2011 SEK Business ConferenceAuthor: Posted Date: 8/6/2011 4:19:32 PM
More than 100 registrants, presenters and vendors from Southeast Kansas and Missouri attended the 2011 SEK Business Conference on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the high school in Parsons, KS.
With a theme of New Laws, New Strategies, and New Directions, area business professionals received updates about key employment issues and changes in legislation that will directly affect the business climate in Kansas. Sonny Zetmeir, President of Grandview Cabinets served as conference Master of Ceremonies.
Kansas Secretary of Labor Karin Brownlee spoke of her department's efforts to improve the business climate in Kansas, and challenged the audience to take away three things from the conference to make a difference in their workplace and personal lives. Brownlee explained changes and cost-saving measures already in place since she took the helm in January. Her interactive session allowed attendees to share past labor issues and concerns. Brownlee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the group and said the conference was a valuable experience as she learned a lot about the issues companies face in Southeast Kansas.
Presentations by Scott Ferrin, SPHR for the Society of Human Resource Management and Rod Handley, Founder and CEO of "Character That Counts? focused on the importance of ethical behavior in business and conducting business with integrity. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about revisions to unemployment insurance regulations, employment law updates, and worker's compensation and how the Federal Health Care Act continues to affect Kansas hospitals and small businesses.
The luncheon session included a legislative update by Natalie Bright, a consultant who lobbies on behalf of Kansas businesses at the state and federal levels that addressed the latest activity in Topeka and how the changes might affect Kansas businesses.
The conference was made possible by collaborative efforts from Southeast Kansas Human Resource Association, Labette Community College Workforce Education Department and Southeast Kansas Inc. under the direction of MiChielle Cooper, LCC Workforce Education Director.
The conference committee would like to extend a special thank you to the sponsors and vendors who supported the event, especially our primary sponsors?Cable One and the Parsons Chamber of Commerce. Also, thanks to the Parsons School District for providing an ideal venue for the conference and the outstanding performance of the district staff.
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