ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce hosted an Employer’s Conference. Local employers learned about key issues impacting their workers from attorneys, insurance representatives, and other industry leaders.
“There’s been a lot of discussion about how we can be a resource to businesses in the area and educate them on some of the challenges and some of the opportunities that they’re facing,” said Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jesse Huff.
One of those challenges comes in the form of legislation regarding earned sick time, which goes into effect on February 21. Maureen Rouse-Ayoub, an attorney with Varnum Law, gave a presentation on how the upcoming changes affect employers.
“In Michigan, we currently have the Paid Medical Leave Act, which provides for up to 40 hours of sick time to employees,” she said. “The law will be changing to a different accrual system. There will be more time provided to employees, and the new act has eliminated important things, such as notice to the employer about when you’re going to show up or not show up. It’s very important for employers to understand this so they don’t run afoul of the law.”
With amendments to the act still pending, Rouse-Ayoub encouraged employers to voice their concerns to their state representatives.
“This act is not employer- or employee-friendly, and there are some very common sense changes that should be made to the act,” she said. “The law’s going to go into effect, but let’s make the law work for both employers and employees.”
Much of the conference was focused on talent, from attracting them to an interview to keeping them as an employee.
“I hear the same things from employers decade after decade,” said speaker Jeff Ketchum, President of Lordstone Business Advisors and Lordstone Corporation. “‘It’s hard to find good people,’ ‘How do we select the right people,’ ‘How do we retain individuals?’ A large part of that is understanding the reason why people change jobs. Four out of the five reasons have nothing to do with money. It has to do with challenge, advancement, how happy they are.”
Whether an employer is new to their business or a seasoned professional, Rouse-Ayoub says it is crucial for them to stay informed as laws and practices continue to change year after year.
“Business is the backbone of our state and the country,” said Rouse-Ayoub. “It’s very important that people have access to information, and it’s great that we have a chamber that’s so active here in Delta County to provide this information to employers so they can avoid problems in the future.”
Huff believes Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce Employer’s Conference was the first of many.
“Anytime you can be a resource to local business owners, we have a responsibility to do that,” he said. “They’re faced with all kinds of different challenges and opportunities every single day, so it’s just our opportunity to help.”
Local employers interested in learning about resources available to them can visit deltami.org or call the Delta County Chamber of Commerce at (906) 786-2192.
