new chamber website, member management€¦ · 04-04-2008 · properties northwest real estate...
TRANSCRIPT
Chamber SnapshotVisitor’s Center Information Requests: February‘08 YTDPhonecalls 503 1148Walk-ins 140 271VACATION Packets 5 11 Inquiries 85 180RELOCATION Packets 5 8 BasicRelo 32 62 PhoneBook 5 6
Chamber Website Activity:UniqueVisits 27,723TotalVisitors&InfoRequests 29,409
April2008
GetInContactCallBridgettofindouthowyoucanbenefitfromalltheactivityonthechamberofcommercewebsite406.758.2801.
AtaGlance>> LUNCHEON/NOON Tuesday,April22,2008 RedLionHotel,Kalispell 20NorthMain “NewChamberImage“>> UNWIND Wednesday,April16,2008 Hostedby:RockyMountainBank, 2405Hwy93N,Kalispell 5:00-6:30pm
InThisIssue1 Luncheon2 NewMembers3 NewMembers, continued4 New Members, continued5 AprilCalendar6 Reinvestments RetentionRealities RibbonCutting7 EmploymentExtravaganza UNWINDs8 BrownBagSeries HighwayInformationRobbery9 LeadershipFlathead SmallBusinessDevelopment10 SBD,continued
ChamberLaunchesNewImage!New Chamber Website, Member Management System Boosts Your Business
intheFlathead.In2007,weaveragedapproximately55,000pageviewspermonth.
ThiseventwilltakeplaceTuesday,April22,11:45–1:15attheRedLionKalispellCenterHotel.Luncheoncostsare$15eachformembersand$20eachfornon-members,or$110perreservedtableofeight.Thepublicisinvited.Reservationsarerecommended.Call758-2800orinfo@kalispellchamber.comforreservationsandsponsorshipopenings.
LOGONTO:www.kalispellchamber.com
TheKalispellChamberofCommercelaunchesallnewimage,website,andcommunicationsmaterials!OverthelastyeartheChamberofCommercehasworkedtoredevelopthewebsiteandallrelatedmarketingtoolstoenhancethelevelofbenefitwehavetooffermembers.Throughournewdatabasemanagementsystemandwebsitewewillbeabletoofferamultitudeofnewmarketingopportunitiesaswellasvisibilitytopeoplelookingtovisitorrelocatetheirfamilyorbusinesshere.WehaveredesignednotonlythewebsitebuttheChamberNewsletter,E-News,Logo,MembershipBrochure,signageandallthesupportingmarketingmaterialsthatgoalongwithit.
Wewillbeofferingaluncheonseminaronhowyoucancustomizethechamberwebsitetomaximizethebenefitsyoureceive.Don’tmisstheopportunitytoparticipateinthelaunchofthenewwebsiteandlearnhowtheChamberwebsitecanassistyourbusiness’smarketingefforts.TheChamberwebsiteisoneofthemosttraffickedsites
KalispellAreaChamberofCommerceMissionStatement
ThecentralmissionoftheKalispellChamberofCommerceisthecultivationanddevelopmentofentrepreneursandcommunitiesthroughthespiritofenterprise.
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OfficersMark Lalum, Chairman of the BoardCenex Harvest StateBob Schneider, Vice Chairman of the BoardFirst Interstate BankTerry Kramer, Secretary/TreasurerKramer Enterprises, Inc.Jeff Wilson, Immediate Past ChairmanProperties Northwest Real Estate
Directors
Clay Binford, Nomad TechnologiesDick Buchanan, Byte SavvySusie Burch, Flathead Valley Community CollegeKris Carlson, A+ Plus HealthcareSteve Clawson, Wells Fargo BankNancy Davis, Prudential FinancialJohn Dudis, Crowley Law FirmTom Kurdy, The Daily Inter LakeJim Lehner, Plum Creek Timber CompanyTom Lund, Rocky Mountain BankTom McElwain, Stewart Title of KalispellDave Mitchell, CTA Architects & EngineersDenise Nalty, Nalty Real EstateCheri Nelson, Express PersonnelJim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Medical CenterKen Sugden, Flathead Electric CooperativeSteve Thompson, Semitool
Ex-officio Directors
Jim Patrick, Kalispell City ManagerMike Pence, Flathead County Administrator
Professional Staff
Joe Unterreiner, President . . . . . . . 758-2800Bridgette Evans, Director of Member Services . . . . . . . . 758-2801Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant . . 758-2803Grace Holm, Receptionist . . . . . . . . 758-2800Lad Barney, Small Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2802Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-4221Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager . . . . . . . . 758-2810
Consultants
Carl Schweitzer - Helena LobbyistJanet Schwalk – BookkeepingJCCS – Audits & TaxCarol Edgar – Media & Public Relations
NewMembersPleasewelcomethesenewmemberswithyourbusiness.
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AFLAC JodyWalk~Manager34875RockyPointRd,Polson,MT59860Email:[email protected]:www.aflac.comPhone:883-2881Fax:319-2214
Formorethan50years,Aflacproductshavegivenpolicyholderstheopportunitytodirectcashwhereitisneededmostwhenalife-interruptingmedicaleventcausesfinancialchallenges.Aflacisthenumberoneproviderofguaranteed-renewableinsuranceintheUnitedStatesandthenumberoneinsurancecompanyintermsofindividualinsurancepoliciesinforceinJapan.Ourinsuranceproductsprovideprotectiontomorethan40millionpeopleworldwide.
AgApE’ HOmE CARE, INCIngaJ.Lake~Owner1667WhitefishStageRd,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:NA Phone:755-4633Fax:755-7460
Agape’HomeCare,Inc.wascreatedwiththemissionofprovidingqualityin-homecareservicestocommunitymembersintheFlatheadValley.AtAgape’HomeCare,weprovideassistedlivingservicesinthecomfortofourclient’sownhome.Servicesincludesuchthingsascompanionship,respite/reliefcare,medicationreminders,nutritionalsupport,lighthousekeeping,sittingpositionsatnursinghomesandhospitals,andincidentaltransportationanderrandservices.Agape’scaregiversareavailablefor2hourto24/7care.
IfyouorsomeoneyouknowcouldusethehelpinghandofAgape’HomeCare,pleasecontactustodaytoscheduleyourcomplimentaryin-homeassessment.
Whatmaywedoforyoutoday?ARTIsAN CONsTRUCTION sERVICEs, INCShaneOverbey~Owner175BierneyCreek,Lakeside,MT59922Email:[email protected]:www.artisan-construction.comPhone:755-1881Fax:425-740-9533
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ArtisanConstructionServices,Inc.isownedandoperatedbyShaneOverbey.ShaneunderstandswhenpeoplebuildhereintheFlatheadValleytheyarebuildingtheirlifestyle.ArtisanConstruction’sgoalsineveryhomebuiltistofind,captureandbuildyourlifestyle!ArtisanConstructionServices…Buildingyourhomeandfittingyourlifestyle!
AspEN INsURANCEJudySharpeandJulieReid~Owners1600Hwy35,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:257-4864Fax:257-4869
JulieReidandJudySharpehaveopenedanewinsuranceagencyoffice.Theysellindividualandgrouphealth,life,disabilityandsupplementalinsuranceproducts.Theyhave20yearsofcombinedinsuranceexperience.Theypridethemselvesontheirsuperiorcustomerservice.Forinformationonproductofferingsortoobtainaquote,givethemacall.
BUsINEss CLAssDeborahSnellen~Owner150RidgeRunDr,Whitefish,MT59937Email:[email protected]:www.ebusinessclass.comPhone:862-3172Fax:862-3172
BusinessClassprovidesseminars,workshops,andfacilitationforimprovedorganizationalperformance.Wespecializeintheareasofcommunication,teambuilding,managementdevelopment,leadership,thinkingstyles,creativethinking,customerservices,andstrategicplanning.Foundedin1988,ourworkshopsaredesignedtoprovidepracticalandrelevantinformationinaninteractiveandmeaningfulway.DebSnellen,PresidentandOwner,isanationallyrecognizedtrainerandfacilitatorwhohaspublishedoverseventyarticlesontopicsofinteresttobusiness.Whetheryouneedaworkshopforthreeorthreehundredorafacilitatorforyournextretreat,callBusinessClasstotakeadvantageofmorethan20yearsofexperienceinthefieldoftraininganddevelopment.
CAmAs CREEk YARN, LLCMelanieCrossandAndrewHurst~Owners338MainSt.,Kalispell,MT59901Email:camascreekyarn.comWebsite:www.camascreekyarn.comPhone:755-9276Fax:755-9274
WelcometoCamasCreekYarn.Wehaveputtogetheralargeselectionofqualityyarnsfromaroundtheworld,includingseverallocallyproducedyarnsfromhereinMontana.Likebeading?Wealsofeatureagreatvarietyofqualitybeadsandofferclassestogetyoustarted.Therearecomfortable,communityseatingarrangementsandfreecoffeeservedinteacups.Theentrancetothestoreisahandsome,curved-glassfront,fashionedafteraWorldWarIIstorefrontCrossandHurstsawinamovie.Comeseeournewstore!10am–6pmMondaythruSaturday,TuesdayandThursdayopenuntil9pm,Sunday12pmtil4pm.
CREATIVE WAsTE CONsULTINgBelindaStotheide~OwnerPOBox9737,Kalispell,MT59904Email:[email protected]:www.creative-waste.comPhone:871-5278Fax:866-827-5278
CreativeWasteConsultingisaprofessionalwasteconsultingcompanyhelpingcompaniescreateefficiencyintheirwastestreamanddecreasetheirwasteexpenses.CreativeWasteConsultingisthelocalaffiliateofficeofEnvironmentalWasteSolutions’(EWS)nationwidenetworkofsolidwastemanagementconsultants.BelindaStrotheideisthePresidentandacertifiedwasteconsultant.
FLATHEAD COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATIONStewartHarvey~Manager247FirstAveE,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected] Website:www.flatheadcountylibraryfoundation.orgPhone:758-2469Fax:758-5868
TheFlatheadCountyLibraryFoundationisa501c(3)supportorganizationwhichexiststobenefittheFlatheadCountyLibrarySystem’sprogrammingandservicesbeyondtheregularlibrarybudget.Inadditiontoprovidingestateplanningandplannedgivingopportunities,theFoundationcanaccommodateendowmentsand
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legacygiftstoperpetuallysupportparticularprogramsupthroughrenovationsandnewbuildingconstruction.
Harlow’s Bus sales, Inc DaleNovak1939½Hwy35,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:www.harlowsbussales.comPhone:755-4272Fax:755-4273
Harlow’sBusSalesisaschoolbuscontractingservicewith18routesundercontractwiththeKalispellSchoolDistrict#5.Wealsohaveafullservicedieselrepairshop,specializinginschoolbussesandmediumheavydutytrucks.OurshopalsospecializesinIHCandPowerstrokedieselengines.Besidesschoolbusses,weprovideMotorCoachserviceandduringthefireseasonwecontractfirebusses.
Harlow’sSchoolBusSalesandServiceshaslocationsthroughoutNorth&SouthDakota,Montana,Wyoming,IdahoandWashington.OurcompanyisadealerfornewandusedInternationalschoolbusses.
INsURANCE COORDINATORs OF mONTANA, INC De’AnnaBenner~125CommonsWay#200,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]
Website:www.insurancecoordinators.comPhone:758-4237Fax:755-3672
InsuranceCoordinatorswherewearecommittedtohelpingyouprotecttheimportantthingsinlife...youandyourfamily.Ourinnovative,uniqueapproachtoworksiteinsurancebenefitsallowsustotailorourfamilyofgroup,voluntaryandindividualproductstoprovideyouremployeeswithpeaceofmind.
JOsEpH EVE, CpAJosephEve~Owner143rdStE,#200,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:www.josepheve.comPhone:752-5225Fax:752-5221
JosephEveisaregionalCPAfirmthatcurrentlyprovidesauditing,accounting,andconsultingservicestoavarietyofclientsin23states.InadditiontothetraditionalservicesofferedbymostCPAfirms,wealsoprovidespecializedassistancetoNativeAmericanTribalGovernments,TribalEnterprises(casinos,smokeshops,retailgiftshops,etc.),andTribalOrganizationssuchashousingauthoritiesandcolleges.
NORTHWEsTERN TRUssLenMillerandBeckyCollom~Owner3215Hwy93South,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected] Phone:752-2910
NWThasenjoyed30plusprosperousyearsofbuildingtrusseshereintheFlatheadValley.NWThasearnedareputationbuiltonexcellentcustomerserviceandqualitybuilttrussesbecauseweusesuperiorgradesoflumber.NWTwishestosaythankyoutoallourloyalbusinessesthatcontributetooursuccess.Comeworkwithourlocalandexperiencedteamaswecontinuetoinvestinthefutureofourbeautifulandfastgrowingcommunity.Whetheryou’rebuildingyourdreamhomeoraddingthatshopyou’vealwayswanted,we’rehereforyou.Welookforwardtoearningyourbusinessthiscomingyear.
pLANNED pARENTHOOD DebbieBrekke~Manager795SunsetBlvd.,Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:www.plannedparenthood.org/montanaPhone:756-6663Fax:756-6713
PlannedParenthoodofMontanaprovidesaffordablehealthcareservicesformen,womenandchildren.WeacceptallinsuranceincludingMedicaidandMedicare.PlannedParenthoodofMontanaalsoprovidescommunityeducationinschoolsandtolocalorganizationsregardinghealthysexualityandcommunicationskills.
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AllMeetingsareatTheChamberunlessotherwisestated.
Sunday
Watch for these events in May
7 Education&Communication26 MemorialDay
LeadershipFlatheadMeeting
4:00-5:00pm
EducationandCommunication
Committee8:00-9:00am
ExecutiveBoard7:30–8:30am
FlatheadCommunityFoundation
4:00-5:00pm
BoardMeeting7:00–8:00am
LuncheonattheRedLion
11:45–1:00pm
LeadershipFlatheadRecreation,Tourism
&Culture
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
April2008ChamberCalendar
NaturalResourcesCommittee
7:00–8:00amTrans.Committee
4:00–5:00pmAmbassadorMeeting
4:00–5:00pmUnwind•RockyMtnBank•5:00-6:30pm
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KalispellDowntownAssoc.
12:00-1:30pm
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RetentionRealitiesGrow Employees, Grow Your Business!ASUCCESSFULBUSINESSMUST… …growandimprovethebottomline. …engageandmotivatestaff. …recognizethatyoucan’thaveonewithouttheother.Learn: • Howtodesignaperformanceappraisalthatfitsyourcompany.• Howtomakeperformanceappraisaldiscussionusefulandinteractive.• Howtohavecriticalconversationswithyouremployees—talkingwhen it’stough.
presenter: kristin Donahueispassionateaboutemployeeretention!SheisabusinessconsultantandownerofEmploymentDimensionsConsultingServices,LLC.Kristin’sworkbackgroundincludestimeasaRetentionSpecialistforalarge(2800+)healthcaresystem.ShehasheldvariousotherHumanResourcerolesandhasservedastheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement(SHRM)representativeontheNorthernColoradoHumanResourceAssociation(NCHRA)Board.KristinholdsaMastersdegreeinHumanResourceDevelopmentfromColoradoStateUniversity.
Keeping good employees is critical to the long-term health and success of your business. Retaining your best workers is difficult! Retention Realities is an educational series focused on helping employers learn how to engage and grow key employees.
Date: Wednesday,April30,2008Time: 10:00am-1:00pm includesLunchprovidedbyQdobaMexicanGrilleLocation: FlatheadRegionalBusinessCenter,15DepotPark,KalispellCost: $25.00Individualregistration $20.00each2ormoreregistrationsfromthesameorganizationTo Register:MoraMcCarthy@[email protected] www.employflathead.com
The Society for Human Resource Management has approved each two-hour session for two hours of general PHR/SPHR or GPHR recertification credits.
Re-InvestmentsThankyoutothefollowingbusinessesforre-investinginyourChamber.Yourcontinuoussupportandcommunityleadershipisgreatlyappreciated.
10 Plus YearsExpressPersonnelServicesFlatheadLandTrustBuffaloHillFuneralHomeColumbiaFallsAluminumCoValleyBankGaynors’ResortsKalispellCenterMallKalispellTrussCenterWesternBuildingCenterFlatheadBankAware,IncGolfNWDBAEagleBend/BigMtnGolf
Club
5 to 9 YearsGoldRushClothing1stPropane,Inc.FunBeverageIncStillwaterChristianSchoolNorthernCareIncProsthetics&OrthoticsRudy’sAutosound
1 to 4 YearsAnytimeLock&Safe-SecuritySolutionsBigMountainCommercialAssociationBigMountainEyeCareClintPauldingCountertopsIncConsumerCreditCounselingServiceof
Montana
DrCarolScrantonDDS,PCFastoysGlacierInstituteGlacierInsuranceStrategiesHomeDepotMissionFinancialGroupNorthwestPipeFittingsIncProvidentFinancialIncRed’sWines&Blues
RonTerryConstructionInc.WestOneBankWildwoodBuildingCoBarWGuestRanchEssentialsDaySpa,IncFabulousFoodGreeneryParkDentistryHuHotMongolianGrillMontanaStoneGalleryMyronStrandSoul-FeltWordsIncStudentAssistanceFoundation
Congratulations to Eisinger Honda for opening their new location! See them at the corner of 93 and Reserve-North of town.
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The2008EmploymentExtravaganzaPresentedbytheFlatheadWorkforceSystemCommunityManagementTeam
“The Biggest Employment Event in the Valley”ApRIL 10, 200811:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. kalispell Center mall
• FillYourVacantPositionsInaOne-StopEnvironment Permanent,Full–Time,Part-Time,Seasonal,Temporary• PromoteYourBusinessandEmploymentOpportunities• AccessJobSeekerswithVariousSkillandExperienceLevels.
sponsorship:• Ifyouareinterestedinsponsoringthisevent,pleasenotethatonyourregistration
form.Youwillbecontactedbyateammember.• Sponsorshipinvolvesmakingafinancialcontributionintheformofcash,food,
beverageordoorprize.• Allsponsorsareacknowledgedinourmulti-mediamarketingcampaign.
Employers/Exhibitors:• Bringyourjobdescriptions,applicationsandanyinformationneededtohirean
employee.• One“bootharea”isasingleskirtedtableandtwochairsprovidedpersingle
registrationfee.• Morespacemaybeavailableandmustberequestedattimeofregistration.• Spaceislimited.Limitedavailabilityforpower-RESERVEEARLY.
EARLY REgIsTRATION DEADLINE: mARCH 28, 2008
FEEs • $75.00perBusiness—perbootharea(Non-Refundable)MUSTbeRECEIVEDby
MARCH28,2008.• $100.00forregistrationbetweenMarch28,2008andApril4,2008• NoregistrationafterApril4,2008• Feehelpscovereventmarketingandotherrelatedexpenses.
REgIsTRATION FORm [email protected]
MAILINREGISTRATION• Completeregistrationform.• Makecheckpayabletothefiscalagent:NorthwestMontanaHumanResources(write:
JobFairinmemoarea)• Mailregistrationand/orpaymentto:NorthwestMontanaHumanResources,Attn:Iva,
P.O.Box8300,KalispellMT59904-1300• Questions?PleasecallRobertaatFlatheadWorkforceCenterat758-6200orIvaat
NMHRat758-5453.
“LinkingEmployerstoEmployeesValley-Wide”
UNWIND, February 20, 2008Springlikeweather,anewmotelandinterestedvisitorswhowereeagertoUNcoverWhat’sInteresting,NewandDevelopingintheFlatheadValleyassembledatHolidayInnExpress,275TreelineRoadonWednesday,February20.Networkingwitholdandnewacquaintancesandpartakingofverytastyhorsd’oeuvreshadthegroupbuzzing.
WinnersofthedoorprizesandSplitthePotwere:Baskets:DanPaine,ActuaSystemsInc;KariGabriel,Interact;KurtHanson,LSJensenConstruction&ReadyMix;GolfPackage:ChristiBurns,FlatheadBeacon.BarbaraPowers,GlacierBank,tookhometheSplitthePotwinnings.
Thankyou,Nick&stafffortheUNWINDexperience.
AprilUNWINDwillbeheldatRockyMountainBank,2405Hwy93N.,onWednesday,April16.
UNWINDJanuary 16, 2008BelatedkudosareinorderforWandaandRandyHinzmanandstaffofDistinctiveCountertopsforhostingtheJanuaryUNWINDattheirnewbusinessoperationat105RockyCliffLane.Thetoursshowingthemany“distinctive”ideasforcountertops,cabinetsetcwouldmakeanyofusgofortheremodelorbetteryetacompletemake-over.
Wethankyouvery,verymuchforyourkindhospitalitytoeveryonethatattended.
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BrownBagSeries:BlueprintforBusinessSuccessBackground Checks: Who Are You Hiring?Manymorebusinessesnowseeaneedtoverifythe
backgroundsoftheirprospectivehiresbeforemakingfinaldecisions.Priortohiringanemployee,itisimportanttoascertainwhetheryouhavealegaldutytoobtainabackgroundcheckonjobapplicants.Thislegaldutymaybebasedinfederalorstatelaw.Ingeneral,federalandstatelawsseektobalancetheinterestsofemployersagainstthoseoftheapplicants.Backgroundchecksareanimportanttoolforbusinesses.Theyinsurethatthepeopleyouhire“arewhotheysaytheyare”.Whatwasdoneinthepastisagoodpredictororfuturebehavior.Hiringproductive,honestandsafeemployees,withoutincurringcostsassociatedwithhiringthewrongpeople,makesgoodbusinesssensewithoutregardtopotentiallegalliability.Afailuretocheckinsomecircumstancescouldcreateliabilityfornegligenthiring.Thetypesofinformationyoumightverifyinclude:•Verificationofidentityandauthorization
toworkintheUnitedStatesandVisastatus.
•Previousworkhistory(payingparticularattentiontoanygapsinemployment).
•Educationalbackground.•Anycriminalconvictionrecords.
Abusinessthatimplementsbackgroundchecksmustbecertainthatthoseinvestigationsareproperlyconductedoritcanfacepotentiallegalliability.Asanexample,youneednotperformthesame
backgroundcheckoneveryapplicantoremployee,however,anydifferentiationshouldbebasedonlegitimatebusinessinterestsandaninvestigationpolicyreasonablycalculatedtofurtherthoseinterests.Advertisingbackgroundchecksinyourjobannouncementsmaypreventquestionableapplicantsfromevenapplying.
Thismonth’sfacilitatorandpanelistsare:Facilitator: Attorney Daniel JohnsofCrowley,Haughey,Hanson,Toole&DietrichP.L.L.P.ofKalispell,MT.Mr.Johnsrepresentsandcounselsemployersinareasoftraditionallaborlaw,plusdiscriminationandsexualharassment,wrongfultermination,compensationissues,andpersonnelpolicies.TheCrowleylawfirmistheMontanamemberofEmploymentLawAlliance,andMr.Johnsisitscontactattorneyforthisinternationalnetworkoflaborandemploymentlawyersdedicatedtoassistingemployers.
panelist: Rick HawkadvancedthroughtherankswiththeSherriff’sOfficefrom1975to1990.HestartedtheFlatheadDrugTaskForceasathreemanteamwhichgrewunderhisleadership,andisstillinplacetoday,morethan20yearslater.Sincehisretirementfromtheforcein1990,hehasbeendoingprivateinvestigation.HedidWorkers’CompensationinvestigationforPutmanandAssociatesfor3yearsandhashadhisowninvestigationbusiness,RSJMEnterprisesInc,since1993.
panelist: Chris Yerkesisa1998graduateoftheUniversityofMontana.HisdegreeisinSociologywithanemphasisinCriminology.HehasworkedasaprivateinvestigatorforAlertSecurity&Investigations,Inc.for10years,andiscurrentlytheGeneralManagerofthecompany.MonthlyBlueprintforBusinessSuccessbrownbagsessionsfeaturebusinessprofessionalsfacilitatinginformativediscussions.Attendtoreceiverelevantinformationandopportunitiestoexchangepeer-to-peersuccessesandchallenges.Who should attend? Employersinterestedingrowingandevolvingmoreeffectiveorganizations.Why?Exchangingideas,insightsandreal-worldsolutionsdirectlyimpactsyourbottomline.Makingbetterdecisionsquicklyrequiresmoreandbetterinformation.
Utilizingallavailableresourcestooperateandgrowissmartbusiness.
Engagingandenergizingyouremployeeshelpsmakeyourbusinesssuccessful.Date: Wednesday,April9,2008Time: Noon–1:00pmLocation: TheSummit 205Sunnyview,KalispellCost: Nocost!RsVp: TerriHaueter@758-6279 [email protected]
HighwayInformationRobbery:Identity Theft and What You Need to Know Presented by Investment Centers of America and Montana Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection
Thursday, April 17th • 3pm and 6pmHilton garden Inn Conference CenterPresentedby:MichelleTruax,ProgramSupervisorMontanaAttorneyGeneral’s
OfficeofConsumerProtectionCost to attend: FreeRsVp: 752-7232(InvestmentCentersofAmerica)byMonday,April14th
ThisseminarwilldiscusstheinsandoutsofIdentityTheftandwhattodoifyoubecomeavictimofidentitytheft.
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LeadershipFlatheadThefocusofMarch’sLeadershipFlathead’ssessionwas“HealthcareandHumanServices.”TheClassof2008beganthedayatNorthValleyHospital,whereKRMCCEOVelindaStevensandNorthValleyHospitalCEOCraigAasvedgaveexcellentoverviewsofthechallengestheirhospitalsface.Togetherthetwohospitalsprovidedabout$2.5millionincharitylastyear,andanother$8millioninbaddebtcare.Thosepatientswhodohaveadequatemedicalinsurancecoveragearechargedthedifference.LaterinthemorningStateAuditorJohnMorrisonaddressedthegroupabouteffortstoprovideMontananswithaffordablehealthinsurance.
Androundingoutthemorningsession,Dr.DavidKein,DDSspokeaboutthechallengesfacingtheuninsuredandunderinsuredwhenseekingdentalcare.MostdentistsintheFlatheadValleydonotacceptMedicaidpatients,andthosewhodoarenotonlyinadequatelycompensated,butareforcedtodealwithalotofredtape.Afterlunch,theClassheardfromapanelofspeakerswhohavededicatedtheirprofessionallivestobringingaffordablehealthcaretoeveryoneinorvalleyviafreeandlow-costclinics.ToursoftheSamaritanHouse,RayofHope,andtheFlatheadValleyFoodBankconcludedtheday.Here’swhattheClassof2008hastosayabout“HealthcareandHumanServices”intheFlatheadValley:
•Goodhealthhabitsstartathome.Childrenlearntoeatrightandstayactivebyfollowingtheirparents’goodexamples.
•AshealthcarecostsquicklyoutpaceMedicare,Medicaid,andprivateinsurancereimbursements,peopleneedtotakegreaterresponsibilityfortheirhealthbylivingcleanerlifestyles.Ifeveryonemadeagreaterefforttocontroltheirweight,bloodsugar,andbloodpressurethroughexerciseandhealthyeating,ourhealthcaresystemwouldnotbeindirestraits.Similarly,allofusneedtousegoodjudgmentwhendecidingwhetheranillnessorinjurywarrantsatriptothedoctor’sofficeoremergencyroom,asunnecessaryvisitsalsocontributetotheescalatingcostofhealthcare.
•KudostoDr.HoldhusenandstaffforstartingtheFlatheadCountyHealthCareClinictoprovideaffordablehealthcaretoeveryoneinourvalley.Similarly,Dr.JayEricksonandMegEricksonandtheSalvationArmydeservecommunitysupportforthefreeclinicstheyofferinWhitefishandKalispell.
•Encourageyourdentisttosupportcommunitydentistryprogramsforuninsuredorunderinsuredchildreninourvalley.
•Manyelderlyresidentsareabletostayintheirhomeslongeriftheyhaveneighborswatchingoutforthemandlendingahandwhenappropriate.
WethankNorthValleyHospitalandKalispellRegionalMedicalCenterforsponsoringthissession’smealsandbreaks.
NowRecruitingforClassof2009ApplicationsfortheClassof2009arenowbeingaccepted,withasubmissiondeadlineofJune15,2008.Formoreinformation,visitleadershipflathead.comorcallJillSeigmundat758-2810.
SmallBusinessDevelopmentAsk Your Local ExpertThis article continues a monthly series dedicated to the entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners in our community. Topics will include: risk management and commercial insurance, banking, public relations, marketing, commercial real estate, technology and more. Workplace, Inc.’s and Workplace Resources, PEO Founder and Owner Shelley Loutherback provides the Northwest SBDC with valuable advice on how the small business owner can use a Professional Employer Organization to manage employees. By Lad R. Barney, sBDC Director
Whatdoesitmeantobean“EmployerofChoice”?WiththeeverchangingworkforceenvironmentacrosstheFlatheadValley,thereismorepressureonthebusinessownertoprovidetheirteamwithasafe,fulfillingandproductiveworkenvironmentwhileatthesametimemeettherequirementsofworkforcerelatedregulation,whichiscertainlynotgettingstreamlined.Howcanyouexpectthesamefromyourteammembers,yetstructureyourbusinesssoitaccommodatesforthedifferenttraitsandmotivationsofgenerations,letalonefamilypressures,sickdays,other“employersofchoice”?Anddon’tforgethuntingseason!Whatisanentrepreneurtodo?Thismonth,theKalispellSBDCsatdownwithShelleyLoutherback,SPHR,President,WorkplaceInc.andWorkplaceResources,PEO,todiscusssomecreativesolutionsandresourcesavailablethatabusinessownershouldconsider.
SBDC:Asanemployeryourselfforthepast13years,whataresomecompellingfactorsthathaveledtothesuccessofWorkplace,Inc.?SL:Constantteamlearningandindividualandstrategicleadershipdevelopment.Ourkeymanagementteamperformstasksthatarecomplexandcrossoverinmanyways.Thisintegratedleadershipstrategyallowsflowanddistinctionin
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15DepotParkKalispell,MT59901
PRSRTDU.S.Postage
PAIDKalispell,MTPermit#13
expertiseanddeliveryofservicesthatarevisiondriven.Weeachassumerolesthatplayoutuniquelyincustomerrelations,communityrelationsandemployeerelations.Forourclients,theyreceiveproductsandservicesbasedonpersonal,real-timeneeds,andexperientialsuccess.Overtime,thathasresonatedwithmanybusinessowners,evenmoresonow.
SBDC:AsaProfessionalEmployerOrganizationorPEOwhatservicesdoyouoffer?Howdoesasmallbusinessownerdeterminewhethertheycouldgetvaluefromyourservices?SL:Businessownerswhogenuinelyhavethehighestlevelofregardfortheiremployeesandarecommittedtoanimprovedwork/lifeexperiencewillgetthemostvalueforourservices.Weoffertheextensiveexperienceinhumanresourcesandseamlesspayrollmanagement,andmanageaffordably,whatmostcompaniesconsidertheoverwhelmingaspectsoftheirbusiness–compliance,policies,risk,safety,recruiting–allessentialelementsthatquiteoftendonotgettheattentionrequiredtomanageyourbusinesseffectively.Anyoneofthoseelementscancreateexposuresforyourbusinesses,limitgrowthandsustainability.Wetakeofcareemployeerelatedissuesforthem.Weespeciallyfocusonsafetyintheworkplace,withacertifiedsafetydirectorwhomanagesclaimsandpolicies.Fortheseventhyear,wejustrecentlyledtwo½dayOSHAworkshopsthatwere
wellattendedinMissoulaandhereinKalispell.Montanahasdoubletheworkcompratesofthenationalaverageand,atthesametime,ourworkersareoutofworkrecuperatingtwiceaslongasthenationalaverage.Preventativesafetyandeffectiveclaimsmanagementisessentialinkeepingthecostofworkers’compensationforsmallbusinessesundercontrol.Asimportantasthatelementis,itisjustoneoftheareasourstaffof21focuson.Intheend,businessownersmeasurethevaluetheyreceivefromaPEObytheirincreasedabilitytocontrolcostlyoverhead,freethemselvestofocusoncustomers,products,financesandopportunitiesforfuturegrowth,etc.SBDC:Soundsgreat.Businessownersshouldhavevacationbenefitsalsoright?SL:Exactly.Ourbusinessownerclientsareabletoconfidentlyrelyontheirteamperformingforcustomerswhilethey,inturn,aretakencareofbytheirPEO–whethertheyarerestingonthebeach,ormountaintoporwherever.Theyknowweareaphonecallawaywithsolutions.
SBDC:So,torecap,whataretheprimary
advantagessmallbusinessownershaveinusingaProfessionalEmployerOrganization?SL:Havingabiggervoiceandgreaterpurchasingpowerasaresultofbeingpartofalargeorganizationdesignedtosupportsmallbusinessesincompliance,riskandclaimsmanagement,forecastingandresolvingworkplacetrendsbeforetheybecomeissues.Accessingresourcesthatallowastart-upbusinessoranexpandingcompanythecapacitytoalleviatethefearfactorandincorporateahigherstandardforoperationsandemployeemanagement.
SBDC:AnythingonthehorizonforWorkplace,Inc?SL:Greatquestion.Asourcompetenciesgrow,wecontinuetoexpandourservices.Thisyearweareintroducingacompletenewproductlineinvolvinginsurance,riskmanagementandinnovativeemployeebenefitprograms.Ourindustryclaimswearethe“grocerystore”ofthefuture–makingusthat“one-stop”shopformanagingbusinessowners’mostvaluableresource,theiremployees.
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SmallBusinessDevelopment
Are you ready for a Professional Employer Organization? You may be if:1) You are an existing business with the desire to elevate the quality of your employee’s work/
life experience.2) As your business grows, you are becoming more buried in government bureaucracy and
want to dedicate your time to business success rather than administration.3) You feel the increasing compelling need to improve workplace safety and employee health.4) You are unable to affordably access good employee benefit programs, like health
insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, etc.5) As a business owner, you want to improve your leadership development and capabilities
for defining and realizing your vision.