Posts for March 30, 2010

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE RECOVERS IN MARCH

March 30, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose to 52.5 in March, recovering about half of the nearly 11 points it lost in February... continue

CONSUMER SPENDING UP SLIGHTLY

March 30, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Commerce Department said consumers boosted spending 0.3 percent in February, a sign the economic recovery is proceeding at a decent, but not spectacular, pace... continue

LITTLE BOUNCE FOR OBAMA HEALTH PLAN AFTER VICTORY

March 30, 2010 - Politico

According to Politico, "Democrats who held out hopes that President Barack Obama's health reform win would mean a quick boost to the party's political fortunes are getting a reality check – a reminder that it takes more than one good week to shake up a year of sliding polls."

While "Obama and his health reform plan did get a bump in several surveys immediately after the House vote eight days ago...the numbers in some of those polls flattened out."

AAJ DECLARES VICTORY IN HEALTH CARE LAW

March 30, 2010 – FLAG Communication Weekly

Anthony Tarricone, president of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), sent a celebratory message to AAJ members dated March 26, touting the association’s success in blocking medical malpractice reform. Since the trial lawyers no longer had to pretend publically that they had just a small role in the legislation, Tarricone felt free to post the message as the main item on the AAJ’s website. He stated: “I am very pleased to report that the health care bill is clear of any provisions that would limit an injured patient’s rights concerning medical negligence claims. While there is a provision for demonstration projects, it provides an absolute opt-out clause for plaintiffs at any time. While some states may embark on demonstration programs we find objectionable, the opt-out provision for plaintiffs minimizes this concern.”
So President Obama’s claim to be compromising on tort reform through the demonstration projects was always pretense. The Wall Street Journal covers AAJ’s successes in a good piece, “New Law Deals Setback to Malpractice Foes.”

ARE YOU READY FOR THE TALENT WAR?

March 30, 2010 – Employers Council

Normally, employers would be busy recruiting – but this year is different. Hiring activity is still way down, yet employers should be preparing right now for the upcoming war for the best talent. Now is the time to take necessary preparatory actions that will enable you to be successful in the future. Focus on the following areas:
1. Workforce Planning – Does your workforce possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet your future business demands? If not, develop and train them now, or plan on external recruitment for what will be needed.
2. Reputation Management – Do you have a persuasive employment brand? What's being said about your organization? If necessary, devise a strategy to counteract negative points of view, and implement it now.
3. Asset Management – Review your Website content for current and accurate information, and update if necessary.
4. Resource & Process Management – Fine tune your recruitment process, and conduct interview training for both hiring managers and recruiters.

There are many other steps you can take to get ready for the recovery, but attending to above areas is among the most important. These are all key elements of successful precruitment. Contact the Council for a checklist to get started.

EPA PROBES IMPACT OF BPA

March 30, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Federal agencies are scrutinizing the controversial plastic-hardener at the behest of scientists and activists who say it can interfere with infant development ... continue

SEMINAR: KEY UTAH EMPLOYMENT RULES

March 30, 2010 – Employers Council

Are you familiar with Utah’s employment rules? Over the past two years, several new Utah laws and rules have become effective. To ensure that your company is in compliance, register now for the Council’s upcoming seminar: KEY UTAH EMPLOYMENT RULES: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW.

In this newly-updated and engaging seminar, the Council’s legal staff will address Utah rules to focus on:
• At the beginning of the employment relationship, such as the 2010 amendments to the Drug and Alcohol Testing Act;
• Throughout the employment relationship, such as: “Protection of Constitutionally Guaranteed Activities in Certain Private Venues" (weapons at work), payment of wages, and the Antidiscrimination Act.

For your convenience, we are holding sessions in two separate locations: Thursday, May 6, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in Salt Lake City, and Wednesday, May 12, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in Ogden. To register, see the attached registration form or contact the Council office.


SUPERVISORY SKILLS PROGRAM

5-day Certificate Program - 8 Spots Remain in the Spring Session - Wednesdays, April 7 - May 5, 2010

March 30, 2010 – Employers Council

This program is designed to provide participants with thorough knowledge of contemporary skills to be effective in the workplace. Our instructor, Dr. Brent Soffe, is an entertaining presenter who strongly encourages students to participate actively in individual and team assignments and demonstrate critical skills in the classroom. This sequential approach incorporating principles, skill practice, and on-the-job application is the most effective means for realizing a maximum return on training investment.

Overview of Topics Covered:
Core supervisory functions - planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling
Time management techniques
Elements of effective objectives and action plans
Essential communication and listening skills
Keys to organize and delegate work
Employee motivation principles
Methods to deal with employee performance problems and workplace conflicts
Operational basics - performance measurement, retention, controlling for quality, and team building

When: Wednesdays, April 7 - May 5, 2010 -- 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: SLCC, Miler Campus, 9750 S 300 W, Sandy, UtahCost: $620 per Council member student; $765 per Non-Council member student

Certification: Participants who successfully complete the required course objectives will receive a certificate issued by The Employers Council. This program has gained recognition by business enterprises throughout Utah for providing managers and supervisors with the skills and information they need to excel in the workplace.

To register, reply to this email or download and return the registration form at http://ecutah.org/ssp.pdf. Enrollment is limited to 30. Contact the Council office or reply to this email with any questions.


THE LITIGATION STRATEGY AGAINST GREENHOUSE GASES

March 30, 2010 – FLAG Communication Weekly

FoxNews.com reports on the public nuisance suits brought by states and environmental groups to effect policy on greenhouse gases by industrial sources, “Global Warming Advocates Threaten Blizzard of Lawsuits.” The issues and cases are familiar to readers of the FLAG newsletter, so we’ll just offer this excerpt to end the week on an inflammatory note:

People have a right to sue for redress of grievances," said Lee A. DeHihns III, a partner with law firm Alston & Bird's environmental and land development group and a former associate general counsel with the EPA. He said global warming is a "public nuisance," just like a neighbor with a loud stereo. "You can sue for an intentional infliction of harm, a nuisance," said DeHihns, whose firm is consulting with plaintiffs pursuing these cases.

The lawyers seek a "consent decree," an agreement from the defendants to stop causing global warming -- even though the theory that mankind causes global warming is hardly settled science.

Just like a stereo…playing Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane” really, really loud.

TWO WEEKS' NOTICE?

March 30, 2010 – Employers Council

When an employee resigns and gives you two weeks' notice, do you allow the employee to continue working for two weeks? In some circumstances, you may feel that it is best to end the relationship immediately. What are the consequences if you do this? The employees who remain may view your actions unfavorably if the employees are negatively impacted due to an increased workload, or because of your unexpected response to an employee doing what is policy and/or common courtesy – providing notice! Your actions increase the chances that employees will not provide notice in the future since you have proven it is not valued.

Another factor is that the employee will likely be considered eligible for unemployment because the employer was the moving party in the separation, not the employee. To avoid this, when you wish to separate prior to the end of the two week period, just pay the departing employee for the two-week period. Remember, the goal is to separate amicably and not give departing employees a reason for revenge.

MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK VENDORS NEEDED FOR OPENING RACE

March 30, 2010 – Tooele Chamber of Commerce

Utah Winter Cross is hosting the opening event at Miller Motorsports Park April 17th 18th. They are looking for vendors for both days. The booth cost is FREE!! You can come and sell products from your business. If you are interested of have any questions contact irace@utahwintercross.com