Workforce Issues Group Brings Workshops to Greenville

A group of representatives from employers large and small in the Montcalm area have joined together to create the Montcalm Area Workforce Issues Group. This initiative seeks to bring information to all employers about issues and concerns common to their businesses. The topics thus far addressed during monthly presentations have been: Ergonomics for the Workplace, Workers' Compensation, Disaster Prevention through Chemical Awareness, Family Medical Leave Act, and Workers' Compensation Mediation.

Leslie Wood, facilitator for the organization, states "Employers are often confused about all of the legal issues facing them today. This group tries to bring subject matter experts to our community to address local concerns. Many smaller employers don't have the resources to attend conferences and seminars to learn about many of these issues. That is the beauty of bringing topics like these to Greenville."

Currently the group is planning an informational meeting in early September that will examine the high cost of health care and how it impacts the employer's bottom line. The panel-format agenda will include representatives from area hospitals, both independent and large insurance company representatives, and someone from government agencies to address the issue of Small Group Reform. There will be ample time for questions and answers of the panel.

Other various topics are addressed each month. All meetings are held at M-TEC. To learn more about the group and what issues will be addressed in the coming months, contact Leslie Wood (616) 754-7706 or Krista Wilcox (616) 754-3611, (ext. 13).