August 2007

Register Now For Salt Fork!
The Salt Fork Legislative Conference will be held September 5-7, 2007, at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County near Cambridge, Ohio. This unique three-day event allows attendees to discuss public policy and explore current political trends away from the hustle and bustle of the state Capitol. Highlights of the conference include top-notch speakers on topics like education, energy, health care and economic development. The conference will also feature Michael Rogers, Futurist-In-Resident for the New York Times Co. and political comedian Dave Werner. Governor Ted Strickland, Senate President Bill Harris, House Speaker Jon Husted and Democratic leaders Senator Teresa Fedor and Representative Joyce Beatty will highlight the final conference sessions. For general information contact Sherry Heffner at: sheffner@ohiochamber.com or 614-228-4201. For registration, contact Ali Davis at adavis@ohiochamber.com. Registration forms are also available online at www.ohiochamber.com.

New Posters Required For Minimum Wage Increase
Because of the federally mandated minimum wage increases enacted July 24, 2007, companies are legally required to post information in prominent places where employees and applicants can easily see them. Even in states and localities with minimum wages higher than the federal rate, businesses must post the legally required information. Free federal minimum wage posters are available from the U.S. Labor Department’s Web site at: www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/posters/flsa.htm. Next year, minimum wage will be increased once again from $5.85 per hour to $6.55 per hour. And it goes up again in July 2009 to $7.25. Each time the minimum wage changes all employers are required to post new information.

September Is National Preparedness Month
The Ohio Chamber is just one of thousands of organizations across the nation that is getting the word out that September is National Preparedness Month. Through the national Web site www.ready.gov and Ohio’s Web site at www.ready.ohio.gov your company can learn more about how to prepare for many types of situations that could cause business disruptions. Tips on preparing for natural disasters, fires and other emergencies, along with downloadable posters and brochures are available. Also, see this July/August issue of Ohio Matters for information on National Preparedness Month.

Get on Track with WCU 2007
This fall, get the information you need to run a safe, successful workers’ compensation program through Workers’ Compensation University (WCU). WCU sessions, presented by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), are great information and training resources, provided free to Ohio employers. Courses this year are organized in tracks, which you can follow or mix to create a personal experience.

Participants may obtain continuing education credit, as well as Step 6 credit for BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan and One Claim Program, by participating in these full-day sessions, held around Ohio:
September 6 – Chillicothe
September 11 – Akron
September 13 – Cleveland
September 18 – Columbus
September 20 – Cincinnati
September 26 – Toledo
October 3 – Dayton

Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning student, WCU courses will help you get the most from BWC. Visit www.ohiobwc.com to register online or to get additional information.

Upcoming Ohio Chamber Meetings & Seminars
2nd Annual Northern Ohio Energy Management Conference
Wednesday, September 19, 2007—Akron—John S. Knight Convention Center
Contact the Manufacturers’ Education Council at 614-229-7990 for the above seminar.