law".
Shannon's Custom Construction
Mike Shannon, owner of Shannon's Custom Construction, contacted the Workforce Connection Employer Resource Center for assistance for his company as he wanted to expand his workforce.
As a first step we prepared job descriptions and a job listing. We accepted applications and screened those individuals most qualified; participated in the interview process and served on the final selection committee.
In addition, we drafted a Drug Free Workplace Policy and Testing Procedures as well as arranging for pre-employment drug testing. An employee handbook and safety policy are currently being developed by the Employer Resource Center.
Mike is extremely happy with the results of our recruitment efforts and continues to be one of our most satisfied employers.
Professional Development Ongoing for Business Services Team
Notary Public
Joanie Zarzynski, Employer Resources Technician and Josephine Wyatt, Community Coordinator/Business Services Representative have been busy working on developing their expertise in various business services areas.
Joanie and Josephine recently attended a one-day training sponsored by National University on “Everything you need to know to pass the California Notary Public Exam”. Immediately after the training they took the State Notary Public Exam. They were notified a few weeks later that they had passed and have taken the next steps in applying for their California Notary Commission.