in the Flathead. In 2007, we averaged approximately 55,000 page views per month.

Transcription

1 April 2008 Chamber Launches New Image! New Chamber Website, Member Management System Boosts Your Business The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce launches all new image, website, and communications materials! Over the last year the Chamber of Commerce has worked to redevelop the website and all related marketing tools to enhance the level of benefit we have to offer members. Through our new database management system and website we will be able to offer a multitude of new marketing opportunities as well as visibility to people looking to visit or relocate their family or business here. We have redesigned not only the website but the Chamber Newsletter, E-News, Logo, Membership Brochure, signage and all the supporting marketing materials that go along with it. We will be offering a luncheon seminar on how you can customize the chamber web site to maximize the benefits you receive. Don t miss the opportunity to participate in the launch of the new website and learn how the Chamber website can assist your business s marketing efforts. The Chamber web site is one of the most trafficked sites in the Flathead. In 2007, we averaged approximately 55,000 page views per month. This event will take place Tuesday, April 22, 11:45 1:15 at the Red Lion Kalispell Center Hotel. Luncheon costs are $15 each for members and $20 each for non-members, or $110 per reserved table of eight. The public is invited. Reservations are recommended. Call or info@kalispellchamber.com for reservations and sponsorship openings. LOG ONTO: Chamber Snapshot Visitor s Center Information Requests: February 08 YTD Phone calls Walk-ins VACATION Packets 5 11 Inquiries RELOCATION Packets 5 8 Basic Relo Phone Book 5 6 Chamber Website Activity: Unique Visits 27,723 Total Visitors & Info Requests 29,409 At a Glance >> LUNCHEON/NOON Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell 20 North Main New Chamber Image >> UNWIND Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Hosted by: Rocky Mountain Bank, 2405 Hwy 93 N, Kalispell 5:00-6:30 pm In This Issue 1 Luncheon 2 New Members 3 New Members, continued 4 New Members, continued 5 April Calendar 6 Reinvestments Retention Realities Ribbon Cutting 7 Employment Extravaganza UNWINDs 8 Brown Bag Series Highway Information Robbery 9 Leadership Flathead Small Business Development 10 SBD, continued Get In Contact Call Bridget to find out how you can benefit from all the activity on the chamber of commerce website

2 Officers Mark Lalum, Chairman of the Board Cenex Harvest State Bob Schneider, Vice Chairman of the Board First Interstate Bank Terry Kramer, Secretary/Treasurer Kramer Enterprises, Inc. Jeff Wilson, Immediate Past Chairman Properties Northwest Real Estate Directors Clay Binford, Nomad Technologies Dick Buchanan, Byte Savvy Susie Burch, Flathead Valley Community College Kris Carlson, A+ Plus Healthcare Steve Clawson, Wells Fargo Bank Nancy Davis, Prudential Financial John Dudis, Crowley Law Firm Tom Kurdy, The Daily Inter Lake Jim Lehner, Plum Creek Timber Company Tom Lund, Rocky Mountain Bank Tom McElwain, Stewart Title of Kalispell Dave Mitchell, CTA Architects & Engineers Denise Nalty, Nalty Real Estate Cheri Nelson, Express Personnel Jim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Medical Center Ken Sugden, Flathead Electric Cooperative Steve Thompson, Semitool Ex-officio Directors Jim Patrick, Kalispell City Manager Mike Pence, Flathead County Administrator Professional Staff Joe Unterreiner, President Bridgette Evans, Director of Member Services Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant Grace Holm, Receptionist Lad Barney, Small Business Development Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager Consultants Carl Schweitzer - Helena Lobbyist Janet Schwalk Bookkeeping JCCS Audits & Tax Carol Edgar Media & Public Relations Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement The central mission of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the cultivation and development of entrepreneurs and communities through the spirit of enterprise. New Members Please welcome these new members with your business. AFLAC Jody Walk ~ Manager Rocky Point Rd, Polson, MT j-walk@us.aflac.com Website: Phone: Fax: For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Agape Home Care, Inc Inga J. Lake ~ Owner 1667 Whitefish Stage Rd, Kalispell, MT agapehomecare07@yahoo.com Website: NA Phone: Fax: Agape Home Care, Inc. was created with the mission of providing quality in-home care services to community members in the Flathead Valley. At Agape Home Care, we provide assisted living services in the comfort of our client s own home. Services include such things as companionship, respite/relief care, medication reminders, nutritional support, light housekeeping, sitting positions at nursing homes and hospitals, and incidental transportation and errand services. Agape s caregivers are available for 2 hour to 24/7 care. If you or someone you know could use the helping hand of Agape Home Care, please contact us today to schedule your complimentary in-home assessment. What may we do for you today? Artisan Construction Services, Inc Shane Overbey ~ Owner 175 Bierney Creek, Lakeside, MT shane@artisan-construction.com Website: Phone: Fax: continued >> 2

3 New Members >> from page 2 Artisan Construction Services, Inc. is owned and operated by Shane Overbey. Shane understands when people build here in the Flathead Valley they are building their lifestyle. Artisan Construction s goals in every home built is to find, capture and build your lifestyle! Artisan Construction Services Building your home and fitting your lifestyle! Aspen Insurance Judy Sharpe and Julie Reid ~ Owners 1600 Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT judysharpe@centurytel.net Phone: Fax: Julie Reid and Judy Sharpe have opened a new insurance agency office. They sell individual and group health, life, disability and supplemental insurance products. They have 20 years of combined insurance experience. They pride themselves on their superior customer service. For information on product offerings or to obtain a quote, give them a call. Business Class Deborah Snellen~ Owner 150 Ridge Run Dr, Whitefish, MT dsnellen@ebusinessclass.com Website: Phone: Fax: Business Class provides seminars, workshops, and facilitation for improved organizational performance. We specialize in the areas of communication, team building, management development, leadership, thinking styles, creative thinking, customer services, and strategic planning. Founded in 1988, our workshops are designed to provide practical and relevant information in an interactive and meaningful way. Deb Snellen, President and Owner, is a nationally recognized trainer and facilitator who has published over seventy articles on topics of interest to business. Whether you need a workshop for three or three hundred or a facilitator for your next retreat, call Business Class to take advantage of more than 20 years of experience in the field of training and development. Camas Creek Yarn, LLC Melanie Cross and Andrew Hurst ~ Owners 338 Main St., Kalispell, MT camascreekyarn.com Website: Phone: Fax: Welcome to Camas Creek Yarn. We have put together a large selection of quality yarns from around the world, including several locally produced yarns from here in Montana. Like beading? We also feature a great variety of quality beads and offer classes to get you started. There are comfortable, community seating arrangements and free coffee served in teacups. The entrance to the store is a handsome, curved-glass front, fashioned after a World War II storefront Cross and Hurst saw in a movie. Come see our new store! 10am 6pm Monday thru Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday open until 9pm, Sunday 12pm til 4pm. Creative Waste Consulting Belinda Stotheide ~ Owner PO Box 9737, Kalispell, MT info@creative-waste.com Website: Phone: Fax: Creative Waste Consulting is a professional waste consulting company helping companies create efficiency in their waste stream and decrease their waste expenses. Creative Waste Consulting is the local affiliate office of Environmental Waste Solutions (EWS) nationwide network of solid waste management consultants. Belinda Strotheide is the President and a certified waste consultant. Flathead County Library Foundation Stewart Harvey ~ Manager 247 First Ave E, Kalispell, MT stewart@flatheadlibraryfoundation. org Website: www. flatheadcountylibraryfoundation.org Phone: Fax: The Flathead County Library Foundation is a 501 c(3) support organization which exists to benefit the Flathead County Library System s programming and services beyond the regular library budget. In addition to providing estate planning and planned giving opportunities, the Foundation can accommodate endowments and continued >> 3

4 New Members >> from page 3 legacy gifts to perpetually support particular programs up through renovations and new building construction. Joseph Eve is a regional CPA firm that currently provides auditing, accounting, and consulting services to a variety of clients in 23 states. In addition to the traditional services offered by most CPA firms, we also provide specialized assistance to Native American Tribal Governments, Tribal Enterprises (casinos, smoke shops, retail gift shops, etc.), and Tribal Organizations such as housing authorities and colleges. Harlow s Bus Sales, Inc Dale Novak 1939 ½ Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT harlows@centurytel.net Website: Phone: Fax: Harlow s Bus Sales is a school bus contracting service with 18 routes under contract with the Kalispell School District #5. We also have a full service diesel repair shop, specializing in school busses and medium heavy duty trucks. Our shop also specializes in IHC and Power stroke diesel engines. Besides school busses, we provide Motor Coach service and during the fire season we contract fire busses. Harlow s School Bus Sales and Services has locations throughout North & South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. Our company is a dealer for new and used International school busses. Insurance Coordinators of Montana, Inc De Anna Benner ~ 125 Commons Way #200, Kalispell, MT dbenner@icmont.com Website: Phone: Fax: Insurance Coordinators where we are committed to helping you protect the important things in life... you and your family. Our innovative, unique approach to worksite insurance benefits allows us to tailor our family of group, voluntary and individual products to provide your employees with peace of mind. Northwestern Truss Len Miller and Becky Collom ~ Owner 3215 Hwy 93 South, Kalispell, MT northwesterntruss@centurytel.net Phone: NWT has enjoyed 30 plus prosperous years of building trusses here in the Flathead Valley. NWT has earned a reputation built on excellent customer service and quality built trusses because we use superior grades of lumber. NWT wishes to say thank you to all our loyal businesses that contribute to our success. Come work with our local and experienced team as we continue to invest in the future of our beautiful and fast growing community. Whether you re building your dream home or adding that shop you ve always wanted, we re here for you. We look forward to earning your business this coming year. Planned Parenthood Debbie Brekke ~ Manager 795 Sunset Blvd., Kalispell, MT Debbie.brekke@ppmontana.org Website: Phone: Fax: Planned Parenthood of Montana provides affordable health care services for men, women and children. We accept all insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. Planned Parenthood of Montana also provides community education in schools and to local organizations regarding healthy sexuality and communication skills. Joseph Eve, CPA Joseph Eve ~ Owner 14 3rd St E, #200, Kalispell, MT joeeve@josepheve.com Website: Phone: Fax:

5 Chamber Calendar April 2008 Sunday All Meetings are at The Chamber unless otherwise stated. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Education and Communication Committee 8:00-9:00am Leadership Flathead Meeting 4:00-5:00pm Kalispell Downtown Assoc. 12:00-1:30pm Leadership Flathead Recreation, Tourism & Culture Natural Executive Board 7:30 8:30am Flathead Community Foundation 4:00-5:00pm Board Meeting 7:00 8:00am Luncheon at the Red Lion 11:45 1:00pm Resources Committee 7:00 8:00am Trans. Committee 4:00 5:00pm Ambassador Meeting 4:00 5:00pm Unwind Rocky Mtn Bank 5:00-6:30pm Watch for these events in May 7 Education & Communication 26 Memorial Day 5

6 Re-Investments Thank you to the following businesses for re-investing in your Chamber. Your continuous support and community leadership is greatly appreciated. 10 Plus Years Express Personnel Services Flathead Land Trust Buffalo Hill Funeral Home Columbia Falls Aluminum Co Valley Bank Gaynors Resorts Kalispell Center Mall Kalispell Truss Center Western Building Center Flathead Bank Aware, Inc Golf NW DBA Eagle Bend/Big Mtn Golf Club 5 to 9 Years Gold Rush Clothing 1st Propane, Inc. Fun Beverage Inc Stillwater Christian School Northern Care Inc Prosthetics & Orthotics Rudy s Autosound 1 to 4 Years Anytime Lock & Safe - Security Solutions Big Mountain Commercial Association Big Mountain Eye Care Clint Paulding Countertops Inc Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana Dr Carol Scranton DDS, PC Fastoys Glacier Institute Glacier Insurance Strategies Home Depot Mission Financial Group Northwest Pipe Fittings Inc Provident Financial Inc Red s Wines & Blues Retention Realities Grow Employees, Grow Your Business! A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MUST grow and improve the bottom line. engage and motivate staff. recognize that you can t have one without the other. Learn: How to design a performance appraisal that fits your company. How to make performance appraisal discussion useful and interactive. How to have critical conversations with your employees talking when it s tough. Presenter: Kristin Donahue is passionate about employee retention! She is a business consultant and owner of Employment Dimensions Consulting Services, LLC. Kristin s work background includes time as a Retention Specialist for a large (2800+) health care system. She has held various other Human Resource roles and has served as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) representative on the Northern Colorado Human Resource Association (NCHRA) Board. Kristin holds a Masters degree in Human Resource Development from Colorado State University. 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, April 30, 2008 Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm includes Lunch provided by Qdoba Mexican Grille Location: Flathead Regional Business Center, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell Cost: $25.00 Individual registration $20.00 each 2 or more registrations from the same organization To Register: Mora or mmccarthy@mt.gov or The Society for Human Resource Management has approved each two-hour session for two hours of general PHR/SPHR or GPHR recertification credits. Ron Terry Construction Inc. West One Bank Wildwood Building Co Bar W Guest Ranch Essentials Day Spa, Inc Fabulous Food Greenery Park Dentistry HuHot Mongolian Grill Montana Stone Gallery Myron Strand Soul-Felt Words Inc Student Assistance Foundation Congratulations to Eisinger Honda for opening their new location! See them at the corner of 93 and Reserve-North of town. 6

7 The 2008 Employment Extravaganza Presented by the Flathead Workforce System Community Management Team The Biggest Employment Event in the Valley APRIL 10, :00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Kalispell Center Mall Fill Your Vacant Positions In a One-Stop Environment Permanent, Full Time, Part-Time, Seasonal, Temporary Promote Your Business and Employment Opportunities Access Job Seekers with Various Skill and Experience Levels. Sponsorship: If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please note that on your registration form. You will be contacted by a team member. Sponsorship involves making a financial contribution in the form of cash, food, beverage or door prize. All sponsors are acknowledged in our multi-media marketing campaign. Employers/Exhibitors: Bring your job descriptions, applications and any information needed to hire an employee. One booth area is a single skirted table and two chairs provided per single registration fee. More space may be available and must be requested at time of registration. Space is limited. Limited availability for power - RESERVE EARLY. Early Registration Deadline: March 28, 2008 FEES $75.00 per Business per booth area (Non-Refundable) MUST be RECEIVED by MARCH 28, $ for registration between March 28, 2008 and April 4, 2008 No registration after April 4, 2008 Fee helps cover event marketing and other related expenses. REGISTRATION FORM MAIL IN REGISTRATION Complete registration form. Make check payable to the fiscal agent: Northwest Montana Human Resources (write: Job Fair in memo area) Mail registration and/or payment to: Northwest Montana Human Resources, Attn: Iva, P.O. Box 8300, Kalispell MT Questions? Please call Roberta at Flathead Workforce Center at or Iva at NMHR at UNWIND January 16, 2008 Belated kudos are in order for Wanda and Randy Hinzman and staff of Distinctive Countertops for hosting the January UNWIND at their new business operation at 105 Rocky Cliff Lane. The tours showing the many distinctive ideas for countertops, cabinets etc would make any of us go for the remodel or better yet a complete makeover. We thank you very, very much for your kind hospitality to everyone that attended. UNWIND, February 20, 2008 Spring like weather, a new motel and interested visitors who were eager to UNcover What s Interesting, New and Developing in the Flathead Valley assembled at Holiday Inn Express, 275 Treeline Road on Wednesday, February 20. Networking with old and new acquaintances and partaking of very tasty hors d oeuvres had the group buzzing. Winners of the door prizes and Split the Pot were: Baskets: Dan Paine, Actua Systems Inc; Kari Gabriel, Interact; Kurt Hanson, LS Jensen Construction & Ready Mix; Golf Package: Christi Burns, Flathead Beacon. Barbara Powers, Glacier Bank, took home the Split the Pot winnings. Thank you, Nick & staff for the UNWIND experience. April UNWIND will be held at Rocky Mountain Bank, 2405 Hwy 93 N., on Wednesday, April 16. Linking Employers to Employees Valley-Wide 7

8 Brown Bag Series: Blueprint for Business SuccessBackground Checks: Who Are You Hiring? Many more businesses now see a need to verify the backgrounds of their prospective hires before making final decisions. Prior to hiring an employee, it is important to ascertain whether you have a legal duty to obtain a background check on job applicants. This legal duty may be based in federal or state law. In general, federal and state laws seek to balance the interests of employers against those of the applicants. Background checks are an important tool for businesses. They insure that the people you hire are who they say they are. What was done in the past is a good predictor or future behavior. Hiring productive, honest and safe employees, without incurring costs associated with hiring the wrong people, makes good business sense without regard to potential legal liability. A failure to check in some circumstances could create liability for negligent hiring. The types of information you might verify include: Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States and Visa status. Previous work history (paying particular attention to any gaps in employment). Educational background. Any criminal conviction records. A business that implements background checks must be certain that those investigations are properly conducted or it can face potential legal liability. As an example, you need not perform the same background check on every applicant or employee, however, any differentiation should be based on legitimate business interests and an investigation policy reasonably calculated to further those interests. Advertising background checks in your job announcements may prevent questionable applicants from even applying. This month s facilitator and panelists are: Facilitator: Attorney Daniel Johns of Crowley, Haughey, Hanson, Toole & Dietrich P.L.L.P. of Kalispell, MT. Mr. Johns represents and counsels employers in areas of traditional labor law, plus discrimination and sexual harassment, wrongful termination, compensation issues, and personnel policies. The Crowley law firm is the Montana member of Employment Law Alliance, and Mr. Johns is its contact attorney for this international network of labor and employment lawyers dedicated to assisting employers. Panelist: Rick Hawk advanced through the ranks with the Sherriff s Office from 1975 to He started the Flathead Drug Task Force as a three man team which grew under his leadership, and is still in place today, more than 20 years later. Since his retirement from the force in 1990, he has been doing private investigation. He did Workers Compensation investigation for Putman and Associates for 3 years and has had his own investigation business, RSJM Enterprises Inc, since Panelist: Chris Yerkes is a 1998 graduate of the University of Montana. His degree is in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. He has worked as a private investigator for Alert Security & Investigations, Inc. for 10 years, and is currently the General Manager of the company. Monthly Blueprint for Business Success brown bag sessions feature business professionals facilitating informative discussions. Attend to receive relevant information and opportunities to exchange peer-to-peer successes and challenges. Who should attend? Employers interested in growing and evolving more effective organizations. Why? Exchanging ideas, insights and real-world solutions directly impacts your bottom line. Making better decisions quickly requires more and better information. Utilizing all available resources to operate and grow is smart business. Engaging and energizing your employees helps make your business successful. Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Time: Noon 1:00 pm Location: The Summit 205 Sunnyview, Kalispell Cost: No cost! RSVP: Terri or thaueter@mt.gov Highway Information Robbery: 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 6pm Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center Presented by: Michelle Truax, Program Supervisor Montana Attorney General s Office of Consumer Protection Cost to attend: Free RSVP: (Investment Centers of America) by Monday, April 14th This seminar will discuss the ins and outs of Identity Theft and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft. 8

9 Leadership Flathead The focus of March s Leadership Flathead s session was Healthcare and Human Services. The Class of 2008 began the day at North Valley Hospital, where KRMC CEO Velinda Stevens and North Valley Hospital CEO Craig Aasved gave excellent overviews of the challenges their hospitals face. Together the two hospitals provided about $2.5 million in charity last year, and another $8 million in bad debt care. Those patients who do have adequate medical insurance coverage are charged the difference. Later in the morning State Auditor John Morrison addressed the group about efforts to provide Montanans with affordable health insurance. And rounding out the morning session, Dr. David Kein, DDS spoke about the challenges facing the uninsured and underinsured when seeking dental care. Most dentists in the Flathead Valley do not accept Medicaid patients, and those who do are not only inadequately compensated, but are forced to deal with a lot of red tape. After lunch, the Class heard from a panel of speakers who have dedicated their professional lives to bringing affordable health care to everyone in or valley via free and low-cost clinics. Tours of the Samaritan House, Ray of Hope, and the Flathead Valley Food Bank concluded the day. Here s what the Class of 2008 has to say about Healthcare and Human Services in the Flathead Valley: Good health habits start at home. Children learn to eat right and stay active by following their parents good examples. As healthcare costs quickly outpace Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance reimbursements, people need to take greater responsibility for their health by living cleaner lifestyles. If everyone made a greater effort to control their weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure through exercise and healthy eating, our healthcare system would not be in dire straits. Similarly, all of us need to use good judgment when deciding whether an illness or injury warrants a trip to the doctor s office or emergency room, as unnecessary visits also contribute to the escalating cost of healthcare. Kudos to Dr. Holdhusen and staff for starting the Flathead County Health Care Clinic to provide affordable health care to everyone in our valley. Similarly, Dr. Jay Erickson and Meg Erickson and the Salvation Army deserve community support for the free clinics they offer in Whitefish and Kalispell. Encourage your dentist to support community dentistry programs for uninsured or underinsured children in our valley. Many elderly residents are able to stay in their homes longer if they have neighbors watching out for them and lending a hand when appropriate. We thank North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center for sponsoring this session s meals and breaks. Now Recruiting for Class of 2009 Applications for the Class of 2009 are now being accepted, with a submission deadline of June 15, For more information, visit leadershipflathead.com or call Jill Seigmund at Small Business Development Ask Your Local Expert This 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 What does it mean to be an Employer of Choice? With the ever changing workforce environment across the Flathead Valley, there is more pressure on the business owner to provide their team with a safe, fulfilling and productive work environment while at the same time meet the requirements of workforce related regulation, which is certainly not getting streamlined. How can you expect the same from your team members, yet structure your business so it accommodates for the different traits and motivations of generations, let alone family pressures, sick days, other employers of choice? And don t forget hunting season! What is an entrepreneur to do? This month, the Kalispell SBDC sat down with Shelley Loutherback, SPHR, President, Workplace Inc. and Workplace Resources, PEO, to discuss some creative solutions and resources available that a business owner should consider. SBDC: As an employer yourself for the past 13 years, what are some compelling factors that have led to the success of Workplace, Inc.? SL: Constant team learning and individual and strategic leadership development. Our key management team performs tasks that are complex and cross over in many ways. This integrated leadership strategy allows flow and distinction in continued next page >> 9

10 Small Business Development >> from page 7 expertise and delivery of services that are vision driven. We each assume roles that play out uniquely in customer relations, community relations and employee relations. For our clients, they receive products and services based on personal, real-time needs, and experiential success. Over time, that has resonated with many business owners, even more so now. SBDC: As a Professional Employer Organization or PEO what services do you offer? How does a small business owner determine whether they could get value from your services? SL: Business owners who genuinely have the highest level of regard for their employees and are committed to an improved work/life experience will get the most value for our services. We offer the extensive experience in human resources and seamless payroll management, and manage affordably, what most companies consider the overwhelming aspects of their business compliance, policies, risk, safety, recruiting all essential elements that quite often do not get the attention required to manage your business effectively. Any one of those elements can create exposures for your businesses, limit growth and sustainability. We take of care employee related issues for them. We especially focus on safety in the workplace, with a certified safety director who manages claims and policies. For the seventh year, we just recently led two ½ day OSHA workshops that were well attended in Missoula and here in Kalispell. Montana has double the work comp rates of the national average and, at the same time, our workers are out of work recuperating twice as long as the national average. Preventative safety and effective claims management is essential in keeping the cost of workers compensation for small businesses under control. As important as that element is, it is just one of the areas our staff of 21 focus on. In the end, business owners measure the value they receive from a PEO by their increased ability to control costly overhead, free themselves to focus on customers, products, finances and opportunities for future growth, etc. SBDC: Sounds great. Business owners should have vacation benefits also right? SL: Exactly. Our business owner clients are able to confidently rely on their team performing for customers while they, in turn, are taken care of by their PEO whether they are resting on the beach, or mountaintop or wherever. They know we are a phone call away with solutions. SBDC: So, to recap, what are the primary advantages small business owners have in using a Professional Employer Organization? SL: Having a bigger voice and greater purchasing power as a result of being part of a large organization designed to support small businesses in compliance, risk and claims management, forecasting and resolving workplace trends before they become issues. Accessing resources that allow a startup business or an expanding company the capacity to alleviate the fear factor and incorporate a higher standard for operations and employee management. SBDC: Anything on the horizon for Workplace, Inc? SL: Great question. As our competencies grow, we continue to expand our services. This year we are introducing a complete new product line involving insurance, risk management and innovative employee benefit programs. Our industry claims we are the grocery store of the future making us that one-stop shop for managing business owners most valuable resource, their employees. 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. 15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT PRSRTD U.S. Postage PAID Kalispell, MT Permit #13